Which of the following is NOT one of the main riveting methods?

The correct answer highlights that mechanical riveting is not typically classified as one of the main riveting methods, which primarily include hand riveting, squeeze riveting, and other methods that often utilize manual or pneumatic tools designed for precision fastening without the involvement of additional mechanical systems.

Hand riveting involves the use of a hammer or a riveting tool held by hand to drive the rivet into place. It is a traditional method that offers good control and can be used in a variety of applications, especially where automation is not practical. Squeeze riveting, on the other hand, uses a hydraulic or pneumatic system to apply pressure to the rivet, ensuring a strong connection between the materials being joined without requiring excessive manual force.

Mechanical riveting can encompass a broader range of automated processes but lacks the distinct classification that the other methods hold. It generally refers more to the automation of rivet installation rather than a specific riveting method used in conventional practice. This distinction is significant in understanding the variety of techniques available for joining materials in aerospace applications and defining their operational contexts.