Anyway to fix this Schrade tough tool?

[NetsNJ]

I bought a tough tool on eBay for a good price.  All the implements are in great shape, original edges, but it looks like some dingbat used a screwdriver or something to pry open the lock tab. 

With a normal multitool I could remove the pivot with the implements, bend the lock tab gently back, and then reassemble.  But the Schrades are riveted. 

If there anyway to fix this without drilling out the rivet?  If I did remove the rivet, would there be a way to find a new pivot?  Or should I just try to return this, as it's hopeless.  It would be a shame as otherwise this tool is in great shape and I'd hate to abandon it. 

Thanks!

[neillcurrie]

You can drill it out.
A new rivet can be easily fashioned from appropriately sized brass rod.

[NetsNJ]

Unfortunately I am going out of the country on wednesday.  I think I'll just return the item as I might drill out the rivets and just break the backsprings when I try to push them back in place anyway.  Not worth the hassle.

[cody6268]

I'd return it first, assuming the seller didn't disclose the problem when you bought it.

I've took two apart (put a whole new handle with the tools in it in an abused ST1), currently using that ST-1 to rebuild a Craftsman Professional/ST-5E. The one thing I've learned is to be very careful drilling the pins out, as instead of a solid rivet, it's actually a rivet inside a tube.  The suggestion of brass rod would work well.

[NetsNJ]

Just realized the ebay seller is in Houston, TX.   

Probably won't be returning this anytime soon.  I feel like a jerk for sending emails bugging about a return before realizing where he was. 

What a sad situation. 

As for drilling: I might just file off the rivet cap on one end, that should be safe.  Just hope I don't destroy the locking tabs as I imagine they could easily snap. 

[Vidar]

If it was a matter of trying or throwing away, so that win or fail doesn't really matter, I would try local heat. (Or removing the rivets - the safe option for sure).

I'd flip out all the tools so I'd have free access on the inside, then give the area around connection to the tab some local heat with a TIG torch. To further increase temperature difference inside to outside I'd smear or clamp the outside to some mass to help keep the outside a bit cooler. That heat difference should introduce a bit of shortening and stress on the inside, and less on the outside, and thus bend that tab in the right direction. (It will go slightly the other way while heated, but contract into shape when cooling).

(Or alternatively the plan might make the tabs connection too brittle so it breaks, or if  possibly melt parts that shouldn't be melted. It certainly isn't a foolproof plan - Murphy is a tough dude to beat. Some more measured approach than welding gear might help, but that sounds a bit too sane).

[NetsNJ]

Haha that is way above my paygrade.  Hoping I can reassemble with screws somehow without having to make new rivets.   

Looks like the LT ST300 pivot screws would be exactly the right diameter and length...just a matter of getting them!

[AimlessWanderer]

That locking portion is a spring, and once a spring has been deformed, it is weakened. If you take the tools out, you could try to coin it back, but the lifespan will still be reduced, and I would expect it to fatigue earlier than it otherwise would.

On the flip side, it's no good as it is, so you might as well give it a shot even if you only get a year or two from it.