What is the length of the rivets to be used when making a repair with two pieces of 0.0625-inch aluminum?

When determining the appropriate length of rivets for joining two pieces of 0.0625-inch aluminum, it's essential to account for the combined thickness of the materials being joined as well as the rivet grip length. Each piece of aluminum is 0.0625 inches thick, so when they are stacked together, their total thickness becomes 0.125 inches (0.0625 + 0.0625).

A general rule of thumb for rivet length is that the length of the rivet should equal the combined thickness of the materials plus an additional amount for the rivet head and the required deformation of the rivet tail. This extra length typically adds about 1.5 to 2 times the thickness of the materials being joined.

For two pieces of 0.0625-inch aluminum (which totals 0.125 inches), a rivet length of 5/16 inch (or 0.3125 inches) provides enough material for the head and tail while ensuring a secure joint. Therefore, the correct choice reflects this consideration of thickness and additional grip length needed for an effective repair.