What is the first action to take when needing to drill out a rivet?

The correct approach when needing to drill out a rivet is to start with a drill bit that is one size smaller than the rivet shank. This method helps to focus on the rivet’s head without damaging the surrounding material. By using a smaller drill bit, you can remove the head of the rivet cleanly, which allows for easier removal of the remaining portion of the rivet shank afterward.

Using a larger drill bit, as one of the other options suggests, could lead to unnecessary damage to the structure surrounding the rivet. It can also make it difficult to remove the remaining shank safely and efficiently. Inspecting for corrosion, while a useful maintenance step, does not address the immediate need to drill out the rivet. Similarly, removing surrounding material is not an advisable first step, as it might compromise the integrity of the structure and complicate the removal process. Therefore, starting with a bit one size smaller than the rivet shank is the best practice to ensure a successful and clean drilling operation.