What should a mechanic do if they stop seeing chips ejected while using a rivet shaver?

When a mechanic stops seeing chips ejected while using a rivet shaver, checking if the rivet head is flush is a prudent step to take. The function of a rivet shaver is to ensure that the heads of rivets are properly shaped and flush with the surface being worked on. If the rivet head is not flush, the tool may not engage properly, resulting in an incomplete shaving process and a lack of chips being produced. This is a critical observation because it can indicate a misalignment or that the rivet was not set correctly, leading to potential issues in the assembly integrity.

Ensuring that the rivet head is flush allows the tool to operate effectively and achieve the desired results. If the head is not flush, the mechanic can take appropriate action to align or reset the rivet, facilitating proper tool function and enhancing the quality of the assembly.

Other choices may involve changing components or adjusting tool settings, but these actions would only be necessary if the flush status of the rivet head had been confirmed to be correct. Thus, verifying the flush condition of the rivet head is a critical troubleshooting step before proceeding with other potential solutions.