What precaution should be taken when riveting dissimilar metals together to avoid electrolytic action?

When riveting dissimilar metals together, it is crucial to place a protective separator between areas of potential electrical difference to avoid electrolytic action. This is because different metals can create a galvanic cell when in contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte, leading to corrosion of the more anodic metal. The protective separator acts as a physical barrier, preventing direct contact between the two metals, thus eliminating the potential for electrical flow that causes corrosion.

Using thicker rivets may provide additional strength but does not address the issue of electrolytic corrosion. Applying a sealant may offer some level of moisture protection, but it does not effectively prevent electrical conductivity between dissimilar metals. A standard wash primer can help improve adhesion and corrosion resistance but is not specifically designed to prevent galvanic action. Therefore, utilizing a protective separator is the most effective method to mitigate the risk of electrolytic action when joining dissimilar metals.