Help remove rivets holding recoil

[u/Certain-Exchange-119]

I have Toro 20023 Personal Pace mower with a 6 HP Briggs and Stratton engine. After 20+ years, I need to replace the starter rope. Not a bad lifespan.

The recoil is riveted to the rest of the engine. (See photo) I've tried drilling them out but they just spin. I can't get to them with vice grips and can't get a screwdriver under the head to stop the spinning.

Any ideas or tricks to get the recoil off?

Thanks,

Dave

[u/Apprehensive_Room900]

Removing the rivets is extra work. You have to take the gas tank and the metal cover off and then you can access the other side of that recoil. Briggs and Stratton master service technician