Which of the following best describes the role of a support dolly in riveting?

The role of a support dolly in riveting is primarily to support the rivet while it is being struck. When a rivet is being installed, the support dolly provides a stable base for the rivet head, allowing for effective compression and deformation of the rivet during the riveting process. This stability is crucial for ensuring that the rivet is properly formed and secured to create a strong joint between the materials being joined.

Supporting the rivet as it is struck also helps to prevent any unwanted movement of the rivet, which could lead to misalignment or improper fastening. By providing this support, the dolly contributes to the overall integrity and strength of the joint being created during the riveting process.