There are several FAA documents that have minimums for dimpling. In AC 65-15A Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics Airframe Handbook, Chapter 5 Aircraft Structural Repairs under countersinking and Dimpling it states;
“As a general rule, use the drill countersink method when the thickness of the material is greater than the thickness of the rivet head, and use the dimpling method on thinner material. Figure 5-47 illustrates general rules for countersinking. Note in figure 5-47A that the material is quite thick and the head of the countersunk rivet extends only about halfway through the upper layer of metal. Countersinking will leave plenty of material for gripping.
In figure 5-47B the countersunk head reaches completely through the upper layer. this condition is permissible but should be avoided.
In figure 5-47C, the head extends well into the second layer of material. This indicates that the material is thin and that most of it would be ground away by drill countersinking; therefore, dimpling is preferred. Dimpling will work best if the material is not over 0.040-in. thick.”
Another good reference AC is AC 43.13-1B Acceptable Methods, Techniques, And Practices—Aircraft Inspection And Repair, Chapter 4. Metal Structure, Welding, and Brazing, Section 4 references back to MIL-HDBK-5 for hole sizes.
The above AC’s is available on the FAA web site at:
search under the AC and type in 65-15 or 43.13-1B and are great reference books.