Rivet Guns

Sheila Fuller
16 min readSep 7, 2024
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Welcome, dear reader! In this roundup, we bring you a selection of top-notch rivet guns to help you with your assembling needs. Whether you're a professional craftsman or a DIY enthusiast, we've got you covered. Get ready to explore and decide which one best suits your project requirements. Let's dive in!

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Reviews

Heavy-Duty Rugged Steel Hand Riveter for Strength and Durability

Heavy-Duty Rugged Steel Hand Riveter for Strength and Durability | Image

If you need a heavy-duty hand riveter for your industrial needs, the Tolsen Riveter is a solid choice. Its rugged all-steel construction and durable black wrinkle finish ensure it can handle tough conditions. One of its standout features is the nonslip cushioned handle grips, providing better control while working.

Compatible with aluminium rivets, the Tolsen Riveter comes with a nozzle wrench, making it even more versatile. Its hardened steel construction guarantees added strength and durability, making it ideal for demanding work environments. Plus, the product's smooth shipment and well-protected packaging add convenience to the mix.

While some users may find it a tad bulky to carry around, the Tolsen Riveter more than makes up for it with its impressive performance and sturdy design. Overall, this industrial-grade hand riveter is a worthy investment for those in need of a reliable tool for their workshop.

Plastic Rivet Gun for Easy, One-Stroke Plastic Rivet Setting

Plastic Rivet Gun for Easy, One-Stroke Plastic Rivet Setting | Image

Imagine you've been using this S & G Tool Aid TA19400 Plastic Rivet Gun for a side project, fixing up some jeep parts. You've noticed that it sets most plastic rivets in one go without needing to re-grip, which is a definite plus! Its lightweight design makes it easy to use with one hand, and the all metal construction gives it a sturdy feel. A highlight that stands out to you is the tool's long reach feature, which allows it to access areas not easily reached with other types of tools.

However, there are also a few not so positive aspects. For instance, you find that the tool doesn't work very well with metal rivets, as mentioned in the product description. While using it, you've also had some difficulty in manually removing spent mandrels from the tool head.

Using this rivet gun has been quite a learning process though! You've figured out that in order to avoid the issue with the spent mandrels, you should manually trim them off. Overall, this tool has made your job easier, and you can't help but admit that it's a wonderful addition to your collection!

Versatile Rivet Gun for Setting Large Diameter Blind Rivets

Versatile Rivet Gun for Setting Large Diameter Blind Rivets | Image

I recently used the versatile and powerful Rivet Gun 11817 in my daily life, and let me tell you, it made me wonder how I ever managed without it. The extra-long handles provided excellent leverage, allowing me to work easily beyond my natural reach. I was impressed by the bearing design with self-adjusting two-piece jaws and a single-unit body construction. It's quite a piece of machinery!

One of the most notable features was the double gear reduction system which effortlessly set from a 1/8" to 1/4" diameter Klik-Fast rivet. It worked seamlessly with various alloys, including 1/4" Klik-Split rivets. The one-piece collet case was a real game-changer too, as it eliminated the need to adjust the tool when changing rivet diameters.

However, I also noticed that there were some missing parts included in the package, which was a bit disappointing. But overall, the Rivet Gun 11817 proved to be a powerful and reliable tool that made my life easier.

Heavy Duty Professional Hand Riveter with Interchangeable Nose Pieces

Heavy Duty Professional Hand Riveter with Interchangeable Nose Pieces | Image

The Doyle Heavy Duty Riveter provides a smooth and powerful performance, thanks to its double compound hinge which adds leverage for securing rivets with ease. It features a handy collection bottle to keep used mandrels and maintain a clean work environment.

A fantastic addition to any toolbox, this Rivet Gun boasts five interchangeable color-coded nose pieces for easy identification and easy set-up with a variety of rivet sizes. Despite being priced on the more expensive side, users have given it a deserved average rating of 4.8 for excellent performance and reliability.

Tacklife Rivet Gun Kit for 80 Pcs Rivets and 4 Interchangeable Heads

Tacklife Rivet Gun Kit for 80 Pcs Rivets and 4 Interchangeable Heads | Image

Equipped with four tool-free, interchangeable heads and 80 pieces of aluminum rivets, this Rivet Gun Kit from Tacklife is an ideal companion for various projects. Its ergonomic design and nonslip cushioned handle offer a comfortable grip, while the aluminum alloy body ensures durability and resistance to rust.

The hand rivet tool's capability to handle different types of rivets and its compact size make it useful in various scenarios. However, some users experienced a problem with the shank of the gun getting stuck in the throat, which affected their experience.

Overall, the Rivet Gun Kit from Tacklife offers a good value for the price, making it a suitable choice for those in need of a reliable tool for riveting jobs in construction, repair, or craft making.

Milwaukee M12 Lithium-Ion Cordless Rivet Tool Kit & Multi-Tool Bundle

Milwaukee M12 Lithium-Ion Cordless Rivet Tool Kit & Multi-Tool Bundle | Image

Introducing the cordless Milwaukee M12 Rivet Tool Kit, a game-changer in riveting. Its compact design, measuring only 6.5 inches in length, allows users to access tight spaces with ease. The 12-volt lithium-ion tool boasts a 5-year tool warranty and a 2-year battery warranty, providing both durability and peace of mind.

With the ability to pull up to 3/16 inch stainless steel rivets, this versatile rivet tool is suitable for various tasks. It is part of the M12 battery platform, offering over 100 solutions on one battery system, making it a convenient addition to your tool collection.

However, the reduced muscle effort from a hand tool is only over 60%, which may not be a significant improvement for some users. Additionally, while it eliminates the need for compressors or hoses, it may not offer the same performance as its larger pneumatic counterparts.

Overall, the Milwaukee 2550-22-2426-20 M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Rivet Tool Kit is a powerful, compact, and versatile addition to any riveting project. With its cordless convenience, durability, and compatibility with common rivet diameters, it's a practical choice for those looking to streamline their tool box.

Bosch GRG 18V-16C Professional Rivet Gun with Bluetooth Connectivity

Bosch GRG 18V-16C Professional Rivet Gun with Bluetooth Connectivity | Image

The Bosch GRG 18V-16 C L-BOXX Riveting Gun Silver is a versatile and powerful tool that's perfect for securing blind rivets in a wide range of applications. With its 25mm rivet diameter and 6.4mm Bluetooth connectivity, it's easy to use and maintain.

I found the automatic and manual operating modes to be incredibly useful, allowing me to tailor the riveting process to my specific needs. The integrated Bluetooth connectivity was a game-changer, enabling me to easily set and track my maintenance schedule using the Bosch Toolbox App.

However, one downside I noticed was the weight of the tool, which made it a bit challenging to maneuver for extended periods. Despite this, the GRG 18V-16 C L-BOXX Riveting Gun Silver has quickly become a go-to tool in my workshop for tasks like joining pre-drilled metal workpieces in air conditioning installations and metal construction.

Expert Long Arm Riveter with Adjustable Nozzles

Expert Long Arm Riveter with Adjustable Nozzles | Image

Using the Draper 27844 Expert Long Arm Riveter was a breeze. The compound action riveter is a dream to use, with its spring action tubular steel handles and rubber soft grips, making it super comfortable and easy to control.

The inclusion of a nozzle wrench for the interchangeable nozzles, which accept different sizes of alloy and blind rivets, is a fantastic feature. The fact that this product complies with the highest quality standards and has been rigorously tested by Drapers quality control engineers is reassuring.

I also love that it is backed by Draper Tools guarantee. Overall, the Draper 27844 Expert Long Arm Riveter is a solid tool that stands up to its promises.

Draper Hand Riveter Kit for Aluminum Rivets

Draper Hand Riveter Kit for Aluminum Rivets | Image

The Draper 27847 Hand Riveter Kit for Aluminium Rivets is a versatile tool ideal for DIY enthusiasts. Boasting a durable blue enamelled pressed steel frame, chrome molybdenum steel jaws, and comfortable moulded grip handles, it offers a sturdy and easy-to-use experience. The kit includes four nozzles designed to accommodate 2.4, 3.2, 4.0, and 4.8mm aluminium alloy blind rivets, providing ample choice for various applications. Additionally, an assortment of approximately 60 rivets is also supplied.

However, there are minor drawbacks to this hand riveter kit. The box it comes in may not be the highest quality, and some users have found the plastic container inside to be cheap. Despite these small issues, the overall quality and performance of the rivet gun justify its purchase. Many users appreciate the excellent value for money and the ease with which the rivet gun performs its intended tasks.

In summary, the Draper 27847 Hand Riveter Kit for Aluminium Rivets is a reliable and efficient choice for DIY enthusiasts. With its sturdy construction and easy-to-use features, it's a great tool for handling aluminium alloy blind rivets. While the packaging might not be up to par, the rivet gun itself certainly delivers on quality and performance.

Milwaukee M12 Rivet Gun - High-Quality Reconditioned Tool

Milwaukee M12 Rivet Gun — High-Quality Reconditioned Tool | Image

The Milwaukee M12 Rivet Tool brings a cordless solution for fast, easy riveting, offering performance, durability, and a compact size. With a 1.5ah battery, it can pull up to 250 stainless steel rivets or 450 steel rivets and reduces muscle effort by 65%.

It's also compatible with various rivet sizes and eliminates the need for compressors or hoses. Despite its compact design, it has a longer life than current cordless solutions.

The tool measures 6.5 inches in length, making it a versatile choice in tight spaces. As part of the M12 battery platform, it offers 90+ solutions on one battery system. However, one downside is that it lacks a safety listing, and some users have reported issues with the pulling jaws breaking or the tool jamming.

GIANTISAN Pop Rivet Tool Kit with 200 Rivets and 4 Drill Bits

GIANTISAN Pop Rivet Tool Kit with 200 Rivets and 4 Drill Bits | Image

I recently had the chance to try out the GIANTISAN Pop Rivet Tool Kit and let me tell you, it made my riveting projects a breeze. The aluminum alloy and carbon steel construction are a perfect blend of strength and durability, ensuring long-lasting performance.

One of the features that stood out to me was the handy carrying case. It's rugged and well-built, making it easy to transport and store. The case comes equipped with all the necessary tools, including four color-coded drill bits and 200 rivets in various sizes.

The ergonomic handles are comfortable to grip and the lightweight design makes it easy to handle for extended periods of time. I particularly liked being able to change the drill bit simply by unscrewing it with my hand, without any additional tools required.

Overall, my experience with the GIANTISAN Pop Rivet Tool Kit was quite positive, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone in need of a reliable and versatile riveting tool.

Milwaukee M12 Cordless Rivet Tool Kit with Free Right Angle Drill (2550-20)

Milwaukee M12 Cordless Rivet Tool Kit with Free Right Angle Drill (2550–20) | Image

Last month, my husband and I were tackling some DIY projects around our house when it occurred to us that we could use a little extra help. That's when we stumbled upon the Milwaukee M12 Rivet Tool Kit and its handy M12 Cordless Right Angle Drill.

The first thing that stood out about this little powerhouse was its size. I was amazed by how compact it was, fitting in the tightest of spaces - a definite game-changer for our renovations. The ease of use was also a highlight, considering its powerful performance for such a petite tool.

With the cordless rivet tool, we were able to quickly pull up 1-1/8" steel rivets without any compressors or hoses, saving us time and effort. The best part? It reduced muscle strain by more than 60%, making those tricky hand tool jobs much easier.

I also appreciated the versatility and grip provided by the M12 Cordless Right Angle Drill. Its spindle lock chuck and electronic clutch offered an additional level of convenience. When used in combination with the rivet tool, the duo was a real force, delivering 100 inches of peak torque with 12 torque settings.

As for the durability, our tools have been through a lot, and this pair from Milwaukee proved to be quite resilient. They held up well to our constant use on various jobsites, proving that their 2X longer life claim was not just talk.

In conclusion, this M12 Rivet Tool Kit and its accompanying cordless drill were a lifesaver (and back saver! ) on our projects. They certainly provided the performance, durability, and accessibility we needed. I wholeheartedly recommend these tools to fellow DIYers and construction enthusiasts alike.

Huck SF20 Swage Forward Bobtail Hydraulic Riveter - 2.000 Inch Stroke

Huck SF20 Swage Forward Bobtail Hydraulic Riveter — 2.000 Inch Stroke | Image

I recently got my hands on the Huck SF20 Swage Forward Bobtail Hydraulic Riveter, and I have to say, it's been a game-changer in my daily life. The 2.000-inch stroke is nothing short of impressive, making it perfect for various jobs.

The pull capacity of 20,650 lbf. (92 kN) and the 7,000 psi (483 bar) pull pressure truly show the power of this riveter. However, I must mention the return pressure of 5,000 psi (345 bar) which, while not a deal-breaker, may feel a bit underwhelming compared to other options in the market.

Using the Huck Swage Forward Bobtail Hydraulic Riveter has been an experience. The automatic transmission fluid, specifically DEXRON III, DEXRON VI, MERCON, Allison C-4 or equivalent, has made the operation smooth and effortless. It's been operating at temperatures ranging from 32 to 125 degrees F (0 to 51.7 degrees C), which has been a reliable range for its performance.

When it comes to size, the overall height of 8.480 inches (215.39 mm), width of head at 2.874 inches (73.00 mm), and the length of head at 5.512 inches (140.00 mm) add up to a significant but manageable bulk. The nose assemblies, hydraulic power equipment, hose assembly, and nose tips were all sold separately, so be prepared to gather the right components to make this work.

The weight of 11 lbs. (4.99 kg) is not exactly light, but it's manageable when you're doing the job right. All in all, the Huck Swage Forward Bobtail Hydraulic Riveter has been a reliable and powerful tool in my hands.

Buyer's Guide

Welcome to the Rivet Gun Buyer's Guide, designed to help you understand the essential features, considerations, and expert advice to make a well-informed purchase for this product category. This guide focuses on general aspects, not specific product recommendations, ensuring you get the most value from your search.

Understanding Rivet Guns

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Rivet guns, also known as riveting tools or automatic rivet guns, are devices designed to join metal or plastic parts securely. They work by driving a rivet through the material, creating a strong mechanical bond. Rivet guns can be either mechanical or pneumatic, with the latter being more powerful and suitable for heavy-duty tasks. Factors to consider when purchasing a rivet gun include the type of material being joined, the number of rivets needed, and the desired strength of the bond.

Important Features to Look For

When searching for the right rivet gun, consider the following features to ensure you choose the most suitable tool for your needs:

  1. Power source: determine whether you require a mechanical or pneumatic rivet gun based on your project requirements. 2) Drive type: select a rivet gun with a suitable drive type (e. g. , claw or wedge) for the material you want to join. 3) Rivet size: ensure the rivet gun can accommodate the size of rivets you need. 4) Safety features: select a model with built-in safety mechanisms, such as a lockout feature or a guard to prevent accidental activation.
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Additional Considerations and Expert Advice

Apart from the features listed above, consider the following factors and expert advice to make an informed decision:

  1. User-friendliness: ensure the rivet gun is user-friendly and easy to operate, even for inexperienced users. 2) Durability: invest in a rivet gun with a sturdy construction and high-quality materials to ensure it lasts longer and performs better. 3) Maintenance: be aware of the proper maintenance schedule for your chosen rivet gun to extend its lifespan and maintain optimal performance.

By understanding the general aspects, important features, and expert advice provided in this Rivet Gun Buyer's Guide, you will be well-equipped to select the right tool for your project needs. Remember to consider factors such as power source, drive type, rivet size, and safety features, as well as user-friendliness, durability, and maintenance requirements. With this guide, you can confidently make a well-informed purchase and enjoy the benefits of a high-quality rivet gun for your projects. Happy shopping!

FAQ

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What exactly is a rivet gun?

A rivet gun, which is also referred to as a pneumatic riveting tool, is a hand-held power tool designed for one specific, yet crucial purpose: joining two or more metals or plastics together. It works by shooting a rivet through the holes of the metals or plastics and subsequently collapsing it, causing the materials to become linked together. The versatility of the rivet gun means it's widely applied across various sectors, such as automotive, aviation, and construction.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to rivet guns. There are different types, each offering its own advantages and disadvantages, and the user's preference, along with the project requirements, will determine the appropriate pick. Among the many options, pneumatic rivet guns are widely preferred due to their efficiency, ease of use, and their ability to handle larger rivets as compared to electric ones.

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How does the operation of a rivet gun work?

A rivet gun generally operates using compressed air, categorizing it as a pneumatic tool. The process is multi-step: beginning with loading the rivet gun with a rivet, followed by placement on the metals or plastics with holes aligned, pulling the trigger to fire the rivet, and finally, releasing the trigger to collapse the rivet and connect the materials.

Compressed air, stored in a cylinder, is the driving force behind the spring-loaded mechanism of pneumatic rivet guns. Pulling the trigger releases the compressed air, accelerating the rivet into the materials. When the rivet passes through the holes, the trigger is released, allowing the spring to revert and collapsing the rivet to connect the materials.

Which materials can a rivet gun join?

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The capabilities of a rivet gun extend to joining a variety of materials together, such as aluminum, steel, steel alloys, titanium alloys, and other metals and plastics. The choice of materials is contingent upon the particular project's necessities, such as strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Be sure to consult the manufacturer's guidelines or an expert to determine the best rivet gun and rivet material for your project.

An important note is to select the appropriate rivet material for the joint in order to guarantee optimal performance and durability. For example, aluminum rivets are beneficial in anti-corrosion applications, but steel rivets provide higher strength for heavy-duty applications. Always remember to consult the manufacturer's guidelines or an expert to determine the best rivet gun and rivet material for your specific needs.

What precautions must be taken when using a rivet gun?

Using any power tool carries inherent risks, and a rivet gun is no exception. To ensure your safety while operating the tool, remember the following precautions: always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, hearing protection, and gloves; maintain a clear line of sight to the work area; keep a safe distance from the work area to avoid accidental injury; and regularly inspect the rivet gun for any wear or damage. Additionally, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries.

Lastly, although the rivet gun is designed for its primary purpose of driving rivets, it can also be used for other tasks such as drilling or punching holes, or as a percussion hammer for light striking tasks. The tool's design and features determine these alternative uses. If you plan to use the rivet gun for any purpose other than its primary function, consult the manufacturer's guidelines or an expert to prevent any damage or injury caused by improper use. In some cases, alternative tools or accessories may be required to adapt the rivet gun for your desired purpose.

What are the essential factors to consider when selecting a rivet gun?

When you're shopping for a rivet gun, consider the following factors to ensure the tool you select will meet your specific needs: the type and size of the rivets required for your project, the operational speed, the power source, the size and weight of the gun, and the overall design and build quality. These factors will help you determine the most suitable rivet gun for your specific job, ensuring both performance and durability.

It's also important to consider your skill level and experience when choosing a rivet gun. More powerful and feature-rich tools may be suitable for experienced users or demanding projects, while simpler and more user-friendly designs may be better for beginners or less complex tasks. Research the various features and capabilities of different rivet guns to make an informed decision and choose the best tool for your specific requirements.

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