The hardened steel body of the entire thing will definitely prove to be invaluable in terms of adding another year or two to the model's service life. And the front-facing exhaust system can be easily removed if you'd like to speed things up a notch. With 90 psi of work pressure and about 720 kilograms of traction power, you will be able to tackle any surface.
The device is a bit heavy.
If you already have a respectable amount of experience in the DIY area or if you happen to be a professional in one of the related fields, the Dapetz DP01499 is absolutely the one to look out for. On top of everything else, this is also one of the cheapest pneumatic rivet guns on the market.
Pneumatic, Pressure: 90 psi
Pop rivets: 2.4 mm, 3.2 mm, 4 mm, 4.8 mm
Ergonomic handle, hardened steel body, tool kit included
~1.7 kg
1 year
With 3.5 x 13 x 31 cm of overall dimensions, this instrument comes equipped with a pair of relatively short arms that, in turn, provide effortless functionality and access to some of the most restricted spaces. They also offer operational clearance of 285 mm, which is an impressive number given the aforementioned short size.
Changing the nosepieces is somewhat inconvenient.
If you're looking to deal with high-strength aluminium, steel, and stainless steel rivet nuts, the Sealey AK3984 is the right rivet nut tool for the job. Aside from a variety of different rivet nuts, you will also be able to work with threaded rivets.
Manual
Rivet nuts: M3 x 0.5 mm, M4 x 0.7 mm, M5 x 0.8 mm, M6 x 1 mm, M8 x 1.25 mm
Short arms, ergonomic rubber-coated handles, nosepieces included
0.94 kg
1 year
The model comes with a swivel head that is capable of spinning 360° around its axis. This type of design will allow you to rivet at any angle, making the entire process just that much more simple and convenient, not to mention the kind of physical stress and fatigue the tool will relieve you of.
The handles are rather stiff despite the rubber-coating.
The Bahco 2681 isn't the most outstanding pop riven gun out there. This is a simple, comfortable, and convenient tool, and any DIY enthusiast or an expert would take a product like that over a convoluted mess any day of the week.
Manual
Pop rivets: 2.4 mm, 3.2 mm, 4 mm, 4.8 mm
360-degree swivelling head, rubber-coated handles, locking mechanism for safe storage, nosepieces included
0.74 kg
1 year
The model incorporates an automatic spring design. It helps the user conserve energy and saves about 40% of strength. Made of chrome-molybdenum steel, the nozzle head will allow you to make quick and easy changes among rivet sizes from 2.4mm to 4.8mm. An integrated collection pin will save you the trouble of collecting discarded rivets.
The paint wears off after some time.
The TACKLIFE HHR2A-UK is handy and versatile. You can use it for constructing greenhouses, fastening metal sheets, number plates, gutters, and metal roofing. Though it isn't a bad tool for beginners, the model is more suitable for professional use and permanent fastening.
Manual
Pop rivets: 2.4 mm, 3.2 mm, 4 mm, 4.8 mm, 6.4 mm
Ergonomic non-slip handles, automatic spring-design, collecting bottle for rivets storage
0.92 kg
2 years
The product accepts the standard 2.4, 3.2, 4.0, and 4.8 mm blind rivets thanks to a set of four exchangeable nozzles. The latter are relatively easy to shift and switch due to a nozzle changing wrench that comes with the package. Not dissimilar to the majority of pop rivet guns out there, this one also features rubberised handles.
Nosepieces tend to get loose after some time.
The Rolson Tools 44409 is the kind of option that anyone will be able to opt out for when the need for a solid hand pop rivet gun arises. The product is incredibly easy to use, does not include any unnecessary junk, and is surprisingly durable despite being one of the cheapest rivet guns out there.
Manual
Pop rivets: 2.4 mm, 3.2 mm, 4 mm, 4.8 mm
Rubber-coated handles, locking mechanism for safe storage, nosepieces, and 75 rivets included
0.68 kg
1 year
For Experienced DIYers
Definitely not the most fitting choice for every customer out there and not even necessarily something that any DIY enthusiast would be able to appreciate, the Dapetz DP01499 is the kind of pneumatic rivet gun that would suit only those that are interested in a powerful product capable of handling anything you may throw its way. Just like most pneumatic models out there, this one will be a bit of an overkill if you're looking to drive a few pop rivets at home every once in a while.
Since the device is capable of delivering 90 psi of work pressure and about 720 kilograms of traction power, this is the kind of option that you get if you're an experienced and active DIY aficionado or a professional in the field that requires a reliable and powerful assistant to deal with tougher and harder surfaces. On top of that, aside from the sort of punch the model is packing, this pop rivet gun weighs somewhere around 1.7 kilograms, and that may certainly cause some discomfort for an inexperienced user looking to operate this device for a prolonged period of time.
Hardened Steel
Though, as we have already established, this is a product targeted towards a more experienced crowd, its weight might be the only thing that isn't particularly comfortable and accessible about this model. Besides it, this rivet gun comes equipped with a fairly ergonomic handle that, combined with the pistol-grip design, will ensure a more than an acceptable amount of comfort and convenience. The hardened steel body of the entire thing will definitely prove to be invaluable in terms of adding another year or two to the model's service life. And the front-facing exhaust system can be easily removed if you'd like to speed things up a notch.
Aside from the device itself, you will also receive a toolkit packed with every necessary accessory and instrument that might come in handy. Just like the majority of pop rivet guns, this one will be able to deal with the so-called blind rivets of standard size, including the 2.4-millimetre, 3.2-millimetre, and 4.8-millimetre ones. Taking the regular rivets into account, the people behind this product incorporated an air inlet that is a quarter of an inch in diameter and a 3/8-inch air hose. Again, this is definitely not a model for everyone, but if you already have a respectable amount of experience in the DIY area or if you happen to be a professional in one of the related fields, the Dapetz DP01499 is absolutely the one to look out for. On top of everything else, this is also one of the cheapest pneumatic rivet guns on the market.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B01BVRA4AG |
A Proper Rivet Nut Tool
What we have here is a bit of a different option compared to the majority of rivet guns out there. Not necessarily when it comes to looks, though the model in question does offer an advantage or two in terms of that, but more so as far as the application is concerned. The biggest difference between the Sealey AK3984 and your average rivet gun is that the latter tend to deal with pop rivets (also known as blind rivets), the kind of fasteners that, as you are probably aware, are tubular in nature and come equipped with a mandrel through the centre.
Now, if you're looking to work with those, you will certainly be better off looking for one of those countless other options on the market that are designed with the blind rivets in mind. As we have mentioned already, this is a different model insofar as the application is concerned, and, instead of regular pop rivets, the device at hand will be suitable for high-strength rivet nuts comprised of aluminium, steel, and even stainless steel. These rivet nuts are used in order to provide a permanent female thread in sheet metal that already has a drilled or punched hole. Though there's a large variety of different rivet nuts in terms of size, the manufacturer of the Sealey AK3984 has you covered, offering support for M3 x 0.5 mm, M4 x 0.7 mm, M5 x 0.8 mm, M6 x 1 mm, and M8 x 1.25 mm. Furthermore, the device is also capable of handling threaded rivets.
Short Arms
A fairly straightforward model in terms of design, the Sealey AK3984 checks most of the boxes you would want out of a rivet nut tool, offering a fairly convenient device that wouldn't be hard to operate. With slightly above 1 kilogram of weight, you could certainly find some lighter rivet guns out there, but few of those options are well-suited towards dealing with rivet nuts. A somewhat surprising advantage of this model lies in its size. With 3.5 x 13 x 31 cm of overall dimensions, this instrument comes equipped with a pair of relatively short arms that, in turn, provide effortless functionality and access to some of the more restricted spaces. They also offer operational clearance of 285 mm, which is an impressive number given the aforementioned short size.
The handles, or the arms, include the usual rubber coating, so you will easily be able to operate this tool for a prolonged period of time without having to worry about calluses. Given the number of different rivet nuts the model is capable of handling, it should come as no surprise that the manufacturer included an array of different nosepieces in the package. So, if you're looking to work with high-strength aluminium, steel, and stainless steel rivet nuts, the Sealey AK3984 is the right rivet nut tool for the job. Aside from a variety of different rivet nuts, you will also be able to work with threaded rivets.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £38.75 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00NVLM5CQ |
Comfort Above Anything Else
Sometimes, a product may not necessarily look particularly impressive and the kind of specifications it comes with could seem nothing but average, but the sort of comfort and convenience it actually provides isn't quite something that you may accurately assess during the first impression. And, as you probably know, that first impression isn't always the correct one, and the Bahco 2681 is as good of an example to that as they come.
On the first glance, the product in question gives an impression of a fairly standard manual pop rivet gun. With 13.2 x 3.2 x 31 centimetres in overall dimensions and somewhere about 750 grams of weight, this is certainly one of the more compact and lightweight products out there, but these numbers aren't even remotely outstanding enough in order to justify a considerable amount of attention on their own. Nevertheless, the design of this riveter is exactly what makes this product such an alluring choice for DIY enthusiasts. What looks like a fairly simple and straightforward manual rivet gun is, surprisingly enough, one of the most comfortable and convenient tools you could possibly find on the market.
Get's the Job Done
Now, there are a few things that contribute in terms of comfort and convenience. As you would expect, not dissimilar to most other manual rivet models out there, this one comes equipped with ergonomic rubber-coated handles. Though some may find the handles to be a bit stiff, this kind of structure is necessary in order to secure that anti-slip that is so important as far as hand tools are concerned. But the thing that makes the Bahco 2681 truly stand out in terms of comfort is a swivel head that is capable of spinning 360° around its axis. This type of design will allow you to rivet at any angle, making the entire process just that much more simple and convenient. And that is not to mention the kind of physical stress and fatigue the model will relieve you of now that you won't have to twist your wrist every time you have to fasten a pop rivet at an inconvenient location.
Besides the swivel head, this hand tool also comes equipped with three interchangeable nosepieces that can be placed in the handle and a locking mechanism that will allow you to safely store the product away after you're done using it. Using some of these nosepieces paired with 2.4 mm, 3.2 mm, 4 mm, and 4.8 mm pop rivets, you will be able to fasten metal, leather, canvas, and vinyl. In conclusion, the Bahco 2681 isn't the most outstanding pop riven gun out there. This is a simple, comfortable, and convenient tool, and any DIY enthusiast or an expert would take a product like that over a convoluted mess any day of the week.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £30.20 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B000Y8PJG8 |
Expand the Range of Applications
There's a lot you can do with a half-decent rivet gun and there are even more potential applications with a solid model like the TACKLIFE HHR2A-UK. Though a seemingly simple manual tool, the attention to details on the manufacturer's side allowed them to design a versatile instrument.
There are a few things worth mentioning here. First, as it is often the case, the model comes with 5 extra nozzles that expand the potential range of applications. But, in addition to the nozzles, this hand riveter also incorporates a particularly convenient nozzle head design.
Made of chrome-molybdenum steel, the nozzle head will allow you to make quick and easy changes among rivet sizes from 2.4mm to 4.8mm. By simply spinning the nozzle head, you can effortlessly change the nozzle with one hand without any extra assistance.
Finally, to conclude the nozzle subject and move on to other parts of the tool, there's an integrated collection pin that will save you the trouble of collecting discarded rivets, a nice little design solution to help you keep your accessories neat and organised.
The U-shape handle is a slight deviation from the norm. And we can't say that we don't like it. For our taste, it is quite ergonomic and practical. It isn't devoid of the usual non-slip grips. But, in addition to the 3-mm thick steel plate, the shape of the handle makes this tool quite more durable than your average rivet run.
Automatic Spring
One thing we definitely would be remiss not to mention is the length of this instrument. Again, it may not seem like that much of a change, but those few extra millimetres make the 31-mm hand riveter considerably more flexible than its shorter counterparts. It also makes this tool quite a bit handier.
Speaking of which, the model incorporates an automatic spring design. It helps the user conserve energy and saves about 40% of strength, making this hand riveter an even better tool for professional use than it already is. And, sure, it has its flaws. But, if you don't take into account some of the more subjective ones, the only thing that's left is the paint job. It looks nice but wears off relatively quickly, making the tool look worse than it actually is.
Other than that, we don't have any major complaints about the TACKLIFE HHR2A-UK. The tool itself is handy and versatile. The design of the whole thing makes this rivet gun practical and a lot more convenient than most of its counterparts. You can use it for constructing greenhouses, fastening metal sheets, number plates, gutters, and metal roofing. Though it isn't a bad tool for beginners, the model is more suitable for professional use, permanent fastening license plates, and metal sheeting.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £16.59 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B073WXYDM9 |
Your Contingency Plan
While being prepared for any sort of troublesome situation before it even happens is something we should theoretically strive towards, it is rarely possible to cover all of your bases given the number of aspects involved and the number of things that can always go wrong regardless of the scenario in question. Different kinds of household tools and appliances are no exception to this rule. Despite the fact that you'd definitely like to have as many different tools in your arsenal as possible, you can't possibly prepare for everything. And maybe, just maybe, you don't have to. Especially when you can order a product like the Rolson Tools 44409 online for a ridiculously small price of about 6 pounds whenever the need actually occurs.
What makes this hand pop rivet gun different from most other offers out there is how accessible and straightforward it is. You won't need a complicated guide in order to figure out how to operate this thing nor does it include a toolkit with a whole bunch of different accessories and instruments that could require a DIY savant to put all of them together. What you'll receive is a nice little package with nothing but the model itself and 75 blind rivets in order to get started right from the get-go.
Surprisingly Durable
Speaking of the model itself, one of the things that makes it so straightforward and accessible would definitely have to be its dimensions. With 33 x 14.5 x 3.2 centimetres in size, this little tool will be easy to operate and it won't take away too much space in your toolkit. And with just 680 grams of weight, you won't have to worry about this thing taking its toll on you after just half an hour of work the same way some of the heavier models might do. Despite the modest dimensions, the construction is actually quite robust, and with chrome molybdenum jaws, this tool will likely be able to serve you for years.
The model accepts the standard 2.4, 3.2, 4.0, and 4.8 mm blind rivets thanks to a set of four exchangeable nozzles. The latter are relatively easy to shift and switch due to a nozzle changing wrench that comes with the package. Not dissimilar to the majority of pop rivet guns out there, this one also features rubberised handles. On top of that, the handles come with a locking mechanism in a way of a clip that keeps these two together for safe and convenient storage. And that's about all there is to it. The Rolson Tools 44409 is the kind of option that anyone will be able to opt out for when the need for a solid hand pop rivet gun arises. The product is incredibly easy to use, does not include any unnecessary junk, and is surprisingly durable despite being one of the cheapest rivet guns out there.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £8.25 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B001TOI666 |
What Is a Rivet Gun?
On construction sites, it is often the case that some of the parts need to be pinned or fastened together. For fastening pieces of wood, you could use a staple gun, while if you needed to pin some metal parts, you'd need to use a rivet gun. So, what is a rivet gun and what are the advantages of using this tool? A rivet gun is a tool which is used for driving rivets into the metal surfaces. It comes helpful in many different situations where the use of a MIG welder is impossible. Riveting is often used for clamping metalware and other materials like rubber, plastic, cardboard, and some other combinations. Another obvious advantage of the rivet guns is that they operate quickly, are very easy-to-use, and ensure secure fastening. In order to make a connection spot, you will need to drill some holes through the parts, then attach a rivet to the gun nosepiece, insert the rivet into the hole and push the trigger. Continue reading our five best rivet guns reviews and select the most appropriate tool for your projects.
What Features to Compare
Type
To pick the right riveting tool for your specific project, you should get acquainted with its tech characteristics. Riveting guns are commonly classified according to their operating principle and fall into the following three groups: battery-powered, manual, and pneumatic. The advantage of pneumatic and battery-operated guns is that they are usually very powerful and operate considerably faster than the manual tools. With a battery-powered gun, the operator isn't going to be bound to the socket but eventually, will need to break away from work to charge it. In this sense, pneumatic guns can offer you nonstop performance and therefore, suit large projects better. Manual rivet guns won't let you work as fast as you could have done using either of the two mentioned above, however, they can offer you complete independence from batteries and air compressors, as well as greater mobility due to their small size and light weight.
Rivet Size
When selecting a riveter, you should also consider its compatibility with the rivets you will need for your projects. Depending on the material that you work with, you may select the rivets of different sizes. Thus, large rivets ensure a stronger connection and therefore, should be used for fastening dense and hard materials. Smaller rivets work better with pliable materials.
Features
Finally, it is important to consider the extra features. In order to estimate how long the tool is likely to serve you, check out its design and what materials it's been made of. Also, consider the usability features such as handles, weight of the tool, etc. Riveting isn't always a quick process and if you don't want to fatigue your hand, it's better to opt for an ergonomic tool.
Safety Tips
A pop rivet gun, especially as far as manual models are concerned, is certainly not the most dangerous object out there. But, just like any household tool, these things still require certain safety precautions in order to avoid endangering yourself or people around you in the process. So, without further ado, here are a few safety tips that you should follow regardless of your expertise in the DIY field.
Read the Instruction Manual
One of the most obvious suggestions and a recommendation you should follow even if you have used plenty of similar tools before or you're planning to operate a rather simple manual model. Though it will certainly take a bit of time before you can get started, this kind of approach will allow you to actually save some time in the long run and utilise the tool with much more efficiency.
Use Protective Gear
Working with a rivet gun, one of the first things you ought to make sure of is to protect your body from possible injuries. Aside from the obvious safety goggles to shield your eyes from incoming debris or particles, you might also consider acquiring a pair of gloves and a safety jacket. If you do not work alone, people around you should also put their safety into consideration and wear the same layer of protection.
Choose Your Clothes Wisely
Surprisingly enough, protective clothing is not the only attire that you should choose with great care. Since virtually any piece of clothing or an accessory can easily get stuck in between the moving parts, you should try to minimise the chances of that happening by avoiding loose or baggy outfits. Make sure to take off any piece of jewelry as well, since even the tiniest part can easily get stuck in the tool and that, in turn, may lead to an injury or even a serious accident.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Even the most durable tools do not last forever and that is especially the case with those devices that do not receive proper maintenance. So, if you do not feel like buying a new rivet nut tool as often as possible, consider having the tool inspected by a qualified person at regular intervals. This approach will allow you to avoid costly repairs and ensure proper operation, not to mention prolonging the service life of your tool.
Consult a Professional
Though proper maintenance will allow you to greatly extend a tool' shelf life, sooner or later a problem will arise. When that happens, make sure to employ the services of a professional instead of trying to fix the device yourself. Not only can the latter lead to malfunctioning but this approach will also void any warranty that you may still have of your rivet gun.
Be Careful With the Gun
Even if you're dealing with a manual model, you should still always mind your surroundings and be careful with choosing the direction of your tool. Make sure to keep the fingers and body away from the line of fire. Always keep young children and pets away from the area. And don't forget to ensure that no person that's in the close vicinity of your gun is in the way.
FAQ:
Q: What is the procedure for riveting?
A: Prepare the pieces you need to connect together. Take an electric drill and a sharp metal bit that drills the holes of 1/8" in size. Most rivets in your home will be about the same size so it's very unlikely you will need to make larger holes. Overlap the pieces and drill a 1/8" hole through both of them. Use a vise to hold the pieces together and don't move them while you drill a hole. Insert a rivet into the gun. Push the smaller end of the rivet through the hole and press the tool hard against the pieces so that the larger head of the rivet is pressed tightly against the metal. Squeeze the handles of the riveter. The tool thus will pull the mandrel within the rivet. The moment the head of the mandrel reaches the small end of the rivet, two pieces will be pressed together. You might need to squeeze the handles two, three or four times to draw the mandrel through the rivet. Once you're done, you'll get a tight connection. In case you need to drill through two finished pieces of metal, do it very carefully, otherwise the drill may grab them and spin. If you're not wearing gloves, the spinning metal can cut your hands, fingers or arms.
Q: Should I use protective equipment to operate a rivet gun?
A: When you work with a riveting tool, protect yourself from possible injuries. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying particles or debris. It is also advisable to wear gloves and a safety jacket. To avoid accidents, people who work nearby must also wear protective outfit.
Q: Does my riveter need any servicing?
A: To keep your pop rivet gun in a good working condition, it's important to look after it. Seek a qualified person to inspect and service the tool on a regular basis. This will ensure a proper gun operation. The regular maintenance will help you keep your tool in a proper condition and prevent expensive repairs.
Q: How to remove a rivet if I drive it wrong?
A: Choose a drill bit that is slightly bigger than the rivet mandrel but smaller than its head. Put the drill bit into the drill, making sure that your metal work doesn't move, so that you can safely and easily drill the rivet. Make an indent in the rivet to guide the bit unless it has no factory indent. Place the tip of the bit in the center of the rivet head and start drilling. Once the head comes off the rivet, stop drilling instantly. If you carry on drilling, you may spoil your work. If the rivet hasn't come off due to vibrations, simply remove the rest of the rivet with the center punch and hammer. Put the punch onto the rivet mandrel and hit it; this should expel the rest of the rivet.
Sources:
1. Complete Guide to Buying a Rivet Gun, eBay. March 22, 2015.
2. Rivet Gun Operation, ThomasNet.
3. Skill Builder: Know Your Rivets, Maker Media.
4. How to Rivet Gutters: 4 Tips, DoItYourself.
5. Linda Cottin Fix-It Chick: Use pop rivets for fastening materials, LJWorld. January 3, 2016.
6. Rivet gun, Wikipedia. November 3, 2016.
7. Rivet Gun Operation, ThomasNet.
8. How a Rivet Gun Works, DoItYourself.