Rivet Guns

15 min readApr 12, 2024

Get ready to dive into the world of rivet guns as we bring you a comprehensive roundup of some of the best models and brands on the market. From heavy-duty pneumatic options to compact and portable electric alternatives, we’ve got you covered with our in-depth analysis and reviews. So sit back, relax, and let us help you make an informed decision on your next rivet gun purchase.

The Top 10 Best Rivet Guns

Ergonomic Rivet Gun Kit with Interchangeable Heads and 80 Pcs Aluminum Rivets — Experience seamless rivet installation with the Tacklife Rivet Gun Kit, offering 4 interchangeable heads and 80 pcs aluminum rivets for versatile applications while maintaining an eco-friendly and ergonomic design.
Milwaukee M12 Cordless Rivet Tool Kit — Upgrade your riveting game with the compact, cordless Milwaukee M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Rivet Tool Kit, delivering high performance, durability, and easy access for tight spaces.
Milwaukee Cordless Rivet Tool Kit & Compact Inflator — Experience the power, versatility, and portability of the Milwaukee M12 Rivet Tool Kit with its cordless convenience, impressive performance, and compact design, perfect for handling your heavy-duty riveting and tire inflating tasks.
Heavy-Duty Titan 15050 Rivet Gun — Experience professional-level riveting with the Titan 15050 13" Heavy-Duty Riveter, featuring a well-balanced design, top-tier craftsmanship, and unrivaled reliability.
Libraton One-Handed Rivet Gun for Metal Work — The Libraton One-Handed Rivet Gun offers a comfortable and portable solution for various riveting projects, backed by a long-lasting aluminum alloy body and a set of 200 rivets.
Giantisan Pop Rivet Tool Kit with 200 Rivets and 4 Drill Bits — Rivet Gun — The GT900 Pop Rivet Tool Kit by GIANTISAN: A versatile and durable tool for various projects, featuring a rugged carrying case and 200 rivets in different sizes.
Weaver Leather Heritage Simplex Riveter Tool — Effortlessly set #1 rivets with the hassle-free Heritage Simplex Riveter, featuring a splash anvil, knurled handle, and 50 assorted sizes, making it a versatile tool for any crafter.
Milwaukee M12 Cordless Rivet Tool Kit with M12 Right Angle Drill — Revolutionize your riveting experience with the compact, powerful Milwaukee M12 2550–22–2415–20 Cordless Rivet Tool Kit and free M12 Right Angle Drill, designed for superior performance, durability, and user-friendly accessibility.
Huck SF20 Rivet Gun — Powerful Hydraulic Solution — The Huck SF20 Swage Forward Bobtail Hydraulic Riveter offers a powerful pull capacity of 20,650 lbf. (92 kN), making it the top choice for heavy-duty riveting tasks and boasting a versatile 2.000-inch (50.80mm) stroke.
Versatile Hand Pop Riveter Gun with Accessory Kit — Versatile 2-Way Hand Pop Riveter Gun with a variety of rivet sizes for seamless fastening in horizontal and vertical positions.

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Reviews

Ergonomic Rivet Gun Kit with Interchangeable Heads and 80 Pcs Aluminum Rivets

I recently tried the Tacklife Rivet Gun Kit, and I have to say, it’s a game-changer for anyone who needs to work with rivets. With its 4 tool-free interchangeable heads and 80 pcs aluminum rivets, this hand riveter has made my life so much easier. The ergonomic design and nonslip cushioned handle grips make it super comfortable to use, and the aluminum alloy body ensures a premium anti-rust performance. The fact that it can handle aluminum, steel, and stainless-steel rivets means it’s perfect for construction, repair, or craft-making projects.

However, there were a couple of downsides I experienced. The first was when setting the heavier rivets; the shank sometimes got stuck in the throat of the gun. I encountered this issue with the very first and second rivets I tried. Additionally, when I reached out to customer service about this problem, I wasn’t able to get in touch with anyone, and no one returned my call.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Tacklife Rivet Gun Kit is still a great tool to have in your arsenal. It’s sturdy, easy to use, and offers a lot of value for its price. So, if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile rivet gun, this one’s worth considering.

Milwaukee M12 Cordless Rivet Tool Kit

Introducing the Milwaukee M12 Rivet Tool Kit — an innovative cordless solution for easy and efficient riveting. This tool is designed to offer exceptional performance, durability, and compactness, making it a top choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. The M12 Rivet Tool can pull up to 3/16" stainless steel rivets with ease and boasts a 60% reduction in muscle effort compared to traditional hand tools.

Its lightweight design and absence of compressors or hoses during set-up and operation make it a versatile and convenient addition to any toolbox. Users can enjoy maximum accessibility in tight spaces thanks to its compact 6.5" length. As part of the M12 battery platform, the rivet tool can be used with over 100 additional solutions on a single battery system.

The kit comes equipped with a free M12 multi-tool, making this an even more valuable investment. With its 5-year tool warranty and 2-year battery warranty, the Milwaukee M12 Rivet Tool Kit is an excellent choice for anyone in search of a reliable and efficient rivet tool.

Milwaukee Cordless Rivet Tool Kit & Compact Inflator

The Milwaukee M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Rivet Tool Kit offers a compact solution for fast, easy riveting. The tool can pull up to 3/16 in.

stainless steel rivets, making it a great replacement for pneumatic products. With a 6.5 in.

length, this kit allows users to reach tight spaces with ease. As part of the M12 battery platform, it provides 125 tool solutions on one battery system. Additionally, the M12 Compact Inflator offers fast, accurate, and easy inflation with great portability for use with various applications, such as car and compact equipment tires.

The entire kit comes with a 5-year tool warranty and a two-year battery warranty. Although there are no reviews available, the product’s features make it a promising option for users in need of a versatile and durable tool.

Heavy-Duty Titan 15050 Rivet Gun

The Titan 15050 13-inch heavy-duty hand riveter is a professionally designed tool that strikes the perfect balance between sturdy construction and exceptional craftsmanship. Built to meet rigorous industry standards, this riveter showcases the perfect blend of functionality and durability. Manufactured using top-of-the-line materials through state-of-the-art equipment, this professional-grade product is a testament to its enduring value and reliability. The titan riveter is synonymous with total quality assurance, unrivaled by any other in the industry.

This titan heavy-duty hand riveter is more than just a tool; it’s an investment in your professional workshops, delivering exceptional performance consistently. Its compact size of 13.00 x 5.00 x 2.00 inches and a weight of 2.94 lbs makes it easy to handle and transport, making your worksite more efficient without compromising on quality.

Users have consistently praised this hand riveter, with its top-rated 5-star reviews. Many customers find the tool’s innovative container that catches the shanks as a standout feature. The ease of use of this tool has impressed users, with several reports attributing its success to how it simplifies jobs. The speed of riveting and the impressive results have made this a must-have for their professional requirements. The product’s fast shipping and fair pricing have also added to customer satisfaction. To top it all off, a smooth purchasing experience has made users rave about this product. All in all, the Titan 15050 hand riveter is a tool of choice for professional and DIY users alike.

Libraton One-Handed Rivet Gun for Metal Work

As a handy addition to any metalworking toolkit, the Libraton One-Handed Rivet Tool offers a comfortable, easy-to-handle design that’s perfect for riveting on the go. Built for durability, the aluminum alloy die-casting body stands up to wear and tear while the included 4 drill bits and 200 rivets provide professional solutions for a variety of projects.

This rivet gun is ideal for auto body repair, HVAC, metal crafting, and even canvas projects. Its lightweight, hard-shell protective storage case ensures everything stays organized and protected.

Overall, the Libraton One-Handed Rivet Tool offers a convenient, efficient solution for all your metalworking needs.

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

Giantisan’s Rivet Tool Kit has become an indispensable part of my daily life as an aspiring artisan. The sturdy pop rivet gun, crafted from strong aluminum alloy and carbon steel, brings dependability to all my projects. In my experience, it has proven to be the perfect companion for tasks as diverse as metalworking, gutter installation, car repairs, and even furniture construction.

The tool’s lightweight steel body and comfortable handles provide a perfect fit, while the four color-coded interchangeable heads make it convenient to tailor the size to my project’s requirements. However, it lacks the ability to work with a broader variety of metal types. Nevertheless, I’ve been able to successfully use it with both aluminum and steel rivets, making it a standout among its competitors for versatility.

A key feature of this kit is the inclusion of 80 rivets, ensuring I’m always well-prepared for any project. The rugged carrying case, designed to protect my Rivet Tool Kit, is a thoughtful addition, making storage and transport a breeze.

Overall, Giantisan’s GT900 Rivet Tool Kit has proven to be a durable and reliable companion in my journey towards becoming a skilled artisan. Despite the slight limitations regarding the range of metals it can work with, it remains an essential tool in my toolbox.

Weaver Leather Heritage Simplex Riveter Tool

The Weaver Leather Heritage Simplex Riveter offers a hassle-free design that makes it an excellent choice for any DIY enthusiast or crafter. Its splash anvil and knurled handle work seamlessly together to make hand-setting #1 rivets a breeze.

With the inclusion of 50 assorted sizes of rivets, this tool is a great addition to any crafting toolkit. The Heritage Simplex Riveter’s heat-treated construction ensures durability, making it a reliable choice for your next project.

While some users may wish for larger rivets in the provided assortment, this Weaver rivet gun is highly rated for its ease of use and overall performance.

Milwaukee M12 Cordless Rivet Tool Kit with M12 Right Angle Drill

The Milwaukee M12 Cordless Rivet Tool Kit is a game-changer in the world of cordless riveting solutions. This kit offers a lightweight and compact design that is perfect for tight spaces and prolonged use. With the ability to pull up to 3/16 in. stainless steel rivets and 450–1/8 steel rivets, this tool provides fast and easy riveting while maintaining performance and durability.

One of the standout features of this kit is its compatibility with the M12 battery platform, offering over 90 solutions on one battery system. The M12 Rivet Tool also boasts an impressive 2X longer life over current cordless solutions, ensuring greater durability from common jobsite conditions and use.

In addition to the Rivet Tool, the kit also includes the Milwaukee M12 Cordless Right Angle Drill Driver. This drill driver is designed for maximum versatility and grip, thanks to its spindle lock chuck and electronic clutch. It delivers a robust 100 in. lbs. of peak torque with 12 torque settings, making it a versatile and reliable tool for any project.

Overall, the Milwaukee M12 Cordless Rivet Tool Kit is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a high-performance, cordless riveting solution. Its compact design, impressive battery life, and compatibility with the M12 battery platform make it a standout product in its class.

Huck SF20 Rivet Gun — Powerful Hydraulic Solution

The Huck SF20 Swage Forward Bobtail Hydraulic Riveter comes with an impressive 2.000-inch stroke, a flow rate of 2 gpm, and pull capacity of 20,650 lbf. With a pull pressure of 7,000 psi and return pressure of 5,000 psi, this riveter is designed to handle even the toughest materials.

The power source is a Powerig Hydraulic Unit, and it uses automatic transmission fluid for optimal performance. This versatile tool has an operating temperature range of 32 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit and boasts an overall height of 8.48 inches, width of head at 2.87 inches, and a length of head at 5.51 inches.

Weighing in at 11 pounds, this rivet gun is a top choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. Although some accessories, such as nose assemblies, hydraulic power equipment, hose assembly, and nose tips, are sold separately, the SF20 has a wealth of features that make it a standout choice for streamlined riveting applications.

Versatile Hand Pop Riveter Gun with Accessory Kit

I recently had the chance to try out this two-way hand pop riveter gun, and I must say, it’s been a game-changer in my DIY projects. The versatility of being able to use it in both horizontal and vertical positions has made it a must-have tool in my workshop.

One of the most impressive features is the assortment of rivets it comes with, ranging from 1/8", 3/16", to 5/32nd diameter. This makes it ideal for various applications without having to worry about purchasing additional rivets. Plus, the color and details of the unit may vary, which adds a touch of uniqueness to it.

While using this riveter gun, I did encounter a few minor inconveniences. The instructions provided could have been more straightforward, and the user manual could have included more detailed pictures to illustrate the process. Additionally, the tool’s weight could be a bit of a drawback for someone who needs to perform a lot of riveting tasks in one go.

Overall, I’ve found this two-way hand pop riveter gun to be a valuable addition to my tool collection, with its versatility, variety of rivets, and user-friendly design. If you’re seeking a reliable and efficient riveting tool for your DIY projects, this kit is definitely worth considering.

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to rivet guns, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase. This buyer’s guide will provide you with essential information on the different types of rivet guns, their features, and what you should look for when purchasing one.

Types of Rivet Guns

There are three primary types of rivet guns available on the market: pneumatic, electric, and manual. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to choose the one that best suits your needs and skill level. Pneumatic rivet guns are the most powerful and efficient option but require compressed air, making them less portable. Electric rivet guns are more convenient and portable than pneumatic models but may be less versatile. Manual rivet guns are the most basic option but are easy to use and require minimal maintenance.

Features to Consider

When purchasing a rivet gun, consider the following features: trigger mechanism, rivet size range, and grip comfort. The trigger mechanism should be easy to operate and accessible. Look for a model that offers a wide range of rivet sizes, as this will give you greater flexibility when working on different projects. Lastly, consider the grip comfort, as you will be holding the tool for extended periods, so a comfortable grip is essential.

General Advice

To ensure a successful riveting experience, practice proper technique and take safety precautions. Always wear protective eyewear and gloves when using a rivet gun. When setting the rivet, ensure the head is properly aligned with the hole and apply even pressure. And finally, store your rivet gun and other tools in a safe and secure place when not in use.

Finding the right rivet gun for your needs requires some research and consideration. By understanding the different types of rivet guns, their features, and general advice, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed purchase and tackle your riveting projects with confidence and ease. Happy riveting!

FAQ

What is a rivet gun and what are its uses?

A rivet gun is a handheld power tool used for installing and removing rivets, which are fasteners commonly used in manufacturing and construction industries. It is designed to create a mechanical bond between two materials by forming and squeezing the rivet head, ensuring a strong and durable connection.

Rivet guns are widely used in various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery manufacturing. They are particularly useful for applications that require high tensile strength, precision, and durability, as well as in situations where traditional fasteners may not be suitable or efficient.

How does a rivet gun work?

A rivet gun functions by utilizing a hammer mechanism to press and deform the rivet head, creating a strong bond between the materials being joined. The tool typically consists of a handle, a trigger, and a cylinder housing the hammer mechanism. When the user pulls the trigger, the hammer mechanism is activated, driving the rivet head through the material and creating a permanent and secure connection.

Rivet guns are available in various types, such as pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric models, each offering different advantages in terms of power, speed, and ease of use. Proper maintenance and regular inspection of the rivet gun are essential to ensure its optimal performance and longevity. Additionally, using the right type of rivet for the specific application is crucial to achieving the desired connection quality and strength.

What are the different types of rivet guns?

There are several types of rivet guns, each designed for specific applications and materials. Some common types include pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric rivet guns. Pneumatic rivet guns are the most widely used, as they are portable, relatively lightweight, and offer reasonable power and speed. They are particularly suitable for on-site applications or where access to electricity or hydraulic systems is limited.

Hydraulic rivet guns are more powerful and offer higher efficiency compared to pneumatic models. They are typically used in heavy-duty applications, such as aircraft manufacturing or large-scale construction projects. Electric rivet guns, on the other hand, are more energy-efficient and quieter than pneumatic or hydraulic models, making them an attractive option for indoor or noise-sensitive environments.

What safety precautions should be taken when using a rivet gun?

Using a rivet gun safely is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries. Some key safety precautions include wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses, hearing protection, and gloves. Proper training and experience in handling a rivet gun are also essential to ensure operator safety and skill.

Additionally, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for safe operation. This may include regular maintenance and inspections of the tool, avoiding use of damaged or worn parts, and always using the appropriate safety accessories provided with the tool. It is also essential to be aware of the immediate surroundings while operating the rivet gun, ensuring there are no hazards, such as tripping hazards or loose materials, that could cause accidents.

What are the advantages of using a rivet gun over traditional fasteners?

Rivet guns offer several advantages over traditional fasteners, such as screws or bolts. One of the primary benefits is that rivets can create strong, permanent bonds between materials without relying on adhesives or heat-based processes. This can result in more durable and reliable connections, especially in applications that require high load-bearing capabilities or frequent stress.

Another advantage of rivet guns is their versatility. Rivets come in a wide range of materials, sizes, and shapes, allowing them to be used in various industries and applications. This flexibility enables manufacturers and constructors to optimize their fastening solutions for specific requirements, leading to improved efficiency and cost savings. Additionally, rivet guns can be used with various materials, such as metal, plastic, and composite, making them a versatile option for many types of joining applications.

What is the difference between a rivet and a rivet gun?

A rivet is a fastener used to join two materials, while a rivet gun is a power tool designed to install and remove rivets. Rivets are typically made of metal, such as steel or aluminum, and consist of a cylindrical body, a head, and a tail. The head of the rivet is designed to be deformed or flattened when installed using a rivet gun, creating a mechanical bond between the materials being joined.

Rivet guns, on the other hand, come in various types, such as pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric models. They are designed to work with a wide range of rivet sizes and materials, providing the user with the ability to create strong and durable connections between various materials, such as metal, plastic, and composite. Properly using a rivet gun requires knowledge of the tool’s operation and safety guidelines, as well as the appropriate type of rivet for the specific application.