As a professional tool like rivet guns are a must-have. This tool is versatile and will make your work stand out. In this guide, we are going to show to you the best rivet guns. If you are willing to acquire one, you should go through this guide, so you have an idea of what to look out for.
As a DIYer or professional, using a kneepad while kneeling on your knees as you work can be helpful, to prevent long-lasting pain on the knee.
What is the Rivet Gun?
Before you go into our breakdown of the top rivet guns, first let’s be clear on our wanted tool. What is it? And, what does it do? There have to be many beginners, DIY enthusiasts reading this.
Informally known as a riveter, or rivet tool also a pneumatic hammer, a rivet helps fasten two materials together without adhesives or welding. Another tool that does that is the dowel jigs. Dowel jigs are used in woods. Another equipment that is used on wood is the bow saws.
It is a must-have tool for any industry, such as automotive, aerospace, furniture, construction, etc. It doesn’t require any special skill or tool, hence a DIY enthusiast can fix their bike, boat, and many other things at home!
It uses a bucking bar supporting the head of a rivet to drive pressure or strength from the hammer towards this head and buck or compress the rivet strong enough to seal it in between the two materials.
It is necessary to put on welding helmets while using rivet guns. Using a rivet gun on tools that are shaky will require you to use a strap wrench to hold the tools you are working on.
Like rivet guns, metal shears are handheld tools, thus they need to be easy to handle.
RIVET GUN BUYER’S GUIDE
Material
While it is not the most essential part of a rivet, the material will tell you how durable and reliable the build of the product is. We recommend iron over any other material, as it is light enough without losing any strength and durability.
Steel comes second as a reliable yet not an as durable material. Lastly, you have aluminum or similarly light products.
Rivet Compatibility
This will tell you whether the product works for your needs or not. There are several rivets sizes out there, from 3/14 to 6/18 and so on, of different types like SC4-4 and SB4-4 and many more.
If you have any size or type in specific to work with, make sure the riveter you pick is compatible. Many of these guns offer compatibility with most rivets, but some will not. Go for the most versatile ones.
Handles
From grip to comfort and even overall strength capacity, the handles of the riveter (unless it is an air gun) will tell you how easy it is to use the product.
We recommend going for comfort and ease of use over anything else. However, those with rubber handles for superb grip and an excellent leverage system will also work well and provide a better experience.
tools such as rivet guns and mechanic flashlight need ergonomic handles, as they will be easier to hold.
Size
There are several kinds of rivet guns, and most of them come in different sizes. But the size goes according to your needs more than your comfort. We recommend going for small rivet guns if you are going to use it for little modifications or in applications where not much strength is needed.
Quick And Easy
Few people find this type of task fascinating, so you will probably want to get it done as soon as possible. If the task ahead is very large, it is essential to find a rivet gun that works quickly. However, for small home improvement tasks speed is not so important.
One or Two Hands
This is largely a matter of personal preference. Many people prefer the extra security that is provided by using both hands when riveting. However, for some people, this is not an option, and using two hands can be rather cumbersome.
Purpose
Before heading out to buy a rivet gun for yourself, you’ll need to define a purpose for yourself. However, this may demand some vigorous research on your behalf. Before buying any product, it’s good to introspect and ask yourself what exactly do you need and why.
Are you looking to get the gun like a professional, or do you want it as a hobby? Defining a purpose will help you narrow down your choices.
Price
Before heading out to shop, you also have to highlight what range you’re looking to invest in. The objective is not to spend too much and acquire features or machinery that you do not require.
Additionally, being financially smart is always good.
Going The Distance
No matter which type of rivet gun you choose, you are sure to want it to last. Check the type of warranty that is supplied with the product. Reviews from customers should also reveal how durable the model you have set your sights on really is.
BEST RIVET GUNS
NAMES | FEATURES | WHERE TO BUY |
Smittybilt 2834 Black Nutsert Tool Set | Ergonomic handle design
Durable black satin finish Aluminum Housing W/Steel Arms SAE & Metric Mandrels Compact Design |
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Astro Pneumatic Tool PR14 Air Riveter | 2,400 pounds of pulling pressure.
Performs well at various angles. Quick-release air valve. Comes with five different tips. |
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Shiningeyes S50 Professional Hydraulic Gun | Operates at normal shop air pressures of 80 to 120 PSI
360 degree turnable air inlet, avoid bending pipe Powerful and reliable high-speed production tool performs well at any angle Effortless trigger action eases the repetitive action of popping rivets |
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Astro Pneumatic Tool 1442 Hand Rivet Gun | Interchangeable rivets
Great with different nosepieces |
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Dorman 743-100 Rivet Gun | Recommended for Window Regulator installation
Open End wrench and rivets are included Long handles for extra leverage Storage bottle for rivets attaches to the handle |
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Stanley MR100CG Contractor Grade Riveter | Rugged, die-cast metal construction for long life
Equipped with removable ejector spring to quickly eject spent rivet shanks The long handle makes riveter easy to squeeze Easy change nose piece to switch between different rivet diameters |
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Tacklife HHR1A POP Rivet Gun | 4 Tool-free Interchangeable Rivet Heads
Durable Black Wrinkle Finish One hand rivet tool Sturdy Material |
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Magnelex Pop Rivet Gun | includes nozzle wrench & 70-piece rivet set
fits the 4 most popular sized rivets durable and long-lasting 100% money-back guarantee |
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Arrow Fastener RHT300 Rivet Tool | This is easy to install and easy to use
This product is manufactured in Switzerland This product is made of high-quality material Package Weight: 0.703 kilograms |
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Marson 39000 HP-2 Hand Riveter | High-quality handle
Strong model Good insertion mechanism |
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Smittybilt 2834 Black Nutsert Tool Set
This Nutsert Installation Tool Kit from Smittybilt is constructed with an aluminum housing and steel arms that feature ergonomic handles that help to apply consistent pressure while conforming the nutsert to sheet-metal. The “quick change head” design of the tool allows you to quickly and easily change out mandrels and nose pieces. For the quickest mandrel changes on the market, a unique spring-loaded mandrel automatically locks the mandrel lock pin. This tool greatly improves the success of nutsert installation and is a must-have for installing armor, fenders, and other body protection parts.
PROS | CONS |
Sturdy | No M4/M5 mandrill bits |
Easy to use | Lack of variety in a smaller size |
Elegant design |
Astro Pneumatic Tool PR14 Air Riveter
Stepping up the game in terms of both performance and power is the Astro PR14. Whether you’re a carpenter or a contractor, you’ll benefit from Astro PR14. For an extensive variety of nosepieces, the Astro PR14 is one of the best industrial-grade pneumatic rivet guns we’ve worked with.
PROS | CONS |
Perfect for the automotive, construction industry | Working in tight spaces can be tricky with the long nosepiece |
Clamps dense metal sheets | |
Great on all size rivets | |
Lightweight | |
Solid build |
Shiningeyes S50 Professional Hydraulic Gun
Shiningeyes S50 is one of the best air riveters you can buy right now. We’ve come to this conclusion after using this heavy-duty rivet gun for over 1,000 rivets. Of all the features, we duly want to note its great performance and comfort. However, its accessories and instructions left us with a bad experience.
PROS | CONS |
Great with different rivet sizes | Doesn’t have a tip for 1/4-inch |
Interchangeable nosepieces | |
Gets into tight spaces | |
Auto-suction | |
Lightweight |
Astro Pneumatic Tool 1442 Hand Rivet Gun
This product is one of the best ones in the market. Their innovative “Tool-less Quick-Change Head feature enables easy changing of mandrels and nose pieces by hand. The handles in this model are shorter than usual with double compound hinges.
The product also comes with various mandrels and nose pieces. This is just the right tool to have for your automotive work on the road.
PROS | CONS |
Can fit inside a bag | Handles don’t pull evenly |
Lightweight | |
Easy to use |
Dorman 743-100 Rivet Gun
Dorman Rivet Guns are made to install multiple rivet sizes, eliminating the need to switch rivet guns every time a different size rivet is needed. Rivet Guns are recommended to aid in the installation of a Dorman Window Regulator. Dorman offers a complete line of Window Regulators, Lift Motors, and Window Lift Gears.
PROS | CONS |
Extremely versatile | Moving joints can get jammed. Use lubrication if they do. |
Functions smoothly | |
Inexpensive | |
Well-built |
Stanley MR100CG Contractor Grade Riveter
The Heavy-Duty Riveter is designed for use with aluminum, steel, and stainless steel rivets in a wide range of applications, including metalworking, builder/remodeler, plumbing, mechanical and more. It includes four nose pieces and a nose piece wrench for versatility and easy change out for different rivet diameters. With its rugged, die-cast metal construction, long handle, and removable ejector spring, this is an essential tool for your next riveting project.
PROS | CONS |
Great with stainless steel rivets | Jamming issue |
Handles different rivets | Flimsy handle |
Versatile |
Tacklife HHR1A POP Rivet Gun
Designed for a wide range of construction and repair jobs, the Tacklife HHR1A is a favorite pop rivet gun to many professionals and DIYers. Large and durable enough to handle even the toughest joints, you can easily trust this product for your riveting needs.
PROS | CONS |
4 different sizes of rivets | Stems sometimes get stuck |
Ergonomic | |
Solid build |
Magnelex Pop Rivet Gun
More geared towards homeowners and DIY projects, the Magnelex Rivet Gun is an essential component of any construction job that might come your way. Optimal for joining metal plates and pipes, these can be used for many other fields such as automotive vehicles, aviation, ductwork, elevator, instruments, furniture, and much more.
This gun caters to the four most common types of rivets used. Furthermore, this product is quite durable and has a black wrinkle finish to protect the body.
PROS | CONS |
Optimal for DIY projects | Not applicable for professional use |
Good metal construction | Fixed head |
Durable |
Arrow Fastener RHT300 Rivet Tool
The Arrow RHT300 Swivel Head Rivet Tool is a true professional rivet tool with a full 360* swivel head and extended nose design that makes riveting in difficult corners, angles, and tight spaces fast and easy. The tool features rugged all-steel construction, spring-loaded handles for easy loading, soft vinyl handgrips, 4 different size nose pieces, nose changing wrench, and a convenient handle lock for easy storage.
PROS | CONS |
Works well in confined areas | Head doesn’t ‘lock’ in a place |
Old-school and classic look | Might jam occasionally |
Swivel feature |
Marson 39000 HP-2 Hand Riveter
The Marson is an intimidating design that is just as useful as it is strong. Made of a high-strength aluminum body, the grips of the apparatus are made of vinyl, making it optimal for handling and usage. The model also prevents pin rotation, making it easier to insert rivets. The upper handle is also made of drop-forged carbon steel, reinforcing its strength.
PROS | CONS |
Features thick cushion-molded vinyl grips. | Rivet shafts tend to get stuck. |
Supplied with four nosepieces. | Not supplied with rivets. |
Ideal for use in small spaces. |
CONCLUSION
Now that you’ve reached our last words, it’s very likely you’re expecting us to tell you what’s the best rivet gun you can pick. But in reality, all that matters are your needs and desires.
Take into consideration our recommendations as well as our buying guide first. Then, after thinking it through, you can pick the right product for your needs.
You might want to go through tools like the best drill bit sharpeners, plotter cutters, and rubber mallet.