Rivet Guns

About Rivet Guns

Rivet guns are essential fastening tools designed to quickly and securely join materials together using blind rivets, also known as pop rivets. These versatile tools work by pulling a mandrel through a hollow rivet body, causing it to deform and create a permanent mechanical fastening on the blind side of a workpiece—making them invaluable when you only have access to one side of the material. From lightweight aluminium fabrication to heavy-duty steel construction, rivet guns provide a reliable alternative to welding, bolting or screwing components together.

Modern rivet guns come in several formats to suit different applications and budgets. Manual or hand riveters offer portability and affordability for occasional use, whilst battery-powered cordless models from leading brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita and Bosch deliver the speed and consistency demanded by professional tradespeople. Pneumatic rivet guns provide exceptional power for industrial settings, whilst specialist tools handle everything from standard blind rivets to structural bulb-tite and mega grip fasteners.

Today's cordless rivet guns feature brushless motor technology, delivering impressive pulling force whilst maintaining compact, ergonomic designs. With 12V compact models ideal for light fabrication work and robust 18V platforms capable of setting larger diameter rivets up to 6.4mm, there's a rivet gun to match every requirement—from automotive body repairs and HVAC installation to shop fitting, signage work and general construction projects.

Jargon Buster

• Blind Rivet: A type of fastener that can be installed from one side of a workpiece, making it ideal when the reverse side is inaccessible. Also called a pop rivet, it consists of a tubular body and a mandrel that's pulled through to create the fixing.
• Mandrel: The central pin or stem of a blind rivet that's pulled by the rivet gun to deform the rivet body and create the fastening. The mandrel snaps off at a predetermined breaking point once the rivet is fully set.
• Pulling Force: Measured in Newtons (N) or kilonewtons (kN), this indicates the maximum force a rivet gun can apply when setting a rivet. Higher pulling force enables the tool to handle larger diameter rivets and harder materials like stainless steel.
• Nosepiece: The front attachment on a rivet gun that holds the rivet in place during installation. Interchangeable nosepieces accommodate different rivet sizes, typically ranging from 2.4mm to 6.4mm diameter.
• Jaw Set: The internal gripping mechanism that clamps onto the mandrel and pulls it through the rivet body. Replaceable jaw sets wear over time with heavy use and are available as service parts.
• Brushless Motor: An efficient electric motor design without carbon brushes, offering longer runtime, increased power, extended tool life and reduced maintenance compared to traditional brushed motors.

Who Uses Rivet Guns?

Rivet guns are used across numerous trades and industries by both professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts:

• Metal Fabricators and Sheet Metal Workers: For assembling ducting, metal panels, enclosures and bespoke metalwork
• Automotive Technicians and Body Repair Specialists: Repairing vehicle panels, fitting replacement parts and restoration work
• HVAC Engineers and Ventilation Installers: Joining ductwork sections, fixing grilles and assembling air conditioning units
• Shopfitters and Signage Installers: Mounting retail displays, fixing signage panels and constructing exhibition stands
• Roofing Contractors: Installing guttering, downpipes, flashing and cladding systems
• Aircraft Engineers and Marine Fitters: Working with aluminium structures where access to both sides isn't possible
• General Builders and Maintenance Engineers: Site fabrication work, temporary structures and general repairs
• Furniture Makers and Joiners: Assembling metal-framed furniture and mixed-material constructions
• DIY Enthusiasts and Home Improvers: Garden projects, shed repairs, household maintenance and hobby metalwork

How to Choose the Right Rivet Guns

Selecting the appropriate rivet gun depends on several key factors relating to your specific requirements:

Power Source and Mobility: Cordless battery-powered tools offer unbeatable portability for site work and mobile applications. The 18V platforms from DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita and Bosch Professional provide excellent power-to-weight ratios and compatibility with existing battery systems. For lighter, occasional use, 12V compact models like the Milwaukee M12 deliver surprising capability in a smaller package. Pneumatic rivet guns suit workshop environments with compressed air already available, whilst manual hand riveters remain cost-effective for infrequent DIY use.

Rivet Capacity: Consider the maximum rivet diameter you'll regularly work with. Entry-level and compact tools typically handle rivets up to 4.8mm diameter in softer materials like aluminium, whilst professional-grade models manage 6.4mm rivets in steel and stainless steel. Check both the maximum rivet size and the pulling force specification—measured in kilonewtons (kN)—to ensure adequate capability for your materials.

Build Quality and Durability: Professional tradespeople should prioritise robust construction with metal gear housings, reinforced nosepieces and quality internal components from established brands like Gesipa, DeWalt and Milwaukee. These tools withstand daily site abuse and provide consistent performance over thousands of rivets. DIY users may find mid-range options from Sealey or Makita offer excellent value for occasional use.

Ergonomics and Handling: Rivet guns with inline designs and rubber overmoulded grips reduce fatigue during extended use. Check the tool weight—particularly important for overhead work—and ensure good balance. Features like LED work lights, remaining battery indicators and easy-access nosepiece changes all improve the working experience.

Included Accessories: Quality rivet gun kits include multiple nosepieces for different rivet sizes, spare jaw sets, and a storage case. Consider whether replacement consumables like jaw sets and nose tips are readily available and reasonably priced, as these wear items will need replacing with heavy use.

Popular Accessories

• Replacement Jaw Sets: Consumable components that grip and pull the mandrel. These wear with use and should be replaced when riveting performance deteriorates or jaws fail to grip properly.
• Nosepiece Sets: Interchangeable front attachments that accommodate different rivet diameters, typically supplied in sizes from 2.4mm to 6.4mm. Specialist nosepieces are available for bulb-tite and other structural rivet types.
• Extension Nosepieces: Longer nose attachments that provide access to recessed areas and tight spaces where standard nosepieces can't reach.
• Blind Rivets: The consumable fasteners themselves, available in various materials (aluminium, steel, stainless steel), diameters and grip ranges to suit different applications and material thicknesses.
• Rivet Nut Tools: Complementary tools for installing threaded inserts (rivet nuts or nutserts) into thin materials, providing strong threaded fixing points.
• Tool Cases and Storage: Purpose-designed carrying cases keep your rivet gun, accessories and spare consumables organised and protected during transport.

Safety Information

Whilst rivet guns are generally safe tools when used correctly, observe these important safety considerations:

• Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses or goggles when operating rivet guns. The mandrel snaps off at high speed once the rivet is set and can cause eye injuries. Flying debris from the workpiece also presents a hazard.
• Hand and Finger Safety: Never place fingers or hands behind the workpiece when setting rivets. The rivet body expands on the blind side with considerable force and can cause crush injuries.
• Hearing Protection: Pneumatic rivet guns in particular can generate high noise levels. Use appropriate hearing protection in accordance with HSE guidance when working in noisy environments.
• Work Area: Ensure adequate lighting and maintain a tidy workspace free from tripping hazards. Secure workpieces properly before riveting to prevent movement.
• Battery Safety: Use only genuine manufacturer batteries and chargers. Don't expose cordless tools to excessive heat or moisture, and remove batteries before changing accessories or performing maintenance.
• Sharp Edges: Freshly cut metal and set rivets can have sharp edges. Wear appropriate work gloves when handling sheet metal and fabrications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a rivet gun and a rivet nut tool?

A rivet gun (or pop rivet gun) installs blind rivets that create permanent mechanical fastenings between materials. A rivet nut tool installs threaded inserts called rivet nuts or nutserts into thin materials, providing strong threaded holes for bolting components. Whilst both use similar pulling mechanisms, they serve different purposes—rivets for permanent joining, rivet nuts for creating removable threaded fixings.

Can I use my 18V battery rivet gun for structural work?

Modern 18V cordless rivet guns from professional brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee and Gesipa deliver sufficient pulling force for most structural blind rivets including bulb-tite and mega grip types up to 6.4mm diameter. However, always verify the specific tool's pulling force rating meets the rivet manufacturer's requirements, and ensure you're using the correct nosepiece for structural rivet types. For very high-volume structural work, pneumatic tools may offer better consistency.

How often should I replace the jaw set on my rivet gun?

Jaw set lifespan varies depending on usage intensity and the materials you're riveting. Signs that replacement is needed include difficulty gripping mandrels, incomplete rivet setting, or visible wear on the jaw teeth. Professional users setting hundreds of rivets daily may need replacement every few months, whilst occasional DIY use might see jaw sets lasting years. Keep spare jaw sets on hand to avoid downtime.

Will a cordless rivet gun work with stainless steel rivets?

Quality 18V rivet guns with high pulling force specifications can successfully set stainless steel rivets, though this demands more from the tool than aluminium or mild steel rivets. Check your specific tool's capability—you'll need substantial pulling force (typically 16kN or higher) for stainless steel applications. Battery charge level also affects performance, so ensure batteries are fully charged for demanding materials.

Are manual hand riveters suitable for professional use?

Manual hand riveters work well for occasional light-duty applications and emergency repairs, but aren't practical for professional tradespeople who set numerous rivets daily. The physical effort required causes hand fatigue quickly, and the slower operation impacts productivity. For professional use, invest in a cordless or pneumatic rivet gun that delivers consistent results with minimal operator effort throughout the working day.