Riveter Accessories

About Riveter Accessories

Riveter accessories are essential components and replacement parts that keep riveting tools performing at their peak. From spare jaws and nose pieces to drill bits and rivet snaps, these accessories ensure that both manual and powered rivet guns continue to deliver reliable, professional results across a wide range of fastening applications. Whether working with standard blind rivets, structural rivets, or specialised Bulb-Tite and Mega Grip systems, having the correct accessories on hand minimises downtime and maintains the quality of every joint.

The range at Tooled-Up.com includes genuine manufacturer parts from trusted brands such as Gesipa, Draper, Priory, and Sealey. Replacement jaw sets are among the most commonly needed accessories, as these components bear the brunt of repetitive riveting work and naturally wear over time. Different jaw designs accommodate various rivet types and sizes, making it crucial to match the correct accessory to your specific rivet gun model. Many professional tradespeople keep spare jaws in their toolkit to switch between rivet sizes quickly or replace worn components without interrupting workflow on site.

Beyond replacement jaws, riveter accessories encompass preparation tools such as double-end drill bits for creating pilot holes, rivet snaps for traditional hot riveting applications, and complete jaw sets compatible with popular rivet gun models. These accessories support both pneumatic and manual riveting systems, ensuring that metalworkers, fabricators, and construction professionals can maintain their equipment effectively and tackle diverse riveting tasks with confidence.

Jargon Buster

Rivet Jaws

The gripping components within a rivet gun that hold and pull the mandrel (central pin) through the rivet body to create a secure fastening. Different jaw sizes correspond to different rivet diameters.

Blind Rivet

A type of rivet that can be installed from one side of the workpiece, making it ideal for situations where the rear of the joint is inaccessible. The mandrel breaks off flush once the rivet is set.

Bulb-Tite Rivet

A specialised blind rivet design that forms a large, bulbous head on the blind side, providing superior grip and load distribution in softer materials or oversized holes.

Mandrel

The central pin or stem that runs through a blind rivet. When pulled by the rivet gun jaws, it deforms the rivet body to create the fastening, then snaps off at a predetermined breakpoint.

Rivet Snap

A specialised tool used in traditional hot riveting to shape the protruding end of a solid rivet into a rounded head by hammering.

Mega Grip Rivet

A blind rivet variant with an extended grip range, allowing a single rivet size to accommodate varying material thicknesses without compromising joint strength.

Who Uses Riveter Accessories?

• Sheet Metal Workers – fabricating ductwork, cladding, and metal assemblies requiring frequent jaw changes for different rivet sizes
• Auto Body Technicians – repairing vehicle panels and structural components where riveting is preferred over welding
• HVAC Engineers – installing ventilation systems and ducting that rely heavily on riveted connections
• General Fabricators – creating metal structures, frames, and assemblies across various industries
• Boat Builders – working with aluminium and composite materials where rivets provide corrosion-resistant fastening
• Construction Tradespeople – installing metal roofing, guttering, and cladding systems on site
• Agricultural Engineers – repairing farm machinery and metal gates where welding isn't always practical
• Maintenance Engineers – keeping industrial equipment and machinery operational with quick rivet repairs
• DIY Enthusiasts – undertaking home metalwork projects and equipment repairs

How to Choose the Right Riveter Accessories

Match to Your Rivet Gun Model: Always verify compatibility between accessories and your specific rivet gun. Tooled-Up stocks genuine replacement parts for popular models including Gesipa AccuBird and PowerBird systems, along with compatible accessories for Draper riveters. Check the manufacturer's part numbers or your tool's model number before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.

Consider Rivet Types and Sizes: Different jaw sets accommodate different rivet diameters and types. Standard blind rivet jaws differ from those designed for Bulb-Tite or Mega Grip systems. If you work with multiple rivet sizes regularly, consider purchasing several jaw sets to switch quickly between applications without manual adjustment.

Assess Wear Patterns: Jaws wear differently depending on usage frequency and rivet materials. Professionals working with stainless steel or high-strength rivets may need to replace jaws more frequently than those working primarily with aluminium rivets. Keep spare jaws on hand to avoid project delays when wear becomes evident.

Quality and Authenticity: Genuine manufacturer accessories ensure proper fit, performance, and longevity. While pattern parts may seem economical, they can lead to poor rivet setting, tool damage, or safety issues. Brands like Gesipa engineer their accessories to precise tolerances that maintain consistent riveting quality.

Preparation Tool Requirements: Don't overlook accessories like drill bits for creating pilot holes. Double-end drill bits provide two cutting edges for extended life, whilst rivet snaps are essential if you occasionally work with traditional solid rivets requiring hot forming.

Popular Accessories

• Replacement Jaw Sets – available for various rivet sizes and gun models, typically sold in sets of three
• Blind Rivet Assortments – convenient mixed packs of commonly used rivet sizes for general work
• Drill Bit Sets – double-end bits specifically sized for rivet hole preparation
• Rivet Gun Lubricants – maintenance products to keep mechanisms operating smoothly
• Nose Pieces – protect workpiece surfaces and guide rivet alignment during setting
• Mandrel Collection Bottles – attach to pneumatic rivet guns to collect spent mandrels
• Rivet Snaps – for traditional hot riveting applications in structural steelwork
• Thread Inserts – complementary fastening solutions for creating threaded holes in thin materials

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace rivet gun jaws?

Jaw replacement frequency depends on usage intensity and rivet materials. Professional tradespeople working daily may replace jaws every few months, whilst occasional users might find jaws last several years. Inspect jaws regularly for wear, rounding, or damage. If rivets aren't setting consistently or mandrels slip during pulling, it's time for replacement. Keeping spare jaws prevents workflow interruption when wear becomes evident.

Are rivet gun accessories interchangeable between brands?

Generally no – rivet gun accessories are engineered for specific models and manufacturers. Gesipa jaws won't fit Draper tools, and vice versa. Even within a single brand, different tool models may require specific jaw designs. Always verify compatibility using manufacturer part numbers or consult the product specifications available at Tooled-Up.com before purchasing replacement accessories.

Can I use standard drill bits for rivet holes?

Whilst standard twist drill bits work for rivet holes, double-end drill bits designed for metalwork offer advantages including two cutting edges for extended life and geometries optimised for clean holes in sheet metal. Proper hole size is critical for rivet performance – too large and the rivet won't grip properly; too small and the rivet body won't expand correctly.

What's the difference between jaws for standard and Bulb-Tite rivets?

Bulb-Tite rivet jaws feature different internal profiles designed to accommodate the unique mandrel shape of Bulb-Tite fasteners. Using standard jaws with Bulb-Tite rivets can result in poor setting, mandrel breakage in the wrong location, or tool damage. If you work with specialised rivet types like Bulb-Tite or Mega Grip systems, invest in the correct jaw sets for reliable results.

Do I need different accessories for manual versus pneumatic rivet guns?

The basic principle is similar, but jaw designs and mounting systems often differ between manual and pneumatic tools. Pneumatic rivet guns may also benefit from additional accessories like mandrel collection bottles. Always match accessories to your specific tool type and model to ensure proper function and safety.