10 Best Heavy Duty Rivet Gun

10 Best Heavy Duty Rivet Gun Reviews And Buying Guide (Review) In 2019

Premium Pick

TACKLIFE 14" Auto Pumping Rod Rivet Nut Tool

Best Choice

Astro Pneumatic Tool PR14 Air Riveter

Best Value

TEKTON 6555 Rivet Gun with 40-Piece Rivets

Rivet guns are also called pneumatic hammers and are a special kind of heavy-duty tool used to drive rivets. Rivets are used to join metal, plastic, and other materials together through a drilled hole. Since the invention of these guns, repairing components around the house, crafting with certain materials, and some construction jobs have become especially easy over the years. Rivet guns are available in a multitude of sizes and structures. Here is our list of the best rivet guns to help you with whatever project you may have in front of you.

The Best Rivet Guns - Review

BEST CHOICE: Astro Pneumatic Tool PR14 Air Riveter

Best Choice

Key features

  • The Astro Pneumatic Tool PR14 Air Riveter is a powerful, durable, high-speed production tool. 
  • includes the following nose pieces: 1/4-inch(6.4mm), 3/16-inch(4.8mm), 5/32-inch(4mm), 1/8-inch(3.2mm), 3/32-inch(2.4mm), 3 Nose pieces are screwed onto the base.
  • It has a quick-release air valve that permits the cylinder to return quickly for high-speed assembly operations. This also prevents overloading for a long life.
  • It performs well at any angle and gets into those hard-to-reach areas. 
  • The pulling pressure is 2423 pounds.
  • It provides quick, quiet, and comfortable operation preventing user fatigue. 
  • The rivet capacity is 1/4″ 
  • Overall Length: 10-7/8″ (280mm)
  • Net Weight: 3-1/2lbs. (1.6kg)
  • Stroke: 15mmMotor: 1/2hp
  • Air Inlet Thread NPT: 1/4″
  • Air Hose I.D. Size: 3/8″ (10mm)
  • Avg. Air Consumption: 2.320 Liter/Stroke
  • Air Pressure: 90-120psi

What we like

We are especially happy that this riveter provides quick, quiet, and comfortable operation preventing user fatigue.

What we don't like

You may want to buy an adjustable or swivel air inlet attachment if you want the pop rivet tool to sit up straight on the workbench.

TACKLIFE 14" Auto Pumping Rod Rivet Nut Tool

Premium Pick

Key features

  • The Tacklife 14″ Riveter is perfect for quick, smooth rivets, as well as quick-change rivets.
  • The rapid mount release is an exclusive pumping rod between handles designed for fast loading and unloading of threaded rivet nuts. Load rivet nuts by pushing the rod instead of by hand. Unload the rivet nuts from the riveter simply by pulling the rod when you finish riveting, quicker and easier
  • It’s energy-saving. The 14 inches, 3mm thickened carbon steel arm and ergonomic handles can save 40% more effort than normal.
  • This rivet gun is sturdy and efficient. The chrome-molybdenum steel mandrels and all iron body contribute to its solid construction. The quick-change head design allows for easy changing of mandrels and nose pieces by hand.
  • Because of its design, it comes with a wide range of applications. It provides a customizable fastener solution for wide riveting applications, including body panels, bicycle attachments, furniture, and decorations.
  • Also, it comes with multiple accessories, complete with seven interchangeable mandrels (Metric M10, M8, M6, M5; SAE 10-24, 1/4-20, 5/16-18) and 35pcs rivet nuts (five rivet nuts for each mandrel). 
  • And it includes a sturdy plastic case for protection and organized storage.

What we like

We appreciate that the Tacklife 14″ Rivet gun has been designed to be energy-saving, allowing for an ergonomic 40% more effort saved on average.

What we don't like

Some reports from customers have indicated that it can be difficult to install the riv nut without stripping some of the threads. And it’s almost always difficult to remove the tool from the rivet once installed.

TEKTON 6555 Rivet Gun with 40-Piece Rivets

Best Value

Key features

  • The Tekton 6555 rivet gun is made with rugged, all-steel construction. 
  • It has an aesthetically attractive, durable, black wrinkle finish. 
  • There are non slip cushioned handle grips. 
  • The rivet heads and wrench conveniently store in the handle. 
  • This rivet gun also includes rust-proof aluminum rivets. 
  • Contents include: 
    • (1) rivet gun
    • (10) 3/32 inch x 1/4 inch rivets
    • (10) 1/8 inch x 1/4 inch rivets
    • (10) 5/32 inch x 1/4 inch rivets
    • (10) 3/16 inch x 1/4 inch rivets
    • (4) rivet heads
    • (1) head wrench

What we like

We appreciate that this rivet gun is not only a rugged workhorse but will look good while doing any job.

What we don't like

Some customers have reported that some of the included rivets don’t pop clean, requiring snips in order to remedy the error. It is most likely the quality of the rivets, rather than the gun. It’s worth noting that over 90% of the rivets have been successful in reported cases.

Malco 2IN1 Hand Riveter

Key features

  • The Malco 2in1 hand riveter has a lot to offer, including one-hand operation with normal squeezing action provides enough power to set all popular size rivets.
  • The 2-in-1 adjustment features a single long stroke for most hand riveting applications and a short “ratchet action” power stroke for setting larger diameter rivets. 
  • There is an outside jaw-grip adjustment wheel that opens and closes the jaws with fingertip ease to fit any size mandrel and to obtain maximum stroke efficiency.
  • It includes a professional slim nose that allows the 2-in-1 to go where other hand riveters cannot. 
  • This is ideal for reaching into corners and recessed areas.
  • It includes three nosepieces: 1/8-inch, 5/32-inch, and 3/16-inch
  • The nose pieces are conveniently stored in the handle. 
  • It features heavy-duty all-steel construction to insure a long life and minimum wear. 
  • Plus, it has a polished finish and is nickel-chrome plated. And there’s a red vinyl cushion grip and hand stop.

What we like

We like that this is ideal for reaching into corners and recessed areas. And we like that it is intelligently built for a long life and minimum wear.

What we don't like

It’s worth mentioning that the manufacturer does not include instructions on how to operate this pop rivet tool. For those without experience, you may need to rely on a quick search on Google to better understand how to use this rivet gun.

Pop Rivet Gun, Air Rivet Gun

Key features

  • The Campbell Hausfeld air rivet gun is ideal for automotive and construction assembly work.
  • The hardened steel jaws set rivets in steel up to 3/16-inch thick for reliable results
  • CL153900AV produces 2, 000 pounds of pull to handle those tough and strenuous jobs
  • The pulling power: 2000 lbs., air consumption AVG.: 0.2 SCFM, air consumption Cont.: 1.1 SCFM, air inlet: 1/4 in. NPT

What we like

We like that you’ll finish your projects faster and easier with this rivet gun. It’s got commercial level durability but is built for at-home use as well.

What we don't like

This gun seems to require more maintenance than most. It’s been reported that it is better to oil it more often than normal.

Stanley MR100CG Contractor Grade Riveter

Key features

  • The Stanley MR100CG rivet gun is a contractor-grade riveter that is rugged, die-cast metal construction for a long life. 
  • It’s designed for stainless steel rivets in marine applications
  • And it’s equipped with removable ejector spring
  • Uses 1/8″, 3/32″, 5/32″ & 3/16″ diameter Steel & Aluminum Rivets. Uses 1/8″ and 5/32″ diameter Stainless Rivets.

What we like

Our favorite feature is that this rivet gun comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

What we don't like

This rivet gun takes a little to break in before it starts to work smoothly. That is common to many other brands as well. Also, the metal latch that holds it shut when in use is weaker than expected.

Dorman 743-100 Rivet Gun

Key features

Dorman is a leading supplier of dealer exclusive automotive replacement parts, automotive hardware, and brake products to the automotive aftermarket. These products are often re-engineered with improvements for better reliability compared to the original part. Additional components needed for a complete repair are typically included as kits with Dorman parts. Dorman also helps reduce repair cost by providing the option to replace just the failed piece, not the assembly. Dorman takes pride in the quality of its products and your satisfaction.

What we like

We love that this Dorman is backed with a lifetime warranty.

What we don't like

There is no place on the tool for the flat-stamped wrench. The different sized tips get stored on the side.

Astro 1423 13-Inch Heavy Duty Hand Riveter

Key features

  • The Astro Pneumatic 1423 13-Inch Heavy Duty Hand Riveter is ideal for working in hard-to-reach areas. It is one of the most versatile and powerful hand riveters, taking the hard work out of setting large diameter blind rivets with a patented internal geared mechanism.
  • A one-piece collet case eliminates the need to adjust the tool when changing rivet diameters.
  •  Includes five nosepieces: 1/8-Inch, 5/32-Inch, 3/16-Inch, 1/5-Inch, and 1/4-inch.
  • This is a patented structure that increases power and reduces shock.
  • It has a shorter handle with double compound hinges that maximizes leverage.
  • It’s the shortest long arm riveter which can operate up to 1/4-Inch (6.4mm) stainless steel rivets.

What we like

We love that this is heavy-duty and reduces shock while working well in hard-to-reach places.

What we don't like

Using this riveter with the catch bin in place is awkward, but easy to fix. Unscrew it, and it’s out of your way. You have to point the riveter up, open the handles all the way, and give the tool a good shake to get the used mandrel to fall out.

Marson 39000 HP-2 Professional Hand Riveter

Key features

  • This Professional Hand Rivet Tool Set includes steel and aluminum rivets from 3/32 inch to 3/16 inch, and stainless steel up to 5/32 inch. 
  • It also features a square shoulder fulcrum pin of cold-formed heat-treated steel, which prevents pin rotation that can cause hole elongation and premature tool failure.
  • There’s a square shoulder fulcrum pin of cold-formed heat-treated steel that prevents pin rotation, which can elongate the engaging holes and cause premature tool failure in imitation tools.
  • The handles have cushion-molded vinyl grips for comfort.
  • It has a high-strength aluminum alloy body.
  • It comes with drop forged carbon steel upper handle.
  • The thick cushion-molded vinyl grips add significant comfort.

What we like

We like that this rivet gun is easy to use, well-made, and withstands the everyday use of professionals as well as hobbyists.

What we don't like

The chain sometimes captures the handle when the pop rivet tool is used with the nozzle pointing upward.

Arrow Fastener RHT300 Professional Swivel Head Rivet Tool

Key features

  • The Arrow RHT300 swivel head rivet tool is a true professional rivet tool with a full 360-degree 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, and spring-loaded handles for easy loading, soft vinyl hand grips, four different size nose pieces, nose changing wrench, and convenient handle lock for easy storage. 
  • Four rivet sizes include 3/32-inch, 1/8-inch, 5/32-inch, and 3/16-inch.

What we like

We appreciate that this has an extended nose for hard-to-reach places. We also like that this can be used for tough jobs like automotive, HVAC, lawn furniture, gutters, and more. It’s a workhorse for the big jobs.

What we don't like

While this is a workhorse, it does occasionally need some savvy to get it working after small problems. For example, on one of the rivets, the shaft can sometimes jam in the gin. To fix this, you need to dismantle the rivet gun to free the spent rivet.

Buying Guide & FAQ for the Best Rivet Guns

Rivet guns don’t always make it into the average toolbox. However, when we need one, we need the best one. This isn’t the kind of tool that we can scrimp on. And it doesn’t do the kinds of jobs that we can afford to mess up because we didn’t know how to buy the best rivet gun available. A cheap gun will mean a problematic project. 

What to Consider before buying a rivet gun

The first thing to realize about your rivet gun purchase is to figure out what rivet gun you need for your project. You need to match the gun to the application. For example, riveting weight-bearing structural steel plates will be too tough with a handheld rivet gun. For rivets that will require wires passing through the plates that are being fastened, you’ll want to choose the correct rivets, such as a tubular shape. So, begin by knowing what rivets you need, what rivet gun you need, and what that means for your specific project. When choosing your rivets, you also need to choose the right size and length of the rivets.

How To Use A Rivet Gun

While there are a few types of rivet guns, the pop rivet gun is the most popular and most common. Operating your rivet gun will require that you read the manual and practice ahead of time. A simplified guide would look like the following: 

  • The user begins by drilling a hole into your materials. 
  • Select the rivet size, being careful to choose the rivet size matches the hole that will be drilled. 
  • Attach the appropriate nozzle or nose tip attachment according to the size of the hole and the rivet. 
  • Slide the rivet into the nozzle of the gun with the long side pointed inward. 
  • Place the rivet through the hole in the materials and press the gun against it, applying constant pressure prior to squeezing the trigger. 
  • Squeeze the rivet until the rivet attaches. 

Best Rivet Gun FAQ

What are the different types of rivet guns?

There are five different types of rivet guns available. 

  • A slow-hitting rivet gun strikes several times when you press the trigger. The repetition is a standard 2,000 blows per minute. 
  • A fast-hitting rivet gun is typically used for soft rivets and will strike 3,000-5,000 lightweight blows per minute. 
  • A corner rivet gun is perfect for tight places. For this reason, it tends to be more compact. Rivets tend to be driven at a right angle instead of straight in. 
  • Squeeze rivet guns use air-powered compression. They apply pressure on both sides of the rivet to produce uniform sets of driven rivets. 
  • A pop rivet gun is handheld and relies strictly on the ability of the user to grip with their strength in order to set the rivets. These are used for thin sheets of material, and they aren’t typically suitable for commercial or industrial work. 

Features to look for when buying a rivet gun

When looking for the right rivet gun, there are only a few considerations you’ll need to think about. 

  • What type of project are you working on?
  • Out of the five types of rivet guns, which one is the best for the job?
  • Choose the right kind of rivet for the project. 

How do I remove a bad or undesired rivet?

Bad rivets happen, especially when you are learning. In most cases, you will simply grind the rivet down and use a punch hammer to drive the rivet out. If needed, you may need to switch to a drill to drill the rivet the rest of the way out. 

What are the safety measures to consider when using a rivet gun?

Rivet guns can be dangerous when they aren’t used correctly. There are some simple, standard safety measures to follow when using a rivet gun. 

  • Always read the instruction manual. It also doesn’t hurt to look over the manufacturer’s specs and have someone work with you if it’s your first time. 
  • Always properly maintain your rivet gun. Regular inspections and maintenance will help you avoid costly repairs, malfunctions, and will also keep you within your warranty. Keep in mind that doing repairs yourself will often void any warranties. 
  • Wear protection like goggles, gloves, and a safety jacket. People nearby should wear protection as well. 
  • Clothing and accessories can get caught in the gun, so be sure to avoid wearing accessories and don’t wear loose-fitting clothing such as loose shirts or ties. 
  • Use the rivet gun according to the guide and be sure you never point it at anything other than what you want to use it on, meaning away from other people and from yourself. 
  • Finally, always store the rivet gun in a safe, secure place, such as a storage area that is out of the reach of children, and will keep the gun away from excessive heat and moisture.
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