Rivet guns come in all shapes and sizes; they are applicable in a plethora of different scenarios.
Their ability to compress and hold together hard material is what makes them so integral to the arsenal of any construction worker.
However, to get the best rivet guns, you’ll have to do more than walk into a shop and get the first thing that pleases you.
The following list will highlight different products that are leading the sales at the current moment, followed by their pros and cons.
Top 15 Rivet Guns Reviews
The products mentioned below have been compiled after being subject to intense scrutiny.
After meticulous attention to detail, we’ve highlighted the pros and cons of each product as well.
This will help you give a more determined outlook towards a product when considering it for yourself.
Without further ado, here are the top 15 best rivet guns:
1. Smittybilt 2834 Black Nutsert Tool Set
This toolset comes in an all-black elegant design that is both easy on the eyes and extremely functional. The whole assembly is of good quality and has a lot of factors that make it stand out.
For starters, it has double compound hinges for extra leverage. The design is also compact and comfortable, making it easy to use.
The arms are made of steel whereas the housing is aluminum, making the apparatus quite healthy overall.
Additionally, it also includes SAE & metric mandrels, extra mandrel pins & mandrel quick change tool.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Elegant design
- Easy to use
- Sturdy
Cons:
- Lack of variety in smaller size
- No M4/M5 mandrill bits
2. 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.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Good metal construction
- Optimal for DIY projects
- Durable
Cons:
- Fixed head
- Not applicable for professional use
3. TACKLIFE 14″ Auto Pumping Rod Rivet
This elegant machinery was made with a prime objective: to decrease the period that users undergo when installing rivets.
Rapid mount and lease are the best features of this model, accentuated by the exclusive pumping rod between handles designed for fast loading and unloading of threaded rivet nuts.
The Chrome-molybdenum steel mandrels & all iron body also make this model durable and efficient for use.
This model also has a 3mm thickened Carbon steel arm and ergonomic handles.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Well-packaged
- Saves time
- Easy to use
Cons:
- M5 strips the rivnut if squeezed hard
- Poor instruction manual
4. Arrow Fastener RHT300 Rivet Tool
This model is as simple as it gets and is the ultimate choice for you if you consider yourself old-fashioned and like a classic touch to your equipment.
With a four nose piece with a wrench, you can also look at this model up when not in use by using the inserted clip.
Versatile in usage, the model is made wholly from steel and has a vinyl grip, making it easier to hold onto and use.
The different head of this model is also twistable and can rotate 360 degrees, making it harder to reach spots more accessible.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Swivel feature
- Works well in confined areas
- Old-school and classic look
Cons:
- Might jam occasionally
- Head doesn’t ‘lock’ in a place
5. Stanley MR33C Medium Duty Riveter
The Stanley is a simplistic design with a pleasant outlook that can get your job done. With a slim nose design, this product also works well in confined places.
The spring-loaded handles of this apparatus are used to eject rivet stems automatically with ease.
Additionally, the long handles also provide excellent leverage and make the model easy to hold.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Works well in confined spaces
- Long handles
- Good for home projects
Cons:
- Not applicable for industrial use
- Pull-on the stem isn’t far enough
6. 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.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- High-quality handle
- Strong model
- Good insertion mechanism
Cons:
- Larger rivets require more strength usage
- Rivets not included in the package
7. Astro Pneumatic Tool 1442 Hand Rivet
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.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Can fit inside a bag
Cons:
- Handles don’t pull evenly
- Not durable
8. ARROW Heavy Duty Riveter Kit
Providing portable fastening and four different interchangeable heads this product is as good as it gets.
The working mechanism of this apparatus also enables easy loading and ejection of the rivets.
Furthermore, the grip of this model is slip-resistant, making it optimal for jobs that require the highest levels of accuracy.
The extended nose of this model also makes it easier for workers in tight or cramped spaces.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Works well in tight spaces
- Spring-loaded molded grip
- Interchangeable head
Cons:
- Some rivets might be tight to insert
- Occasional jamming
9. WORKPRO 79-piece Hand Rivet
This 79 piece rivet gun kit is long-lasting and durable. Made with thick carbon steel with a phosphate finished, this product is anti-corrosive and will work well in harsh environments.
The ergonomic, arc-shaped and anti-slip handle also helps generate more torque for ejection, making it easier to use.
The quick-change mechanism also saves the user quite a lot of time!
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Ergonomic handle
- Quick-change mechanism
- Good extensive tool kit
Cons:
- Quality deteriorates quickly
- Occasional jamming
10. Dorman 743-100 Rivet Gun
This is a simple model design that will get the job done without any hassle. The model is strong and sturdy, with a decent design.
For DIY projects and home usage, this is the best way to go. However, this isn’t entirely recommended if you’re a professional.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Sturdy
- Good design
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Smells bad
- Requires frequent oiling
11. Tacklife 13” Rivet Gun
The tacklife is as good as any model can get. This rivet gun has many nice features such as secure mount and release, one-piece design, and superior engineering.
The package also comes with a collecting bottle for additional and used mandrels.
The 3mm thickened carbon steel arm, chrome-molybdenum steel mandrels, and stainless steel rivet ensures that this product is quite durable as well.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Ergonomic handles
- Ease of disposal
- Good leverage on the handle
Cons:
- Can’t be used with rivet nuts
- A quarter-inch doesn’t push easily
12. TEKTON 6555 Rivet Gun
The Tekton has a rugged all-street construction and has a durable black wrinkle finish, making the product quite strong and durable for outdoor usage.
The package comes with 40 rust-free rivets as well.
The model also employs a cushioned non-slip grip handles, making them more accessible and more comfortable to hold.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Pops rivet tightly
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Stem gets locked in the tool
- Manual isn’t elaborative
13. Astro Pneumatic Tool PR14 Air Riveter
Air riveters are optimal for industrial usage since you won’t have to worry much about applying the right amount of pressure.
This model is quite durable and is an excellent tool to consider if time is of the essence.
The pulling pressure of this model is 2423 pounds. Additionally, the Astro can perform well at any angle.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Saves time
- Good for industry use
- Elaborative manual
Cons:
- Dangerous if handled incorrectly
- Difficult maintenance for homeowners
14. Astro Pneumatic Tool PRN1
Just like the last product, this air riveter also works on the same machine with a few adjustments and differences.
The package comes with eight mandrels and nosepieces for different usage. At the pull of the trigger, the rivet nuts are set to be used.
Unlike the previous model, this one has quite a lot of pulling force, which is about 2680 pounds.
This is essential for saving time and is best recommended for professional and industrial usage.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Amazing pulling force
- Saves a lot of time
Cons:
- Might malfunction with the M8
- Hard to use for beginners
15. Milwaukee Electric Tools 2550-20
In terms of elegance and design, this is as good as it gets. The outlook of this model is the next generation and warrants admiration.
The mechanism of use of this apparatus means it is best suited for industrial usages only.
For personal projects, it’s best to consider alternatives since this model is heavy-duty and will require frequent maintenance checkups.
Strong and sturdy, the Milwaukee has a good grip and always delivers.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Convenient
- Saves time
- Easy to work with
Cons:
- Not made for DIY projects
- Not recommended for homeowners
Buyers Guide
When buying the right rivet gun for yourself, there are a plethora of factors that you should always keep in mind.
Choosing the right product for yourself requires more than a glimpse; here are some factors you should watch out for!
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 as 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.
Material
The material of the rivet gun you choose will highlight its durability and reliability. You need to aim for something that is a good investment in the long run.
Hence, it’s best to consider rivet guns that are made of iron, since they are lightweight and robust. This is followed by steel, which is not as durable as the former.
Compatibility
Rivets come in different shapes and sizes. For ever-lasting use, choose a rivet gun that accommodates the highest number of different types of rivets! Most guns have this feature.
However, some good ones don’t. Choose the former, always!
Handle
Comfort when working should always be a priority. The handle, or the grip, will give you a rough measure of the difficulty level of the operation of the rivet gun.
Hence, keep this as a priority when choosing a gun.
Size
There’s a decent chance you’ll need to carry around your equipment with you. To be safe and prepared in all types of situations, go for a gun that can fit inside your tool-bag as well.
However, if the job doesn’t require mobility, go for more massive and professionally geared rivet guns for optimal usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you use a rivet gun for?
A rivet gun, which also referred to as a pneumatic hammer in certain cases, is used mostly for driving rivets into hard surfaces and substances (this may include wood and/or metal).
The main purpose that this serves is to bind two or more pieces of metal together tightly and securely.
What is hot riveting?
As opposed to cold riveting, hot riveting refers to the systematic heating of the rivet before its practical use.
When heating to a higher temperature, the end which is exposed to undergoes expansion.
Subsequently, when it cools down the rivet is subjected to shrinking, which forms a more ‘pointy edge’ and is better for holding objects together.
How do I choose the right size rivet?
When choosing the size of the rivet, you have to consult and examine the size of the material/object that you will be ‘riveting.’
The general rule of thumb dictates that the length of the rivet should, of course, be roughly greater or equal than the length of both the objects you’re fastening together, plus 1.5% the diameter of the river stem.
Where are blind rivets used?
Normally speaking, blind rivets are used extensively in scenarios where access to the joint is provided from one side only.
Working in conjunction with all the other parts, blind rivets are optimal for simplifying the assembly and improving the appearance of the product at hand.
Do I need a rivet gun?
Depending on your usage and profession, there are several questions you can ask yourself to assess if you need a rivet gun.
If you’re more of a hobbyist and don’t work around that often, buying a rivet gun might not be in your best interest.
However, if you’re a professional and want to give a good service, this should be a priority for you.
How many types of rivets are there?
Rivets come in various shape and sizes and all cater to different types of applications.
However, on a broader spectrum, there are four basic types of rivets. These are tubular, blind, solid and split.
Different rivets are normally made with different types of material. The other noticeable difference is the shape of the head.
Can rivet guns be used by non-technicians?
Yes. Rivet guns can, in theory, be used by virtually anyone.
However, should everyone have access to a rivet gun?
Not. If you’re experienced enough and feel that your progress is halting due to the absence of this gun, you may use it then.
Note that a rivet gun can be quite dangerous if mishandled.
How do I make the most out of my rivet gun?
The general rule of thumb dictates that whenever you receive your rivet gun in the delivery package, make sure that you go over all the particulars and the nitty-gritty details of the machinery.
Read the manual twice and never compromise your safety.
Conclusion
Keeping all the aforementioned points in mind, now it’s your turn to choose the product that you like.
The products above are those that have been handpicked by our team of experts and won’t disappoint.
Let us know which one you’re going to choose in the comment section below!
