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How to Safely and Effectively Operate a Rivet Gun

Posted on September 10, 2023 by Philbert Jackson

First things first – understanding the basics of a rivet gun

Rivet guns and rivets come in various styles and types. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on blind rivets, which can be secured from one side without direct visibility or access to the other side. We will also concentrate on DIY applications that utilize hand riveters or battery-powered tools.
Arrow Hand Riveters
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Milwaukee 2660-22CT Blind Rivet Tool

Manual rivet guns and battery-powered tools serve the same purpose. While manual riveters require multiple handle activations, battery-operated tools simplify the process by automatically collecting the spent rivet post. If you have minimal work to do, manual tools are sufficient. However, if you frequently engage in riveting tasks, it’s worth investing in battery-powered tools.

Understanding the different types of rivets

Blind rivets consist of a mandrel and a body. The mandrel is pulled through the body, causing it to expand and securely lock the materials between the head of the rivet and the mushroom-shaped end.
Standard plain blind rivets

Standard blind rivets are suitable for most projects that don’t require heavy load-bearing capacity. The weight tolerances for each rivet are typically indicated on the packaging, allowing you to select the appropriate rivet for your needs.

Other types of rivets include:

Button rivets

Ideal for working with steel and when you need to rivet materials close to the edge.

Flat head rivets

Best suited for flush and tight fits, especially for softer materials that may deform due to extreme temperatures.

Sealed or closed-end rivets

Designed with a sealed barrel to prevent moisture ingress. Suitable for applications requiring a watertight seal.

Multi-handle rivets

Capable of gripping both thicker and thinner materials due to their segmented bodies.

Interlocking or structural blind rivets

Recommended for high-strength applications, as they provide excellent clamping force and include a mechanical locking feature.

It’s important to choose the right material composition for your rivets to ensure compatibility with the materials you intend to join. Avoid using steel rivets with high-moisture content materials, as they can rust quickly. Instead, opt for copper, aluminum, or brass rivets.

Starting the process with hole drilling

In most cases, you’ll need to drill holes to facilitate the riveting process. The size of the drill bit will determine the size of the rivets you can use. Refer to a drill size chart for accurate measurements.

Attach the appropriate size nozzle to your rivet gun. Most riveters come with nozzle attachments that can be stored on board. Use a wrench to secure the nozzle tightly.

Inserting, pushing, and squeezing with the rivet gun

Now that you have your rivets, drilled holes, and the correct nozzle attached, it’s time to begin riveting.

Slide the pin (mandrel) of the rivet all the way into the nozzle of the rivet gun. The shorter, thicker body of the rivet is the working end. Insert this end into the materials you wish to join together.

Place the nozzle flat against the surface and apply consistent pressure. Start pulling the trigger or squeezing the handle. With each squeeze, the metal pin or mandrel will move through the body of the rivet, compressing the materials between the rivet head and mushroom body.

Continue squeezing until the rivet pops out, and the pin or mandrel snaps off. Congratulations, you’ve successfully installed a rivet!

Feel free to share any additional tips or tricks for using a rivet gun in the comments section below.

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