Which rivet tool do I need?
Start with what you are setting, then how many. A hand riveter handles small aluminum rivets fine and costs the least, but it runs out of leverage fast: 3/16 inch steel or stainless will fight you, and a hundred of them will wear out your hands before the tool. A lever riveter multiplies force enough to handle larger diameters and harder materials comfortably. Pneumatic guns set rivets one after another with no effort, which is what you want on production or a long panel run. Cordless kits give most of that convenience without an air line. For rivet nuts the same logic applies, except the tool must also carry the right mandrel for each thread size, so check what threads a kit covers before buying.
Blind rivet tools
- Manual hand riveter, the HR-705, for occasional work in aluminum and light steel at small diameters
- Lever rivet tool, added leverage for larger diameters and harder materials without air supply
- Pneumatic air rivet gun, for production runs and continuous setting with minimal operator effort
- Cordless rivet gun kit, the RK401, giving pneumatic-style speed without a compressor or hose
Rivet nut tools
- RK-24 and RK-100 hand tools, manual rivet nut setters, with the RK-100 available in inch and metric
- RK-22 ratcheting tool, reduces effort per insert and speeds up repeat work
- RK-50SP and 55SPS pneudraulic tools, air powered for production volume and larger threads
- Rivet nut tools thread onto the insert, so the mandrel must match the thread size you are setting
Choosing by job size
- Occasional repairs and small diameters, a manual hand riveter is enough
- Regular work, mixed materials, or diameters above 5/32 inch, move to a lever tool
- Production runs, long panel jobs, or steel and stainless rivets, go pneumatic or cordless
- Rivet nuts in more than one thread size, choose a kit that includes multiple mandrels
- Field and site work without air, cordless is worth the premium over lever
Match the tool to what you are setting, whether that is blind rivets or threaded inserts. For assortments that pair rivets with the sizes you are most likely to need, see our rivet kits, and add rivet washers for soft or thin material.
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Rivet Tool FAQs
Can one tool set both rivets and rivet nuts?
No. A blind rivet tool grips the mandrel of a disposable rivet and pulls it to breaking. A rivet nut tool threads onto the insert, pulls to collapse it, then spins off, which requires an entirely different mechanism. Buy the tool that matches the fastener.
What size rivets can a hand riveter set?
Generally up to 3/16 inch in aluminum, less in steel or stainless. Hand riveters run out of leverage as diameter and material hardness increase. If you find yourself squeezing hard enough to move the tool rather than the rivet, you have exceeded its practical range.
Do I need a compressor for a pneumatic rivet gun?
Yes, plus a hose and enough air volume for continuous use. If you do not have air available, a cordless kit gives similar speed and effort savings without the infrastructure, which is why cordless has become popular for field and site work.
What nosepiece do I need?
One matched to the rivet diameter. Most tools ship with several interchangeable nosepieces. Using one that is too large lets the rivet head sit unevenly and can chip painted rivets, while one too small will not pass the mandrel.
Why do rivet nut tools need different mandrels?
Because the tool threads into the insert to pull it. Each thread size needs its own mandrel and nosepiece, so a rivet nut tool covering 10-32 through 3/8-16 comes with a set. Check which threads a tool covers before ordering, and note that metric versions carry metric mandrels.
How do I stop the mandrel jamming in the tool?
Empty the collection bottle or catcher regularly, and check the jaws for wear. Worn jaws slip on the mandrel and leave debris in the mechanism. Most jamming comes from either a full catcher or jaws that have lost their grip after heavy use.