The Best Riveter

Buying Guide

Depending on the item you’re assembling, you may need the aid of a riveter. This tool is used to bond two materials together and create a joint that is stronger than what you’d get if you just used a screw. Interestingly, the term “rivet” is derived from the Middle English and Old French word “river,” which was used to refer to something that needed to be clinched. If you’re in the market for a riveter, consider the following features as you shop around.

Check the number of nose pieces that come with the riveter. You want to make sure they match the sizes of the rivets you plan on using. Models that come with five different nose pieces are a good choice. They often include pieces measuring 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16 and 1/4 of an inch. Sometimes, this type of set also features 100 rivets to get you started.

Examine the construction of the riveter’s body. You want to make sure that it is both sturdy and durable, so that it can withstand daily use, especially if you plan on using it in a professional setting. A solid aluminum-alloy body and a drop-forged steel handle are ideal, as they are made to last for a long time. The Astro Pneumatic Tool PR14 Air Riveter is designed to pull hundreds of rivets per day, so you can use it for both work and home projects. It also features a handle that doubles as a storage area. Inside the handle is where you’ll find the extra nose pieces.

Review the riveter’s handle next. The Astro Pneumatic Tool 1423 Heavy Duty Hand Riveter features a shorter handle with double compound hinges that increase your leverage. The handle is also on the smaller side, so you can get at those hard-to-reach areas. Other models come with ergonomic handles that prevent wrist fatigue and vinyl grips for added comfort and control.

Look to see if the riveter has anything extra to offer. For example, some models come with four interchangeable nosepieces, three assistance tools, one rivet collecting bottle and two sets of jaws. They may also be outfitted with a non-slip rubber pad under the handle. This allows it to be placed in an upright position when not in use.

• If you have to work in a tight space, a long nose piece isn’t ideal. You may wish to have a model with a short nose piece on hand for this type of job.
• Check the riveter’s handle before you buy it. If you have large hands, some models will be difficult to hold.
• Always wear a pair of safety glasses when working with your riveter. It’s always possible for a rivet to go rouge when you pull it out and you need to protect your vision from this type of accident.
• Schedule a time once per month to give your riveter a good cleaning. There are several ways you can do this. Stainless steel wipes can be used on the body and head of your riveter, but you’ll want to stick with WD-40 for the handle, as it’s most likely got a comfort grip that would absorb the chemicals from other cleaners. Another option is to purchase a multipurpose cleaner and degreaser. Spray this solution on a rag and wipe down the riveter from head to toe.
• To use the riveter, you’ll need to make sure you have the correct nose piece installed. Then place one end of the rivet directly into the nose piece and the other end in the hole of the material you’re working with. Squeeze the handle (or pull the trigger) and pull the riveter straight back out.
• How much you’re going to pay for your riveter is largely dependent on the type of model you’re looking to buy. You’ll pay less for models that are more basic, however, riveters that use air pressure for added force cost quite a bit more.