Best Rivet Guns Reviewed & Tested
Contrary to commonly held assumptions, the use of a rivet gun isn’t confined to fabrication workshops, carpentry, construction, and automotive repair. Instead, a rivet gun is an indispensable extension of both any tradesperson’s and seasoned DIYer’s toolbox. A rivet gun takes the hard work and time out of joining metal or plastic sheets together, allowing the user to work more efficiently than they would with a MIG welder. Also in light of their versatility, affordability, and ease of use, rivet guns are quickly morphing into the go-to tool for driving rivets. Which why you need to exercise an abundance of caution when choosing your next one.
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Irrespective of the nature of metal or plastic sheets you intend to work with, you need a heavy-duty hand riveter to get the job in a fraction of the time and with the least effort. Obviously, there are several considerations to keep in mind and which will ultimately affect your decision. To help with the uphill task of choosing, we’ve put together a few criteria to consider followed immediately by our selection of ten of the best rivet guns currently on the market.
10 Best Rivet Guns
1. Astro Pneumatic Tool PR14
Onerous tasks require the use of commensurately rugged and high-performance tools, and one such tool is the PR14. It's a versatile workhorse that invariably delivers quick and efficient performance. Boasting between 90 and 120 PSI, it takes the time and effort away from driving various steel rivets into metal surfaces. Capable of enduring various loads, it is a perfect choice for tackling rivets with sizes ranging between 3/32 inches to 1/4 inches.
Aside from the it's powerful performance, it's also a cinch to use, as indicated earlier. It weighs a paltry 3.5 pounds and has an overall length of 10-7/8 inches. Coupled with its lightweight and compact design, accessing hard-to-reach spots will be a breeze. The ergonomic design of the handle enhances user comfort and contributes to the quiet and fast operation. To these features add the quick-release air valve that allows for the speedy return of the cylinder. In addition to performing astoundingly well at various angles, the rivet gun also allows you to safely store up to 3 nosepieces in the base.
Clearly, the Astro Pneumatic Tool PR14 is built to last and to provide fast and efficient performance for several years to come. It works quickly, quietly, powerfully and effortlessly, especially with backbreaking tasks.
Ideal for accessing confined, tight spots
Boasts an impressive 2400-pound pulling pressure
Versatile and easy to use
High-speed production
Costly
A little heavy
2. Dorman 743-100
It comes highly recommended for the quick and effortless driving of various rivets, a fact that earns it approving nods from professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. It features a smooth and easy squeezing action that demands little effort from the user. Minimal effort on the handles is quickly transformed into powerful rivet driving prowess on the other end, allowing the user to finish various projects quickly and efficiently. Squeezing on the handles with a little effort causes the nut to expand, so you don’t have to exert too much effort.
Additional features that enhance usability include the lightweight and compact design. The likelihood of suffering hand strain or fatigue is remote at best. Besides, it features considerably long handles for the much-needed additional leverage for fast and effortless completion of otherwise backbreaking tasks.
For individuals in search of a tool that works flawlessly, quietly, and exactly as advertised, the Dorman 743-100 is for you. And did we mention it’s cost-effective?
Cost-effective
Boasts smooth squeezing action
Works efficiently and dependably
High-end construction for durability
Easy to use
Experiences difficulty handling large rivets
3. Stanley MR100CG
A household name, Stanley Tools has several decades of experience and expertise under its belt that it intelligently harnesses to make one of the world’s best rivet guns – the Stanley MR100CG. Considering its high-end construction from an industrial-grade die-metal cast, the tool is exceptionally resilient and durable. Which also explains its flawless and smooth performance at driving various sizes of stainless steel rivets used for marine applications. It can withstand extreme use for several years on end and its performance will always be exceptional, even when crucial parts start approaching the tail ends of their useful shelf lives.
To further simplify your work, the handles are long and ergonomically designed for providing optimal leverage and for easy squeezing, enabling you to finish your marine applications efficiently and with minimal effort. To these add the fact the handles are brightly colored to increase their visibility for easy identification in a toolbox. A hook on the handles conveniently keeps it in the closed position to facilitate hassle-free storage and transportation.
In all, the Stanley MR100CG is a high-end yet cost-effective rivet gun with all the right features for the quick and effortless completion of various marine applications. It’s aesthetically pleasing and a cinch to use.
Perfect for demanding marine tasks
Provides perfect torque
Lightweight and cost-effective
Remarkably portable and easy to use
Works with differently sized rivets
Has a removable ejector spring
Not ideal for small rivets
Poor leverage
4. Astro Pneumatic Tool 1442
It comes with a retinue of auxiliary features but the most outstanding is the torque multiplying hinges. As well as considerably maximizing leverage, the feature also drastically increases the pulling force. This, coupled with the dependability and compatibility of the rivet gun with rivet nuts, transforms it into an all-around machine ideal for working on a wide range of projects.
It is also designed with the user's comfort and convenience in mind. You can, for instance, quickly and easily change mandrels and nose pieces with your hands, thanks to the novel "Tool-less Quick-Change Head" design of the machine.
Afterwards, you won't have to disassemble it as it features an innovative spring-loaded inner hex sleeve that automatically locks the rotation of the hand-installed mandrel. In addition to handling M4, M5, M6, and M8 metric rivet nuts, it is also adept at dealing with 0-24, 1/4-20, and 5/16-18 SAE nuts. The ergonomic design of the rivet gun, together with the rubber coating and ribbing of the handles minimizes hand fatigue and strain for extended use. However, it’s a little heavy.
Individuals in search of a powerful tool that works efficiently and quickly, will immediately like the Astro Pneumatic Tool 1442. It accomplishes tasks its competitors struggle with and it’s cost-effective.
Offers great bang for the bucks
Perfect for HTV’s Adjustments
Cost-effective
Lightweight and compact
Difficulty adjusting pressure
5. Marson 39000
The incredible construction quality of the Marson 39000 will easily outlast several of its cheap, off-brand competitors masquerading as rivet guns on the market. As Marson’s leading tool, it pulls no punches to provide you with nothing short of the best performance. For construction, the brand resorts to the resilience, durability, and dependability of high-strength aluminium alloy. Coupled with a high-quality corrosion-resistant coating, it remarkably takes on hardy, extreme use without the slightest performance hitch or glitch. Which brings us to the handle.
It boasts unparalleled feature-richness. However, its unique selling point is the square shoulder fulcrum pin forged from cold-formed, heat-treated steel. It works by preventing pin rotation that can cause elongation of the engaging holes, thereby resulting in premature tool failure. The result is a long-lasting rivet gun with a prowess for setting steel and aluminium rivets ranging between 3/32 and 3/16 inches and stainless steel up to 5/32 inches.
In all, the Marson 39000 is a best-selling, performance-oriented, cost-effective, durable, and easy to use rivet gun. It’s a solid choice for driving rivets in various surfaces in a quick and effortless fashion.
Easy to use
High-end construction for durability
Ergonomic handle for comfortable, non-slip grip
Cost-effective
Not ideal for greenhorns
6. Tekton 6555
DIY enthusiasts working on a budget but still want to sample premium features will like the Tekton 6555. It’s an affordable choice that conveniently comes with 40 high-quality, rust-resistant aluminium rivets evenly distributed in the following sizes: 3/32 inches, 1/8 inches, 5/32 inches, and 3/16 inches. Despite being a cost-effective option, the rivet gun also comes with 4 rivet heads and a heavy-duty head wrench to get you started on your household projects. In light of the comprehensiveness of the package, you can start driving rivets within the first 5 minutes of receiving your package, sparing yourself the frustration of searching for rivet heads and a head wrench.
Working with dense materials of varying thicknesses require a high-performance, efficient tool, and the Tekton 6555 fits that bill perfectly. It offers exceptional service both within and outside of the domestic setting.
Versatile
Durable construction and sleek finish
Comfortable, slip-resistant handles
Budget-friendly
Comes with 4 rivet heads and head wrench
Handles require effort to squeeze
7. Tacklife HHR2A
It comes with 5 replaceable nosepieces to get you started on your projects. These include sizes 1/10 inches, 1/8 inches, 5/32 inches, 3/16 inches, and 1/4 inches. Boasting an incredible pulling and hammering power, it makes short and quick work of pulling stainless steel nails and iron nails of sizes up to 3/16 inches. As for rivets, the gun works efficiently, smoothly, and quickly when pulling regular and aluminium rivets up to 1/10 inches, 1/8 inches, 5/32 inches, 3/16 inches, and 1/4 inches.
It’s a cinch to use, too. The unit sports 13-inch long, U-design handles aimed at reducing effort by up to 40 percent. Further, you won’t need any specially designed tools for removing and exchanging the nosepieces. To help keep your workplace clean to minimize accidents, the rivet gun has a durable PVC bottle for collecting all the spent mandrels.
The ingenious design, smooth and trouble-free performance, and ease of using the Tacklife HHR2A enables you to work effortlessly, efficiently, quickly, and conveniently. It’s a perfect choice for carpenters, contractors, and builders, among others.
Provides great leverage
Exceptional construction quality
Comfortable and easy to use
Bundled with a generous 24-month warranty
Somewhat flimsy jaws
A little expensive
8. Malco 2IN1
Those working in carpentry, fabrication, and construction sites must have encountered the tool at one time or another. The rivet gun is nearly ubiquitous, easily recognizable by its trademark bright red handles. The construction quality is exceptional. The use of commercial-grade steel and the rust-resistant polish helps extend its useful life by several years. It also benefits from a long-lasting nickel-chrome coating that gives it a sleek, contemporary appearance.
Convenience is another of its strong points. The bright red colors of the handles provide for quick identification of the product in a toolbox. For comfort, the machine has contoured, vinyl cushion grips with a spring return for eliminating hand exhaustion and strain, enabling you to work tirelessly for hours on end. To these add a lightweight and compact nose design that allows you quick and easy access to hard-to-reach and confined spaces. In between uses, the secure handle lock keeps the machine compact for easy storage and transportation. And the handle has space for storing the 3 nosepieces included in the package.
For one of the best performances in the industry, we highly encourage you to consider the Malco 2IN1 Hand Riveter. Its versatility, an ability to effortlessly handle stainless steel rivets, and an attractive price earn it a spot on our list of ten of the best rivet guns on the market currently.
Offers additional leverage for quick, easy performance
Affordable and easy to use
Works great with large diameter rivets
• Long-lasting construction quality
Long break-in period
9. Arrow Fastener RHT300
Its versatility is not questionable. Aside from the already mentioned fabrication, carpentry, and construction industries, it’s also a perfect choice for use for automotive, HVAC, lawn furniture, and gutters. Such versatility is facilitated by the durable all-steel construction that provides outstanding strength and resilience for weathering plenty of abuse throughout its useful life.
Further, it is lightweight and compact, weighing just 1.5 pounds and featuring dimensions of 1 by 6 by 15 inches. Consequently, it enables the user to finish overhead fastening projects easily and quickly. Comfortable vinyl grips on the handles, on the other hand, ensure the rivet gun is a cinch to use for several hours on end with minimal discomfort. And it features a locking clip for easy and safe storage in between uses.
For occasional use around the house and on the work site, this cost-effective, easy to use, and powerful rivet gun comes highly recommended.
Ideal for use in tight spaces
Durable all-steel construction
Comfortable, anti-slip handle
Lightweight and compact
Pocket-friendly pricing
Works slowly
Low leverage
10. Astro 1423
A second signature feature is the patented structure that considerably multiplies power and minimizes shock, allowing you to confidently take on the most onerous and demanding fastening tasks. As well as maximizing leverage, the short handle gives the user quick and hassle-free access to tight and confined spaces. As a result, using larger rivets in hard-to-reach spaces for performing tasks such as window regulators and hood struts is both effortless and quick.
An additional feature is the first-rate construction. The construction of the jaws from high-quality chrome-moly steel makes the product both a heavy-duty and long-lasting option guaranteed to offer long-term service. The handles, conversely, are textured and provide a firm and secure grip to minimize the likelihood of slippage, thereby enhancing safe and efficient performance. The intuitive design also incorporates quick-release valves for fast operation. Adjusting the hand riveter and switching rivet diameter can be accomplished concurrently and easily thanks to the one-piece collect case.
In all, the Astro 1423 is a solid choice for tradespeople and extreme DIYers in search of a high-performance and quick-action hand riveter for accomplishing a plethora of fastening projects. Plus, it features a pocket-friendly price tag and gives you the best bang for the bucks.
Long-lasting construction
Boasts incredible versatility
Comfortable, slip-resistant handle
Powerfully and smoothly drives rivets
Not ideal for large hands
Not as long-lasting as similar models
Criteria for Choosing the Best Rivet Guns
Performance
For the best riveting results, you want a rivet gun that best matches the specific fastening project you intend to undertake. To this end, you’ll have to consider a few features the most important of which is the size of the rivet. Check religiously to ensure that there is a perfect match between the pin size of the rivet gun and the pin you’ll be using for the particular task.
Secondly, a model featuring a long, swivel head helps you work efficiently and effortlessly in hard-to-reach or tight spots without having to strain or compromise productivity. Being conversant with the amount of pressure your pins require to deform enables you to get a suitable choice capable of operating efficiently and smoothly at that air pressure with no hiccups.
Construction Quality
The material from which the rivet gun you’re enamored of made is accurately indicative of its durability and quality. For long-term use, it’s best to go with a model crafted from premium or heavy-duty, rugged materials and therefore capable of withstanding extreme, everyday use in multiple settings.
For professional use, different variations of steel are preferable as the material is renowned for its strength and resilience. Nevertheless, you don’t want a tool that’s bulky and heavy. The rivet gun needs to be both lightweight and compact and highly portable. In the same vein, confirm that the package contains additional accessories such as wrenches, nail cups, or nose pieces to make your work easy.
Affordability
For the vast majority of buyers, the price of a product is taken to be indicative of quality, performance, ease of use, durability, and versatility. Keep in mind though that the price is also affected by brand name. Products from more established and reputable brands will inevitably command a higher price compared to those from off-brands.
Occasionally though, you’ll encounter rivet guns that don’t conform to these rules. Some inexpensive models out there easily outperform and outlast their costly counterparts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to wear protective gear when using a rivet gun?
A: The short answer is yes. As is the case with most, if not virtually all, machines safety supersedes all other concerns. It’s a sure way of preventing work-related injuries. So go ahead and wear eye-protecting goggles, gloves for the hands, and a safety jacket. The same goes for those around you.
Q: Do rivet guns require any servicing?
A: For optimal performance, it’s advisable to regularly service your tool. Identify and replace malfunctioning parts before they worsen and expose you to danger. If you’re not sure, consult a professional.
Conclusion
As you may have gleaned from this review, there isn’t a particular rivet gun that’s the absolute best when it comes to driving rivets in metal surfaces, a fact that should preclude you from choosing with an abundance of caution.
All the models are the best the market has to offer, meaning that they are heavy-duty, durable, a cinch to use, comfortable, and will help you work efficiently and effortlessly. That we can guarantee. So, throw caution to the wind and pick away.
