I need a good Rivet tool/gun

[czgunner]

I just made the transition from apprentice to journeyman, and I'm finally doing what I went to school to do!
I noticed the other day that I need a rivet gun or tool or whatever you call it.
I would like to get one that is USA made, and will last. I'm only doing aluminum rivets.
Whatcha got?

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Aircraft rivets?

http://www.yardstore.com/

Charles

 

[hofferwood]

Journeyman what? In what industry? Lots of rivets, or just occasionally?
My apprentice's always wanted to get top of the line stuff. I would tell them, get what you want, but if it's just blue moon stuff go less expensive.

Had these for a LONG time

Lots of rivs, go pnumatic

Chuck

 

[yasha32]

the pneumatics have trouble popping the BIG rivets that some older window motors use. There is a tool out called the big (something) that I've seen at every GM dealership I've been near.

 

[wreckerman5357]

the pneumatics have trouble popping the BIG rivets that some older window motors use. There is a tool out called the big (something) that I've seen at every GM dealership I've been near.

The Big Daddy rivet gun is the one you are talking about. Very good tool in a body shop, I use it a lot. Good for window regulators and riveted glass. Below is a link to the tool on autobody toolmart.

http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/marson-big-daddy-rivet-gun-39010-p-12408.aspx

 

[nomad69]

I've had a cherrymax for years. Not sure how big you need but I use it all the time on my trucks. Be prepared though, they aren't cheap.

 

[czgunner]

Sorry, automotive tech.
Occasional use, but I would like a good tool, USA mad. No need for anything more than a hand tool...no pneumatics etc.

 

[WR250F]

One of the best bang for the options available in the hand tool realm

http://www.tooltopia.com/marson-39001.aspx

 

[Outlawmws]

Don't get pop rivet tools at the big box stores, they generally don't have top quality tools of this nature. Talk to a local sheet metal worker and find out where they go for their unique tools. (I'm trying to remember the name of the place around here, I believe it is a chain of sorts..)

Mine are all older so not sure if they are still available/USA

The top 2 sets are from the United Shoe Machine Company Pop Rivet Pliers. note that there are no "extra" bits screwed into the frames, These are made to size. this means the clutch mechanism for the smaller shank rivets works better (the "one size does all" often take one more squeeze to get to the final pop on the smaller shank rivets)

The next one down is a Marsen "Klinker"

And the last one down has the stickers worn off, so I don't know who made it...

Note all these have aluminum bodies compared to the stamped sheet metal bodied rivet tools you find in the big box stores... Those may work fine out of the box, but will not last.

If you want to buy used, that's OK, but also take a few rivets with you and test them though. they do wear out. if it take more than three squeezes of the tool to get a pop, it is worn out or junk to begin.