Is buying a hydraulic air riveter practical?

[Chrislols]

So recently I thought it'd be an awesome idea to take some 'L' shape black aluminum and riveted some HF socket rails to them, they came fantastic as well as matching and professional looking. Originally I picked up a hand riveter on sale for HF's dollar day sale sale ($4). I ended up breaking it myself though due to my own fault.

But then I saw HF sells two hydraulic air based air riveter guns which I've heard great things about. One in 1/4" and one in 3/16" for $79 & $45.

But here's my question, with all discounts said and done (girlfriends employee) I can get the better model (1/4") for $32 or the 3/16" for $33

Is having one PRACTICAL? While that's a very cheap deal, what exactly would I use this for in the future where a hydraulic based air riveter is a great thing to have?

Convince me it's practical! (or impractical)

Thanks everybody! -Chrislols

 

[MadMark]

I know a tinknocker who uses one all the time. He makes HVAC ductwork.
But he is riviting almost every day.
I guess they save a lot of wear and tear on the wrist, but if you only use a riviter occasionally it may not be worth it. PLus you need to have your compressor running.

 

[CAOS]

Having another tool just gives you the opportunity to think of uses for it which is half the fun of the project.

 

[Chrislols]

At something like $33 with tax it's an extremely good deal, it just doesn't seem entirely practical to have one

 

[scott37300]

I have two, a smaller pistol type and a larger "bottle" looking type. I don't use them much but when I do they are great. The best thing is there is no squeezing which usually means parts moving.

Any pictures of these socket rails you made? I've been wanting to do something like this myself for a while now to make my own socket organizers.

 

[Chrislols]

I have two, a smaller pistol type and a larger "bottle" looking type. I don't use them much but when I do they are great. The best thing is there is no squeezing which usually means parts moving.

Any pictures of these socket rails you made? I've been wanting to do something like this myself for a while now to make my own socket organizers.

I'll pm you a photo later, I'm planning on making a pictorial guide

 

[Chrislols]

Comn guys! Convince me!

 

[scott37300]

Comn guys! Convince me!

HF has a 90 day satisfaction period don't they? Buy it and if you like it keep it, if you don't think it was worth your money then take it back.

They are one of those things that are nice to have but probably won't use it much unless you go into production or something. Kind of a luxery item but if you can get a good price on it and will use it once in a while then go for it.

 

[CAOS]

Comn guys! Convince me!

This tools cheaper then a night out and unlike the night out you don't have to worry about getting a phone call about a month later saying "congrats, your going to be a dad!"

 

[bullfrog123]

Get one!!!! You won't regret it. First use and you won't even remember you have a hand riveter. Especially usefull for pulling 3/16" stainless steel rivets in a snowmobile tunnel There are still places where the air riveter won't fit and you still need the hand one but it is the first thing I reach for when rivets are called for.

 

[dirttracker18]

I loved mine until it stopped working

I really did not use it alot but one day I went to get it and no go, had to hand bomb it while rebodying a race car.

Buy a good one, mine was of the HF'esk type. It was cheap so no a big lose but I will buy a quality one next time.

I no longer by air tools in the cheap range, they just don't last. Last cheapo I bought was a nibbler and it lasted 1 day. Returned for refund.

 

[warmpancakes]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=117183

never need a replacement this is the industry standard