Pop Rivet gun - time for new?

[Dan V.]

One of my tools that don't get used a lot, but when you need it...

The gun/tool, whatever the proper name, is an older unit from Ace. Served me well for many years, but it has developed an issue the last couple of times that I used it. When it breaks off the mandrel it doesn't break it off at the rivet, it leaves about an inch of mandrel sticking out. Then I have to get an abrasive wheel to cut it off flush.

I can't see any reason for this, so don't know what to repair. Then again they are not that expensive, perhaps it is time for new.

Suggestions on what to look for with repair, or a recommendation for a new manual one is appreciated.

 

[GeoBruin]

One of my tools that don't get used a lot, but when you need it...



The gun/tool, whatever the proper name, is an older unit from Ace. Served me well for many years, but it has developed an issue the last couple of times that I used it. When it breaks off the mandrel it doesn't break it off at the rivet, it leaves about an inch of mandrel sticking out. Then I have to get an abrasive wheel to cut it off flush.



I can't see any reason for this, so don't know what to repair. Then again they are not that expensive, perhaps it is time for new.



Suggestions on what to look for with repair, or a recommendation for a new manual one is appreciated.

Very timely. I'm also in the market for a rivrt gun. Wondering if the Arrow models from HD are all that's needed or if there's something else out there I just have to have.

 

[Modern Garage]

Have you used different brand of rivet lately? Pop rivets are necked down below the head so they snap off when they're seated tight. The gun "shouldn't" affect where the mandrel separates. It's possible the jaws inside the gun are crooked and stretching the mandrel sideways but I would try some different rivets if you haven't yet.
Joe

 

[Dagny]

m12 is awesome. maybe defective rivets. try a drop of oil.

 

[The Cobbler]

doesn't sound like the tool to me, it's the rivets.
I have had aluminum rivets with steel mandrel do that in the past ( but not an inch)
try different rivets & see what you get

 

[quadrcr87]

Check out Marson hand rivet guns. I upgraded to one from my old Arrow and I really like it. The model I have is the HP-2 and you can find them on Amazon. Unfortunately I just don’t see any quality ones sold at the local hardware stores and big box stores.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[driftpin]

I recently bought a pneumatic Arrow, if you're gonna set any quantity, it's a good way to-go.

I recently tried to warranty my Craftsman rivet tool after the jaws broke, I doubt I'd used it for 50 rivets in the time I owned it, I had another Craftsman gun, older, which I used, which finally stopped working, I bet it was 40 years since I bought it. Then I whipped-out the nearly-new Craftsman, and after doing about 6 rivets, it broke. Since Sears no-longer offers a Craftsman rivet tool, no warranty, though it was 'lifetime' Craftsman. I did get a store credit after using the phone # for Craftsman warranty inquiries. I bought the pneumatic Arrow amazon prime, and used the store credit on some close-out Craftsman large-size metric combination wrenches.

The pneumatic tool is great to use, and it requires much-less effort than the manual models. I have four compressors, including a portable pancake Porter-Cable, so it's not hard to use it wherever I need-to.

 

[tarbellb]

Concerning your issues with your current gun, yes, try different rivets and materials.

Also, check the gripping jaws, typically they have serrations to grip, those can wear out. Replace or re serrate. Or try a drop of oil.

If looking at replacing, there are cheap and not so cheap hand guns. Arrow, Stanely, etc... are all about the same. Marson are good, but now built to a lower level of quality.

Once you look at more $ models, look at battery/air/hydro versions.

 

[subroc]

Longer rivet? Take a second bite. Release the rivet pin and push the mandrel in some more.

 

[4 FN 27]

Try turning the air pressure down. Too much pressure causes the Jaws to "ride up" on the Mandrel before locking on to it.

Also disassemble and clean the Jaw assembly and inspect the parts for wear or a broken spring. Any debris from countless rivets can cause the Jaws to ride up also. Not to mention the Jaws need to be lubed. A Dry Film Lube works best.

We burn through about 10000 rivets a week in our assembly department. Burn through the rebuild parts too.

 

[foghorn1966]

There should be a large, hollow adjustment screw on the back of the riveter head. This adjustment is for the grip position on the rivet & how wide the handles are when you start to pull the rivet. If off rivet pins will not break flush. I would try a couple of different rivets (brand) than the existing box you have first, then try messing with the adjustment screw.

Link for blow apart pic.

https://www.blindrivetsupply.com/assets/images/HP-2 Parts List.pdf

 

[MoonRise]

Also check out Astro for different rivet tool choices.

Hand operated. Multiple choices.

Pneumatic tools. Multiple choices.

Rivet tool operated from a drill. Multiple choices.

And a +4 on clean and possibly adjust the tool (mostly the jaws).

Breaking off the rivet mandrel an inch or so from the work piece though? Something for sure isn't right. Did you somehow grab or get some extra-long grip-length rivets? Jaws slipping when you squeeze the tool handles and thus pulling from way too far up the mandrel shank and 'biting' into the mandrel and breaking it there? You forgetting to push the tool head back down tight to the workpiece after the first squeeze and thus breaking off the mandrel way out in space? Yanking the tool sideways when you use it and snapping off the mandrel because of that?

 

[mike93lx]

I use a basic arrow purchased from HD. It's done probably 200 rivets, works fine.

They are so cheap that you don't have much to lose. I'd buy the tool and a new box of rivets, try the rivets first and if you find that was the issue, return the tool

 

[Dan V.]

I checked the box of rivets that I got when I purchased the gun - 1985 date on the box. The Arrow rivets that I have the problems with are new.

No adjustments or apparent way to dis-assemble the cheap rivet gun innards. So a blast of WD40 may clean it up in there.

I hate shopping on the internet. Reviews show all brands are ****. So what's new about that? Guess I'll stick with the one I have and live with it for the rare need.

 

[rider]

One of my tools that don't get used a lot, but when you need it...

The gun/tool, whatever the proper name, is an older unit from Ace. Served me well for many years, but it has developed an issue the last couple of times that I used it. When it breaks off the mandrel it doesn't break it off at the rivet, it leaves about an inch of mandrel sticking out. Then I have to get an abrasive wheel to cut it off flush.

I can't see any reason for this, so don't know what to repair. Then again they are not that expensive, perhaps it is time for new.

Suggestions on what to look for with repair, or a recommendation for a new manual one is appreciated.

Are you using Chinese rivets? That’s their hallmark.

 

[16again]

I checked the box of rivets that I got when I purchased the gun - 1985 date on the box. The Arrow rivets that I have the problems with are new.

No adjustments or apparent way to dis-assemble the cheap rivet gun innards. So a blast of WD40 may clean it up in there.

I hate shopping on the internet. Reviews show all brands are ****. So what's new about that? Guess I'll stick with the one I have and live with it for the rare need.

Go on eBay and find any older Marson USA version. Inexpensive and real quality.
The new ones they make are made in China.