Which pneumatic riveter should I get?

[Ipassgas]

Hello everyone!

Through this forum, I have heard that a pneumatic riveter will save me an enormous amount of time, and stress on my hands, as there are a bazillion rivets used to hold the car together.

Having said that, what riveter would you buy, if you had an enormous air supply, and were shopping for a riveter today?

Thank you!

[chmhasy]

I bought this one from HFT https://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/riveters/3-16-inch-air-hydraulic-riveter-93458.html
it works fine, some times its a little fussy

[AZPete]

Even if I had an enormous air supply, which I don't, I'd buy a Harbor Freight air rivet gun. I've used one to build 2 Factory Five cars and it's still going strong.

[chmhasy]

You might want to get some Clecos they are a huge help when drilling and riveting

[NAZ]

Second that recommendation on Clecos.

[Ipassgas]

OK! I don't need the 1/4" gun then? Harbor Freight has a 25% coupon this weekend. I'll go tomorrow and get a free flashlight too!

Clecos are definately on the list as well. Do you know which size(s). I read somewhere here I should have 35-50, but didn't see a size recommendation. I'm thankful for this community!

[wallace18]

OK! I don't need the 1/4" gun then? Harbor Freight has a 25% coupon this weekend. I'll go tomorrow and get a free flashlight too!

Clecos are definately on the list as well. Do you know which size(s). I read somewhere here I should have 35-50, but didn't see a size recommendation. I'm thankful for this community!

1/8" and 3/16 will do. Mike Everson at Replicaparts here on the forum sells a kit as well as Summit, Jegs, etc.

http://replicaparts.com

[cgundermann]

OK! I don't need the 1/4" gun then? Harbor Freight has a 25% coupon this weekend. I'll go tomorrow and get a free flashlight too!

Clecos are definately on the list as well. Do you know which size(s). I read somewhere here I should have 35-50, but didn't see a size recommendation. I'm thankful for this community!

No, 1/4" to big, mostly 1/8" rivets and some 3/16". For clecos - 1/8 & 3/16; need twice as much of the 1/8 size. 35-50 is a little much...two dozen of 1/8 & a dozen of 3/16. Got mine from Jeg's...

Chris

[redbudrr]

I just began my 818s build about a month ago, and the Harbor Freight riveter works great!! I bought a set of cleco pins and pliers for about $30 from Amazon and they are invaluable.

[edwardb]

I bought this one a few years ago and like it a lot: https://www.amazon.com/pounds-Pulling-Campbell-Hausfeld-CL153900AV/dp/B00E3T0XLU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1513389627&sr=8-4&keywords=pneumatic+rivet+gun. It's more expensive than the cheapest H-F one, but certainly a lot less than some more professional models. I have kind of a love/hate relationship with H-F pneumatic tools. I've had a couple that were OK. But others that didn't last through the first usage. Many have had good luck with the H-F pneumatic riveter. A few on here not so much. I just chose to not chance it.

I don't know that a pneumatic riveter is necessarily any faster than pulling them by hand. And no matter what, you will have some where the riveter won't fit and you have no choice but to pull them by hand. But it's certainly a lot easier overall and they set the rivets very consistently. I use 3/16-inch SS rivets (from McMaster, where else?) where I want extra strength. It's all I can do to pull them by hand. The pneumatic riveter makes quick work of them and sets them nice and tight.

For Clecos, as mentioned you need mainly the 1/8-inch size. Just a few 3/16-inch will get you through. I probably have 75-100 of the 1/8-inch size. I use them in every hole as I'm drilling panels. Maybe not necessary, but how I like to do it. They're not expensive, and if you get decent ones, they last a long time. I'd rather have too many than not enough.

[CVOBill]

I agree with Paul on the Clecos, I probably have close to 200 of the 1/8" and 50-75 of the 3/16"

[turbomacncheese]

I got these clecos, great price fast shipping
https://www.amazon.com/Cleco-Fasteners-Pliers-Carry-K4S50-1/dp/B06VW3WWTD/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1513441623&sr=8-6&keywords=cleco+fastener+kit
I'm the one using AZPetes HF riveter!! Still plugging like a champ. Only problems seem to be when I try to hold it crooked and pull the trigger.

[AZPete]

It all depends upon what "it" is! :confused:
For tough-to-reach places, get a Stanley hand rivet tool that has a swivel head.

[Sgt.Gator]

I love my Astro PR14 Air Riveter. I vowed never to buy an HF power tool again unless it's something I know I will use once and throw away.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41rf1O3w9iL.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MQ9H4W/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1

[NAZ]

I also use the Astro air riveter and can confirm it's a good one. I have one that handles 1/8" to 3/16" without adjusting anything and another for 1/4" and yes the 1/4" rivets are used more often than you might imagine. I do a lot of fabrication work and when working in aluminum I use rivets anywhere that strength is an issue. The 1/4" rivets are significantly stronger than the 3/16" and riveting heat treated aluminum is not only faster but stronger than welding it.

[Ipassgas]

Well, last night I ordered the cleckos that Mac n cheese mentioned. And I just got back from Harbor Freight with the 3/16" riveter.

Astro makes awesome tools, but I'm a cheap schmuck. I do refuse to replace crappy/broken HF stuff with other HF stuff. They get one chance (which is probably 1 too many).

Thanks for all the replies!

[Papa]

This is the one I have and it works great.

https://www.amazon.com/pounds-Pulling-Campbell-Hausfeld-CL153900AV/dp/B00E3T0XLU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1513452220&sr=8-4&keywords=pneumatic+rivet+gun

I will say that I didn't like trying to swap out the jaws for the 3/16" rivets and have kept the pneumatic riveter set for 1/8" rivets and hand pull the 3/16" ones.

[mikeinatlanta]

I have a nice vintage Chicago Pneumatic 2x and 3x.:)
77854

[flynntuna]

If I already didn't have an air riveter I'd be all over this one from Milwaukee tools. I've got a serious "jones" for Milwaukee tools.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Specialty-Tools/Rivet-Tools/2550-20?utm_source=M12_Productivity_Infographic&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=M12_Rivet_Tool&utm_content=Automated_Send&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiT1dKa09EaGtZelk1T0dGbSIsInQiOiI0a1 RtOGM5c3pZcEIwempWUE9cL21KazB3MUJ6WWUzOHBLeFFsQXk1 Ym1PZFRZaFlOeUZ4eXJCc0NtN3hvUFJcL2JFcHIwQ3MzTm1YYT doXC94eElyU21EdmJMY1YwSURSVm5EdU5TK1Q1b1dBUTJ1YnJc LzlINjBTaFhvdUZhelgxVjIifQ%3D%3D

[cgundermann]

There are some areas that because of clearance issues with the thickness of the head of the air riveter, that you’ll also want to get/use a smaller profile hand riveter...

Chris

[Mark Eaton]

Agree with Gundermann and when my Harbor Freight pneumatic gun is too big I use this

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-6-in-Swivel-Head-Riveter-Tool-DWHTMR77C/204285381

its a great hand rivet gun

[cgundermann]

I really also like this which I purchased from Jeg’s; I attach it to a right angle drill and it’s low profile (think it’s made in France). Kinda of a novel idea with a drill pulling a rivet, but with a small cordless angle drill - I found I used it frequently.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performance-Products/555/80422/10002/-1

Chris

[flynntuna]

I really also like this which I purchased from Jeg’s; I attach it to a right angle drill and it’s low profile (think it’s made in France). Kinda of a novel idea with a drill pulling a rivet, but with a small cordless angle drill - I found I used it frequently.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performance-Products/555/80422/10002/-1

Chris

That's a good find. Wondering if they have one for rivenuts?

[ronsdream]

I use the Harbor freight riveter and it works just fine on the 1/8" I have a little trouble with the 3/16 rivets leaving part of the shaft in the rivet so I have to use channel locks to break at the rivet head.

After using the clecos I would say they are a MUST!!! I can't imagine doing this build without them.

[Clover]

If I already didn't have an air riveter I'd be all over this one from Milwaukee tools. I've got a serious "jones" for Milwaukee tools.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Specialty-Tools/Rivet-Tools/2550-20?utm_source=M12_Productivity_Infographic&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=M12_Rivet_Tool&utm_content=Automated_Send&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiT1dKa09EaGtZelk1T0dGbSIsInQiOiI0a1 RtOGM5c3pZcEIwempWUE9cL21KazB3MUJ6WWUzOHBLeFFsQXk1 Ym1PZFRZaFlOeUZ4eXJCc0NtN3hvUFJcL2JFcHIwQ3MzTm1YYT doXC94eElyU21EdmJMY1YwSURSVm5EdU5TK1Q1b1dBUTJ1YnJc LzlINjBTaFhvdUZhelgxVjIifQ%3D%3D

Thanks for posting this. I did not know Milwaukee made a rivet tool and had been thinking of buying a small compressor just for the pneumatic riveter. I already have the same size battery packs for the Milwaukee cordless ratchets I have. I love those things too. It seems a little expensive, however, I guess I could sell it on here when I am done with it. I have also never had a problem with a Milwaukee tool so... Wait, this is what I was warned about with others happily spending my money on here huh?

[erlihemi]

I have the 12V Milwaukee. Just became available. With the compact battery its about the same dimension as a small air style. Haven't built a car with it yet but its scary fast, quieter, and no hose fitting in the way. Wear safety goggles!! Its got power for those 3/16 stainless rivets. No rivnut attachment yet tho... I had a discount coupon also.

[turbomacncheese]

The hose definitely is cumbersome and sometimes makes the gun difficult to maneuver. I've been thinking about getting a smaller air hose just for it. Electric would certainly be kickass.

[Mitch Wright]

The Milwaukee electric riveter is a great find and added to my want list. I don't have a need for one right now but I have space in my Fab tools box.

[erlihemi]

8544385444

If you include the price of the pancake compresser the Milwaukee is cheaper, quieter, and takes up way less space. This pic has the large battery. With the compact battery it fits in a pretty tight space. I was a little surprised at the speed and power. The rivet gets warm when compressed.

[shark92651]

Just to add to a thread that already has multiple suggestions, I ended up with these two tools purchased online from Home Depot:

Campbell Hausfeld air rivet gun $69.66
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Campbell-Hausfeld-Air-Powered-Pop-Rivet-Gun-with-Nose-Pieces-CL153900AV/301980143

Dewalt swivel head rivet gun $24.97
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-6-in-Swivel-Head-Riveter-Tool-DWHTMR77C/204285381

That Milwaukee M12 is pretty sweet though, I have purchased 5 Milwaukee M12 tools since I started this project and they are all excellent tools. I'm almost glad I didn't see that M12 rivet tool until now since I am already WAY over budget on my tools since starting this and I have a hard time saying NO ;)

[edwardb]

Slightly off topic, but I too have pretty swung all my cordless stuff over to the Milwaukee M12 series. Specifically the "Fuel" marked ones because these are their brushless motor designs. Combination of the efficiency and power of brushless motors, plus the LiPo batteries, they are small, lightweight, and stay charged almost indefinitely. As good or better than previous generation 18 volt tools. Recently I added their M12 Fuel 3/8-inch ratchet to my collection. They've had the regular brushed motor version for a while (which I also have) but the fairly recently released brushless version is an updated design and more heavy duty. https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/2557-20. The air ratchet doesn't come out of the drawer any more.