Electric vs Pneumatic Rivet Gun (2026)

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What each type does: electric vs pneumatic rivet gun

A rivet gun pulls the mandrel of a blind rivet until the rivet sets and the mandrel snaps. An electric rivet gun does this with a motor and a battery; a pneumatic one does it with shop air. The result is the same set rivet: the difference is the power source, the tool weight and where you can work.

When electric wins

No compressor needed: the Mayoki runs on DeWalt 20V or 60V batteries (not included). Portability: a cordless gun works on a car in the driveway or a ladder. The Decwls includes 150 rivets, 3 tool-free heads and a rugged case: a complete kit out of the box. For intermittent home use, electric is the simpler purchase.

When pneumatic wins

Continuous duty: shop air never runs out, while a battery does. Weight: pneumatic guns are typically lighter in the hand. Speed: air tools cycle faster for production runs. If the shop already has a compressor, pneumatic is the economical choice. The two listings here are both electric, so the pneumatic side is covered by the comparison, not by a pick.

Pulling force and stroke

The Mayoki states up to 2248 lbf of pulling force with a 0.79 in stroke length. Pulling force decides which rivet sizes and materials the gun sets: stainless rivets need more force than aluminum. The Decwls states a high-torque brushless motor but no force figure in the bullets shown. For stainless work, the stated 2248 lbf is the figure to trust.

Batteries and compatibility

The Mayoki is compatible with DeWalt 20V and 60V batteries (not included) and states low-voltage protection to safeguard the battery; it is not affiliated with DeWalt. The Decwls states no battery platform in the bullets shown. Battery compatibility decides the real cost: if you own DeWalt 20V batteries, the Mayoki needs no battery purchase.

Warranty and support

The Mayoki lists a 5-year warranty with 24-hour customer support. The Decwls lists a 2-year warranty with friendly service support. On a tool rated for 2,224 rivets per charge, the warranty term is part of the value: the Mayoki’s five years is the longer promise here, and round-the-clock support means a dead tool does not stall the job.

The gear: two cordless rivet guns

Mayoki cordless rivet gun

The Mayoki Rivet Gun Pro states a brushless motor with up to 2248 lbf pulling force, 0.79 in stroke, DeWalt 20V/60V battery compatibility with low-voltage protection, 4.02 lb weight and 11.4 by 3.3 by 8.3 in dimensions. The stated force and the battery platform make it the top pick for DeWalt owners.

Decwls cordless rivet gun kit

The Decwls states a high-torque brushless motor, 3 tool-free rivet heads (3.2, 4.0 and 4.8 mm) with a wrench, 150 premium rivets (75 aluminum, 75 stainless), a user manual and a rugged case, at 6.63 lb. The kit is the value: heads, rivets and case included, ready to work.

Weight in the hand

The Mayoki states 4.02 lb; the Decwls states 6.63 lb. Rivet guns are held overhead and in tight spots: the lighter gun wins on long jobs. The Decwls’s weight includes the case contents, so the tool alone is lighter than stated, but the listing does not split them. For overhead work, the 4.02 lb Mayoki is the easier hold.

Stroke length

The Mayoki states a 0.79 in stroke: the distance the jaws pull the mandrel in one cycle. Longer strokes set long rivets in one pull; short strokes need multiple pulls. The Decwls states no stroke figure. For the common 3.2 to 4.8 mm rivets, the stated stroke is ample.

Work capacity and protection

The Mayoki states a concrete capacity figure: up to 2,224 rivets on a single 4.0Ah battery. The Decwls states no rivet count, but lists intelligent self-protection that shuts the tool down if it overheats during intense use. Both list a built-in LED light for dim or confined work areas. For planning a long run, the Mayoki’s rivet count is the only hard number; for motor life, the Decwls’s thermal shutdown is the listed safeguard.

Rivet sizes and materials

The Decwls includes 3.2, 4.0 and 4.8 mm heads and both aluminum and stainless rivets: the common sizes covered. Aluminum rivets set easily; stainless needs the force. The Mayoki states no included heads or rivets in the bullets shown. For a first rivet gun, the included kit removes the guesswork.

Tool-free head changes

The Decwls states 3 tool-free rivet heads with a wrench included: swap heads in seconds without tools. Head changes happen every time the rivet size changes, so tool-free matters on mixed jobs. The Mayoki states no head details in the bullets shown. For a job with multiple rivet sizes, the included heads and wrench save time.

The case and organization

The Decwls includes a rugged case that organizes the heads, wrench and 150 rivets. Rivet heads are small and losable; a case keeps the kit together. The Mayoki states no case in the bullets shown. For a tool that lives in a truck or a shared shop, the case is practical value.

Safety

A rivet gun snaps mandrels under force: wear eye protection, as mandrels can fly. The listings state no safety certifications. Keep fingers clear of the nosepiece, and collect spent mandrels: they are sharp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a compressor for a rivet gun?

Only for pneumatic. The two picks here are cordless electric: no compressor needed.

Which rivet sizes do these handle?

The Decwls includes 3.2, 4.0 and 4.8 mm heads. The Mayoki states no head sizes in the bullets shown.

Brushless vs brushed motors

Both listings state brushless motors: more efficient, longer-lived, no brushes to replace. For a rivet gun that pulls thousands of rivets, brushless is the durability feature. Neither listing states a brushed alternative; brushless is the standard here.

Are the batteries included?

The Mayoki states batteries and charger are not included. The Decwls states no battery details in the bullets shown.

Can they set stainless rivets?

The Decwls includes 75 stainless rivets. The Mayoki states 2248 lbf pulling force but no stainless rating in the bullets shown.

Which has the longer warranty?

The Mayoki lists a 5-year warranty; the Decwls lists 2 years. Both promise support, but the Mayoki’s term is longer.

Related: our air tools hub and our safety notes.