Rivet Gun How to Use: A Step-by-Step Guide
A rivet gun joins sheet metal and other thin materials with blind rivets, and this guide walks through sizing, drilling, loading and setting each rivet.
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A loose trim panel rattles, and a bracket needs fastening where a bolt cannot reach the back side. That is the job a blind rivet solves, and rivet gun how to use starts with matching the tool to the rivet, then drilling, loading and setting in order.
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Below: sizing, the setting steps, the gear, and the mistakes that spoil a joint.
WOBANK Rivet Gun with 430 PCS Rivets
A one-hand riveter kit with 4 color-coded nosepieces, 430 aluminum rivets, 4 drill bits, gloves and a carrying case, with a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- 430 aluminum rivets, the largest count here
- Lifetime warranty stated
- SCM435 chromoly jaws rated HRC52-63
- Gloves, 4 drill bits and a carrying case included
Cons
- No 1/4 in nosepiece; sizes stop at 3/16 in
- No weight or size stated in the listing
- No mandrel collector is listed
- Hard case takes more shelf space than a bare tool
VEVOR Pop Rivet Gun Kit, with 5 Interchangeable
A two-handed pop rivet gun kit with 5 nosepieces from 3/32 to 1/4 in, 230 blind rivets, 5 drill bits and a carrying case.
Pros
- 5 nosepieces cover 3/32 to 1/4 in
- 230 rivets and 5 drill bits included
- Die-cast aluminum alloy and reinforced carbon steel body
- Tool-free nosepiece change with spares stored on the body
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Size given as 16 in in the table and 15.75 in in the dimensions
- No gloves included
- Two-handed operation, not a one-handed tool
LIBRATON One-Handed Rivet Gun, Pop Rivet Gun Set
A one-handed rivet gun set with 4 tool-free nosepieces, 200 aluminum rivets, 4 drill bits, a removal nozzle and a storage case.
Pros
- 4 tool-free nosepieces in 3/32 to 3/16 in
- 200 rivets, 50 in each size
- Removal nozzle and 4 drill bits included
- Safety lock for storage and carrying
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No 1/4 in nosepiece; sizes stop at 3/16 in
- No gloves included
- Listing warns to retighten the nosepiece after repeated use
BEETRO Heavy Duty Hand Riveter, Rivet Gun
A hand riveter with 4 nosepieces in 3/32, 1/8, 5/32 and 3/16 in sizes and 100 rivets, sized at 10.5 in, for metal, plastic and leather.
Pros
- 4 nosepieces cover 3/32 to 3/16 in
- 100 rivets in 4 sizes included
- Head wrench included for changing nozzles
- Light, ergonomic design for carrying
Cons
- No drill bits are listed with the kit
- No carrying case is listed
- No warranty term is stated
- 100 rivets is the smallest count here
Rivet Gun How to Use: Sizing the Rivet and the Hole
Start with the rivet, not the gun: the nosepiece must match the rivet diameter, and the hole must match the rivet, so the rivet fills the hole and the nosepiece grips the mandrel. The kits here cover 3/32, 1/8, 5/32 and 3/16 in rivets, and the VEVOR kit adds a 1/4 in nosepiece.
| Nosepiece size | Rivet diameter |
|---|---|
| 3/32 in | 2.4 mm |
| 1/8 in | 3.2 mm |
| 5/32 in | 4.0 mm |
| 3/16 in | 4.8 mm |
| 1/4 in | Not stated |
Pick the nosepiece made for the rivet in hand, and drill the hole with the bit matched to that rivet size. Check the fit before setting: the rivet should slide into the hole without force.
Setting a Rivet, Step by Step
- Fit the nosepiece. Thread the matching nosepiece onto the gun and tighten it. A loose nosepiece can damage the threads, so check it again after repeated use.
- Drill the hole. Drill through the layers to be joined with the matched bit, then clear the chips from the hole.
- Load the rivet. Push the rivet mandrel into the nosepiece until the rivet head seats.
- Set the rivet. Push the rivet through the hole, hold the gun square to the work, and squeeze the handles until the mandrel snaps.
- Check the joint. Tug the joined pieces by hand. If the rivet spins or the joint moves, drill it out and set a fresh rivet.
Wear eye protection when drilling and setting, and keep fingers clear of the nosepiece while squeezing. A snapped mandrel can fly, so point the gun away from the face.
Use rated jack stands on solid ground, wear eye protection with power and air tools, keep fuel-burning equipment out of a closed garage, and follow the manual for every tool. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
The Gear That Fits Each Step
Each kit below covers the sizing and setting steps above, with nosepieces and rivets matched to the job.
Common Mistakes That Spoil a Rivet Joint
- Wrong nosepiece size. A nosepiece that does not match the rivet will not grip the mandrel.
- A loose nosepiece. The LIBRATON listing warns to retighten the nosepiece after repeated use, since a loose nosepiece may damage the tool threads.
- Skipping the drill bit match. A hole drilled with the wrong bit leaves the rivet loose or forced.
- Forcing a jammed mandrel. The VEVOR kit opens to clear jams, and the WOBANK kit has a detachable nozzle for blockages, so clear the jam instead of forcing the handles.
- Storing the gun unlocked. The WOBANK and LIBRATON kits have a safety lock, so lock the handles before putting the gun away.
FAQ: garage tools
Can a rivet gun join sheet metal?
Yes. The WOBANK kit lists sheet metal installation among its uses. Match the rivet to the job, drill the hole with the matched bit, and set the rivet as described above.
What size rivet gun do I need for auto body work?
Match the gun to the rivet sizes the job needs: the kits here cover 3/32 to 3/16 in, and the VEVOR kit adds 1/4 in. For auto body panels, see our picks for the best rivet gun for auto body work.
Do I need drill bits to use a rivet gun?
Yes, a drilled hole comes before every set rivet. The VEVOR, WOBANK and LIBRATON kits include matched drill bits, while the BEETRO kit lists none, so have bits on hand for that kit.
Can a rivet gun join plastic and leather?
Yes, where the material suits a blind rivet. The BEETRO listing states its riveter is suitable for metal, plastic and leather, and the VEVOR kit lists aluminum, steel and stainless steel among its materials.
What happens to the mandrel after the rivet sets?
The mandrel snaps off when the rivet sets. The VEVOR kit has a built-in mandrel collector that holds used mandrels, and its handles release to eject the mandrel.
Related: our best rivet gun for auto body work, the best blind rivets, and our how we pick method.
