Tags: Rivet Removal Tool, Rivet Tool, Rivet Removal, Rivet Head Assembly Kit, Rivet Hammers
Are you looking to do some repair/maintenance tasks?
If so, you may need the help of a rivet tool to get the job done. But, what is a rivet tool, exactly? And, how do you use it?
Check out this guide to learn everything you need to know about a rivet tool.
What is a Rivet Tool?
A rivet tool, also known as a rivet gun or rivet hammer, is a type of tool that's used to drive rivets. A rivet is a type of permanent mechanical fastener that has a head on one end and a smooth, cylindrical shaft.
The end that's opposite the head is called the tail. When a rivet is installed into the wall, it can either be drilled in using a gun or pounded in using a hammer. To hold the rivet in place, the tail is deformed. In order to deform the tail, you'll need to use the rivet tool to smash or pound it into place.
Doing so makes the material flatter and causes the tail to expand by about 1.5 times its original size. Once in place, the rivet looks a bit like a dumbbell.
Types of Rivets
So, what kind of rivet might you need for your project? Here are the different types of rivets:
Flush Rivet
This type of rivet is used for external surfaces. It helps to eliminate aerodynamic drag, and it improves the appearance of the surface. A flush rivet uses a countersunk head and hole, and it's also known as a countersunk rivet.
Blind Rivets
Blind rivets, also known as pop or hollow rivets, are used when you can't see the other side of the join. Applying a blind rivet can be done very quickly. This type of rivet is used in a variety of industries, including electronics, shipbuilding, and aerospace.
Drive Rivets
Drive rivets are a type of a blind rivet that comes with a short mandrel that sticks out of the head. The mandrel can be driven in with a hammer that causes the inserted end to flare in the hole.
Friction-Lock Rivets
This type of rivet can be purchased in a dome or countersunk shape. A friction-lock rivet is an early form of a blind rivet, and it was originally used in aerospace industries.
Solid Rivets
Solid rivets, otherwise known as round-head rivets, are one of the oldest and most dependable types of fasteners. In fact, their use goes all the way back to the Bronze Age.
Oscar Rivets
Oscar rivets are similar to blind rivets. They come with splits along the hollow shaft, which typically come in sets of three. This causes the shaft to bend and flare outward as you draw the mandrel into the shaft.
This helps to create a wide surface so that there's less of a chance of the rivet falling out.
Structural Steel Rivet
This type of rivet was once widely used to join structural joints. However, it has largely been replaced by high-strength bolts.
Types of Rivet Tools
Now that we've talked about the different types of rivets, let's talk about the different types of rivet tools. Here's what you have to choose from:
Hand Rivet Gun
A hand revit gun can be operated by a simple level and squeeze technique.
This type of rivet gun is best for the occasional user. If your project only has a few rivets, then this type of gun will get the job done. The biggest downside to a hand rivet gun is that the squeeze can be difficult, and it can take longer to complete your project.
If you use a hand rivet gun a lot, it can start to put stress on your wrists, hands, and forearms.
Heavy Duty Lever Riveter
A heavy duty lever riveter can work with a wide range of rivet sizes. These are a bit more heavy duty than hand rivet guns and are easier on the user.
To install a rivet using a heavy duty lever riveter, you first need to open the arms completely. Then, place the mandrel into the nose piece and insert it into the installation hole. Next, squeeze the two handles together. This pulls the mandrel in and snaps it off.
Next, you'll need to hold the heavy duty lever riveter so the nose piece is in the air. Then, you can open the arms. Doing so will release the mandrel's hole so it falls into the bottle catch.
Cordless Battery Riveting Tool
This type of riveting tool is great for any job site. Because it's cordless, it can be used in a variety of different settings. Plus, it's extremely easy to use, as all you have to do is push a button.
There are two main types of cordless battery riveting tools: one that pulls the mandrel into the mandrel holder and one that spits the mandrel out. The one that comes with the mandrel catch is typically a bit more expensive.
Pneumatic Rivet Gun
A pneumatic rivet gun is powered by compressed air. It can easily and quickly install blind rivets. This type of riveting tool comes with a built-in catch, which means you can install rivets very quickly.
The major downside to this type of rivet gun is that it requires a hose connected to compressed air to operate.
Are You Ready to Buy a Rivet Tool?
Now that you know about the different types of rivet tools and their applications, it's time to choose the right rivet tool for your needs. Pretty soon, your project will be complete thanks to your new rivet tool.
If you have any questions about choosing the right rivet tool, contact us today.
