It is more profitable to choose a budget riveter than a professional one. Broke down, bought a replacement – business “with a gulkin nose” – write on the forums. Is this so, we will figure it out further.
Purpose of the tool
Riveter from the word “rivet” means to connect by means of rivets. The principle of operation of the riveter is to connect two sheets with a rivet, if you squeeze the handles of the device.
The method of joining with rivets is called “through mounting”. Many consider it obsolete, because there are soldering irons and screwdrivers. But still, this option for bonding two parts / sheets is most effective and reliable. Indeed, thanks to the use of rivets, the possibility of “detaching” one sheet from another is practically zero. It turns out reliably and budget.
What are riveters?
Devices are divided depending on cost, type of control, types of rivets that will be used. Next, we will consider the features of each type of device.
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By drive type
1. Manual (mechanical)
The device has a simplified design, which significantly reduces its cost. It is simple to use: it is enough to install a rivet in the head, and then clamp it with a vice.
On the rivet, the protruding parts serve as a strong connection of the sheets on both sides. There is only one drawback – you have to work hard. If you rivet a lot, you quickly get tired.
2. Pneumatic
Powered by the energy of compressed air, which enters the bellows from the compressor. Good in conjunction with additional equipment.
It is powerful and productive. You do not need to use force – and this is a fat plus. The downside is that it costs more than a manual one.
3. Electric
Even a weakling can handle this, since you don’t have to flex your muscles. The gun is powered by a 220V network.
If plugging into an outlet is not suitable, there is an alternative – the cordless riveter. But for him, the accumulator is a makeweight, so such a device is more expensive. Yes, and more tangible in the hands.
4. Pneumohydraulic
Used in industries. Designed to work with large rivets. The device is quite reliable, it rivets tightly due to the clamping force. It is often used to create various conveyors or transport.
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By type of fasteners used
- Threaded (nut rivets)
The sheets are tightly connected, since they form an integral connection. Using the device, the rivet is screwed onto a threaded rod. At the same time, the surface of the rivet is crushed on the reverse side, an imitation of a cap is created. This category is not cheap and requires a lot of work.
- Fume hoods
They work according to a similar principle with a nut rivet, but the thread is replaced by a metal stud. This is the part of the riveting, which must be moved into the hole before fastening. By squeezing the handles, the rivets are crushed from the back. In this way, the stud is pulled out simultaneously. The hairpin gives a verified bond. The device has a simplified design, but with a trick. The maximum available hole diameter is 7 mm, which means that only large rivets will work. Accordingly, the bond will be stronger.
Types of mechanical rivets: table
| One-handed | Two-handed | “Harmonic” |
| · You can work with one hand. | · Device design requires force pressure | · Allows riveting in hard-to-reach places due to its special design. |
| · Used for rivets up to 4.9 mm. | · In the work of this device, rivets are used in size from 6.5 mm. This is a large diameter, which means that if you need a neat connection of thin material, it is better to choose the one-handed type. | · The power of the device does not fade away even if you have to work with one hand |
| · Some specimens are supplemented with a working part that can be rotated 90, 180 and 360 degrees |
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The main criteria for choosing a riveter
Taking cheap riveters is like throwing money away. They are flimsy, performance is poor. And buying an expensive tool is not justified if you work with it from time to time. “And which riveter to choose?” – the question arises. Average in price and quality. Here are four criteria for the “golden mean”.
- Case material
Definitely NOT plastic, it will quickly order to live. Better to take steel, it is durable. - Weight
Bulky makes the instrument heavier. You will have to sweat a lot with this. Better to choose something in between. - Package
Contents Brand devices come complete with replaceable heads. They will allow you to work with different types of rivets. - The manufacturer
Housetools, Intertool, LT, Mastertool, Topex, Miol and other brands are famous for their long service life, good value for money.
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Additional features and options
Additional riveting tips are sometimes supplied with the devices, which reduces the cost of use. A spanner wrench in the kit will come in handy, with its help it will be easier to rivet. Additional finger restraints will secure your work with the device.
This article helps you select a quality riveter. Before buying a tool you like, it is advisable to shovel through the forums so that from the reviews you get the impression which riveter is better. You don’t have to chase big-name companies, there are many newbie companies that make good-quality devices. The price of such devices is inferior to large manufacturers.
