Rivet tools, often called rivet guns or riveters, are used to join materials by setting rivets. Here's how to use one:
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Rivet Tool
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Prepare the Materials:
- Ensure the materials you want to join have aligned holes. These holes should be sized appropriately for the rivets you're using.
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Select the Correct Rivet:
- Choose a rivet of the correct diameter and length for the thickness of the materials being joined. Too short a rivet won't hold, while too long will buckle.
- The head of the rivet should be the correct size for your application.
- The rivet must fit securely into the hole in the materials.
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Insert the Rivet into the Riveter:
- Open the jaws or nose of the rivet tool fully, then insert the rivet's mandrel (the thin pin that extends from the rivet head) into the tool's nose. As the Ace Hardware video notes, "You would stick it inside the the hole right here inside the gun all the way in and it's gonna hold it in place for you."
- Make sure the rivet sits securely in the tool.
- Select the correct sized opening for the rivet on the end of the rivet gun, ensuring that it matches the size of the mandrel.
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Position the Rivet:
- Place the rivet head through the pre-drilled holes in the materials you are joining. Ensure it fits snugly and is straight.
- Hold the materials firmly together.
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Set the Rivet:
- Hold the riveter firmly, perpendicular to the material.
- Squeeze the handles of the riveter together. The tool will pull the mandrel, causing the rivet to deform and clamp the materials together.
- Continue squeezing until the mandrel snaps off. You might need to squeeze the handles several times.
- The mandrel will break off flush with the rivet head.
- If the mandrel does not break off, continue squeezing and verify that the correct nozzle for the size of rivet is attached to the gun.
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Inspect the Set Rivet:
- Check the rivet to ensure it is properly set and the materials are held securely. The rivet head should be flush and the materials should be tightly clamped.
- If the rivet looks loose or the mandrel did not break off correctly, you might need to remove and replace with a new rivet.
Types of Rivet Tools
- Hand Riveters: These are the most common type for home use and light-duty work.
- Pneumatic Riveters: These use compressed air for heavy-duty applications.
- Battery Riveters: These are cordless riveters that are powered by rechargeable batteries, for convenience.
- Specialty Riveters: There are rivet tools designed for specific rivet types or applications.
Tips for Using Rivet Tools
- Use the correct size rivets for the application to ensure a proper hold.
- Make sure the rivet is fully seated before squeezing the handles.
- Use firm, even pressure to set the rivet.
- Do not attempt to re-use the mandrel part of a used rivet.
- If the rivet is not set properly, it must be drilled out, and a new rivet must be set.
- For any job involving a large amount of rivets, it is important to use gloves to avoid blistering and repetitive strain.
Using rivet tools is straightforward but requires attention to detail and the correct tools. By following the steps carefully and selecting the appropriate rivets, you can effectively join materials together using this simple but effective method.