Rivets are one of the strongest and most reliable fasteners in metalworking, automotive repair, and construction. But to set them correctly, you need the right tool. Whether you're a weekend DIYer or a professional fabricator, this guide will help you choose the perfect rivet gun for your project — and use it like a pro.
What Is a Rivet Gun?
A rivet gun (also called a pop riveter or blind riveter) is a tool that sets blind rivets — fasteners that can be installed from one side of a workpiece without access to the back. This makes them ideal for joining sheet metal, plastic panels, and other materials where you can only reach one side.
Types of Rivet Guns
1. Manual Hand Riveters
The classic choice for occasional use and light-duty jobs. Simple, reliable, and requires no power source.
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Arrow Heavy Duty Riveter Kit — Professional Pop Rivet Gun with 120 Rivets
A professional-grade hand riveter that comes ready to work with 120 assorted rivets included. Durable, ergonomic, and perfect for automotive trim, gutters, HVAC, and general repairs.
2. Rivet Nut Tools (Thread Riveters)
For applications where you need a threaded insert in thin material — like adding a bolt hole to sheet metal — a rivet nut tool is the answer.
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86-Piece Heavy Duty Blind Rivet Nut Kit — M3 to M8
A complete thread riveter kit with 80 metric rivet nuts (M3, M4, M5, M6, M8) and a hand riveter gun. Ideal for automotive bodywork, electronics enclosures, and anywhere you need strong threaded connections in thin material.
3. Pneumatic (Air) Rivet Guns
Air-powered riveters deliver fast, consistent results with minimal hand fatigue. The go-to choice for production work and high-volume riveting.
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Pneumatic Air Pop Riveter Tool Kit — 4 Nozzle Sizes
Self-suction design collects spent mandrels automatically. Includes 3/32", 1/8", 5/32", and 3/16" nozzles for a wide range of rivet sizes. Upgraded hydraulic mechanism for smooth, powerful operation. -
Pneumatic Air Riveter — Upgraded Hydraulic Pop Riveting Tool
Another excellent air riveter option with the same four nozzle sizes and self-suction mandrel collection. Great for body shops, HVAC installers, and fabricators.
4. Cordless Electric Rivet Guns
The best of both worlds — the power of a pneumatic tool without the air compressor. Perfect for job sites where compressed air isn't available.
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Cordless Electric Blind Riveter — Compatible with DeWalt 20V MAX Battery
2,248 lbf of pulling force with a brushless motor for maximum efficiency. Handles 3/32", 1/8", 5/32", and 1/5" rivets automatically. Tool-only — use your existing DeWalt 20V battery. A game-changer for professional fabricators and contractors.
👉 Browse our full Riveters collection
How to Use a Pop Rivet Gun: Step-by-Step
- Drill your hole — Match the hole diameter to your rivet size (e.g., 1/8" rivet = 1/8" hole).
- Select the correct nozzle — Install the nozzle that matches your rivet diameter on the rivet gun.
- Load the rivet — Insert the rivet mandrel (the pin) into the nozzle until the rivet head seats against the tool.
- Insert the rivet into the hole — Push the rivet fully into the drilled hole so the head sits flush against the material.
- Squeeze and set — Squeeze the handle (or trigger) firmly. The mandrel will snap off when the rivet is fully set.
- Inspect — The rivet head should be tight and flush. No wobble means a good set.
Choosing the Right Rivet Size
- 🔩 3/32" (2.4mm) — Light sheet metal, plastic panels, trim
- 🔩 1/8" (3.2mm) — General purpose — the most common size for automotive and construction
- 🔩 5/32" (4mm) — Medium-duty structural applications
- 🔩 3/16" (4.8mm) — Heavy-duty metal fabrication and structural work
Pro Tips for Better Riveting
- 💡 Use the right material — Aluminum rivets for most jobs; steel rivets for high-strength structural applications.
- 🔧 Keep your tool clean — Store your rivet gun in a Tool Tray and wipe down after use to prevent mandrel jams.
- 🔦 Work in good light — Use a Worksite Flashlight to inspect rivet holes and finished joints closely.
- 📐 Measure twice — Use our Linear Measurement Tools to space rivets evenly for a clean, professional finish.
Final Thoughts
From simple hand riveters to powerful cordless electric guns, the right riveter makes joining metal fast, clean, and permanent. At MasterGrip, we carry the full range — so whether you're hanging gutters or fabricating a custom chassis, we've got the tool for the job.
Ready to get riveting? Shop Riveters at MasterGrip →