Need rivet gun recommendations

[coloradotrout]

Looking for all-around non powered rivet gun. I'm going to install gutters on my barn. Then who knows what all uses I may have. Automotive, around the house, etc.

 

[Rustyiron]

They are a very simple tool and for your described use anything should be fine that HD or Lowes has.

 

[stsid1]

Marson HP-2 is a real good one. After 30 years of use at the dealership, the pulling jaws on mine finally broke. Just have to order a new set.

 

[Rustyiron]

I have a Marston also, good tool

 

[coloradotrout]

And now after searching, I might consider air powered. Some suggest harbor freight is even ok

 

[Rustyiron]

As cheap as they are....
For my use it's not worth fooling with an air hose and I can see it just not fitting the riveting position in many situations.

 

[jthibodeau89]

For 1/8" aluminum i find hand powered is fine unless there are grip strength issues with user. I recomend one of the swivel head types. I use pneumatic on the 3/16 and up stainless that i use on trailer and tool box hasps and latches. The SS are a bit harder to set.

If running gutters, i suggest a punch for the holes instead of a drill.

 

[davedj1]

While the HF air powered rivet gun works fine although the hose is always in the way, I went with the Milwaukee M12 rivet gun, the thing is amazing! I can't tell you how many rivets it will do on a charge but it's a lot. I know it's a bit of money but if you are going to any larger rivets or a lot of smaller ones then I highly recommend it.

 

[coloradotrout]

Leaning towards a quality hand one. 3/16 seems to be max, but that surely is plenty

 

[bigtiller]

For installing gutters, why not use self drilling/tapping screws?

 

[Opti-Mist]

And now after searching, I might consider air powered. Some suggest harbor freight is even ok

I had one, did a nice job, even on blind rivets (on an aluminum boat).

 

[coloradotrout]

I couldn't justify buying a new toy

 

[stsid1]

Hand model is easier to use, no compressor to drag out, no drop cords and no hose. Air maybe faster but the time you drag all that out to use it then store it. Then if you are where working near no power, then you got to get the generator out.

 

[Smokeydog]

The usual mechanical pop rivet guns are good for common aluminum rivets.

I use a small hand Huck hydraulic for SS, steel and large aluminum/steel mandrel pop rivets. Also have same that uses air over hydraulic. Surplus aircraft manufacturing eBay finds.

 

[metalbender]

When I built my ice fishing shack, I used a lot of rivets. The stainless ones were a tad tough for a hand unit. Purchased an air powered one from Princess Auto. Great investment.

 

[Doofy]

Buy pneumatic. Hand units get tougher as you age.

 

[Fuddy1952]

These I've had good luck with, and what gutter installers just used on the horse stable.

 

[coloradotrout]

These I've had good luck with, and what gutter installers just used on the horse stable.View attachment 737588

Yes. Plan to use those and rivet the 10' sections together. Too cheap to go seamless on the pole barn made of reclaimed everything!

 

[Fuddy1952]

Yes. Plan to use those and rivet the 10' sections together. Too cheap to go seamless on the pole barn made of reclaimed everything!

I'm cheap too. I use a manual pop rivet tool.

 

[Aussiebushman]

The drill powered unit I purchased has been useless. Also, I have given up trying to work with the short-handled units. By far the best are the log-handled riveters.

They come with either 2 or 3 collets and they all jam sooner or later, so you will find the 2-collet version much easier to reassemble because these drop nicely unto place, whereas the 3 collet models invariably don't and it may take several attempts to get to align correctly

Any reputable brand will do