A rivet gun is a hand tool used to install rivets, which are mechanical fasteners used to join two or more materials together. It works by deforming the rivet's tail, creating a permanent joint. Rivet guns are commonly used in metalworking, aircraft construction, automotive repair, and manufacturing, where welding or screwing is not feasible or desirable, providing a strong and reliable fastening solution for thin materials.
The rivet gun has a long history, evolving from manual tools used in early metalworking and construction. As industrial needs grew, powered rivet guns were developed, initially using compressed air, and later incorporating electric and battery-powered models. These advancements made riveting faster and more efficient, expanding their use in various industries from shipbuilding to electronics manufacturing.
The main purpose of a rivet gun is to install rivets, which are used to join materials such as metal sheets, plastics, and composites. Rivets create permanent joints that can withstand vibration and stress, making them ideal for applications where disassembly is not anticipated, like in airplane fuselages, vehicle body panels, and metal enclosures. They offer a quick and reliable fastening method without the need for nuts, bolts, or welding.
The rivet gun operates by using a force to pull or compress the rivet, causing the rivet's tail to deform. In manual rivet guns, this force is generated by squeezing handles, while powered rivet guns use compressed air, electric motors, or batteries. For example, pneumatic rivet guns use compressed air to drive a piston that pulls the rivet mandrel, deforming the rivet. Electric rivet guns use an electric motor to drive a mechanism that performs the same function. The deformed rivet creates a bulge on the backside, clamping the materials together, forming a secure joint.