Rivets are one of the fastest, most convenient and aesthetic ways to join materials. They are very reliable, but do not require special skills or expensive equipment to operate. All that is needed is a special tool - a rivet. Why are they good, how to choose them and what 5 riveters worth paying attention first, read on.
CONTENT
- 1 Benefits of joining parts with rivets
- 2 What to look for when choosing a rivet
- 3 Ranking of the 5 best riveters
- 4 FAQ
Benefits of joining parts with rivets
Rivets can be found everywhere, from the cruiser Aurora to the Eiffel Tower. They are used in construction, and during repairs, and in mechanical engineering, and just in everyday life. There are several reasons to opt for rivets:
- reliability - rivets ensure the connection of parts, which is in no way inferior in strength to welding, does not give fatigue cracks and does not deform the workpieces;
- aesthetics - rivets with neat round caps look pretty (certainly prettier than an amateurish weld);
- simplicity - unlike the same welding, to work with rivets you do not need to master a special technique of work, and the skill comes very quickly;
- availability - for the operation of a fairly inexpensive riveter and the rivets themselves: no welding machine, no gas cylinder, no compressor, no generator, no special consumables are needed;
- safety - when working with the rivet, there are no sparks and heating, no explosive gas is used, so the safety precautions for this device are much simpler than for a welding machine.
What to look for when choosing a rivet
Type of food. Most often there are riveters:
- manual - they use the muscular strength of a person for work. These are the most affordable and inexpensive models and are best suited for intermittent household use. Manual riveters can be one-handed or two-handed: the first option is more compact, but the second is much more convenient.
- electric - as a rule, these are rechargeable models, convenient and compact. Their main plus is that they do not require any effort from the operator - just press a button. They cost more than manual ones, but it's worth it. The battery capacity is usually enough for several hundred rivets. Another option for electric riveters is networked devices, which are inferior to battery competitors in mobility, but seriously outperform them in terms of performance.
- pneumatic - the most productive riveters of all. But they lack mobility, because for operation such a device must be connected to a compressor with the appropriate parameters. For this reason, pneumatic devices are usually used in production.
Fastener type. Riveters use:
- blind rivets are standard, traditional fasteners: plain rivets made of steel, copper or aluminum;
- threaded rivets - in case the usual ones are not enough. These rivets are threaded and the connections can be reinforced with bolts.
The size of the rivets. Usually, interchangeable heads for rivets of different diameters are used in rivets. Even with inexpensive devices, 4-5 different heads can be included in the kit.
The thickness of the workpieces to be fastened. The larger this parameter, the wider the functionality of the rivet. It is desirable that the tool can connect parts with a thickness of at least 6-8 mm.
Working mechanism. If you often have to rivet at uncomfortable angles, you should pay attention to riveters with a pivoting or resettable mechanism - such models are much more convenient. At the same time, devices with a fixed mechanism are simpler, cheaper and more reliable.
Ranking of the 5 best riveters
Best Electric Riveter
1. MESSER ERA-M4-10
Professional network electric riveter - convenient and, for its rich functionality, very lightweight and compact. It is powered by a 220 volt single-phase power supply. Works with steel threaded rivets in sizes M4, M5, M6, M8 and M10. The possibility of quick replacement of carbon brushes and a reverse function are provided. The tool comes with a storage and carrying case. The price of the device is a little less than 26,500 rubles, so this professional device is not very suitable for domestic use.
Price: ₽ 26 369
MESSER ERA-M4-10
Best Threaded Riveter
2. HASKYY HBNZ-17
Manual lever riveter at the price of just over 4,000 rubles. Designed to work with threaded rivets made of steel, aluminum and stainless steel. The main feature of this device is its rich package bundle. A plastic case for storage and carrying is supplied with the instrument; rivet inserts for sizes M5, M6, M8, M10 and M12; a key to replace them; 150 threaded rivets - 30 pieces each of five sizes. All this weighs a solid 3.5 kilograms. In terms of price and functionality, it is one of the best deals on the market.
Price: ₽ 4 190
HASKYY HBNZ-17
Best Air Riveter
3. Fubag HR2448
Retractable pneumatic riveter, the price of which starts from 3500 rubles. With an operating pressure of 6.2 atmospheres and an air flow rate of 1 liter per minute, it provides a pulling force of 7.1 kilonewtons. This is sufficient for working with aluminum and steel rivets with a diameter of 2.4 to 4.8 mm. Connects to the compressor with a ¼ in. Air fitting and 9.5 mm ID hose. The weight of the structure is quite enough - 1.7 kg, but since this is not a portable device, you should not pay attention to this.
Price: ₽ 3 580
Fubag HR2448
Best hand riveter
4. Kraftool swivel RX-33 31178
Manual riveter, capable of turning the head at any angle, which greatly facilitates the work with this tool in hard-to-reach places. Able to work with both blind and threaded aluminum rivets with a diameter of 2.4 mm, 3.2 mm, 4 mm, 4.8 mm, M3, M4, M5 and M6. Rubberized handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, allowing you to work with the tool even in hot or cold weather. The rivet is supplied with a case for carrying and storing, replaceable nozzles, and a key for replacing them. The price of the issue is about 3,500 rubles.
Price: ₽ 3 896
Kraftool swivel RX-33 31178
Best Blind Riveter
5. STANLEY MR33 0-69-833
Simple and affordable manual riveterintended for domestic use. The price in the region of 700 rubles makes this device the most budgetary in our selection. The tool works with blind rivets made of steel, stainless steel, copper and aluminum. Supports fasteners with a diameter of 3, 4 and 5 millimeters. Rubberized handles make it comfortable to work in hot and cold weather. The riveter is equipped with finger restraints and a clamp for fixing the handles. Weighing only 590 grams, it is a great choice for home use.
Price: ₽ 702
STANLEY MR33 0-69-833
FAQ
The riveter does not bite off the rivet shaft. What to do?
Either apply more force when biting off, or compare the diameter of the rivet head with the diameter of the shank - perhaps the former does not match the latter.