What Is a Riveter?
A riveter is a tool used to fasten (join) metal plates using a type of fastener called a rivet.
Riveters are employed to fasten metal plates when bolts, nuts, or screws cannot be used, when reaching around the backside of the plate is impractical, or when welding is not feasible.
Since rivets can be used to fasten metal plates together semi-permanently with high strength, they are also used to fasten the exterior panels of airplanes.
However, once rivets are fastened, they cannot be easily removed. Therefore, this method is not suitable for fastening items that will be removed at a later date or periodically.
How to Use Riveters
This section describes how to use the hand riveter to attach rivets to the workpiece.
To prepare for the rivet, drill a pre-drilled hole in the workpiece. At this time, be sure to drill a hole that matches the standard size of the rivet to be fastened. Insert the rivet into the drilled hole. Attach a riveter to a nose piece that matches the size of the rivet to be used. Insert the shaft portion of the rivet into the riveter, and then place the nose piece tightly against the flange of the rivet.
Close the riveter handle and tighten the rivet, and the riveter will cut the shaft portion of the rivet. After confirming that the riveter has been cut, remove the riveter from the rivet. Open the handle of the riveter to eject the shaft portion of the cut rivet.
How to Choose a Riveter
When selecting a riveter, be sure to check the rivet size (rivet diameter) and the material that can be used.
There are three main types of riveters: hand riveters, electric riveters, and air riveters. The features of each are summarized below.
Hand riveters are easy for beginners to handle because they can crimp rivets simply by grasping the handle, and many of them are reasonably priced. They are easy to carry and do not require a power source, batteries, or air supply, so they can be used anywhere.
Electric riveters can easily caulk rivets by simply turning on the switch, making them ideal when you have a large number of rivets to caulk, or when work efficiency is important. Battery-powered riveters do not require a power supply.
Air riveters are lighter than electric riveters, and are suitable when large numbers of rivets are to be caulked. Also, the power of air allows for more powerful and quicker crimping. However, it is necessary to prepare air for using the air riveter and secure a work location where an air hose can be routed.