Hand Riveters
Hand riveters (pop rivet tools) join sheet metal, ducts, gutters, signs and panels from one side. They look harmless, but when the rivet breaks, the mandrel can snap out. Sharp metal edges, pinched fingers and repetitive squeezing add up to cuts and sore hands.
- Sheet Metal Workers
- HVAC Installers
- Auto & Body Techs
- Sign Makers
- Homeowners
How they work
- A blind rivet has a hollow body and a center stem (mandrel). The tool pulls the mandrel, which expands the rivet body on the far side of the work, and then the mandrel snaps off at a set break point.
- Tool types: hand riveters (squeeze handles), lever or long-reach tools, and battery and pneumatic riveters. See Nail Guns for related powered fastener safety.
- A nosepiece sized for the rivet fits over the mandrel. Wrong size means poor grip and slipping.
Main hazards
- Eye injuries: the mandrel can fly out when it snaps, and metal slivers can fly from drilling. Always wear safety glasses. See Eye Injuries.
- Cuts from sheet metal edges, burrs and the sharp broken mandrel. See Tin Snips.
- Pinched fingers between handles and between work pieces.
- Hand and wrist strain from repeated squeezing. See Ergonomic Hand Tools.
- Falling or hot spent mandrels on floors causing slips and punctures.
- Overhead and awkward work on ductwork and ladders. See Ladder Basics.
- Hidden wires and pipes behind panels you drill through. See Hidden Wiring.
Safe use
- Wear safety glasses with side shields and cut-resistant gloves when handling sheet metal. See Hand Protection.
- Match the rivet to the material thickness, hole size and the tool's nosepiece. Drill the hole to the rivet maker's size, and deburr it.
- Hold the work steady, keep the tool square to the surface and keep your free hand clear of the rivet and the back of the work.
- Squeeze fully until the mandrel snaps. Don't twist or pry the tool. Replace worn jaws and nosepieces.
- Collect spent mandrels in the tool's catcher or a container, not on the floor. Recycle with scrap metal.
- Check behind the panel before drilling. Don't rivet near live wiring or gas lines.
- Use long-handled or battery tools for large jobs to reduce hand strain, and take breaks.
Hand riveter checklist
- I wear safety glasses and cut-resistant gloves
- The rivet, hole and nosepiece match
- Holes are deburred and my free hand is clear
- I catch spent mandrels and keep the floor clear
- I check behind panels before drilling
Standards & references
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