In work with light finishing materials, small-format fasteners are often used. For fixing thin metal sheets, chipboard or plastic panels, it usually does not make sense to use screws or nails, but staples do not always turn out to be the optimal solution. The best way to do this is to use rivets. Provided that the step of implementing this hardware is correctly calculated, it is possible to provide an accurate and sufficient fastening. The quality of the work will be determined by the rivet gun used, which has various modifications and characteristics.
General Information on the Hand Gun for Rivets
This is the simplest kind of rivet tool, but this does not mean that it is ineffective in work. Such models usually have two handles and a pressure mechanism that works by physical effort. A more complicated modification is a rivet gun with large handles. If in using the standard version of the tool the user can provide fastening with one hand, then in this case the pressure is realized due to the effort from both hands.
As for the performance and ease of use of manual riveters, here, indeed, not everything is clear. For serial long-term work with a small hardware, this option may not be the best, as the operator’s hand quickly gets tired. But unlike battery and network models, the manual rivet has no restrictions in terms of application conditions. It is wear-resistant in relation to mechanical influences, is not afraid of moisture, is easily cleaned of pollution and does not depend on sources of energy supply.
Varieties of Hand Models
Usually distinguish the classic version of the rivet, which was described above, a device with a rotary head and modifications of the rocker type. The simplest option can also be enhanced by a ratchet mechanism that facilitates the process of pressing the handles. Versions with a swivel head are advantageous in that they can be used in hard-to-reach places where there are difficulties in terms of direction and positioning of the hardware. Rocker rivet gun has only one handle, acting on the principle of a one-sided scissor mechanism. That is, the compression is realized not from different sides of the two handles, but in one direction. Just when it comes to serial mounting of a large number of elements, then this option will be the most convenient. For this reason, rocker modifications are often used in the construction industry and in manufacturing.
What are the rivets for the rivet?
Rivet material varies in size, material of manufacture and design. As for the sizes, the length of such a hardware can be 6-20 mm, and in thickness - on average from 3 to 6 mm. The material of manufacture is represented by metals, among which aluminum and steel. Aluminum rivets are considered less durable, but their use is justified when it comes to fastening thin wood and plastic panels. Almost any rivet gun can handle such fasteners, since the work process requires little effort. Steel models can be used in the installation of metal sheets, so the gun must be selected with the appropriate power potential. In terms of design rivets can be divided into threaded and exhaust. Accordingly, the first option is a reduced variety of cloves, and the second resembles a small screw.
User's manual
Before starting work at the point of future installation of fasteners, you should make a hole with a drill. Then, a rivet head is inserted into the prepared tool holder. After that, it is very important to ensure the perpendicularity of the position of the hardware relative to the working surface. When the positioning is completed, it is possible to exert force through the working bodies of the rivet. As a result, the fixing head of the rivet should be formed on the outside, and a kind of ball-holder on the inside. In order for the hand rivet gun to stably maintain its function, it should be serviced properly. After each working session, you need to clean, wash and dry the surface. Depending on the material of construction, periodic processing with protective oils may be required, which will protect the gun from rust and other negative processes.
How to choose a gun for rivets?
Pay attention to different structural characteristics. Of course, the main one should be the ability to support rivets of a certain format. Universal models in this regard are the most profitable, as they allow you to work with a wide range of diameters - an average of 3 to 6 mm. It is worth considering the implementation of a mechanism that captures the hardware. As experienced masters note, it is advisable to choose a manual rivet with a three-leaf collet gripper system that reliably fixes the working element. It will also be useful to take into account ergonomic features. This refers to the number of nozzles in the kit, the material of the frame of the handles and the weight of the tool - the lighter it is, the easier it will be to perform serial operations.
Conclusion
The rivet fastener system as such is considered one of the best for several reasons. Its main advantage is that with a minimum content of foreign material in the form of a hardware, a high degree of attachment can be achieved. And from the outside, and from the inside, there remains only a small point of fixture, which practically does not spoil the appearance of the surface. Unlike nails, screws and self-tapping screws, a rivet gun provides two-sided fastening of the material, on which the reliability of this technique is based. Another thing is that it is not always possible to technically implement this method. It is suitable for use only in cases where it is possible to drill a preparatory hole and exit to the back of the working base.