Hand riveters are devices that are mainly used to satisfy domestic needs. Such devices are a good alternative to complex electrical systems for connecting structural elements with fasteners.
Hand riveter - how to use?
Before proceeding directly to the implementation of measures for joining sheet materials with rivets, preparatory work is carried out. Drill holes for fasteners. Then, a rod is inserted into the riveter, which subsequently leans against the workpiece and is pressed with force by the device handles.
In the course of work, an impressive pulling effect is exerted on the fasteners, resulting in a thickening in the form of a rivet head. Part of the rod comes off. If it is necessary to create the most reliable connection, there is often a need for re-compression and expansion of the tool handles.
Users who have learned how to use a manual rivet, how to use the tool, note the creation of a reliable aesthetically attractive connection. The result of the work is the formation of neat hats on the outer surfaces. A ball forms on the inside, which remains when the fastener rod is divided.
Currently, manual riveters for threaded rivets are considered a less expensive and more technologically advanced option compared to installing fixtures manually.
Design Features
Depending on the design, the following varieties of hand riveters are distinguished today:
- Classic manual riveters with two handles - fixing fasteners occurs due to the user's power traction. Devices in this category are equipped with a ratchet device, due to which the mechanism is compressed.
- Rocker with a single handle - to install the fixture requires the application of a more accentuated force compared to the previous version. Such devices are common in the professional field and are used by experienced installers.
Professional or amateur tool?
What are the advantages of amateur and professional hand riveters? Devices for housework do not force the user to exert significant effort, due to the distribution of pressure on the two handles. Despite the comparative complexity of operating a professional tool, the latter makes it possible to use not only aluminum, but also more reliable steel fasteners.
Riveter Riveters
The manual rivet ripper operates according to the principle described above. The used pin unclamps the fasteners in the previously prepared hole, displacing the free space and forming a strong connection.
There are several options for exhaust riveters - in the form of a gun and a two-handed device, the design of which resembles ordinary pliers. Both options require little effort from the master when installing fasteners.
Threaded Riveters
To work with the tool in this category requires specialized fasteners. Instead of pulling the rod, a threaded hand rivet is screwed the nut along the thread to the limit until its surface begins to acquire a flat shape. Thus, several individual surfaces of the structure to be machined are pulled together as reliably as possible.
Since the cost of threaded riveters is quite high, it is impractical to purchase them for irregular use at home. As in the previous case, such devices can be presented in the form of a two-handed mechanism or a pistol.
Rivets
Hand riveters contain aluminum and steel fasteners. However, to perform large-scale work, a basic set of rivets is usually not enough. Therefore, before the master, there is often a need for an independent search, selection and purchase of appropriate consumables.
Rivets for a manual rivet can have different lengths and diameters. When choosing them, attention should be paid to the parameters of the tool nozzles.
Aluminum rivets are especially cheap. However, they cannot be called truly reliable. Therefore, in cases where it is necessary to create truly durable joints that can withstand significant loads, preference should be given to steel fasteners.
Hand riveters - price
The cost of a tool for this purpose depends on the type, design features, build quality and additional functionality. How much do the simplest amateur hand riveters cost? The price of amateur devices in the domestic market is from 300 rubles or more. The cost of the most functional, professional devices with the possibility of using removable nozzles, aluminum and steel fasteners starts from 1,500 rubles.
Rivet Advantages
What are the benefits of joining planes with rivets? A similar method of fastening has been used since time immemorial. For example, just such a solution was used to connect the elements of the Eiffel Tower. However, the rivets here were more impressive in size.
Today, riveters are used mainly in the construction industry. Use them when installing fences, installing frame structures, joining metal sheets.
The rivet installed in the prepared hole securely fastens the surfaces, does not deform materials and does not allow cracks to propagate. A neat hat is left on the front of the connection.
Installation of rivets is a rather simple and safer task compared to the same connection of parts by welding. It is enough for the master to choose the fastener that is suitable in diameter and fix the latter at the junction with the help of a specialized tool.
Selection tips
By and large, picking up a tool for implementing everyday tasks is not difficult. The main thing is to decide on the need to create an exhaust or screw connection. However, here it is still necessary to pay attention to some points:
- Riveters made in the form of a pistol are considered relatively unreliable. Since the bulk of the functional parts are made of plastic, they are not designed for intensive long-term operation. If the work requires the most durable tool, preference should be given to products made of steel.
- More reliable lever riveters. Their handles are able to withstand increased loads over an impressive lifetime.
- When choosing a rivet, a swivel head is welcome. As previously noted, such a tool allows the installation of fasteners in extremely uncomfortable, virtually inaccessible places.
- Attention deserves the presence of a set of nozzles for fasteners of various types and sizes. Such functionality does not need special comments.
In addition to the type, functionality and design features, the main criterion for choosing a rivet is its weight, which largely determines the class of the tool. A solid mechanism for mounting fasteners simply cannot be easy. To decide on a good option, it’s worth taking a few tools offhand to feel the difference in weight.
Naturally, the reliability, quality and service life of the device depend on the manufacturer. Do not give preference to frankly cheap riveters of a little-known brand. Only in this case you will not have to regret the money spent.
In conclusion, I would like to draw attention to the choice of devices for the implementation of professional tasks. It is difficult to argue that the need to install hundreds of rivets throughout the day using the manual model will cause a lot of discomfort. In such a situation, it is difficult to overestimate the presence of an electric rivet.