Rivet Gun Size and Brand

[JimGolden]

Hi All,

I want to buy a rivet gun. I intend to build an airplane with it later, but first want to spruce up my Airstream.

I was looking at a Sioux 3X gun. Will this suffice for all the Airstream work? I believe the 3X gun is good for up to 3/16" diameter rivets. Do I need to go any heavier?

Thanks,

Jim

[Over59]

Did the whole take it apart and put it together. While I used some 3/16 you don't need anything bigger than the 5/32. You'll also want to use 1/8.

[markdoane]

I have a 3X. It is more than heavy enough for 5/32". Almost wish I had something a little lighter. Be sure you order the hardened rivets.

[JimGolden]

Thanks guys. 3X for me. Need a 3X for airplane stuff. It can do 1/8 up to 3/16, so I should be good to go.

[TomW]

I bought a pneumatic riveter capable of handling 1/4" rivets not necessarily for the ability to do them, but for the beefiness the gun would have to have to accomodate the task. I figured this may result in longer life if I stuck with the smaller rivets my Overlander needed.

The only drawback was that the gun's "snout" was too big to fit in some small spaces in the bathroom. No big deal - A hand riveter was okay for five or so rivets.

Tom

[Tinsel Loaf]

Harbor Freight has or just had an aircraft penumatic riveter on sale for
$79.79. I purchased one and it works fine, however how longs it lasts is another question.