Rivet gun ?

[tinman54]

I am almost up to re-installing the interior liner in our 54 cruiser and looking for a inexpensive pneumatic rivet gun. Anyone have a good source?

I have been looking at them on ebay and wondering if the $50.00 models will make it through the job? I really don't want to buy the $200 ones if I don't have too. My hands will probably be worn out if I don't get something besides my hand operated one.
Here is one of the Ebay units:

Pneumatic Air Pop Rivet Gun Tool Squeezer Riveter Kit | eBay

Thanks Doug

[SilverHoot]

I got mine at Harbor Freight for I think about $29.00 works just fine so far.
I must have got mine on sale here's the price now.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-16-in...ter-93458.html

[airstream4]

Interior rivets are easier than exterior, but when doing more than 5-6 the air operation is needed! exterior I hook up the air with no hesitation! I purchased the Harbor freight unit for around $29. Harbor freight always has new sales and their Sunday flyers have 20% off coupons. I have installed over 700 exterior rivets with the Harbor freight unit which is still going strong! Done interior on three trailers also.

[tinman54]

Thanks for the links! I will check it out this weekend.

[markdoane]

Another vote for Harbor Freight. Mine is so beat up you can hardly tell what color it is. Needs a little PM once in awhile.

Really make the interior wall replacement easier and neater. Got mine at the store in Minneapolis, but there's one in the Signal Hill Shopping Center also.

[Someday'59]

One note about the Harbor Freight pneumatic riveter... it seems like the mandrels have a tendency to get stuck...just make sure you hear it fall out the back before you shoot another rivet.

[Star-Man]

It's not pneumatic, but I got a drill attachment from Mcmaster-Carr that works pretty well. The part number is 98716A100.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Originally Posted by airstream4

Interior rivets are easier than exterior, but when doing more than 5-6 the air operation is needed! exterior I hook up the air with no hesitation! I purchased the Harbor freight unit for around $29. Harbor freight always has new sales and their Sunday flyers have 20% off coupons. I have installed over 700 exterior rivets with the Harbor freight unit which is still going strong! Done interior on three trailers also.

you said "exterior" Are you are saying you installing pop rivets on the outside of the trailer? You mean like replacing bucked rivets with ones you pull? Could you explain?

Tim, I am often the voice of the other side. I do not use air riveters except to set a solid bucked rivet. I prefer to feel the rivet tension as it is pulled. I know many swear by the air riveters, but in my shop we do not use them. When hand pulling, you have time to adjust the angle or inward pressure over an instant zap. I have used the pneumatic ones before, but found I had many rivets set incorrectly and that was why I went back to the old school method. Doing it this way also keeps my hands strong. Just my opinion, not always the correct one, but works for me.

[airstream4]

[QUOTE=62overlander;972328]you said "exterior" Are you are saying you installing pop rivets on the outside of the trailer? You mean like replacing bucked rivets with ones you pull? Could you explain?

When I say exterior I am referring to 5/32" Olympic Shaveable Rivets
I have never tried to buck rivets, requires two people plus access to both sides. Half of my exterior rivets were with exterior access only.
Paul

[tinman54]

Thanks for all the rivet information everyone, I have used a few olympic rivets on the outside only when i could not get help with buck rivets and then i made sure to volkume the inside for leaks. I have done a lot of pop rivets by hand on the belly and other non visible areas. I was not sure about the Buck rivet process at first but have found it really is not any harder then a pop rivet but just need 2 people.
Frank I do like your thought of keeping your hands tough and getting a good feel of the rivet. I did order a pneumatic gun from harbor freight, it's always good to get new tools:-)
Doug

[utee94]

Originally Posted by 62overlander

you said "exterior" Are you are saying you installing pop rivets on the outside of the trailer? You mean like replacing bucked rivets with ones you pull? Could you explain?

Tim, I am often the voice of the other side. I do not use air riveters except to set a solid bucked rivet. I prefer to feel the rivet tension as it is pulled. I know many swear by the air riveters, but in my shop we do not use them. When hand pulling, you have time to adjust the angle or inward pressure over an instant zap. I have used the pneumatic ones before, but found I had many rivets set incorrectly and that was why I went back to the old school method. Doing it this way also keeps my hands strong. Just my opinion, not always the correct one, but works for me.

I agree with Frank, I've probably pulled a thousand interior pop rivets in my trailer so far, and I used the pneumatic riveter for a couple hundred of them, but found that I preferred the "feel" of hand-squeezing the rivets with a manual rivet puller. It's up to you, but if you do go with a manual one, make sure you buy a high-quality one. I had a cheap one that died pretty quick on me, then I ordered the one from Vintage Trailer Supply and it has been a very solid tool.

Good luck!
-Marcus

[barts]

If I'm using stainless pop rivets in any quantity, I'd want a air version; I've broken the manual ones that way. I like using stainless rivets on areas under more load...

- Bart