Hand riveters are devices that are used mainly to meet 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 connecting sheet materials with rivets, preparatory work is carried out. Holes for fasteners are drilled. Then a rod is inserted into the riveter, which subsequently leans against the workpiece and is compressed with force by the handles of the device.
In the course of work, an impressive pulling effect is exerted on the fastener, resulting in a thickening in the form of a rivet head. Part of the rod comes off. When it is necessary to create the most reliable connection, there is often a need to re-compress and decompress the tool handles.
Users who have learned how to operate a manual riveter, how to use the tool, note the creation of a reliable aesthetically attractive connection. The result of the workthe formation of neat hats on the outer surfaces becomes. A ball is formed on the inside, which remains when the fastener rod is separated.
Currently, hand riveters for threaded rivets are considered a less expensive and more technological option compared to manual installation of fasteners.
Design features
Depending on the design, today the following types of hand riveters are distinguished:
- Classic hand riveters with two handles – fasteners are fixed due to the user's power traction. Devices in this category are equipped with a ratchet device, due to which the mechanism is compressed.
- Single-handle rocker - to install fasteners, the application of more accentuated force is required compared to the previous version. Such devices are common in the professional field and are used by experienced installers.
Professional or amateur instrument?
What are the advantages of amateur and professional hand riveters? Household appliances do not force the user to apply significant force, due to the distribution of pressure on two handles. Despite the relative complexity of operating a professional tool, the latter makes it possible to use not only aluminum, but also more reliable steel fasteners.
Pull riveters
The hand-drawn riveter functions according to the principle described above. The pin used decompresses the fastener in the previously prepared hole, forcing free space and forming a strong connection.
There are several options for pull riveters - in the form of a pistol and a two-handed device, the design of which resembles ordinary pliers. Both options require the master to spend little effort when installing fasteners.
Threaded riveters
To work with the tool in this category, specialized fasteners are required. Instead of pulling the rod out, the hand-threaded riveter winds the nut along the thread to the limit until its surface begins to take on a flat shape. Thus, several individual surfaces of the structure being processed are pulled together as reliably as possible.
Since the cost of threaded rivets is quite high, it is not advisable to purchase them for occasional 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, for large-scale work, a basic set of rivets is usually not enough. Therefore, the master often needs to independently search, select and purchase the appropriate consumables.
Riveters for the rivetermanual 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 connections that can withstand significant loads, steel fasteners should be preferred.
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 1500 rubles.
Virtues of riveters
What are the benefits of joining planes with rivets? This 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 larger.
Today, riveters are used mainly in the construction industry. They are used in the installation of fences, the installation of frame structures, the connection of metal sheets.
The rivet installed in the prepared hole securely fastens the surfaces, does not deformmaterials and does not allow cracks to propagate. A neat hat is left on the front side of the joint.
Installation of rivets is a fairly simple and safer task compared to the same connection of parts by welding. The master only needs to choose a fastener that is suitable in diameter and fix the latter at the junction using a specialized tool.
Selection Tips
By and large, it is not difficult to choose a tool for the implementation of everyday tasks. 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 main part of the functional parts here are made of plastic, they are not designed for intensive long-term operation. If the job requires the most durable tool, preference should be given to products made of steel.
- Lever riveters are more reliable. Their handles are able to withstand increased loads for an impressive service life.
- When choosing a riveter, the presence of a swivel head is welcome. As noted earlier, such a tool allows you to install fasteners in extremely inconvenient, almost inaccessible places.
- Attention deserves the presence in the set of nozzles for fasteners of various types and sizes. This functionality does not require specialcomments.
In addition to the type, functionality and design features, the main criterion for choosing a riveter 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, you should take a few tools offhand to feel the difference in weight.
Naturally, the reliability, quality and service life of the device depend on the manufacturer. You should 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 hard to argue with the fact that the need to install hundreds of rivets throughout the day with the help of a manual model will cause a lot of discomfort. In such a situation, it is difficult to overestimate the presence of an electric riveter.
