How Does An Air Rivet Gun Work?

Riveting is a fastening process used to join two or more materials together permanently. It involves driving a rivet, a cylindrical fastener, through pre-drilled holes in the materials being joined. 

Once inserted, the rivets end is deformed to create a secure connection. Due to its reliability and strength, riveting is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and metalworking.

Types of Riveting Tools

There are several types of riveting tools available, including hand riveters, pneumatic (air-powered) rivet guns, and hydraulic rivet guns. Among these, pneumatic rivet guns are popular for their speed, efficiency, and ease of use. These tools utilise air pressure to drive the rivet into place quickly and consistently.

Components of an Air Rivet Gun

An air rivet gun consists of several key components:

The main housing of the rivet gun contains the internal mechanisms and provides a handle for the operator to grip.

A lever or button that controls the operation of the rivet gun. When activated, the trigger allows compressed air to flow into the gun and initiate the riveting process.

A valve mechanism that regulates the flow of the air compressor into the gun's internal chamber. When the trigger is pulled, the valve opens, allowing air to enter and power the riveting action.

A piston is connected to the trigger mechanism. When the trigger is activated, the rivet gun drives forward, generating the force needed to drive the rivet.

The piston is typically connected to a hammer or striker mechanism. This component delivers a precise impact to the back of the rivet mandrel, driving it into the rivet body.

A surface against which the rivet is supported during installation. The anvil helps distribute the force of the hammer blow evenly across the rivet, preventing damage to the materials being joined.

A vent or port through which excess air is released from the rivet gun after the riveting process is complete.

Operation of an Air Rivet Gun

The air rivet gun instructions can be broken down into several steps:

The operator selects an appropriate rivet size and type for the application and inserts it into the rivet gun's nosepiece.

The materials to be joined are aligned and pre-drilled to accommodate the rivet. Proper alignment is crucial for achieving a strong, secure connection.

The operator grips the rivet gun and pulls the trigger to initiate the riveting process. This action opens the valve assembly, allowing compressed air to enter the gun.

As compressed air flows into the gun, it acts on the piston assembly, causing it to move forward rapidly. The piston is connected to the hammer or striker mechanism, which delivers a precise impact to the back of the rivet mandrel.

The force of the hammer blow deforms the end of the rivet, causing it to expand and securely fasten the materials together. This process is known as "setting" the rivet.

After the rivet is set, the trigger is released, closing the valve assembly and allowing excess air to exhaust from the rivet gun through the exhaust port.

The operator can then load another rivet and repeat the process as needed to complete the assembly or repair task.

Advantages of Air Rivet Guns

Air rivet guns offer several advantages over other riveting tools:

• Speed and Efficiency: Air rivet guns can install rivets quickly and consistently, reducing assembly time and labour costs.
• Versatility: These tools are compatible with a wide range of rivet sizes and materials, making them suitable for various applications.
• Ease of Use: The pneumatic operation of air rivet guns requires minimal effort from the operator, reducing fatigue during extended use.
• Precision: The controlled impact delivered by the hammer or striker mechanism ensures accurate rivet placement and consistent joint quality.

Shop Air Rivet Guns at Dafra Today

An air rivet gun is a pneumatic tool used to install rivets quickly and efficiently in various industrial and manufacturing applications. By harnessing the power of compressed air, these tools deliver precise impacts to drive rivets into place, creating strong and reliable connections between materials. With their speed, versatility, and ease of use, air rivet guns are indispensable tools for professionals in a wide range of industries.

A pneumatic rivet gun is an essential tool for any tradie to have, shop our range of cordless rivet guns online today, or contact us if you have any questions or concerns.