Tips for Choosing a Rivet Gun

Installing aircraft hardware requires a considerable more amount of know-how than your typical DIYer has. For instance, you can install pop rivets in your home with a simple hand tool, unlike the rivet gun, which is necessary when working with airplanes. If you are thinking about building your own planes, here are some basic things you need to know about choosing rivet guns.

Know the Necessary Tools

You are going to need three basic tools for installing rivets in your aircraft. You will need a bucking bar, rivet set, and rivet gun.

Select Your Gun

If you need your own riveting gun and are looking to purchase one, check with other builders in your area. This can help you determine exactly what type of tool you need. Otherwise, advertisements could fool you into buying something that won’t work well for aircraft rivets. For example, many inexperienced builders go out and buy an air chisel or hammer because they look like a cheaper alternative for a rivet gun. However, these hit too hard and fast, which can actually damage your plane. Therefore, you need to have a basic understanding of what a rivet gun is before you select and purchase your tool.

Get Some Air

Like any air-powered tool, you are going to need compressed air to use your rivet gun. That means you are going to need an air compressor.

Choose Your Set

Before you can put any rivets in your aircraft, you are going to need the right set. You can install any flush head with one flush set. However, if you have universal or any other type of raised heads, you will need to choose the corresponding set.

If you want to get into building aircraft, you are going to need a rivet gun. Following these tips will help you choose the right one.