Using a Pop Rivet Gun: Quick, Easy and Safe Techniques for Any Project

Pop rivet guns are a great tool to have when you’re doing certain jobs such as auto repair, mobile home repair and flashing. Pop rivets are the preferred choice of fastening for lighter metals like tin and aluminum. They have a particular shape and the pin-like part at the bottom is used to secure the sheets of metal together. It is important to understand how to use a pop rivet gun in order to do the job properly. Here is a guide to show you how to use a pop rivet gun.

Step one: Put on safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands. This will provide extra assurance for the safety of yourself and others.

Step two: You need two sheets of metal with overlapping holes or drill holes by using a drill to make holes with the same size.

Step three: Put the sheet of metal together. Depending on the size of the material, you may need to secure the metal temporarily with something like tape or self-locking pliers.

Step four: Place a rivet into the pop rivet tool so that the pin shape is directed towards the tool and the round head of the rivet rests against the holding edge of the tool. Put gentle pressure on the handle of the tool to keep the rivet in place.

Step five: Push the top of the rivet through both sheets of metal. Ensure that the rivet goes through both sides and there is nothing impeding.

Step six: Now the difficult part – apply pressure downwards onto the sheets of metal while pulling hard on the handle of the tool. Keep repeating until you hear a loud popping noise when the rivet is secured.

Step seven: Check if the rivet has been properly aligned. Finish the job by turning the pop rivet gun and watch the pin shooting out of it. Smooth the ends of the rivet to remove the sharp edge.

Using a pop rivet gun is a craftsmanship skill that needs to be learned and practiced. Take the time to learn how to use the tool and practice both with scraps of metal and on the workpiece. Having a pop rivet gun is a cost-effective and efficient tool for automotive or mobile home repair or for flashing. By following the steps given, you can make use of the pop rivet gun quickly and with confidence.

Once you are comfortable with using the tool and have perfected the technique, you can easily use it for various types of light metal jobs. Whether you’re doing automotive work, mobile home repair, or flashing, a pop rivet gun is an invaluable tool. With patience and practice, you’ll soon be using your pop rivet tool like a pro.