Riveting

[Neeves]

https://www.faithfulltools.com/p/FAIHDLAHR/Heavy-Duty-Long-Arm-Riveter

These seem quite common (there are other manufacturers) - but they might be available of different arm lengths (which would seem logical). I need to check but I have a pair (or a set) of the same design but I don't recall their being man enough for 6mm rivets (so mine might be a bit small) or I need to build up bigger muscles.

The device I link, for 6mm rivets, costs around stg50 - and would be well worth it for mast step installation.

The smaller riveters that are in every hardware store, and made by less well known manufacturers, and are cheap I find fail because they do not have the leverage but also because the jaws that grip the pin/shank don't seem man enough. (You get what you pay for).

I had thought there would have been some form of development in riveters but the Faithful type, the smaller hand tool type and the lazy tongs seem to have been around for years. I had never seen nor heard of the drill bit attachment - and I'll see if I can find one (to look at and mull over). I had thought there might be some development of those tree lopper cutters that you 'sort of' crank up to increase the tension - but obviously not.

Jonathan

 

[Daverw]

The drill adapters used to be in hardware shops but I’ve not seen them anywhere but eBay, they are about £12

 

[Spyro]

https://www.faithfulltools.com/p/FAIHDLAHR/Heavy-Duty-Long-Arm-Riveter

These seem quite common (there are other manufacturers) - but they might be available of different arm lengths (which would seem logical). I need to check but I have a pair (or a set) of the same design but I don't recall their being man enough for 6mm rivets (so mine might be a bit small) or I need to build up bigger muscles.

The device I link, for 6mm rivets, costs around stg50 - and would be well worth it for mast step installation.

The smaller riveters that are in every hardware store, and made by less well known manufacturers, and are cheap I find fail because they do not have the leverage but also because the jaws that grip the pin/shank don't seem man enough. (You get what you pay for).

I had thought there would have been some form of development in riveters but the Faithful type, the smaller hand tool type and the lazy tongs seem to have been around for years. I had never seen nor heard of the drill bit attachment - and I'll see if I can find one (to look at and mull over). I had thought there might be some development of those tree lopper cutters that you 'sort of' crank up to increase the tension - but obviously not.

Jonathan

Plenty to see on YouTube

 

[Neeves]

I had another look at the Faithful riveters and compared with my own, of a similar design but from a different supplier.

The Faithful 'short arm' riveter is similar to mine but mine has interchangeable nozzles, the Faithful has a rotating head (and the latter seems easier to operate if you are up a mast). The long arm riveter looks to be a better choice for larger rivets, mine is the short arm version, but may not be so easy to work with up a mast. Mine is fine up a mast but can struggle with bigger rivets. My hort arm version i significantly better than the common single lever type.

Jonathan

 

[Ruffles]

I don't know, have never heard of, an adaptor to attach to a drill to apply Pop, blind rivets.
Any hands on experience (I note an earlier post suggesting positive usage)
Jonathan

Not used one myself but from the youtube videos you seem to have to hold the tool with your other hand. So it's not a one-handed operation.

 

[Daverw]

Yes drill in one hand and adapter in the other, I’ve used it up the mast with arm around mast to hold the adapter, it takes no force and does not snap away. Surly all large rivet guns need both hands anyway

 

[Neeves]

Yes drill in one hand and adapter in the other, I’ve used it up the mast with arm around mast to hold the adapter, it takes no force and does not snap away. Surly all large rivet guns need both hands anyway

The symmetrical double arm lever riveter do need 2 hands as they open out so the arms are in a straight line. You are also 'unbalanced' as when you close the arms - you need to push yourself away from the mast - if up a mast

The drill and adaptor has great appeal (especially at the price quoted - and they are similarly priced in Oz) as they need no force (apparently) so you could simply hang there drill in one hand and adaptor in the other and operate to one side.

I need to go and find one in a tool shop - I cannot believe (but I might be disappointed) they are only available 'on line'.

Jonathan