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Nowadays more and more people are using rivet guns to rivet blind rivets. although the operation process is very simple, but do you really use it correctly? Do you know what are the pop rivet gun tips?
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Here, I have shared the use of air pop rivet gun tips. these rivet gun tips can improve your riveting results and boost productivity. Let’s get started.
12 Tips for Air Pop Rivet Guns

In order to achieve the best riveting results, there are a number of things to keep in mind during the riveting process.
1.Correct selection of rivet size
Prior to the riveting operation, you need to verify that the rivet size is appropriate for your project. You need to make sure that the diameter and length of the rivet is appropriate for the thickness of the material to be riveted; too long or too short will affect the riveting results.

If the rivet diameter is too small or too large, the rivet may fail. Note that the length of the rivet body needs to be greater than the thickness of the material to be riveted.
If you want to pick the best pop rivet size for your project. Please read this guide “How Do I Choose the Right Size Pop Rivet?”.
2. Check air pressure
Before using a pneumatic rivet gun, checking the air pressure is a critical step in ensuring proper tool operation and quality rivets. Below I show how to go about checking the air pressure, please follow the steps.
- Check Compressor Air Pressure Gauge: Observe the compressor air pressure gauge. Start the compressor and make sure the air pressure is at the recommended working pressure of the rivet gun, usually in the range of 6-7 bar (approximately 90-100 PSI).If the air pressure is too high or too low, use the regulator on the compressor to adjust the pressure until it reaches the working pressure required by the rivet gun.
- Check the air pressure requirements of the pneumatic rivet gun: refer to the instruction manual of the rivet gun. Before riveting, make sure you know the specific air pressure requirements of the pneumatic rivet gun.
- Check output air pressure with an air pressure regulator
- Check that the air supply connector is well sealed. Check the length and condition of the air hose. A long or overly long air hose may result in pressure loss. Make sure the air hose is not bent, damaged or leaking to ensure stable air pressure.
- Test run the pneumatic rivet gun: Perform a no-load test by lightly pressing the trigger to feel the response of the pneumatic rivet gun. If the tool starts normally and the air flow is smooth, it means that the air pressure is within the appropriate range.

3. Keeping materials aligned
Before riveting, it is necessary to ensure that the holes in the materials to be joined are aligned. Any deviation may result in a weak riveted joint.
4. Gradual increase in air pressure
Why is it necessary to gradually increase the air pressure when adjusting a pneumatic rivet gun? This operation is mainly to ensure the safety of the tool and the quality of riveting. Below are the main reasons for gradually increasing the air pressure:
- Preventing damage to the tool from excessive air pressure: If the air pressure is too high, it may cause damage to the seals, piston, O-rings and other components inside the rivet gun. This can shorten the life of the tool.
- Ensure the quality of riveting: Air pressure determines the amount of pulling force of the pneumatic rivet gun. If the air pressure is too high, the rivet may overstretch or result in a poor riveted joint or even damage the material; if the air pressure is too low, the rivet may not be fully tensioned, resulting in a weak connection.
- Prevent material damage: If the air pressure is suddenly increased, the rivet may be overstretched, resulting in deformation or damage to the material surface.
- Prevent rivets from breaking correctly: When air pressure is too high, the core bar of the rivet may break prematurely or unevenly, resulting in an incomplete riveted joint. And with insufficient air pressure, the mandrel may fail to break.
5.Check riveting quality after riveting

After each riveting, the operator should perform a brief inspection. This includes whether the rivet is secure and the expansion head is traveling correctly.
6. Use of ear muffs
When using a pneumatic rivet gun, the mandrel may make a loud noise when it breaks. For operator protection, we recommend that operators wear ear protection to protect their hearing.
7. Keep the muzzle clean

In practice, it is very important to keep the nozzle of the rivet gun clean.
If there is dust, debris or rivet residue in the nozzle, it may prevent proper insertion and tensioning of the rivet. This may result in the rivet not expanding or securing correctly, affecting the quality of the riveted joint.
In addition to having an effect on the riveting results, it may also cause damage to the tool. Chips or residue may cause increased friction on the inside of the nozzle, accelerating nozzle wear. Keeping the nozzle clean reduces unnecessary friction and extends the life of the nozzle.
8. Regular lubrication
Regular lubrication is often required when it comes to pneumatic rivet guns, mainly to ensure that the tool can operate efficiently, prolonging its life and minimizing malfunctions.
Regular lubrication reduces friction within the pneumatic rivet gun and ensures that these parts work smoothly again. In addition to this, lubrication reduces the level of wear and tear, thereby extending the life of the tool.

9. Check O-Rings
O-ring (O-ring) is a ring-shaped rubber seal with a circular cross-section that is widely used in pneumatic rivet guns.O-ring plays a key role in the airtightness and performance of pneumatic rivet guns. Its main functions are as follows:
- Prevent compressed air from leaking out of the inside of the rivet gun and ensure that the air pressure stays within the specified range.
- Form a certain protection between the piston and other moving parts to reduce friction and wear.
- Prevent dust and impurities in the air from entering the system.
10. Remove water from the compressed air system
During prolonged use of the pneumatic rivet gun, the operator will need to periodically check for and remove water buildup in the compressed air system. So why do this?
When water buildup exists inside the tool, it can lead to rusting of the metal parts inside. It can also affect the O-rings and other seals of the pneumatic rivet gun, causing them to prematurely deteriorate, harden or fail.
11. Use of high quality pneumatic oil
Regarding pneumatic oils, why do we recommend the use of high quality pneumatic oils? Because it is vital to the proper operation and maintenance of the pneumatic rivet gun.
Quality pneumatic oil can better reduce the friction between parts and ensure the tool runs smoothly. Quality pneumatic oil can also help seal the O-ring to prevent air leakage and improve riveting results.
12. Prevents pipe twisting
In order to ensure consistent riveting results, it is necessary to prevent the pneumatic tubing from twisting during the riveting process. Pneumatic piping needs to be kept clear during operation so as to ensure a normal supply of airflow and reduce pressure fluctuations.

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Conclusion
The above air pop rivet gun tips will surely increase your productivity and efficiency. An air pop rivet gun is the most efficient riveting gun you will ever come across. Understanding the proper use of an air pop rivet gun can greatly extend the life of your rivet gun. This will help you get longer use and save money. These tips also apply to pneumatic rivet nut guns.
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A fast riveting process requires an excellent rivet gun. At Rivmate, you’ll get a rivet gun that perfectly meets your needs.
Our pneumatic rivet guns can rivet blind rivets in all materials, so one gun solves all problems. You can browse our catalog.
In addition, our engineers are always ready to customize your order for your project. You can get free samples.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s work together.