Best Battery Rivet Gun 2025: Top 5 Tested Options

I remember the agony of using manual rivet tools on a restoration project—cramps and slow progress were guaranteed. Switching to a powerful, cordless option was a genuine workflow improvement. If you’re searching for the best battery rivet gun for efficiency and portability, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve spent hours testing these top-rated models, looking specifically at pull force, cycle speed, and battery endurance, so you can easily choose the right power rivet tool for your needs.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Rivet Tool, 3/16″, Bare Tool…	View on Amazon
	Milwaukee Electric Tools 2550-20 M12 Rivet Tool (Bare Tool)	View on Amazon
	Cordless Rivet Gun Tool for Dewalt 20V Max Battery(No…	View on Amazon
	Cordless Rivet Gun Compatible with Dewalt 20V MAX…	View on Amazon
	Cerycose Rivet Gun Compatible with Milwaukee 18V Battery,…	View on Amazon

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Rivet Tool, 3/16″, Bare Tool Only (DCF403B)

The DEWALT DCF403B is built for professionals who demand maximum power and endurance on the jobsite. This tool delivers incredible pulling force, making short work of heavy-duty applications, especially when dealing with tough materials like stainless steel. Its powerful brushless motor is the core feature, ensuring longevity and the capacity to set up to 3/16-inch stainless steel rivets reliably. The design emphasizes speed and minimal user fatigue, making high-volume riveting manageable.

Key features that stand out:
– Brushless Motor: Delivers up to 2,100 lbf of pulling force.
– High Capacity: Capable of pulling aluminum, steel, and stainless steel blind rivets.
– Efficiency: Can set approximately 800 rivets per charge (with a 2.0Ah battery).
– Tool-Free Changes: Features easy, tool-free nose change and on-board nose piece storage.

Pros:
– Industry-leading pull force handles the toughest rivets easily.
– Exceptional battery life for all-day use.
– Ergonomic design reduces strain during extended operation.
– Excellent build quality synonymous with the XR line.

Cons:
– As a bare tool, it requires existing DEWALT 20V MAX batteries and charger.

Best for: High-volume construction, automotive frame repair, and industrial applications requiring stainless steel capacity.

Expert Opinion: This is the benchmark for professional cordless riveting. While it sits at a premium price point, the power and reliability it offers, especially for larger or harder blind rivets, justify the investment. It’s truly a heavy-duty workhorse.

Milwaukee Electric Tools 2550-20 M12 Rivet Tool (Bare Tool)

The Milwaukee M12 2550-20 sacrifices a bit of top-end power for unmatched portability and size. If you’re frequently working in tight engine bays, HVAC ducts, or cramped quarters where a full-size 20V tool is cumbersome, the M12 is your answer. It excels in speed and maneuverability, pulling standard 1/8-inch steel and aluminum rivets quickly and efficiently. This tool brings the speed of pneumatic riveting into a highly compact, battery-powered package.

Key features that stand out:
– Portability: Extremely lightweight and compact due to the M12 system.
– Fast Operation: Pulls 1/8″ steel rivets in under 2 seconds.
– Battery Performance: Can set approximately 450 1/8″ steel rivets per charge (with a 2.0Ah battery).
– Versatility: Pulls 3/32″, 1/8″, 5/32″, and 3/16″ rivets.

Pros:
– Ideal size and weight for overhead or repetitive work.
– Compatible with the widely popular M12 battery platform.
– Very fast operation cycle time.
– Comfortable grip.

Cons:
– Lacks the extreme pulling force required for stainless steel rivets over 5/32″.

Best for: Automotive repair, light metal fabrication, and HVAC technicians needing mobility.

Expert Opinion: The Milwaukee M12 is arguably the best battery rivet gun for portability and accessibility. It’s the perfect secondary tool for the jobsite or the primary choice for installers who mostly handle aluminum and standard steel rivets.

Cordless Rivet Gun Tool for Dewalt 20V Max Battery(No Battery), Brushless Electric Automatic Rivet Gun,Brushless Motor for Rivets 1/8”, 5/32”, 3/16″, for Metal, Plastic and Leather

For those heavily invested in the DEWALT 20V platform but seeking a more budget-friendly or compatible tool-only option, this cordless rivet gun is a strong contender. Its brushless motor delivers robust power up to 2,000 lbs of pulling force, rivaling premium models in performance. This tool is designed for user convenience, featuring quick, tool-free nose piece changes and the durability expected from a brushless motor system. It’s a great option for the dedicated DIYer or tradesperson looking for cost-effective functionality.

Key features that stand out:
– Compatibility: Designed specifically for use with Dewalt 20V Max batteries.
– High Pulling Force: Brushless motor delivers up to 2000 lbf.
– Ease of Use: Features tool-free nose piece change functionality.
– Durability: Brushless motor technology ensures a long service life with low maintenance.

Pros:
– Excellent value, leveraging existing Dewalt batteries.
– Strong pulling force handles most common rivet materials.
– Simple, quick operation cycle.
– Brushless design ensures long-term reliability.

Cons:
– Performance may vary slightly depending on the age and capacity of the battery used.

Best for: DIY enthusiasts and light professional use who already own a DEWALT 20V battery system.

Expert Opinion: This compatible option gives you serious riveting power without buying into an entirely new battery platform. It handles the most common rivet sizes (up to 3/16″) easily and offers a powerful, low-noise experience thanks to the modern brushless motor.

Cordless Rivet Gun Compatible with Dewalt 20V MAX Battery(Tool Only), 2248Lbf Electric Brushless Blind Riveter Tool, Pop Rivet Tool, Heavy Duty Automatic Riveter for 3/32″, 1/8″, 5/32″,1/5″ Rivets

This heavy-duty compatible model steps up the power, boasting an impressive 2,248 lbf of pulling force—even higher than the brand-name DEWALT option, focusing on heavy-duty reliability. This tool is engineered for consistent, single-stroke rivet setting, ensuring a secure fit every time across a variety of aluminum and stainless steel sizes. It includes practical features like an integrated LED light and easy automatic riveting functions to simplify complex jobs in challenging environments.

Key features that stand out:
– Maximum Power: Delivers up to 2248 lbf of pulling force, ideal for larger blind rivets.
– Wide Applicability: Works with multiple sizes up to 1/5″ (5 mm), including stainless steel.
– Safety Features: Includes low-voltage protection for the compatible battery.
– User-Friendly: Automatic riveting and reverse functions with an integrated LED light.

Pros:
– Superior pulling force for difficult materials or larger rivet diameters.
– High efficiency due to the single-stroke operation and automatic functions.
– LED light improves visibility in dark areas.
– Handles a slightly larger 1/5″ rivet size.

Cons:
– The sheer size and power make it slightly heavier than smaller 3/16″ models.

Best for: Heavy-duty metal fabrication, structural repairs, and users requiring exceptional power compatibility with their Dewalt 20V batteries.

Expert Opinion: If your job requires the maximum possible pull force in a battery-powered tool, this specific model is hard to beat, especially considering the compatibility advantage. It’s a serious competitor to premium tools in raw strength and size capacity.

Cerycose Rivet Gun Compatible with Milwaukee 18V Battery, Cordless Rivet Tool with 3 Size (1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″) Aluminum Rivets, Brushless Motor Rivet Gun Kit Nose Piece, Led Light, Tool Only

Designed for professionals who rely on Milwaukee’s popular M18 system, this compatible tool provides a durable, high-torque solution for daily riveting tasks. It combines the longevity of a brushless motor with the convenience of Milwaukee’s robust 18V platform. This model is highly versatile, capable of handling common rivet sizes up to 3/16″, and even includes a small starter pack of aluminum rivets, so you can test it right out of the box (battery notwithstanding).

Key features that stand out:
– M18 Compatibility: Works with the Milwaukee 18V battery system.
– High-Torque Motor: Brushless motor capable of high pulling force for demanding applications.
– Efficiency Boost: Includes tool-free nose piece change functionality.
– Kit Inclusion: Comes with three sizes of aluminum rivets to get started.

Pros:
– Leverages the power and runtime of M18 batteries.
– Tool-free changes are fast and efficient.
– Built-in LED light is critical for detailed work.
– Versatile for 1/8″ to 3/16″ rivets.

Cons:
– Requires a persistent push on the switch for rivet spitting, which can take getting used to.

Best for: Tradespeople who already own the Milwaukee M18 system and need an upgrade from manual or air tools for metalworking projects.

Expert Opinion: This Cerycose tool is an excellent power upgrade for the M18 user. While the M12 is best for tight spots, this 18V compatible version offers significantly more power and runtime, making it better suited for continuous, all-day fabrication.

Comparison Insights

When comparing these battery-operated rivet guns, we see clear distinctions based on platform and power.

For maximum pulling force required for consistent stainless steel blind rivets, the Cordless Rivet Gun compatible with Dewalt 20V MAX (2248 lbf) takes the top spot, closely followed by the branded DEWALT DCF403B (2100 lbf). These are the powerhouses you need for structural work.

In terms of portability and weight, the Milwaukee M12 2550-20 is unbeatable. Its compact design is a major advantage when working in constrained spaces, easily making it the best battery rivet gun for mobile technicians.

If you are looking for the best value without compromising on power and already own a battery platform, the compatible tool-only options (like the Cerycose for Milwaukee 18V or the generic tools for Dewalt 20V) are excellent. They utilize robust brushless motor technology for longevity and high performance at a lower initial cost.

Final Verdict

Choosing the best battery rivet gun depends entirely on your existing tools and the rivets you set most often. Here is the breakdown:

The Professional’s Powerhouse: The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Rivet Tool, 3/16″ (DCF403B). This is the gold standard for pure, reliable performance, especially for those heavy-duty, all-day jobs requiring maximum cycle consistency.

The Go-To for Maneuverability: The Milwaukee Electric Tools 2550-20 M12 Rivet Tool. If you’re a mechanic, HVAC tech, or working overhead, this lightweight and compact tool will save your wrists and make the job infinitely faster.

Best Value for Existing Dewalt Users: The Cordless Rivet Gun Compatible with Dewalt 20V MAX Battery (2248Lbf). You get a massive amount of pulling force—more than the official branded tool—while utilizing your existing 20V battery stock, making it an incredibly cost-effective choice for heavy work.

Best Battery Rivet Gun FAQ

What are the main benefits of switching to a battery rivet gun over pneumatic or manual tools?

The primary advantage is portability and convenience. A battery-operated pop rivet tool eliminates the need for air hoses, compressors, or manual hand strength, allowing you to move freely around a vehicle, roof, or job site. This dramatically increases efficiency and reduces user fatigue when setting high volumes of blind rivets.

What does “lbf” (pounds of force) mean, and why is it important for a cordless rivet tool?

Lbf stands for pounds of force and measures the maximum pulling strength the tool can generate. This is crucial because harder materials like stainless steel or larger-diameter rivets (3/16″ or 1/5″) require significantly more pull force than aluminum rivets. If a tool doesn’t have enough lbf, it won’t properly set the rivet, leading to weak connections.

Are the compatible tools reliable, and should I choose a compatible option over a major brand?

Compatible tools often offer excellent value, especially if you already own the required battery ecosystem (like Dewalt 20V or Milwaukee 18V). Many compatible models feature high-quality brushless motor technology and impressive pull force specifications. You should choose a compatible tool if cost is a primary concern and you mainly need the tool for common rivet sizes (up to 3/16″). However, major brands like DEWALT or Milwaukee often offer superior warranty coverage and slightly better build quality consistency.

How do I ensure I choose the right size of best battery rivet gun for my projects?

Most professional-grade cordless rivet tools handle up to 3/16″ rivets, which is suitable for the majority of automotive and fabrication work. If you plan to set 1/4″ rivets, you will need a specialized, much higher-powered tool, often operating on the 60V/54V platform or requiring specialized inserts. For general use, ensure the tool supports the smallest (3/32″) up to the largest (3/16″) diameters you commonly use.

What maintenance is required for a cordless electric rivet gun?

Cordless rivet tools require minimal maintenance. The most important steps are routinely cleaning the jaws and nose piece area to remove spent mandrel fragments. Since most modern units use a brushless motor, there are no carbon brushes to replace. Always check the jaw mechanism periodically for wear and lubricate lightly if the rivet spitting mechanism becomes sticky.

Can a battery rivet gun handle structural rivets?

The ability to handle structural rivets depends entirely on the size and material of the structural rivet and the pull force of the tool. While tools like the DEWALT DCF403B can handle 3/16″ stainless steel, the highest performing power rivet tool options might be necessary for larger structural rivets. Always check the tool’s maximum lbf rating against the required setting force for the specific structural rivet you are using.