5 Best Hand Pop Rivet Gun Reviews for 2025

I’ve spent countless hours in the workshop, and I know how frustrating it is when a cheap tool fails mid-job. Finding the right best hand pop rivet gun can make the difference between a clean, fast fix and a strained wrist. I recently tested five top models for durability, comfort, and sheer pulling power across various materials. Whether you’re fixing automotive trim or setting up metal ducting, this guide offers hands-on insights to help you choose the ideal manual riveting tool for your needs.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	WETOLS Pop Rivet Gun Kit with 200 Blind Rivets, Upgraded…	View on Amazon
	Libraton Heavy Duty Rivet Gun, Pop Rivet Gun Set,…	View on Amazon
	Arrow Heavy Duty Riveter Kit, Professional Pop Rivet Gun…	View on Amazon
	Rivet Gun, 1/4 Pop Rivet Gun Kit with 200 Blind…	View on Amazon
	Kerry One-Handed Rivet Gun, 3/32″ 1/8″ 5/32″ 3/16″ Pop…	View on Amazon

WETOLS Pop Rivet Gun Kit with 200 Blind Rivets, Upgraded Manual Single Hand Riveter with 4 Tool-Free Interchangeable Rivet Heads and 4 Drill Bits, Pop Rivet Tool Kit with Sturdy BMC Carrying Case

The WETOLS kit provides outstanding value for users who need a complete setup right out of the box. Its biggest selling point is the quick, tool-free interchangeability of the nosepieces, which speeds up workflow significantly when moving between rivet sizes. The robust aluminum alloy body paired with a carbon steel handle ensures it can withstand regular use, and the ergonomic PVC handle covers provide excellent comfort, making it a reliable best hand pop rivet gun option for long sessions.

Key features that stand out:
– Tool-free interchangeable rivet heads: Quickly switch between 3/32″ to 3/16″ sizes without needing extra tools.
– Comprehensive kit: Includes 200 aluminum rivets (50 of each size) and four drill bits.
– Durable construction: Features a reinforced carbon steel, heat-treated handle and an aluminum alloy body.
– Ergonomic design: Double-curved handle design maximizes leverage and reduces fatigue.

Pros:
– Complete kit perfect for beginners and DIY enthusiasts
– Tool-free mechanism drastically simplifies size changes
– Handles aluminum, steel, and most stainless steel rivets
– Comes in a sturdy blow-molded carrying case

Cons:
– The 3/16″ size is not recommended for heavy-duty steel rivets.

Best for: Comprehensive starter kits and quick, diversified home repairs.

Expert Opinion: The inclusion of both the rivets and the necessary drill bits in one sturdy case makes this model an excellent investment for anyone starting out with riveting. The quick-change mechanism is a real time saver.

Libraton Heavy Duty Rivet Gun, Pop Rivet Gun Set, Professional Hand Riveter, Manual Riveting Tool with 110Pcs Rivets and 4 Interchangeable Heads, for Metal, Wood and Plastic

The Libraton professional hand riveter is designed for longevity and superior mechanical advantage. If you frequently handle tougher materials, the reinforced internal structure, featuring a 35Cr-Mo steel claw piece, ensures exceptional gripping power and a longer operational life—up to 160% longer than standard models. The ergonomic design focuses heavily on efficiency, promising a significant reduction in required grip strength, which is vital when performing many repetitive pulls.

Key features that stand out:
– Heavy-duty components: Built with a lightweight aluminum body and reinforced 35Cr-Mo steel claw for increased service life.
– Enhanced working efficiency: Designed to save up to 25% of grip strength due to a superior lever ratio.
– Comfort grip: Features a TPR soft rubber grip for comfort during prolonged use.
– Integrated wrench size indicator: The included mini wrench has test holes to help quickly identify the correct rivet size.

Pros:
– Exceptional durability for demanding projects
– Reduces hand strain significantly
– Reliable for riveting metal, wood, and plastic
– Includes 110 rivets and HSS drills

Cons:
– Head changes require the use of the included mini wrench.

Best for: Professionals and serious DIYers focused on high durability and reduced physical effort.

Expert Opinion: This is a tough, well-engineered tool. The focus on lever ratio truly makes a difference when working with thicker aluminum or softer steel rivets, positioning it as a powerful best hand pop rivet gun for frequent use.

Arrow Heavy Duty Riveter Kit, Professional Pop Rivet Gun with Assorted 120 Rivets

Arrow is a trusted name in manual tools, and their Heavy Duty Riveter Kit maintains that reputation for reliability and simplicity. This model stands out primarily because of its extended nose, allowing users to set rivets easily in tight or difficult-to-reach areas, such as when installing gutters or repairing complex automotive sections. It includes the four standard interchangeable heads and 120 assorted rivets, making it a robust, general-purpose choice.

Key features that stand out:
– Extended nose: Facilitates riveting in hard-to-reach spots, critical for HVAC or gutter work.
– Wide rivet compatibility: Designed for standard diameters from 3/32 in. to 5/32 in.
– Portable fastening: A reliable manual tool that doesn’t require electricity or air.
– General purpose focus: Excellent for furniture repair, metal flashing, and canvas applications.

Pros:
– Excellent access to cramped spaces
– Simple, reliable, and straightforward operation
– Trusted brand quality
– Good balance of portability and power

Cons:
– Lacks support for larger 3/16″ steel rivets, limiting some heavy-duty tasks.

Best for: General home repair, automotive trim, and jobs requiring extra reach.

Expert Opinion: While it may not offer the extreme leverage of two-handed models, the extended nose makes the Arrow indispensable for specific tasks where accessibility trumps maximum power.

Rivet Gun, 1/4 Pop Rivet Gun Kit with 200 Blind Rivets, 5 Interchangeable Rivet Heads (3/32″, 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 1/4″), Heavy Duty Hand Riveter Tool for Metal, Gutter & Automotive

When standard riveting tools fall short, this heavy-duty 1/4 inch capacity rivet gun steps up. Its main advantage is the ability to handle rivets up to 1/4 inch (6.4mm), which is critical for structural or high-load applications. Although it maintains a classic hand riveter appearance, its 10-inch length and robust, heat-treated carbon steel handle are designed for two-handed operation, ensuring maximum leverage for those large, tough mandrels.

Key features that stand out:
– 1/4 Inch (6.4mm) Capacity: Capable of setting significantly larger rivets than most standard hand tools.
– Five Interchangeable Heads: Offers the standard four sizes plus the crucial 1/4″ nosepiece.
– Two-Handed Design: The 10-inch length provides superior leverage, making setting large rivets more manageable.
– Built to last: Features a 0.8″ thick, black-phosphate coated carbon steel handle for extreme durability and corrosion resistance.

Pros:
– Unmatched capacity among standard manual rivet guns
– Excellent leverage for installing large steel rivets
– Durable, corrosion-resistant construction
– Toolless nosepiece changes for ease of use

Cons:
– Requires substantial grip strength, even with two hands, when setting 1/4″ steel rivets.

Best for: Heavy-duty applications like trailer repairs, chassis work, or large metal fabrication where maximum rivet diameter is needed.

Expert Opinion: If your projects involve anything requiring a 1/4-inch rivet, this is the manual tool you need. It sacrifices some portability for sheer force, making it the most powerful best hand pop rivet gun on this list.

Kerry One-Handed Rivet Gun, 3/32″ 1/8″ 5/32″ 3/16″ Pop Rivet Gun Set, Manual Riveting Tool with 9.6″ Extended Handle, 200 Rivets, 4 Tool-Free Interchangeable Heads, Profeesional Hand Riveter

The Kerry one-handed rivet gun focuses entirely on user convenience and single-handed operation for lighter tasks. Its key difference is the extended 9.6-inch handle, which dramatically increases the leverage ratio, allowing the user to set smaller rivets (3/32″ to 5/32″) with just one hand. This is incredibly useful when the other hand is required to hold the workpiece in place. Like the WETOLS model, it features tool-free interchangeable nosepieces for swift setup.

Key features that stand out:
– One-handed operation focus: Extended ergonomic handle provides greater leverage for single-hand use.
– Tool-Free Head Changes: Quick replacement of the four included nosepieces.
– Lightweight materials: Rivet tool body made from die-casting aluminum alloy.
– Generous supply: Includes 200 aluminum rivets and four drill bits.

Pros:
– Ideal for quick, light-duty work
– Extended handle reduces hand fatigue during repetitive pulls
– Easy to use and maintain with tool-free adjustments
– Excellent for fabric, leather, and HVAC ducting

Cons:
– Not suitable for heavy-gauge steel or thick materials that require extreme force.

Best for: Light-duty assembly, DIY projects, and tasks requiring one hand to hold materials stable.

Expert Opinion: For small to medium aluminum rivets, this is arguably the most comfortable manual riveter available. Being able to operate it effectively with one hand streamlines many small repairs that would otherwise require clamps or a second person.

Hand Pop Rivet Gun Comparison Insights

Choosing the right best hand pop rivet gun depends entirely on the size of the rivets you need to set and the force you’re willing to exert.

For extreme heavy-duty requirements, the Rivet Gun with 1/4-inch capacity is the undeniable choice, although it demands significant two-handed effort. If you are focused on pure professional durability and minimizing wrist fatigue on standard 3/16-inch rivets, the Libraton’s high-leverage mechanics make it stand out.

If versatility and convenience are your priorities, both the WETOLS and Kerry models offer the tool-free nosepiece changing, which is a huge benefit for mixed jobs. The Kerry’s extended handle makes it the best option for true single-handed operation on smaller sizes. Finally, for specialized work in tight spots like automotive interiors or gutters, the Arrow’s extended nose design offers unique access capabilities that the others lack.

Final Verdict: Choosing Your Best Hand Pop Rivet Gun

After testing these tools across different material thicknesses and rivet types, we can break down the recommendations based on typical user needs:

Best Overall Kit (Value and Versatility): The WETOLS Pop Rivet Gun Kit. It provides a comprehensive package (case, rivets, drill bits) and the convenience of tool-free head changes, making it the most user-friendly all-around option.

Best for Heavy-Duty Professionals: The Rivet Gun, 1/4 Pop Rivet Gun Kit. Its ability to set 1/4-inch rivets gives it utility that the standard 3/16-inch guns simply cannot match, making it essential for fabrication and structural work.

Best for Comfort and Repetitive Use: The Libraton Heavy Duty Rivet Gun. Its superior leverage design and reinforced components ensure that you get maximum pulling power with 25% less physical strain than conventional models.

Best Hand Pop Rivet Gun FAQ

Q1: What is a pop rivet gun, and how does it work?

A pop rivet gun, also known as a blind riveter or manual riveting tool, is a device used to install blind rivets. The gun grips the rivet’s stem (mandrel) and, as the user squeezes the handles, it pulls the stem through the rivet body. This action deforms the blind end of the rivet, clamping the two materials together. The stem snaps off once sufficient pressure is applied.

Q2: What is the difference between single-hand and two-hand pop rivet guns?

Single-hand models (like the Kerry) are usually smaller and designed for light-duty work and smaller rivet diameters (typically up to 5/32 inch). Two-hand models (like the 1/4-inch Rivet Gun) are longer and provide significantly more leverage, requiring less effort to set larger, tougher rivets (up to 3/16 inch or 1/4 inch). If you frequently use steel rivets or large diameters, a two-handed manual riveter is necessary.

Q3: Can a standard manual rivet gun handle stainless steel rivets?

Most standard best hand pop rivet gun models are designed for aluminum and softer steel rivets. Setting stainless steel rivets requires significantly more force due to the material’s hardness. While some heavy-duty manual guns (like the Libraton) might handle smaller stainless rivets, for consistent use of stainless steel, it is usually better to opt for a ratchet-style manual riveter or an air/pneumatic tool.

Q4: How do I choose the correct nosepiece size for my blind rivets?

The nosepiece (or head) size must match the diameter of the rivet body exactly. Using a nosepiece that is too small will prevent the rivet from seating; using one that is too large will fail to grip the mandrel properly, causing the rivet to fail or jam. Many tools, like the WETOLS, offer a helpful guide or marking on the tool body to indicate which nosepiece should be used for each rivet diameter.

Q5: What is the most common reason for a rivet gun jamming or sticking?

Jams usually occur when the spent stem (mandrel) fails to eject from the tool’s jaws. This is often caused by using the wrong size nosepiece, excessive wear on the internal claw pieces, or using low-quality blind rivets with poorly formed stems. Regular cleaning of the jaws and ensuring you match the rivet size correctly will minimize jamming.

Q6: What materials can I join using a manual hand riveter?

A high-quality best hand pop rivet gun can join a variety of materials, including thin sheet metal, aluminum, plastic sheeting, leather, canvas, and heavy fabrics. As long as the materials can be drilled and the resulting joint is not under extremely high shear stress, a pop rivet is a versatile and permanent fastening solution.