Best Plastic Rivet Gun: 5 Best Choices

I’ve spent countless hours under dashboards and fender liners, and I quickly learned that a good plastic rivet gun isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for professional automotive repairs. Unlike standard metal rivet tools, the best plastic rivet gun handles delicate blind rivets used in trim and plastic panels without cracking the surrounding material. If you’re tired of dealing with loose bumper clips or broken interior fasteners, this guide will walk you through the top options I’ve personally tested for reliability and ease of use.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	GOOACC 82Pcs Plastic Rivet Gun Set with Fastener Remover…	View on Amazon
	Mardatt 42Pcs Plastic Rivet Gun Set with 40Pcs 4Sizes…	View on Amazon
	LIBRATON Plastic Rivet Gun Kit, 90 Degree Angle Hand…	View on Amazon
	Rivet Gun Set with 3 Sizes Nylon Blind Rivets, 30…	View on Amazon
	Dent Fix DENDF-CT887 Slimline Plastic Pop Riveter	View on Amazon

GOOACC 82Pcs Plastic Rivet Gun Set with Fastener Remover Pop Rivet Assortment – for All Plastic Rivets Safe Metal or Plastic Clips Removal for Installing and Removing Car Door Upholstery

This kit is the definition of value, offering a durable gun and a huge assortment of 80 POM plastic rivets right out of the box. It’s designed for easy one-hand operation, ensuring you can set the rivets perfectly in a single stroke, which is essential when working in awkward positions. The gun is made of alloy steel, promoting high durability, while the inclusion of the dedicated fastener removal tool makes this set ideal for anyone frequently dealing with car door upholstery and clips without causing damage to the surrounding paint or plastic.

Key features that stand out:
– Ergonomic Design: Lightweight and designed for effective one-hand operation.
– Durable Material: Gun is alloy steel; included pull rivets are wear-resistant black nylon.
– Effortless Rivet Removal: Includes a universal clip removal tool to protect surrounding materials.
– Complete Kit: Comes with 80 industrial strength polyoxymethylene (POM) rivets in four key sizes.

Pros:
– Excellent value due to the huge assortment of included rivets (80 pieces).
– Comfortable grip makes prolonged use easy.
– Includes a dedicated tool for safely removing existing fasteners.

Cons:
– Users occasionally report the mechanism can get stuck if operated too quickly.

Best for:
Comprehensive automotive interior repair and DIY enthusiasts needing a large supply of fasteners.

Expert Opinion: This is my go-to recommendation for DIYers tackling their first major interior project; the volume of included rivets means you won’t run out halfway through the job.

Mardatt 42Pcs Plastic Rivet Gun Set with 40Pcs 4Sizes Nylon Blind Rivets and 1Pcs Fastener Removal Tool, Hand Riveter Suitable for Automotive and More

The Mardatt set provides a robust hand riveter focused on durability and accessibility. Its slim gun head allows it to reach hard-to-access spots where bulkier tools fail, such as tight engine bay areas or behind complex dashboards. The handle is covered with an anti-slip rubber sleeve, ensuring comfortable feeling and safety during use, especially important when dealing with potentially oily automotive environments. The 40 included nylon rivets offer excellent resistance to heat, UV rays, and chemicals, making them suitable for demanding environments like under the hood.

Key features that stand out:
– Slim & Anti-Slip Design: Narrow head for tight spaces and comfortable, secure grip.
– Durable Rivet Gun: Suitable for rigorous applications like roofing, automotive, and HVAC.
– High-Quality Blind Rivets: 40 spare nylon rivets included, resistant to heat and chemicals.
– Fully-Equipped: Includes a fastener removal tool to aid maintenance work.

Pros:
– Excellent tool for tight or narrow repair areas.
– The anti-slip grip provides added safety and control.
– High-quality nylon blind rivets are very durable.

Cons:
– The initial use may require a light lubricant application to reduce friction.

Best for:
Professionals and advanced DIYers prioritizing accessibility and durable nylon blind rivets for under-hood or exposed applications.

Expert Opinion: Mardatt focuses on reliability. The quality of the nylon blind rivets included is high, making this a reliable choice for long-term maintenance and repair professionals who need a durable tool.

LIBRATON Plastic Rivet Gun Kit, 90 Degree Angle Hand Riveter with 40 Nylon Rivets (4 Sizes), Universal Nosepiece for Automotive/Electronics, Ergonomic & 50% Lighter Force

The LIBRATON kit stands out immediately due to its unique 90-degree right angle design. This low-profile head is a lifesaver when installing or repairing components in extremely tight quarters, like underneath fenders or deep within electronics casings. It’s also ultra lightweight (weighing only 0.78 lbs) and features a crucial universal nosepiece, meaning you never have to waste time swapping heads between the included rivet sizes—a huge time saver. The ergonomic PVC grip ensures comfortable one-handed operation while requiring up to 50% lighter force than many competitors.

Key features that stand out:
– 90 Degree Right Angle Design: Ideal for severely cramped and hard-to-reach areas.
– Universal Nosepiece: Works with all included rivet sizes (5mm to 6.6mm) without swapping.
– Ultra Lightweight: Weighs 30% less than standard metal rivet guns.
– Reduced Force: Requires less physical effort to set the plastic blind rivets.

Pros:
– The angled head solves tricky access problems.
– Faster operation thanks to the universal nosepiece.
– Very comfortable and light, reducing hand fatigue.

Cons:
– The unique angle might feel awkward for wide, open-access areas.

Best for:
Technicians working on marine, electronics, or deeply recessed automotive areas where a straight tool simply won’t fit.

Expert Opinion: If you frequently work on marine applications or deep engine compartments where access is severely restricted, the 90-degree angle design is a non-negotiable feature that justifies the investment.

Rivet Gun Set with 3 Sizes Nylon Blind Rivets, 30 Pieces, Hand Riveter Suitable for Automotive and More

This straightforward rivet gun set is built for reliability and ease of use across various maintenance tasks, from automotive bumpers to HVAC systems. Made from high-hardness alloy steel and nylon components, it ensures long-term durability without the worry of parts loosening over time. Its jaws are designed to automatically set the nylon pull rivets perfectly in one stroke, simplifying the fastening process for quick repairs. The lightweight design allows you to easily reach even the narrowest areas with confidence and precision.

Key features that stand out:
– Automatic Setting: Jaws set the rivets perfectly in one clean stroke.
– Lightweight and One-Handed: Extremely easy to maneuver into confined spaces.
– Durable Construction: High-hardness alloy steel ensures longevity.
– Versatile Use: Suitable for dashboards, fenders, air ducts, and more.

Pros:
– Extremely simple and reliable operation.
– Sets rivets consistently in a single pull.
– Durable tool build designed not to loosen over time.

Cons:
– Offers only 3 rivet sizes, limiting versatility compared to larger kits.

Best for:
General home mechanics or hobbyists seeking a highly dependable, budget-friendly tool for common plastic repairs.

Expert Opinion: This is the perfect entry-level option for users who don’t need dozens of fasteners but require a solid, reliable tool that consistently sets the plastic rivets right the first time.

Dent Fix DENDF-CT887 Slimline Plastic Pop Riveter

As a tool aimed at professional body shops, the Dent Fix Slimline Plastic Pop Riveter prioritizes maximum accessibility and ergonomic efficiency. Its noticeably slim profile allows it to easily slip into the narrowest gaps behind body panels and brackets, making it invaluable for collision repair work where space is limited. Though it only pulls two common sizes of plastic rivets, its durable construction and simple one-handed use make it a staple in any high-volume workshop where speed and precision are paramount.

Key features that stand out:
– Slim Profile: Designed specifically for high accessibility in tight areas.
– Professional Grade: Built for demanding collision and body work environments.
– One-Handed Use: Efficient design minimizes user fatigue.
– Greater Accessibility: Ideal for deep, hard-to-reach spots.

Pros:
– Superior access due to extremely slim head design.
– Excellent durability required by professional workshops.
– Fast and reliable one-handed operation.

Cons:
– Significantly higher cost and fewer included rivets than DIY kits.

Best for:
Professional body shop technicians and collision repair specialists needing a premium, slimline tool.

Expert Opinion: This is the premium, specialized choice. While it comes with fewer accessories than the hobbyist kits, its superior build quality and slim form factor make it the choice for demanding collision and trim specialists.

Comparison and Buying Insights

Choosing the best plastic rivet gun depends entirely on your application and how many nylon blind rivets you plan to use.

If you are a serious DIYer or own a multi-car garage, the GOOACC 82Pcs set provides the absolute best value with its massive quantity of fasteners and essential remover tool. It’s the king of quantity and completeness.

For professionals who frequently work in restricted areas, accessibility is key. The Dent Fix DENDF-CT887 offers the slimmest profile for typical body panel work, while the LIBRATON 90 Degree Angle model is absolutely essential for unique, angular access points like those found deep inside dashboards or behind intricate trim.

If durability and simple, reliable performance without a huge accessory kit are your goal, both the Mardatt (with its robust design) and the basic Rivet Gun Set with 3 Sizes (for budget-conscious users) are fantastic choices. Always remember that a universal nosepiece, like the one on the Libraton, saves significant time by eliminating head swaps.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking to purchase the best plastic rivet gun, consider your priorities:

The All-Around Best Value Kit: The GOOACC 82Pcs Plastic Rivet Gun Set offers an unparalleled combination of tools and fasteners, covering almost every likely repair scenario a home mechanic will encounter.

The Specialty Access Winner: The LIBRATON Plastic Rivet Gun Kit is mandatory if you often find yourself fighting for space. The 90-degree angle truly solves otherwise impossible installation challenges.

The Professional Choice: For consistent, heavy-duty use where quality and slimness are non-negotiable, the Dent Fix DENDF-CT887 is the clear winner for collision repair experts.

Best Plastic Rivet Gun FAQ

What are the main differences between a metal rivet gun and a plastic rivet gun?

A standard metal rivet gun uses strong jaws designed to snap a steel or aluminum mandrel with high force. A specialized plastic rivet gun is designed to pull softer nylon rivets or plastic blind rivets gently. They typically have wider, rounded jaws and use less force to prevent cracking the surrounding plastic panel or failing to set the softer rivet material properly.

Why do plastic rivets sometimes get stuck in the gun?

Plastic rivets sometimes get stuck because the mandrel (the thin shaft you pull) is softer than metal, and the jaws can grip it inconsistently. This often happens if the gun head is dry. Most manufacturers, like Mardatt, recommend applying a small amount of lubricant (like WD-40 or silicone spray) to the head of the riveter before the first use and periodically thereafter to ensure smooth release of the rivet mandrel.

Can I use a plastic rivet gun to install metal rivets?

No, you should not. A plastic rivet gun does not have the necessary tensile strength or jaw hardness required to securely pull and break the tough steel or aluminum mandrel found in metal rivets. Attempting to do so will likely damage the plastic rivet gun’s internal mechanism. Always use the appropriate tool for the material.

What are LSI keywords related to plastic rivet guns?

Key LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords relevant to searching for the best plastic rivet gun include: nylon blind rivets, plastic fasteners, pop riveter for plastic, automotive trim repair, plastic clip installation tool, and fender liner rivets.

Are plastic rivets as strong as metal ones for automotive use?

Plastic rivets are not meant to replace structural metal rivets. They are primarily used for non-load-bearing applications, such as attaching plastic bumpers, inner fender liners, door panels, trim, and dashboards. Their strength lies in their ability to fasten softer materials without causing damage, offering moderate holding power perfect for interior and body trim.

What size plastic rivets are most common in automotive repair kits?

The most common sizes included in the best plastic rivet gun kits typically fall between 5mm and 6.6mm in diameter, with varying grip lengths (15.8mm to 25.2mm). These sizes cover the majority of plastic fasteners used across different vehicles for securing door cards and fender liners.