Best Pop Riveter – 5 Options Reviewed

I’ve been in situations where I needed a bond stronger than a screw but didn’t have access to welding equipment, and that’s exactly where a great pop riveter shines. Whether I’m doing home HVAC repairs, fixing sheet metal on a truck, or assembling sturdy metal shelving, having a reliable riveter kit is non-negotiable. I’ve spent time testing different models, and I can tell you that the difference between an entry-level tool and the best pop riveter often comes down to comfort, leverage, and the quality of the interchangeable heads. This guide breaks down the top five manual riveters on the market right now, focusing on practical benefits and ease of use so you can make a confident choice for your next project.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	WETOLS Pop Rivet Gun Kit with 200 Blind Rivets, Upgraded…	View on Amazon
	Rivet Gun, GIANTISAN Pop Rivet Tool Kit with 200 Rivets…	View on Amazon
	Arrow Heavy Duty Riveter Kit, Professional Pop Rivet Gun…	View on Amazon
	ValueMax 4-in-1 Hand Riveter/Rivet Gun, Pop Rivet Tool Kit…	View on Amazon
	Libraton Heavy Duty Rivet Gun, Pop Rivet Gun Set,…	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

If you value convenience and a complete package, the WETOLS kit is definitely worth a look. What truly sets this manual single-hand riveter apart is the tool-free head changing system. Instead of hunting for a wrench, you can quickly swap the heads by simply unscrewing the sleeve knurled unibody design, making maintenance and switching sizes extremely fast. It’s built with a high-quality aluminum alloy body and features an ergonomic double-curved handle, making tough jobs less taxing on your grip, which is a major benefit if you have a lot of rivets to set.

Key features that stand out:
– Tool-Free Interchangeable Heads: Easily switch between the four standard sizes (3/32″ to 3/16″) without extra tools.
– Comprehensive Kit: Includes 200 aluminum rivets (50 of each size) and 4 corresponding twist drill bits.
– Durable Construction: High-quality aluminum alloy body and heat-treated carbon steel handle.
– Ergonomics: PVC handle sleeve provides comfort and protection during heavy use.

Pros:
– Complete kit perfect for beginners and pros.
– Tool-free mechanism drastically speeds up workflow.
– Can handle aluminum, steel, and stainless steel rivets (though caution is advised on 3/16″ steel).

Cons:
– While advertised as single-hand, thicker rivets still require significant two-hand strength.

Best for: DIYers and professionals who need a fast, reliable, all-in-one kit with exceptional tool-free head swapping.

Expert Opinion: This unit’s attention to user experience, particularly the unibody design for head changing, minimizes downtime and simplifies maintenance, making it a strong contender for the title of best pop riveter kit.

Rivet Gun, GIANTISAN Pop Rivet Tool Kit with 200 Rivets and 4 Drill Bits, Manual Hand Riveter Kit with Rugged Carrying Case

The GIANTISAN Pop Rivet Tool Kit provides a straightforward, robust solution aimed at providing a true “one-stop solution.” This kit is designed for immediate use, arriving with the gun, 200 aluminum rivets, 4 drill bits, and a sturdy carrying box. A smart design feature is that the four interchangeable nose pieces are color-coded and stored directly on the handle, meaning you won’t lose them and they are always accessible when you need to change sizes quickly.

Key features that stand out:
– Nosepiece Storage on Handle: Heads are conveniently stored and color-coded for quick identification and swapping.
– Strong Build: Constructed from high-strength aluminum alloy and carbon steel for long-term durability.
– Includes Everything: 200 rivets and 4 drill bits cover the common project requirements right out of the box.
– Wide Versatility: Suitable for applications ranging from automotive and gutter work to furniture and metal fabrication.

Pros:
– Excellent value proposition with 200 rivets included.
– On-board storage for nosepieces is highly practical.
– Simple and durable design focused on core function.

Cons:
– Changing heads requires manual effort and may not be as fast as the tool-free designs.

Best for: Users looking for high durability and a complete kit where all components (rivets, drills, gun) are contained in one rugged case.

Expert Opinion: The GIANTISAN is a workhorse. Its focus on strong materials ensures a long life, and the integrated storage for the heads solves a common frustration—losing small parts in the toolbox.

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

Arrow is a highly respected name in fastening tools, and their Heavy Duty Riveter Kit focuses on portability and reaching difficult areas. Unlike bulkier models, this manual riveter includes a distinct extended nosepiece that simplifies tasks like working on deep gutters, HVAC ducts, or complex automotive panels where tight spaces are common. This kit is specifically designed to handle rivets up to 5/32 in. diameter efficiently for general-purpose jobs.

Key features that stand out:
– Extended Nose: Specifically designed for superior access in hard-to-reach or confined spaces.
– Heavy Duty Performance: Optimized for standard general-purpose riveting jobs (3/32 in. to 5/32 in. diameter rivets).
– Assorted Rivets Included: Comes with 120 assorted rivets to get started immediately.
– Portable Fastening: Lightweight design makes it easy to carry around job sites.

Pros:
– Excellent access due to the extended nose.
– Trusted brand known for quality and reliability.
– Easy to use for beginners doing general repairs.

Cons:
– Not recommended for large 3/16 in. steel or any stainless steel rivets, limiting heavy industrial application.

Best for: Homeowners and tradesmen needing a reliable tool primarily for general repairs, gutters, canvas work, and reaching confined areas.

Expert Opinion: If your typical project involves tight corners and thin-to-medium gauge materials, the extended nose on the Arrow makes it an exceptional choice. It focuses on precision access over maximum brute strength.

ValueMax 4-in-1 Hand Riveter/Rivet Gun, Pop Rivet Tool Kit with 200 Rivets – 3/32-inch, 1/8-inch, 5/32-inch, 3/16-inch, 4 Interchangeable Nosepieces, Suitable for Metal

The ValueMax riveter emphasizes structural integrity with its 100% steel construction, ensuring high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance for a long service life. For users concerned about durability and material quality, this all-steel build provides superior ruggedness compared to some aluminum alloy models. It also focuses heavily on user comfort, featuring ergonomically designed plastic-covered grips and a handy handle lock for secure storage and transport.

Key features that stand out:
– 100% Steel Construction: Provides maximum durability and long service life.
– Handle Lock: Allows the tool to be stored compactly and safely, preventing accidental opening.
– Ergonomic Grips: Designed to save effort and enhance hand feeling during repeated use.
– Complete Rivet Set: Comes with 200 rivets across four standard sizes (50 of each).

Pros:
– Superior long-term durability thanks to the all-steel body.
– Handle lock is a great safety and convenience feature.
– Excellent value kit with a generous supply of rivets.

Cons:
– The sheer weight of the 100% steel design might be fatiguing during extended overhead use.

Best for: Users prioritizing heavy-duty, rugged construction and who plan to frequently use the tool on demanding metal applications.

Expert Opinion: The ValueMax is built like a tank. While it requires traditional manual nosepiece changes, its robust steel frame suggests it will withstand significant shop abuse better than many lighter alternatives.

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

Libraton focused intensely on leverage and working efficiency when designing this heavy-duty rivet gun. By optimizing the handle design, they claim a 25% reduction in grip strength needed compared to conventional models, making it far more accessible for users with less hand strength or for large-volume jobs. The internal mechanism features 35Cr-Mo steel claw pieces, which significantly increases the working life of the tool. The set even includes test holes in the mini wrench to help identify the correct rivet size before installation.

Key features that stand out:
– Enhanced Working Efficiency: Ergonomic handle provides a larger lever ratio, saving 25% of the effort required.
– Superior Durability: Internal components use high-strength 35Cr-Mo steel for increased longevity (claimed 160% longer life).
– Comfort Grip: Features TPR soft rubber for a comfortable and non-slip experience.
– Smart Sizing Feature: Mini wrench includes test holes for quick rivet size identification.

Pros:
– Requires significantly less hand strength for setting rivets.
– High-quality internal steel components ensure extended tool life.
– Lightweight aluminum body reduces user fatigue.

Cons:
– Only includes 110 rivets, fewer than the 200 included in comparable kits.

Best for: Professionals or heavy users who need to set many rivets daily and require maximum leverage and reduced hand fatigue.

Expert Opinion: For jobs that require setting multiple large rivets (3/16″), the mechanical advantage of the Libraton is a huge factor. This is arguably the best pop riveter if consistent comfort and leverage are your primary concern.

Comparison: Key Insights for Selecting the Best Pop Riveter

When deciding on the best pop riveter, it often comes down to balancing tool quality versus kit convenience. For those who prioritize a complete package and speed, the WETOLS kit stands out because of its exceptional tool-free interchangeable head system and inclusion of drill bits and 200 rivets. This dramatically cuts down on project setup time.

If pure, uncompromised durability is your aim, the ValueMax, with its 100% steel construction, is the clear winner, though you will sacrifice some comfort and weight savings. Alternatively, the Libraton provides the best balance of strength and user-friendliness, thanks to its high-quality internal steel components and superior ergonomic leverage that reduces required grip strength by 25%.

Finally, if your work often involves hard-to-reach areas like narrow ducts or deep channels, the Arrow’s specialized extended nose is a highly practical feature not commonly found on other general-purpose models.

Final Verdict: Our Top Picks for Pop Riveting

Choosing the best pop riveter depends entirely on your usage habits:

For the Best All-Around Value Kit (DIY & Light Pro Use): The WETOLS Pop Rivet Gun Kit offers the perfect combination of convenience (tool-free heads), ample accessories (200 rivets, 4 drills), and sturdy construction, all wrapped up in a helpful carrying case.

For Maximum Comfort and Heavy Daily Use: The Libraton Heavy Duty Rivet Gun is the clear winner. The reduced grip strength requirement makes high-volume jobs far less fatiguing, protecting your hands while providing professional-grade results.

For Ultimate Durability and Shop Ruggedness: If you need a tool that can handle constant abuse and be tossed around the job site, the ValueMax 4-in-1 Hand Riveter wins with its unyielding 100% steel construction.

Best Pop Riveter FAQ

What is the difference between a blind rivet and a standard rivet?

The terms “pop rivet” and “blind rivet” are often used interchangeably. A blind rivet is designed to be set from only one side of the material—you don’t need access to the back side (hence “blind”). Standard solid rivets require access to both sides so the bucktail can be formed by hammering or crushing. All tools reviewed here are for setting blind (pop) rivets.

How do I choose the correct rivet size for my project?

Rivet size is determined by two factors: diameter and grip range. The diameter must match the hole size exactly, which is why kits that include matching drill bits (like WETOLS and GIANTISAN) are so helpful. The grip range refers to the total thickness of the materials being joined; you must select a rivet whose grip range covers the material thickness to ensure a proper, tight bond.

Are manual pop riveters strong enough for automotive work?

Yes, manual hand riveters are perfectly adequate for most common automotive applications, such as panel repair, interior trim attachment, bracket fastening, and installing wheel arch flares. For setting very large diameter (3/16″) or high-strength steel rivets frequently, you might consider upgrading to an electric or pneumatic rivet gun to save effort, but a heavy duty best pop riveter like the ValueMax or Libraton is often sufficient.

What causes a pop riveter to jam, and how can I fix it?

Jams usually occur when the spent mandrel (the nail-like center piece) gets stuck in the nosepiece or jaw mechanism. This is often caused by using the wrong size nosepiece for the rivet, or by a worn-out jaw mechanism. To fix a jam, remove the nosepiece and use a thin wire or pick to push the mandrel out from the back side. Investing in a tool with high-quality internal claw pieces, like the Libraton with its 35Cr-Mo steel components, can help prevent frequent jamming.

Can I use aluminum rivets on steel materials?

While physically possible, it is not recommended for structural or long-term applications. Aluminum is significantly softer than steel, and using an aluminum rivet on steel can lead to premature failure due to corrosion (galvanic action) and insufficient strength. Always match the rivet material (or use a compatible, stronger material like steel or stainless steel) to the materials being joined.

What is the advantage of a tool with a handle lock?

A handle lock, as seen on the ValueMax tool, is a key storage safety feature. It keeps the handles compressed when the tool is not in use. This makes the unit smaller and easier to store in a crowded toolbox, and it prevents the handles from snapping open accidentally, which could cause injury or damage if dropped.