Best Rivet Gun For Stainless Steel Rivets

When you’re tackling stainless steel, you quickly realize standard rivet guns just won’t cut it; the sheer strength of SS rivets demands serious leverage or power. I’ve spent countless shop hours pulling mandrels through tough materials, and frankly, finding a tool that genuinely qualifies as the best rivet gun for stainless steel rivets is essential for avoiding hand cramps and broken stems. This guide breaks down the strongest tools available to ensure your next heavy-duty fastening job is successful and strain-free.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	ARES 70417 – Heavy Duty Rivet Gun – Includes Chrome…	View on Amazon
	AKKTOL Rivet Gun Kit, 1/4″ Pop Rivet Gun Kit with…	View on Amazon
	GEARWRENCH 13″ Heavy Duty Hand Riveter with Double Compound…	View on Amazon
	WETOLS Pop Rivet Gun Kit with 200 Blind Rivets, Upgraded…	View on Amazon
	Kerry One-Handed Rivet Gun, 3/32″ 1/8″ 5/32″ 3/16″ Pop…	View on Amazon
	NEXTACK Heavy Duty Two-Handed 1/4” Pop Rivet Gun Kit…	View on Amazon
	FICHFOYE Heavy Duty Pneumatic Rivet Gun, 3916lbf Rivet Gun…	View on Amazon

ARES 70417 – Heavy Duty Rivet Gun – Includes Chrome Molybdenum Special Profile Nozzle – Works with Aluminum, Steel and Stainless Steel Rivets – For Use on Sheet Aluminum, Steel, Plastic, and Vinyl

The ARES 70417 is designed for professionals who need brute strength and durability for frequent heavy-duty applications. What truly sets this manual tool apart is the inclusion of a Chrome Molybdenum special profile nozzle designed specifically to handle structural and high-strength rivets up to 1/4 inch (6.4mm). Its construction features alloy steel jaws and double handle bearings, providing the necessary mechanical advantage to secure stainless steel without excessive hand fatigue. The convenient screw-on holder keeps ejected stems contained, making cleanup quick and easy.

Key Features that stand out:
– Includes a 6.4mm (1/4″) nozzle for larger, demanding rivets.
– High-grade alloy steel jaws ensure maximum gripping strength on tough mandrels.
– Ergonomically designed, cushioned non-slip handles minimize strain during prolonged use.

Pros:
– Excellent leverage for large stainless steel rivets (up to 1/4 inch).
– Highly durable construction built for industrial use.
– Mandrel collector is effective and easy to empty.

Cons:
– Higher price point compared to basic hand riveters.

Best for: High-volume professional metalworking and structural riveting that requires handling the largest SS rivet sizes manually.

Expert Opinion: This is a heavy-hitter in the manual category. The specialized Chrome Molybdenum nozzle confirms its capability for true heavy-duty stainless steel work, differentiating it from standard hand riveters that might claim 1/4-inch capacity but lack the necessary jaw strength.

AKKTOL Rivet Gun Kit, 1/4″ Pop Rivet Gun Kit with 210pcs Blind Rivets, Heavy Duty 13″ Rivet Gun Tool with 5 Nosepieces incl. 3/16″ & 1/8″ for Metal, Gutter & Automotive

If hand fatigue is your number one concern when dealing with stainless steel, the AKKTOL two-handed version provides substantial relief. Its 13-inch handles utilize long-lever geometry, making the necessary force to break a stainless steel mandrel significantly less taxing than a single-handed tool. This robust tool is constructed from 0.1-inch thick steel, offering long-term reliability even when repeatedly setting demanding 1/4-inch diameter rivets. The kit is highly versatile, including 210 blind rivets and five interchangeable nozzles.

Key Features that stand out:
– Two-Handed Construction (13″ handles) maximizes leverage and reduces physical strain.
– Compatible with a wide range of rivet materials, including steel and stainless steel, up to 1/4 inch.
– Nose pieces are easy to change without needing an extra wrench.

Pros:
– Great value proposition considering the included rivet kit.
– Exceptional leverage for setting large SS rivets comfortably.
– Durable, thick steel construction for long life.

Cons:
– The included plastic organizing container might not be as durable as a hard case.

Best for: Users transitioning from single-hand riveters who need reliable power for medium to large SS projects in automotive or gutter work.

Expert Opinion: The heavy-duty, two-handed design is non-negotiable for serious stainless steel riveting. This tool delivers excellent leverage, making it one of the better manual options if you frequently need to set 3/16-inch or 1/4-inch stainless rivets but don’t want to upgrade to a pneumatic model.

GEARWRENCH 13″ Heavy Duty Hand Riveter with Double Compound Hinge – Compatible with Steel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel & Copper Rivets | 86966

GEARWRENCH is known for reliable tools, and their 13″ Heavy Duty Hand Riveter maintains that reputation, especially when facing the high tensile strength of stainless steel. The standout feature here is the Double Compound Hinge. This mechanism exponentially increases the pulling force applied by the user, requiring significantly less effort to set large blind rivets. Its compact design is a surprising benefit for a two-handed tool, allowing easier access into tight vehicle frames or engine bays.

Key Features that stand out:
– Double Compound Hinge provides massive mechanical advantage for effortless setting.
– High-capacity collection bottle neatly captures used mandrels.
– Ergonomic grips designed for comfortable, high leverage applications.

Pros:
– Sets large stainless steel rivets with minimal user force.
– Robust and professional-grade construction.
– Compact frame is useful for accessing restricted areas.

Cons:
– Does not include a variety of rivets in the purchase package.

Best for: Mechanics and fabricators who prioritize ergonomic design and minimal force when working with stubborn stainless steel fasteners.

Expert Opinion: For pure mechanical advantage in a manual tool, the double compound hinge of the GEARWRENCH is arguably the most efficient system. This is a top-tier choice for professionals setting 3/16-inch SS rivets all day who want to seriously minimize hand fatigue.

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

While larger stainless steel rivets demand two hands, the WETOLS kit offers the best single-hand performance for small to medium SS applications (up to 5/32 inch). Built with an aluminum alloy body and reinforced carbon steel handles, it has the durability needed for tougher materials. Its key advantage is convenience: it features tool-free interchangeable rivet heads and includes a complete kit with 200 rivets and drill bits, all housed in a sturdy case. For thinner materials and smaller rivets, this tool is quick and effective.

Key Features that stand out:
– Tool-free nosepiece swaps for rapid size changes.
– Durable construction: Aluminum alloy body paired with heat-treated carbon steel handles.
– Comes in a complete kit with 200 rivets and a hard carrying case.

Pros:
– Highly portable and convenient for quick jobs.
– Excellent kit value with all necessary accessories.
– Easy to operate for smaller aluminum/steel/SS rivets.

Cons:
– The 3/16″ size is not recommended for setting steel or stainless steel rivets due to lower leverage.

Best for: DIYers, hobbyists, and light repair work where primarily 1/8″ and 5/32″ stainless steel rivets are used occasionally.

Expert Opinion: When assessing the best rivet gun for stainless steel rivets, single-handed tools must be approached cautiously. This WETOLS model is excellent for smaller SS rivets, offering necessary strength, but users should stick to aluminum or soft steel for the largest 3/16″ nozzle to avoid excessive strain.

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

Kerry addresses the leverage issue inherent in one-handed tools by featuring a 9.6-inch extended handle. This design provides enhanced friction and comfort via a thickened TPR cover, allowing the user to apply more consistent force when setting stainless steel rivets. The body is made from die-casting aluminum alloy, balancing durability and weight. This kit, like many others, includes four interchangeable heads and 200 aluminum rivets, making it a good all-around choice for various materials.

Key Features that stand out:
– Extended 9.6-inch ergonomic handle improves leverage for one-handed operation.
– Tool body made of rust-resistant die-casting aluminum alloy.
– Ideal for medium applications in HVAC repair and automotive trim work.

Pros:
– Better leverage than standard single-hand riveters due to the extended design.
– Lightweight and easy to maneuver in tight spots.
– Durable, rust-resistant materials.

Cons:
– Still requires significant hand strength for 3/16″ stainless steel rivets.

Best for: Detail-oriented users who need the maneuverability of a one-handed tool but require a little extra boost in leverage for occasional stainless steel tasks.

Expert Opinion: The Kerry extended handle is a smart engineering solution to bridge the gap between small, weak hand riveters and heavy two-handed models. For consistent 1/8-inch stainless steel work, this tool performs admirably without the bulk of a large manual gun.

NEXTACK Heavy Duty Two-Handed 1/4” Pop Rivet Gun Kit (NT300) – 350pc Assorted Rivets + 5pc Nosepieces, Built-in Shaft Container | for Van, Gutter & Automotive

The NEXTACK NT300 is a powerhouse kit designed for rugged environments and heavy applications up to 1/4 inch. If you need a reliable, high-capacity manual gun paired with a massive assortment of fasteners, this is it. The cold-formed heat-treated carbon steel handles paired with the aluminum alloy housing ensure outstanding durability and maximize the user’s pulling force. The modular design simplifies maintenance and allows for tool-free nosepiece swaps, which is a huge time-saver on the jobsite.

Key Features that stand out:
– Handles pop blind rivets up to 1/4″ (6.4mm) with maximum leverage.
– Comprehensive one-stop kit including 350 assorted rivets (8 sizes).
– Built-in removable mandrel catcher ensures clean worksites.

Pros:
– Excellent value due to the huge assortment of rivets included.
– Extremely sturdy construction handles severe stress from SS rivets.
– Easy maintenance and tool-free operation.

Cons:
– The included rivets are aluminum, not stainless steel.

Best for: High-demand DIYers, contractors, and job sites that require frequent, diverse, heavy-duty riveting across various materials.

Expert Opinion: This NEXTACK kit offers professional-grade leverage in a value-packed bundle. For contractors specializing in vans or industrial gutters, where 1/4-inch stainless steel is common, the robust two-handed construction makes it a highly dependable manual best rivet gun for stainless steel rivets.

FICHFOYE Heavy Duty Pneumatic Rivet Gun, 3916lbf Rivet Gun Set- 3/32″, 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 1/4″ Air Riveter with NPT 1/4 inch for Automotive, Construction, Manufacturing Industries

When you need speed, consistency, and zero fatigue, a pneumatic rivet gun is the only way to go—especially with stainless steel. The FICHFOYE model provides a stunning 3916 lbs of pulling force, setting even the largest 1/4-inch stainless steel blind rivets almost instantaneously. This air-hydraulic drive system eliminates user strain completely, making high-volume, repetitive tasks manageable. It’s a multi-purpose professional tool, perfect for serious industrial applications where manual effort is impractical.

Key Features that stand out:
– 3916 lbs (1780KGF) powerful air-hydraulic pulling pressure.
– Completes rivet installation in seconds, drastically improving productivity.
– Lightweight and ergonomically designed to reduce strain during long working hours.

Pros:
– Zero manual effort required for any size stainless steel rivet.
– Extremely fast and efficient for high-volume use.
– Comes complete with five heads and essential accessories.

Cons:
– Requires an air compressor capable of meeting its PSI and CFM demands.

Best for: Manufacturing, serious automotive shops, and industrial settings where hundreds of stainless steel rivets must be set quickly and fatigue-free.

Expert Opinion: If your project involves more than 50 stainless steel rivets, stepping up to this level of pneumatic power is a necessity. The FICHFOYE provides the necessary force and speed to handle the demanding properties of stainless steel with complete ease.

Comparison Short Insights

When choosing the best rivet gun for stainless steel rivets, leverage and construction quality are paramount.

For manual tools, the two-handed designs like the ARES 70417, AKKTOL, and NEXTACK dominate. They provide the necessary mechanical advantage to break the tough stainless steel mandrel, significantly reducing strain compared to single-handed models. The GEARWRENCH with the double compound hinge stands out for maximizing leverage efficiency.

Single-handed options (WETOLS, Kerry) are highly portable and excellent for aluminum or steel, but they will cause serious hand fatigue when used frequently on stainless steel, especially at the 3/16″ size. They are best reserved for light duty or maintenance work.

If speed and comfort are the priority, the FICHFOYE Pneumatic Gun is the winner. Air power completely removes the physical labor, making it the superior choice for setting high-strength structural fasteners or large-diameter blind rivets consistently.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right tool depends entirely on the volume and size of your stainless steel projects.

The Professional’s Choice (Highest Volume): FICHFOYE Heavy Duty Pneumatic Rivet Gun

For anyone setting dozens or hundreds of stainless steel rivets weekly, the FICHFOYE’s 3916 lbs of pulling force is unbeatable. It eliminates fatigue and ensures perfectly seated rivets every single time, making it the most efficient option overall.

Best Manual Power Tool (Maximum Leverage): ARES 70417 – Heavy Duty Rivet Gun

If you prefer the control and portability of a manual tool but need structural capacity (up to 1/4 inch), the ARES 70417, particularly with its Chrome Molybdenum nozzle, is built to handle the shear strength of stainless steel better than almost any competitor.

Best Value Kit (Great Leverage & Accessories): NEXTACK Heavy Duty Two-Handed 1/4” Pop Rivet Gun Kit (NT300)

The NEXTACK offers exceptional leverage in a heavy-duty two-handed frame, coupled with a massive 350-piece rivet assortment. This makes it the most comprehensive and dependable manual kit for serious DIYers and general contractors.

Best Rivet Gun For Stainless Steel Rivets FAQ

Q1: Why is stainless steel so difficult to rivet compared to aluminum?

A: Stainless steel rivets have a much higher tensile and shear strength than aluminum or mild steel. This means the mandrel (the pin inside the rivet) requires significantly more pulling force to break cleanly and set the rivet correctly. Using a standard, low-leverage hand riveter on large stainless steel blind rivets often results in the rivet not setting fully or the user breaking the tool or their hand.

Q2: What is the minimum pulling force required to reliably set 3/16-inch stainless steel rivets?

A: While exact numbers vary based on rivet quality, setting 3/16-inch (4.8mm) stainless steel rivets requires substantial force, typically over 1,500 lbs (680 kg). This is why two-handed manual guns (like the AKKTOL or GEARWRENCH) that offer high mechanical advantage are essential, or why pneumatic tools capable of 3,000+ lbs of force are necessary for frequent use.

Q3: Should I choose a one-handed or two-handed manual rivet gun for stainless steel?

A: For stainless steel, always choose a two-handed manual rivet gun if your rivet size is 5/32 inch (4mm) or larger. Two-handed guns provide the necessary leverage to apply uniform force without causing immediate hand fatigue. One-handed tools (even those with extended handles like the Kerry) are best reserved for small SS rivets (1/8 inch or less) or softer materials.

Q4: Are pneumatic rivet guns worth the investment for a hobbyist?

A: If you regularly set stainless steel rivets (even as a hobbyist, such as in boat or automotive restoration) and already own an air compressor, a pneumatic model like the FICHFOYE is absolutely worth the investment. It guarantees faster work and zero hand fatigue, ensuring consistent, professional results across the life of the tool.

Q5: What is the purpose of a mandrel collector or collection bottle?

A: The mandrel (or spent stem) is the section of the rivet that breaks off after the rivet is set. These pieces can be sharp, creating a safety hazard and workshop mess. A mandrel collector (often seen on the NEXTACK and ARES models) catches these ejected pieces, allowing for safe disposal and a cleaner work environment.

Q6: What should I look for in the jaws/nosepieces when buying a manual best rivet gun for stainless steel rivets?

A: Look for jaws made from high-grade alloy steel (like Chrome Molybdenum). Stainless steel mandrels are very hard, and soft or poorly made jaws will wear out or break quickly. Tools designed specifically for structural applications, such as the ARES 70417, typically feature stronger internal components designed to grip and pull tough SS mandrels repeatedly.