Reviving The Riveter: Repairing Common Issues In Pneumatic Rivet Guns

Riveting is an effective and efficient way of joining materials and one that is made even more productive when using a pneumatic rivet gun. The body of the rivet is inserted into the firing end of the gun with the mandrel facing out. This is then inserted into a pre-drilled hole and the trigger pulled. This releases pressurised air that drives the rivet into the hole.

It is the moving parts of the rivet gun that are crucial to the process. These parts regulate the amount of compressed air which drives the piston that fires the rivet and deforms the tail end to ensure a secure fix. Of course, as with all machinery and especially that with moving or complex parts, issues can arise.

Rivet gun maintenance can help to keep equipment in good working order but, as with all manner of different tools, time and heavy use can still lead to problems. Below you can find a pneumatic rivet gun troubleshooting guide to help you identify and resolve common issues, and you can also discover how to repair a pneumatic rivet gun in some circumstances.

Here are some common rivet gun issues and their solutions:

Inconsistent Riveting

Possible causes can include worn-out jaws, a damaged nose piece or inadequate air pressure. The solutions to these issues are generally to replace worn-out parts, ensure the nose piece is the correct size for the rivets being used and to check the air pressure.

Air Leaks

Possible causes might be damaged or worn-out O-rings, seals or other internal components. In order to find the right solution, disassemble the tool, replace any damaged or worn-out components and ensure all seals are properly lubricated.

Jamming

Debris inside the tool, damaged jaws or a malfunctioning spring might be the issues if this is occurring. Solution to the above would be to clean the tool thoroughly, replace any damaged parts and ensure all moving parts are properly lubricated.

Excessive Noise/Vibration

Loose parts are a very common cause of these sorts of problems, or it could be a lack of lubrication, or internal damage. Try tightening external parts and lubricating the tool according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. However, internal damage may need professional repair.

Trigger Issues

Trigger issues are also common and generally caused by dirt or debris in the trigger mechanism, worn-out parts, or a lack of lubrication. Solutions to these kinds of problems would be to clean the trigger area, replace worn-out components and ensure proper lubrication.

Rivet Tool Maintenance

As stated above, maintenance can help you to avoid some of the more common rivet gun issues. Good practice should involve a regular clean and lubrication of the rivet gun (according to the manufacturer’s instructions). Inspect the tool before each use and only use the recommended size and type of rivets for the tool.

By choosing Rivetwise, you are not just opting for exceptional tool care, you’re taking a stand against waste. Our Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle scheme is more than a process, it’s our commitment to you and the planet. Contact our team today to find out more!