Best Rivet Guns
Top rivet guns ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
Affiliate Disclosure: PickClarity earns commissions from qualifying purchases through our partner links. Our rankings are editorially independent — they are never influenced by affiliate relationships or commission rates. Learn more about our methodology.
Find the best for your needs:
Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Milwaukee M12 Rivet Tool 2550-22
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Cordless convenience for tight spaces
- Auto-cycle mandrel retraction
- Sets steel up to 3/16 inch
Cons
- Battery adds weight over manual tools
- Limited to smaller rivet sizes
Don't buy this if…
- The 12V platform maxes out at 3/16-inch steel rivets; heavier structural work requires the M18 model.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 4,000 lbs pulling force handles steel easily
- Brushless motor for long runtime
- Compatible with 20V MAX battery system
Cons
- Sold as bare tool only
- Heavier than 12V competitors
Don't buy this if…
- Battery and charger are sold separately; budget an additional $80-120 if you are not already on the DEWALT 20V platform.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- No batteries or air needed
- Extra-long barrel for leverage
- Very affordable entry point
Cons
- Fatiguing for high-volume work
- Handle spring can weaken over time
Don't buy this if…
- Hand riveters require significant grip strength for steel rivets and are best suited for occasional aluminum work.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Compact for tight workspaces
- Compound leverage mechanism
- Durable steel construction
Cons
- Maxes out at 3/16-inch rivets
- No included carrying case
Don't buy this if…
- Does not accept 1/4-inch rivets; verify your rivet size requirements before purchasing.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 360-degree swivel nosepiece
- Single-stroke setting for speed
- Comfortable ergonomic grips
Cons
- Does not handle 1/4-inch rivets
- Swivel head adds slight bulk
Don't buy this if…
- The swivel mechanism should be kept clean and lightly oiled to prevent binding during rotation.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Process-controlled adaptive stroke
- 10,000 N pulling force
- Lightweight German engineering
Cons
- Premium price point
- Proprietary battery system
Don't buy this if…
- Uses Gesipa-specific batteries that are not cross-compatible with other tool platforms.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Zero hand fatigue with air power
- Integrated mandrel collection
- Low per-unit cost for high volume
Cons
- Requires air compressor
- Limited to lighter rivet sizes
Don't buy this if…
- Requires a compressor delivering at least 4 CFM at 90 PSI; smaller pancake compressors may struggle with continuous use.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 4,800 lbs pulling force for stainless
- Brushless motor with LED light
- Full kit with two 5Ah batteries
Cons
- Heaviest option in its class
- Premium price for the kit
Don't buy this if…
- At 5.8 lbs with battery, prolonged overhead riveting can be tiring without arm support.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
Discussion (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your experience!
AI Shopping Assistant
Ask questions about products in this category. Answers are grounded in our evidence data.
Try asking:
Get Alerts
Stay updated when rankings change or prices drop in Rivet Guns.