Rivet Guns

Unleash Power: 7 Essential Rivet Guns for UK Enthusiasts and Where to Buy Them

Why a Good Rivet Gun Matters

Think riveting is just a one-click job? Think again. A solid rivet gun turns a fiddly, frustrating task into a satisfying, reliable join — whether you’re fixing a trailer, building a metal shed, or fabricating a custom project. The right tool saves time, reduces mistakes, and gives a professional finish that screws or glue alone can’t match. Plus, using the right rivet gun helps protect the materials and your wrists, especially on longer jobs.

Types of Rivet Guns Explained

Not all rivet guns are created equal. Matching the type of riveter to your project and frequency of use is the smartest move. Below I break down the common types you’ll meet on UK shop shelves and online listings so you can choose with confidence.

Hand Riveters (Manual)

Hand riveters are lightweight, inexpensive, and perfect for occasional jobs around the house. They’re ideal for 1/8" to 1/4" blind rivets and give you decent control for thin metals and plastics. If you’re doing a handful of rivets for guttering or a DIY aluminium project, you can’t go far wrong with a simple manual tool.

Pneumatic Rivet Guns

Pneumatic or air-powered rivet guns are the choice for workshops and high-volume work. They speed up installation and reduce fatigue, pulling rivets with consistent power. These are great for repeated use on 1/8" up to 3/16" rivets and thicker materials. You will need an air compressor, but if you’re working on cars or heavy fabrication, they pay off quickly.

Battery-Powered Rivet Guns

Battery riveters have exploded in popularity because they combine portability with near-professional power. Cordless models can handle a variety of rivet diameters, often up to 3/16" or larger for some models, and are brilliant on site where an air supply isn’t practical. Battery life and charge time vary, so keep a spare battery if you expect long shifts.

Long-Arm & Mini Riveters

Long-arm riveters reach into tight spaces, like inside engine bays or confined sheet metal cavities, while mini riveters excel for small, precise jobs. If you ever thought, “If only I could reach that rivet,” a long-arm model will be a game-changer. Mini models are light and handy for craft or model work where finesse matters more than brute force.

Top UK Stores to Buy Rivet Guns

When searching for rivet guns in the UK, several retailers consistently offer wide ranges, good prices, and accessories. Below are trusted stores where you can browse manual, pneumatic and cordless rivet guns, plus get spares like mandrels and nozzles.

Screwfix

Screwfix is a go-to for tradespeople and DIYers. They stock respected brands across hand, pneumatic and cordless categories and often feature tool bundles and spare parts. If you want local collection and a big selection of accessories such as rivet assortments and nozzle kits, Screwfix remains a top choice.

B&Q

B&Q is ideal for household DIYers looking for affordable, entry-level rivet solutions. Their range typically includes basic hand riveters and a few battery options suitable for weekend projects. It’s a solid place to start if you’re not sure how often you’ll use the tool and you want something simple and reliable.

Toolstation

Toolstation offers a balance of professional and budget tools, with a strong selection of rivet guns and consumables. They often stock pneumatic tools and cordless units from dependable brands, and you can usually find multi-packs of rivets and spare nosepieces for quick maintenance.

Wickes

Wickes caters to both DIYers and builders, supplying hand and battery riveters suitable for building jobs and home repairs. Their stores and online listings often carry trade-focused options that balance durability and price, so they’re worth checking if you’re undertaking renovation or exterior work.

RS Components & Cromwell

RS Components and Cromwell are excellent for technical or specialist requirements. If your project needs industrial-grade pneumatic tools, high-capacity battery riveters, or rare rivet sizes, these suppliers offer brands and specs aimed at engineers and professionals. They’re the places to go when standard retail ranges don’t cut it.

Amazon UK & Specialist Retailers

Amazon UK is a convenient marketplace for a wide range of rivet guns, including international brands and small specialist sellers. You’ll find everything from cheap hand riveters to professional cordless guns. Specialist tool retailers and independent hardware stores are also worth a look for niche brands, expert advice, and often a better selection of replacement parts.

Best Rivet Guns for Different Budgets

Budget, durability, and frequency of use are the main drivers when choosing a rivet gun. Below I map typical picks to common needs so you can buy smart, not just shiny.

Budget-Friendly Picks

If you only need to do occasional repairs, a manual riveter from B&Q or Toolstation will suffice. Expect to handle 1/8" to 1/4" rivets comfortably. These models are light, simple to use, and inexpensive — ideal for home repairs, small aluminium or plastic panels, and craft projects.

Mid-Range Workhorses

For regular DIYers or semi-professionals, consider a cordless rivet gun from Screwfix or Wickes. These usually balance price and power well and can manage a wider range of rivet sizes and materials. They’re a great compromise for anyone who needs both portability and serious pulling force for tasks like light fabrication or bodywork.

Professional Tools

If you’re a tradesperson, invest in a pneumatic riveter from RS Components or a top-tier cordless model with a robust battery system. Professional units are built for high cycle loads, consistent pull strength, and replaceable components — crucial when you’re using the tool daily and downtime costs money.

Choosing the Right Rivet Size and Material

Selecting the correct rivet diameter and material is as important as choosing the gun. Common diameters you’ll see are 1/8" for light work, 5/32" for medium strength, 3/16" for heavier panels, and 1/4" for thick assemblies. Material choices — aluminium, steel, stainless steel, or copper — should match the substrates to avoid corrosion and to ensure shear strength. For example, aluminium rivets are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for lightweight panels, while stainless steel suits marine or outdoor metalwork where rust is a concern.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Rivet Gun Working

A well-maintained tool lasts longer and performs better. Clean your riveter after heavy use to remove metal shavings and debris, lubricate moving parts as the manufacturer recommends, and replace worn nozzles and mandrels promptly. For pneumatic units, check hoses and connections for leaks and keep your compressor filter clean. For battery models, avoid deep discharge cycles; store batteries in a dry, cool place and keep spare cells charged and ready.

Accessories and Consumables to Stock Up On

Don’t forget consumables. Keep a stock of common rivet sizes in aluminium and stainless steel, plus spare nosepieces, jaws and mandrels for your riveter. If you use a pneumatic gun, have extra seals and O-rings on hand. A rivet assortment kit (with 1/8", 5/32", 3/16", and 1/4" rivets) is one of the best buys for general work because it saves time and keeps you from running out mid-task.

Common Riveting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even pros slip up. The usual suspects are using the wrong rivet length, over-tightening, or using incompatible materials that cause galvanic corrosion. To avoid trouble, measure total material thickness and choose a rivet length approximately 1.5 times the stack thickness for a secure clinch. Don’t try to force a small rivet into thick materials — the result is either a weak joint or a broken rivet. And always test on scrap first if you’re unsure.

Final Buying Checklist

Before you click “buy,” run through this quick checklist: what rivet sizes do you need, will the tool be portable or workshop-based, do you prefer manual, pneumatic or battery operation, how often will you use it, and what spare parts are readily available? Also, check if the store you’re buying from stocks the correct nosepieces and rivet assortments so you can get going straight away.

Where to Find Expert Advice and Reviews

Want the lowdown before you spend? Check user reviews on retailer pages like Screwfix and Toolstation, look for independent tool tests on specialist forums, and watch comparison videos for hands-on impressions of battery life and pull strength. Specialist suppliers like RS Components also publish technical datasheets that help you confirm compatibility for industrial applications.

With the right rivet gun and the right shop in the UK, your next project will go from fiddly to flawless. Whether you’re tacking a weekend repair or fitting long runs of aluminium flashing, the perfect riveter is out there — and now you know where to look and what to buy.

Happy riveting — and remember, the best tool is the one that fits your hand, your job, and your budget.

Conclusion: Picking the right rivet gun doesn’t have to be a chore. Match tool type to task, stock up on consumables, and buy from a retailer that offers the brands and parts you need. From budget hand riveters for the occasional job to professional pneumatic and cordless models for heavy use, UK stores like Screwfix, B&Q, Toolstation, Wickes and specialist suppliers have you covered. Measure twice, buy once, and you’ll enjoy a reliable, long-lasting joint every time.