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If you do any kind of metal, car, boat, or general home repair work, rivet pliers—also called riveters or pop-rivet tools—are one of those small investments that repay themselves again and again. They turn two fiddly pieces of metal into a solid joint in seconds, kind of like using a stapler for sheet metal. Whether you’re hanging gutter brackets, repairing a trailer, or building a metal frame, the right rivet pliers make the job quicker, cleaner, and less frustrating.
Rivet pliers grip a blind rivet and pull the mandrel until the rivet body flares and clamps the materials together. The process is simple: drill a hole, insert the rivet, squeeze or trigger the pliers, and trim the mandrel. The result is a permanent mechanical fastener that’s especially useful when you only have access from one side of the workpiece. Think of them as the one-sided glue gun for metalwork—fast, neat, and reliable.
There are several styles to choose from depending on your needs. Manual hand rivet pliers are compact and inexpensive—ideal for occasional jobs. Long-handle rivet pliers give better leverage for larger rivets, often with handles around 10" to 14" long. Pneumatic and battery-powered rivet guns are for heavy use and larger rivets; they’re the power drills of riveting. Then there are specialist models for structural or blind rivets, and multi-head tools that accept various rivet diameters.
Hand rivet pliers are lightweight and simple: you squeeze the handles to set the rivet. They’re perfect for small repairs and household tasks. If you only use rivets occasionally, this is the most cost-effective choice.
With longer handles—often 10" to 14"—these rely on leverage to set larger rivets with less effort. Professionals who work with thicker materials or larger rivets appreciate the comfort and power of long-handled models.
When speed and fatigue are factors, battery or air-powered rivet guns shine. These are common on workshop floors and building sites. They handle larger rivet diameters consistently and reduce strain during repetitive tasks.
Shopping for rivet pliers can feel overwhelming, so focus on a few practical features. Look for durable materials like forged steel jaws and corrosion-resistant finishes. Check the supported rivet sizes—typical sizes use diameters like 1/16", 3/32", 1/8", 5/32", and 3/16". Comfortable, cushioned handles and a locking mechanism for storage are useful. For power tools, battery life or air consumption ratings matter. Finally, spare nosepieces and included cases elevate a basic tool into a lifetime companion.
Make sure the tool supports the rivet diameters you use most. Common blind rivet sizes in imperial units include 1/16" (0.062"), 3/32" (0.094"), 1/8" (0.125"), 5/32" (0.156"), and 3/16" (0.188"). If you frequently work with thicker materials, prioritise tools that handle 3/16" and above.
Rivet tools take a fair amount of leverage and wear, so thicker, well-machined jaws and replaceable nosepieces are signs of longevity. Many UK retailers sell branded tools with warranties; if you plan to use the tool daily, choosing a product with a solid warranty can save money in the long run.
There are plenty of places to buy rivet pliers in the UK, from trade suppliers to consumer DIY chains. Below I break down popular options and what makes each one worth checking out.
Screwfix is a favourite among tradespeople for a reason: lots of stock, competitive pricing, and a wide range from budget hand tools to professional battery riveters. They carry brands like Draper, Stanley, and Silverline, and you’ll often find multi-pack rivet assortments and spare nosepieces. If you need something quickly, their local stores and click-and-collect options are convenient.
Toolstation mirrors Screwfix in its trade-focused approach but often has different brands and offers same-day collection at many branches. They stock manual and pneumatic rivet guns suitable for both DIYers and pros, along with consumables like aluminium and steel rivets in imperial sizes. Prices are generally competitive, making Toolstation a go-to for buying in bulk.
B&Q is the mainstream DIY retailer for homeowners. Expect to find easy-to-use hand rivet pliers, kits that include a small assortment of rivets, and sometimes basic battery riveters. If you’re doing a one-off home repair, B&Q’s in-store availability and clear instructions make it an approachable choice.
Wickes is another DIY store that stocks rivet pliers and kits suitable for household projects. They tend to focus on accessible, user-friendly tools and practical kits, which is great for first-timers who want the tool and just enough rivets to get started.
If you’re after industrial-grade riveters and professional supplies, RS Components is hard to beat. They cater to engineers and workshops, stocking a wide range of brands and specialist rivets in precise imperial sizes. Expect detailed product specs and options for heavier-duty pneumatic tools.
Machine Mart has long been associated with workshop essentials, and their rivet range reflects that. They offer both manual and power riveters geared toward regular users and professionals. You’ll find robust long-handle tools and accessories meant for workshop environments.
Amazon is useful if you want brand variety and user reviews. You can find everything from budget hand pliers to cordless riveters with detailed customer feedback. If you’re comparing user experiences and looking for niche brands or quick delivery, Amazon often has the widest selection.
eBay is a practical place for bargain finds and used tools. If you don’t mind second-hand, you can pick up pro-grade rivet tools at a fraction of the new price. Just check seller ratings and item descriptions so you know whether you’re getting a refurbished or well-worn tool.
Rivet tools come in a wide price range. A simple hand rivet plier can cost as little as £8 to £20, which is great for light home use. Long-handle riveters and trade-quality manual tools typically sit in the £20 to £50 range. Battery-powered models usually start around £60 and can climb above £250 for high-end, industrial tools. Pneumatic guns fall in a similar bracket depending on brand and capacity. Think of it like choosing a car: a cheap tool will get you to work, but a higher-end model will do it faster, with less fuss and for more miles.
Before you buy, ask: what rivet sizes will I use? Is portability important? Will you need spare nosepieces? Check the included accessories and whether rivets are sold in imperial sizes. If buying powered riveters, confirm battery life in terms of number of rivets per charge—many manufacturers list how many 3/16" rivets can be set per full battery, which is a helpful benchmark. Also, read customer reviews for notes about comfort and grip; a tool that hurts your hand after an hour is no bargain.
Don’t splurge on a pneumatic riveter for an odd repair that a small hand plier will handle. Conversely, don’t expect a bargain hand tool to survive daily workshop use. Matching the tool to expected workload is the quickest way to get value for money.
Safety is simple but vital: wear eye protection, keep fingers clear of the jaws, and use the correct rivet size for your material thickness. When using powered rivet guns, secure loose clothing and be mindful of kickback. Always check that the mandrel is fully seated before pulling the trigger so the tool sets the rivet cleanly. It’s like using a pair of scissors—proper hand position matters more than you might think.
Maintenance is usually straightforward. Wipe the tool after use and keep a drop of light machine oil on moving parts for manual pliers. Replace nosepieces when they show wear; worn nosepieces fail to grip mandrels and lead to poor sets. Store tools dry to prevent rust and keep spare mandrel catch containers empty to avoid jams. Regular upkeep will extend tool life and maintain consistent riveting quality.
Rivets come in materials like aluminium, steel, stainless steel, and copper. Aluminium rivets are lightweight and corrosion-resistant—great for aluminium sheets and general DIY. Steel gives higher shear strength for heavier loads, while stainless is ideal for marine or outdoor applications where rust is a concern. Always choose rivet diameter and length to match the combined thickness of the materials you’re fastening; a rivet that’s too short won’t flare enough, and one that’s too long may not clamp properly.
If you’re joining thin sheet metal and a bracket, you might use a 1/8" rivet. For thicker overlaps or sections needing more hold, 5/32" or 3/16" rivets are common. When in doubt, measure the combined thickness and add roughly 1/16" to 1/8" so the rivet has enough material to flare properly.
Stock up on assorted rivet packs in the sizes you use most, spare nosepieces for each rivet diameter, and perhaps a mandrel disposal container. For battery riveters, keep an extra battery and charger to avoid downtime. A small punch set and drill bits in the correct imperial sizes are handy for preparing clean holes. These accessories are like getting the right spices for a recipe: they make the final dish (or repair) taste professional.
Finding the right rivet pliers is about matching tool type to expected use. For occasional DIY, a basic hand plier bought from B&Q, Wickes, or Amazon will do the trick. For tradespeople, Toolstation, Screwfix, RS Components, and Machine Mart offer higher-spec tools and replacement parts that stand up to regular work. Think about rivet sizes in imperial units, comfort, and whether you’ll need powered assistance. With the right tool and a few quality rivets, you’ll be surprised how many fixes and projects suddenly become easy.
Before completing your purchase, check that the retailer lists supported rivet diameters in imperial units, look for reviews emphasising build quality, and ensure spare nosepieces and rivet assortments are available. Those simple checks will keep you from buying a tool that looks good but doesn’t perform where it counts.
Conclusion: Rivet pliers are a small but mighty part of any toolbox. Whether you pick a cheap hand tool for home jobs or invest in a cordless or pneumatic riveter for professional work, prioritise build quality, supported sizes, and comfort. Shop at reputable UK retailers to access a wide range of models and accessories, and you’ll have a tool that makes metal-joining feel effortless.
| Rivet Pliers | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrow Arl100k Rivet Tool Kit | £ 18,68 | |
| Eclipse 2750c Compact Lazy Tong Riveter | £ 52,11 | |
| Eclipse 2750 Lazy Tong Riveter 3-5mm | £ 72,60 |
