Pneumatic pop rivet gun

[shimuneka]

So, I know there are a lot of views on what type of gun to get and where to get it from, but my question is what size gun do I need? I intend to buy mine from Harbor Freight to save the money, but should I get the 1/4" or the 3/16" gun? Thanks

[tomkk]

You'll want the smaller nose pieces, so I think the 3/16" is what you want.

[1001001]

Originally Posted by tomkk

You'll want the smaller nose pieces, so I think the 3/16" is what you want.

I can confirm that the 1/4" one will not pull the smaller rivets--I'll need to make new nose pieces for the one I bought without thinking. Thankfully I don't have many pull rivets to set...

Edited to add that it's not the nose piece that is the problem with the 1/4" riveter, but the jaws don't grip the smaller diameter mandrels properly...

[mike newall]

I would probably up a grade if you are doing an RV12, there are a lot of rivets to pull and the cheaper guns need constant fiddling and clearing. Ask us how we know.....

I would at least go up to Northern Tools - better Chinese carp

Once you have it, pay attention to filling instructions, you may also consider taking the smallest die and drilling it out to match the LP4-3 mandrel size so it is a nice snug fit. Then polish the nose of the die on a unitized wheel or similar so it is nice and smooth - it makes a difference to the finish on the head.

It may take a while to 'break in' - it may jam a bit, don't bother with the catcher at the back - useless. Be prepared to take a while getting it set up and then it will be trouble free. A squirt of WD40 down the nozzle ever other week helps as well.

The last thing you want, when faced with a loaded wing or fuselage is a sticky gun

[dsm8]

I bought a Taylor Pneumatic 3/16" at Oshkosh a few years ago after going through a harbor freight one and a more expensive home depot tool. I DO NOT regret spending the extra $$$. Nothing more frustrating than constantly having to do multiple pulls or clearing jams. Will also work for the few places you need to do structural (cherry max) rivets.

I also bought a tool balancer, an overhead reel that takes the extra weight of a heavier gun. What a difference when doing the wings and fuselage.

Good Luck

[redbaron]

mak shure you get 2 rivet guns, one for each size rivet. saves a lot of time.

[redbaron]

One item that is a must is a Cleo plyers with light weight hoses, saves on the hands.

[rk2436]

Go with the Taylor gun. Built a Sonex with the HF gun and had to stop about every 100 rivets or so to clean and adjust,never mind it spewing fluid all over too. Built the -12 with the Taylor and NEVER had a problem. Well worth the extra cash.

[Dave12]

My Harbor Frieght rivet puller has pulled an estimated 35,000 rivets without any failures. A bit hard to complain about it.

[JBPILOT]

I already owned a H F 3/16" gun. Got a Taylor with tool kit. It was nice to have one set up for both size rivets. A cheap H F gun saves time. I have had it for maybe 20 years. Still works well.