[phil9diesel]

Sometimes I come across no .401 size 4 riveters. Can they be used at lower pressure for smaller rivets, and are there any advantages/disadvantages? What are these hammerguns, Vs riveters, that people say rivet lousy?

 

[Mike S]

I dont know about your rivets, but the hammer gun is what auto body shops use to cut metal panels with. Sometimes called an air chisel.

Buy a real rivet gun.

Mike

 

[dan]

I've never used an air hammer to rivet, but from what I understand, you can't "tease" the trigger on it. Unlike a rivet gun proper, it's all or nothing.

 

[Mel]

I've never used an air hammer to rivet, but from what I understand, you can't "tease" the trigger on it. Unlike a rivet gun proper, it's all or nothing.

That all depends on the age of the "air hammer". I've built 8 airplanes and rebuilt several more with only an old Ingersol air hammer. It has a VERY good teasing trigger. Most of the later ones don't. Therefore, you can use an air hammer if you can find the right one.

 

[jarhead]

I've never used an air hammer to rivet, but from what I understand, you can't "tease" the trigger on it. Unlike a rivet gun proper, it's all or nothing.

As Mel said, riveting can be done with an air hammer, but the risk of damage is higher. The big factor is the trigger. I have an Ingersoll-Rand IR114QQC for car/truck/house stuff, and it has a decent trigger. It's by no means an "ON or OFF" deal, but it's definitely not a teasing trigger like a rivet gun either. I definitely would not set rivets on an aircraft item with it.

 

[phil9diesel]

riveter not hammer

Tease trigger. Thanks both