DIY riveter for threaded rivets

When working with thin metal, it is often impossible to cut threads; in this case, you can use a screw rivet, which is a metal sleeve with an internal thread on one side.

To insert such a rivet, there are special rivet makers. But they are quite expensive, and buying them for occasional use is not profitable. In addition, they tend to break quickly due to heavy loads.

Scope of application

During construction or repair work, a riveter can become an indispensable assistant. This tool is used to connect two or more parts only when the use of other available devices is impossible.

A riveter for threaded rivets fastens parts together in the most precise, reliable and aesthetically pleasing way. Most often, threaded rivets are used in construction when there is a need to make threads in thin panels or metal sheets.

Principle of operation

A riveter for threaded rivets is designed for connecting various metal elements, which is particularly reliable, highly resistant to mechanical stress and vibration. The essence of the operation of this device is to deform the edge of the threaded rivet so that it is pressed into the desired hole. The main working condition that the riveter for threaded rivets must ensure is keeping the internal thread of the rivet intact and undamaged.

In addition to joining metal elements, the riveter can be used to join building materials, such as plastic. In this case, a prerequisite is the use of a washer so that the applied pressure on the rivet is distributed evenly.

Tool Features

The riveter for threaded rivets, in addition to fastening various construction and automotive elements, makes it possible to use bolted fasteners. This fastening method can be used even for polished and painted parts. It is worth noting that both mechanical and manual riveters for threaded rivets make it possible to make the joint of parts aesthetically beautiful and attractive.

The condition that determines the reliability of fastening is the diameter of the rivet. The wider the diameter of the rivet used, the more stable and better the connection will be made. However, there is one unpleasant nuance: large fasteners are much more difficult to work with, and you may need a powerful professional tool to install them.

Kinds

Today, the construction tools market offers a wide range of riveters for threaded rivets. The main difference between them is the way the device acts on the rivet. Based on this, the following types of devices are distinguished:

The manual riveter functions as a lever. That is, the force that a person applies is directed to the connecting element. Since the principle of operation of this device is quite simple, you can independently assemble a riveter for threaded rivets. The two-handed tool can be used for rivets with a diameter of up to 6.4 mm, the one-handed one – 5 mm.
Pneumatic. It can rivet efficiently and quickly thanks to the power of compressed air. Its main disadvantage is the need to use additional equipment in the form of a compressor, so it is most often used in industry. Modern models of riveters of this type are compact, reliable and easy to use, which allows them to be used in construction and repair work of any scale.

Pneumohydraulic. The operating principle of such devices is based on converting the working stroke of the piston into the translational movement of a threaded rod using a hydraulic system.
Cordless riveters are the most popular models of this tool among consumers. They operate from an internal battery or from a power source, which allows continuous use of this device for a long time.

Another way to work with rivets is to purchase a special screwdriver attachment. Modern manufacturers of construction equipment produce various types of attachments that can easily replace both a conventional tool and a riveter for threaded blind rivets.

Summary

As you can see, each type of rivet plays its role and is necessary. If conventional ones can be replaced with exhaust ones, then threaded ones are unique in their class and make it possible to install additional equipment where it is difficult to use any other method of fixation. The diameter of the clamp is selected depending on the needs. Factory riveters for threaded elements are most often supplied in a plastic case for greater ease of storage. If there is a need to install components of large diameters, then a model with two handles is better suited.

Work technology

Using a riveter for threaded rivets is quite simple, so you do not need any special skills. You just need to understand the general rules of its operation and you can safely start using this device. First you need to prepare the metal parts. The surface of the parts to be fastened must be smooth and fit tightly to each other. After the parts have been prepared for further work, it is necessary to make special marks, in place of which the corresponding holes will be drilled. Marks must be placed clearly and accurately so that the holes on the parts to be fastened coincide with each other.

Then, using a drill, holes are drilled and threaded rivets will be inserted into them. In this case, you need to take into account the diameter of the rivet and drill, otherwise it may not fit or, conversely, fall out of the hole made. Let's say, if you need to make a groove with a diameter of 4.8 mm, then, accordingly, the drill bit should be 5 mm. The sharpener attachment must completely fit the threaded rivet. To install the latter, its head is placed in the drilled hole in the part. On the reverse side it should protrude slightly, at least 2 mm.

The last step is to squeeze the levers of the tool. When working with a manual riveter, you need to apply quite a lot of force to make a reliable connection. If the rivet leg remains in place after squeezing the handle, then the procedure must be repeated again.

Varieties

The difference between rivets of this type lies not only in their diameter, but also in other parameters, one of which is the metal of manufacture. The following can be used as a basis:

steel;
aluminum;
copper;
stainless steel

Each of these metals has its own advantages over others. Regular steel rivets are most often coated with zinc to prevent rust during use. In this regard, stainless steel products benefit, but their cost is slightly higher. They also have greater strength. Copper and aluminum are used in cases where interaction with a similar metal is required, and the rivet will not hold a module that is too heavy. Each element has a head that guarantees fixation on the front side. It can be flat or hidden. The second option will require widening the outer diameter of the hole to hide the sides. Blind rivets are used most often in case of one-sided installation. The latter is carried out in a situation where the thickness of the metal of the workpiece is greater than the rivet and the latter does not have the opportunity to fully compress it. In this embodiment, fixation occurs due to the expansion of the element body inside the hole.

Mounted modules have different pitches and thread diameters, so products are required to match them. That is why companies producing such fasteners are most often ready to provide their customers with rivets that have a diameter from M4 to M8. This applies to nut structures when there is no access to the reverse side of the metal. There is also a collapsible screw type, which is available in sizes from M3 to M16. The cut profile of the product may also be different. Most often, round is used, but hexagonal can also be used. In the second case, making a hole for such a unit requires some effort, but turning it is much more difficult, and in some cases impossible, when compared with the round version.

Threaded rivets can be specialized, so depending on the application, they may have reduced resistance to electrical current. Other elements have increased strength, because they are designed to work under heavy loads. Depending on the shape, the clamps are able to provide a tight connection. The heads of some elements have special marks that allow them to be identified among other products. Vibration-isolating rivets are often used in automobiles. Especially when it comes to mounting on body parts.

DIY riveter for threaded rivets

This tool is quite expensive, but at the same time necessary. In fact, you can easily make it yourself from scrap materials. For a homemade riveter you will need:

steel bolt;
screw;
thrust ball bearing.

The diameter of the bolt must match the diameter of the rivet that is planned to be used to fasten the parts.

When all materials are prepared, you can begin assembling the tool. The nut is screwed onto the bolt, and then a thrust ball bearing is installed, which is necessary to distribute the pressure acting on the rivet (this will prevent the nut from jamming).

Operation of a homemade device

Such a tool will work as follows: the riveter is placed in the hole of the part, then, holding the nut with one key, the head of the threaded rivet is unscrewed with the other. If you use a lathe, you can make the most convenient model of a riveter, which will be based on the use of a bolt with threads of different diameters. In the head of the bolt of such a tool there is a hole into which a handle of the required size is mounted.

As in the previous model, a washer must be placed between the nut and the rivet to distribute the force evenly.

Installation process

The algorithm for installing a threaded element can hardly be called overwhelming, but it is important to know certain nuances. If possible, it is better to use a factory riveter. If desired, you can assemble it yourself; one option will be discussed below. The first step is to determine the type of metal on which the rivet will be installed. Next, you need to know what the diameter of the bolt or module that will be fixed thanks to this rivet is. According to the specified diameter, the appropriate rivet is selected. Its outer diameter is measured and a drill is selected that will be one tenth in diameter larger than the rivet. This is necessary so that the latter fits into place without much effort or obstacles.

Electric or cordless drill. The metal is drilled in the required location. After this, the fastening element is inserted into the seat. If it needs to be placed in a certain position, then it is better to hold it with your hands. For hexagonal holes, you can use special punches if we are talking about thin metal. If the thickness of the metal is greater than the length of the fastener, then the hole must be drilled a little deeper than the fastener, but there is no need to make a through penetration. After this, a rivet maker core is selected that fits the thread to the element being installed. The handles are brought together or the bolt is rotated so that part of the rivet is deformed and fixed in the hole.

You should not apply too much force, as you can tear off the thread, which will later be used to fix the required part. It is necessary to ensure that the rivet is installed in the required position. After this, you can fix the required product using a screw or bolt.

Disadvantages of a homemade riveter

In terms of functionality, a homemade tool is absolutely no different from industrial ones. However, there is a significant drawback that a homemade riveter for threaded rivets has. Reviews from users who were able to build and test this device say that when working with the tool, the bolt can jam inside the threaded rivet. Most often, this problem occurs if a softer metal element was used instead of a steel bolt, or due to excessive force applied to the tool.

A homemade riveter is ideal for one-time use. But if you plan to work with this tool repeatedly, then it is still worth purchasing this device in a specialized store. It can significantly save your time and effort, as well as provide reliable and durable fastening of various types of parts.

How to choose a riveter: manufacturers and prices

When choosing a specific model, many rely on prices. But the spread is very wide - there are very cheap ones and almost identical in appearance, but many times more expensive. Even ten times more expensive. It’s worth saying right away that even for one-time work, buying a very cheap riveter is too risky. It may not work at all or work through the stump-deck.

If you only want to rivet a fence, for example, even then you will have to install hundreds of rivets. If you have to disassemble the tool after every 2-3 rivets, you definitely won’t like it

To choose a riveter that works properly, pay attention to the average price range

Stanley MR 99. Stanley is the oldest American company.
NOBUS. Inexpensive tool, works reliably.
Gesipa. A well-known company, but not everyone praises it. There are definitely cheaper ones that work at least as well.
YATO copes with steel rivets better than Chinese ones with aluminum ones.
NWS is a German company. The quality of the instrument is excellent.
Topex. In some models I liked the ability to move the “spout” 90 degrees. Convenient if you have to work in hard-to-reach places.
KRAFTOOL. All the tools are good and so are the riveters.

If you plan to use a riveter in professional activities, you need to choose a more expensive one. The company - at your own discretion, but from the category of professional or semi-professional models. Perhaps they do not differ structurally, but they have a longer resource and service life. That is, they are made more reliably and efficiently. And this explains the difference in price - more expensive/high-quality materials were used.