Pop Rivet gun recommendations : MGB & GT Forum : The MG Experience

Pop Rivet gun recommendations #1
mac townsend Fairfield, CA, USA Sign in to contact 1973 MG MGB MkIII	Topic Creator (OP) Oct 24, 2014 10:23 PM Top Contributor Joined 18 years ago 24,294 Posts

I have had and used for many years an Arrow rivet gun.

But the heads (if that is the term, the things which change for the size of the rivet shank) where you insert the rivet are too large in diameter and I cannot get into smaller areas, such as into a male snap connector or on the top header strip.

On Amazon there's one that seems to be what I'm looking for. The reviews are not much help, but are not relevant to my needs in any event.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00063Y1F6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3E731Q8PAP785&coliid=I2XZ66L1M4XE5Y

Anyone with specific experience with this unit?

Or suggested alternatives?

Or used one you don;t need?

3 weeks before I can buy. Shopping early<G>

1973 Pale Primrose Roadster. A nice 10-footer!
SUs, Datsun 5-speed

Reply

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

Re: Pop Rivet gun recommendations #2
twomanytriumphs Kyle Darby Kelso, WA, USA Sign in to contact 1965 Triumph TR4 "My Baby" 1966 Triumph 2000 MkI "Bessie" 1970 Triumph GT6+ (MkII) "The Princess" 1977 MG MGB & more	Oct 24, 2014 10:40 PM Top Contributor Joined 12 years ago 519 Posts

Looks very similar to the orange handled one from Home Depot. Kyle.

Reply

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

Re: Pop Rivet gun recommendations #3
filospinato Jake V Manassas, VA, USA Sign in to contact 1954 Austin-Healey 100 "Field Healey" 1954 Austin-Healey 100 "Jack Rabbit" ~ For Sale ! ~ 1965 MG MGB MkI "Persimmon" ~ For Sale ! ~ 1977 MG MGB MkIV "Martin"	Oct 24, 2014 10:40 PM Top Contributor Joined 19 years ago 2,519 Posts

That's the one I have, Marson seems to be a decent brand. The tips are small enough to set rivets inside snaps.

Edit: IIRC, I bought it at a Grainger store, in case you have one close by.

Click the image to visit my V8 site.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014-10-24 10:42 PM by filospinato.

Reply

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

Re: Pop Rivet gun recommendations #4
mac townsend Fairfield, CA, USA Sign in to contact 1973 MG MGB MkIII	Topic Creator (OP) Oct 24, 2014 11:13 PM Top Contributor Joined 18 years ago 24,294 Posts

thanks, Jake. The Grainger store for me is likely same one for you. In W Sac or Richardson Blvd (been 10 yrs since I was in that area). Cheaper to let Amazon mail it.75-80 mile RT @15 mpg in the truck). <G>

Thanks for the recommendation. It is meaningful. And appreciated/

Are the other size (beyond 1/8" winking smiley

things also slim?

1973 Pale Primrose Roadster. A nice 10-footer!
SUs, Datsun 5-speed

Reply

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

Re: Pop Rivet gun recommendations #5
3885KOONTZ Dave Budden Topinabee, MI, USA Sign in to contact 1973 MG MGB GT "PROZAC"	Oct 24, 2014 11:25 PM Joined 16 years ago 1,374 Posts

I have one (or more) that the head(?) flips 90* so that the rivet is in line with the handle. It's very handy for putting in the seal on the bottom of the window. Get's into more small places.

"Reason is not automatic, those who deny it, cannot be conquered by it." Ayn Rand

"I am a man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess." Red Green

Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress; but I repeat myself.
Mark Twain

The American businessmen, as a class, have demonstrated the greatest productive genius and the most spectacular achievements ever recorded in the economic history of mankind. What reward did they receive from our culture and its intellectuals? The position of a hated, persecuted minority. The position of a scapegoat for the evils of the bureaucrats. Ayn Rand

Reply

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

Re: Pop Rivet gun recommendations #6
mac townsend Fairfield, CA, USA Sign in to contact 1973 MG MGB MkIII	Topic Creator (OP) Oct 24, 2014 11:32 PM Top Contributor Joined 18 years ago 24,294 Posts

That's the gun I have, pivots the head (Arrow model TH 300). I've not found the feature useful at all.

But the nozzle or that little dingus the rivet goes into is too damn big. It's a hex that is larger than the stuff I want to attach.

In reply to # 2833351 by 3885KOONTZ I have one (or more) that the head(?) flips 90* so that the rivet is in line with the handle. It's very handy for putting in the seal on the bottom of the window. Get's into more small places.

1973 Pale Primrose Roadster. A nice 10-footer!
SUs, Datsun 5-speed

Reply

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

Re: Pop Rivet gun recommendations #7
boltonfil phil Waring bolton, lancs, UK Sign in to contact 1972 MG MGB	Oct 25, 2014 01:36 AM Joined 9 years ago 166 Posts

I borrowed one a while ago that was air powered from the compressor. ... not sure what make... but excellent piece of kit !

Reply

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

Re: Pop Rivet gun recommendations #8
Speedracer Hap Waldrop Taylors, SC, USA Sign in to contact 1967 MG MGB Racecar "The Biscuit"	Oct 25, 2014 05:57 AM Top Contributor Joined 18 years ago 43,758 Posts

Mac, I have a Mason as well, it works fine.

Hap Waldrop
Acme Speed Shop
864-370-3000
Website: www.acmespeedshop.com
hapwaldrop@acmespeedshop.com

Acme Speed Shop www.mgexp.com

MG/ Triumph Performance Street Engines - Cylinder Head Porting for street performance and race - DIY Engine Rebuild Kits With Free Tech Advice - VTO alloy wheels for British Sports Cars, and others

Reply

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

Re: Pop Rivet gun recommendations #9
wrightgcbuilder Dan Wright North Platte, NE, USA Sign in to contact	Oct 25, 2014 06:20 AM Joined 14 years ago 3,086 Posts

I bought a Marson about 6 months ago, and used it on my Triumph. Very well made, and I would recommend. Snap On has Marson make that model and is carried in their Blue Point Line I believe.

Reply

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

Re: Pop Rivet gun recommendations #10
riley1489 Bruce H Great White North, QC, Canada Sign in to contact 1953 Jaguar XK120 1959 Riley 1.5 "King George" 1973 MG MGB	Oct 25, 2014 06:47 AM Top Contributor Joined 12 years ago 26,305 Posts

Mac,
I believe that Marson are/is the PoP Rivet originator. I have to think that their pliers PoP Rivet gun would be a good'un.

B

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, "What are you doing for others?"

Reply

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

Re: Pop Rivet gun recommendations #11
GTgeezer Lynn Kirkpatrick Columbia City, IN, USA Sign in to contact 1968 MG MGB GT	Oct 25, 2014 07:36 AM Top Contributor Joined 13 years ago 2,059 Posts

Has anyone else learned the trick to avoid the rivet gun bounce/ding when the the rivet mandrel snaps? My body shop guy told me this....

Once the rivet is in and tight in the hole use your free hand to pull the gun away from the rivet & panel while you squeeze the gun. When the mandrel snaps the gun pulls away from the panel, no ding. At least for me it works and I don't break out in a cold sweat when riveting.

Reply

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

Re: Pop Rivet gun recommendations #12
Ralph 7h Ralph Siebenhaar Viersen, Germany Sign in to contact	Oct 25, 2014 02:20 PM Joined 15 years ago 2,223 Posts

Mac,

I have had several of those cast aluminium rivet guns that always broke their handles when under heavy load. Finaly I bougt a 'Beargrip' brand gun, made of thick pressed steel, 20 years ago. Used very often with aluminium, steel and stainless rivets, it does not show any weakness jet. O.K., it costs 1 1/2 the price of the carst aluminium 'toy' and does not look that nice but provides reliabel quality in any situatian, even when fitting 1/4" Monel or stainless revets to the rigging of my boat.
Maybe you should look at the offers of the wholesalers of the rivets than on offers of Home Depot an other DIY vendors...

Ralph

Reply

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

Re: Pop Rivet gun recommendations #13
larrym Larry M near Sacramento, CA, USA Sign in to contact 1963 MG MGB "Racer" 1968 Volkswagen 1600 "Manx"	Oct 25, 2014 03:44 PM Joined 20 years ago 1,012 Posts

In reply to # 2833412 by Speedracer Mac, I have a Marson as well, it works fine.

me too - mine is almost 30 yrs old & still with orig'l case

if you have to rivet really BIG stuff - (or have arthritis in your hands like me, and find the manual things hard to squeeze adequately) - get a hydraulic unit - Huck HK-150A - (b'ot mine 3 yrs ago - it is miraculous!)

.

Reply

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

MGB & GT Forum

Pop Rivet gun recommendations

To reply or ask your own question:Members Sign InorCreate an AccountRegistration is FREE and takes less than a minute

To reply or ask your own question:

or

Registration is FREE and takes less than a minute