What Are Common Problems with Rivet Guns

Contents

1.Rivet Mandrel Gets Stuck in the Gun

2.Rivet Does Not Pull or Set Properly

3.Mandrel Breaks Too Early

4. Rivet Gun Handles Hard to Squeeze

5. Nosepiece Size Mismatch

6.Rivet Gun Jaws Worn Out

Quick Summary

Rivet guns are simple tools, but several common problems can happen during use. Knowing these issues helps prevent poor fastening or tool damage.

1. Rivet Mandrel Gets Stuck in the Gun

High pulling force and fast speed

Automatic riveting and removal of rivets save time and effort, and the work is completed in one step.

Symptoms

• The mandrel does not eject after installation.

• The gun cannot accept another rivet

Causes

• Worn or dirty jaws (gripping teeth) inside the tool

• Metal debris buildup

• Using the wrong rivet size

Solutions

• Open the nosepiece and clean the jaws

• Replace worn jaw sets

• Use the correct rivet size

2. Rivet Does Not Pull or Set Properly

Symptoms

Rivet remains loose

Rivet head spins in the hole

Causes

Hole too large

Wrong rivet grip length

Weak pulling force from tool

Solutions

Use the correct rivet diameter

Choose correct grip range

Use a stronger rivet gun if needed

3. Mandrel Breaks Too Early

Symptoms

Mandrel snaps before the rivet is fully expanded

Weakjoint

Causes

Cheap or poor-quality rivets

Wrong rivet size

Misaligned rivet gun

Solutions

Use higher quality rivets

Keep the tool straight (90%) during pulling

Ensure rivet length is correct

4. Rivet Gun Handles Hard to Squeeze

Symptoms

Very high force required

Slow installation

Causes

Steel or stainless rivets with a small manual gun.

Tool wear or lack of lubrication

Solutions

Use long-handle riveter or pneumatic rivet gun

Lubricate internal moving parts

5. Nosepiece Size Mismatch

Symptoms

Rivet does not sit properly in the tool

Mandrel slips during pulling

Causes

Wrong nosepiece (tip size) installed

Solutions

Change the nosepiece to match the rivet diameter:

Rivet Diameter	Nosepiece
2.4 mm	Small
3.2 mm	Medium
4.0–4.8 mm	Large

6. Rivet Gun Jaws Worn Out

Symptoms

Tool pulls but mandrel slips

Rivet not fully set

Cause

Jaw teeth worn after heavy use

Solution

Replace the jaw set inside the rivet gun.

✅ Quick Summary

Most rivet gun problems come from:

• Wrong rivet size

• Dirty or worn jaws

• Incorrect nosepiece

• Oversized holes

• Poor-quality rivets

Professional tip:

In factories, the two biggest causes of rivet failure are:

1. Wrong grip length

2. Hole too large

These account for over 70% of installation issues.