Can anyone recommend (an know where to get) a rivet gun/tool I can use to attach metal strapping to an aluminum same as the picture below? I haven’t done any research yet figure it would be better to ask around.
Thanks
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You want what is known as a "POP" (brand name) riveter, though they are now made by many different companies. The tool itself (which looks like a manual staple gun) needs to be one that will be comfortable for the number of rivets you're driving -- cheap is good for a couple dozen, but gets very uncomfortable to use for more. Power units are available if you'll be doing hundreds.
The choice of rivet is more important than the tool, though in this situation likely it's not critical. You especially need a rivet of the right length -- too short and it won't grab behind the inside of those metal framing members, too long and the rivet won't set tightly.
Thanks for your feedback.
Any recommendations for brand?
If I know the thickness of the materials being riveted what should the additional length of the rivet be beyond that too fasten properly (ie total material thinkness = 1/4", rivet length = _____________?)
My riveter (brand unknown) is probably 30 years old, so I'm afraid I can't recommend a brand.
The rivet packages (at least last time I looked) generally list their working length, and often give two lengths based on hard vs soft materials. I'm pretty sure the rivet should be at least 1/4" longer (from flange to tip), but maybe it's 3/8", and of course it gets to be more with larger sizes.
One problem you'll have with that screen is that it compresses some as you tighten the rivet. You'll want to clamp the screen somehow vs relying on the rivet to pull the screen tight -- the rivet will do the last little bit of tightening, but can't pull 1/4" of "air" out of the joint.
For doing many rivets, you need an air rivet gun:
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?category=&q=air+rivet+gun
I like my Marson
I have had a Marson brand hand puller for years and it works well for me. If you have a lot to pull I would second Paul's suggestion to get an air powered puller. And as somone else suggested the size and type of rivet you are pulling may affect the puller you want to get.
Steve
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