These tools are designed to install blind rivets. Stick the head of the rivet into the hole with the stem inside the gun (having put in the correct nose-piece). Be sure the rivet is inserted all the way through so the nose of the tool is in contact with the rivet. Pull the handle, firmly and at uniform speed. The rivet should crimp and the mandrel (stem) should break. Sometimes, a second pull may be necessary; however if you are having to use multiple pulls to install the rivet, you probably have a rivet that is too big for the job and need a shorter grip range.

The nose-pieces allow you to change the size of the rivet the tool will install. While hand tools can pull larger diameter and/or longer length rivets, it can be quite difficult to do so even for aluminum rivets. For larger rivets and rivets made of stainless, we recommend an air tool or a pliers-style hand tool. The use of the correct tool in the correct size is critical for a successful and safe fastening project.