How to Adjust the Power on a Spin-Spin Rivet Nut Tool

August 14th, 2013

For the ideal rivet nut placements, you should be comfortable adjusting the power on your Spin-Spin rivet nut tool. To guide those who are having difficulty in managing this, here is a quick outline of the necessary steps.

How to Adjust the Power on a Spin-Spin Rivet Nut Tool

1.            Find the air regulator that is included with your rivet nut tool.

2.            Spin it onto the bottom of the rivet nut tool.

3.            Connect the air nipple to your tool.

4.            Twist the air regulator to control the power to the tool.

Note: As with most rivet nut tools, refrain from double stroking as this may damage the tool.

That’s it—very simple. Be sure not to lose the included air regulator if you want to avoid headaches later on.

With the proper power, your riv nut tool will become your best friend for all your installation projects. As with our other tutorials found on the blog, we have shot a video tutorial on this same process so that we are 100% clear on what you need to do to have the correct tool power.

We hope this blog helped you, and are happy to answer any other riveting questions. For even more in-depth information on how to use riveting tools, be sure to check out the rest of our blog.

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How to Adjust the Stroke on Your BP-60c Riv Nut Tool

July 14th, 2013

The BP-60c is one of the best riveting tools out there, and works great whether you are using a rivet nut or a nutsert. However, to increase the tool’s longevity it is important to make sure you are using the right stroke for every job. If you have your tool set to the incorrect stroke, you could double stroke your tool which might break the mandrel.

For those of you who have some questions about how to change the stroke on the BP-60c, here is an easy to follow guide.

How to Adjust the Stroke on Your BP-60c Rivet Nut Tool

  1. Ensure your anvil is set as close to the nose assembly as possible. In the low position, we have as many threads as possible showing. This is done by using your spanner wrench to loosen the lock nut, going to the lowest position, and putting the lock nut in place.
  2. Find the indicators on the top of the tool; this will tell you how many millimeters of stroke your riv nut tool is set to.
  3. Figure out what is the ideal stroke you need. (Most rivet nuts use between 1mm to 2mm of stroke.) Plug in your tool into an air source, and check the stroke.
  4. To adjust the stroke positively or negatively, place the spanner wrench on the adjustment groove and turn to your desired stroke.

That’s it. If you remember these 4 easy steps, and take the time to make sure you have the right stroke for the job, your riveting tools will last for years to come.

We have also filmed a video tutorial on how to change the stroke on your tool, for those who would like a more visual representation.

Hope you found this post useful.

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3 Simple Steps to Remove Blind Rivets

July 13th, 2013

Since blind rivets are meant to be permanent fixtures, they are not made to be removed, but there might come a time when an individual would like to have this done, and when that happens, they should know how to accomplish the feat. It is important to keep in mind, however, that the right tools need to be used for the job, and careful attention needs to be paid to the difference between round headed and countersunk rivets; this is because they will be removed in slightly different ways.

  1. Grinding The Head of The Rivet

In order to begin the process of removing the blind rivets, the head of the item needs to be examined first; if the tool has a rounded head, a grinding machine can be used to slowly wear down this facet of the device. There are those who choose not to grind down the head before they start the next step of the process, but this might end up making the task a lot more difficult in the long run. In the event that the item is a countersunk device, grinding is not necessary since the head will not protrude in the same manner; in fact, this task could end up damaging the materials that are attached because the grinder will eat it these facets instead of the rivet.

  1. Drilling Into Rivets

Once the head has been removed from the rivet, individuals can then proceed onto drilling into the shank of the item. One of the most imperative facets of this step is to ensure that the drill bit is the right size; if it is too large, it could end up damaging the material from which the rivet is supposed to be removed, and this could end up forcing the previous nut to be replaced by a much larger one. Drilling directly into the center is important; if any deviation is made to this direction, the following rivet might be impossible to install.

  1. Remove Rest Manually

After the majority of the work has been done, the remaining facets of the rivet should be easier to remove with your hands, and it is imperative that each part of the device is carefully removed so that no facet remains behind. While rivets might have been designed to be permanent, it is common for individuals to make mistakes during the construction of a project, or to simply want to exchange an old, worn out nut with one that is new and sturdy; by getting to know how these items are removed, replacing them becomes a breeze.

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Five Useful Ways to Buy a High Quality Riv Nut Tool

July 12th, 2013

It is always a good idea to invest in high quality tools whether you plan on using them often or not. Even if you use your tools occasionally for SIY work around the house, buying higher quality means they will last longer and be available when you run into an emergency. It also means they will be able to handle heavier duty tasks more effectively and make lighter work for you. Here are our top five tips on how to shop for the best riv nut tool:

1. Look at Pricing

Tools, especially those that are higher quality, can get quite expensive. You might only use it a few times, but those occasions could span a couple of years, so it is a good idea to get something that will last and that you will get better performance from. If you do it this way, you will be paying a little more so start by setting a budget and comparing prices first. If you are looking at ten years of use, paying a little extra is not so bad when you work out your return on an annual basis.

2. Get Opinions

Post questions on online forums if you can’t make your mind up between different brands and see if anyone has experience using the tools you are weighing up. Ask a salesperson who knows about different brands or someone who has worked with different models before.

3. Handle It and Test It

A heavier weight riv nut tool is a good indication of quality, so think about the force you will be applying and whether you can see it lasting for a decent period of time before you buy.

4. Consider Speed and Efficiency

If you are going to be using the tool for lots of jobs, or big jobs, it makes sense to invest in something that works quickly and efficiently. Tools that offer instant release are the quickest to use when there are lots of pieces of metal or there are bigger sheets that require greater reinforcement.

5. Think about Portability

If you are only going to be using your riv nut tool occasionally but will need to carry it around with you, a lighter weight option might be a better choice for you practically. This is especially true if you need to carry one in a tool box that is already heavy and full and where you will only be pulling the riv nut out every once in a while.

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Five Crucial Points to Remember When Shopping For a Rivet Nut Tool

July 11th, 2013

If you have been using a manual rivet nut tool for a while and are considering making the transition to an automatic tool, you might not know how much it will improve your performance, speed and accuracy when fastening sheets of metal together. Professionals and people working on heavy duty jobs will derive the most benefit from an automatic tool. Here are the five most important factors we think you should consider before making your choice:

1. Comfort and Convenience Should come First

Automatic rivet but tools usually have ergonomically designed handles to maximize comfort when using the tool. This makes it easier to use and minimizes your chances of developing blisters or calluses over the course of a few hours. It also provides an extra layer of safety, as a handle that is ergonomically designed is less likely to slip out of your grip when your hand gets sweaty.

2. Consider a Swiveling Air Inlet

This provides swift and efficient power in a safe way. It is an ideal feature for smaller rivet nuts, as it provides controlled air pressure while you are working.

3. Look at Pricing

Manual rivet nuts are usually more affordable, although someone who is less skilled may not be able to use it as easily as an automatic version. When comparing prices, make sure that you are also comparing like products and gauge what value you are getting for the money you spend.

4. Speed and Weight

If you need a rivet nut tool for work purposes and will be using it often, a faster tool will accelerate the pace of your work. Make sure it is not faster and heavier though, because they may get difficult for you to manage as the day goes on. If you are going to be using the tool for extended periods of time, a lighter weight model will be easier for you to manage. Balance the weight off against the quality, because sometimes very lightweight tools are simply not strong enough to withstand prolonged or continuous use.

5. Get Something Easy to Understand

While you want an advanced tool, something with more knobs and buttons than your computer is just going to confuse and probably be a waste of money. Let the person helping you know about your skill and experience level and make recommendations based on how much you are prepared to spend for your new tool.

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How to Change the Mandrel on a BP-60 or BP-60c Rivet Nut Tool

July 10th, 2013

We get a lot of questions from people about how to correctly change the mandrel on a riv nut tool. Changing a mandrel is easy once you know how to do it, so here is an easy guide on how to change mandrels on a BP-60 and BP-60c.

How to Change the Mandrel on a BP-60 or BP-60c Rivet Nut Tool

  1. Find a spanner wrench and use it to loosen up the lock nut, located on the nose piece of the tool.
  2. Remove the loosened anvil portion and the lock nut.
  3. Slide the shepherd’s hook through the two exposed holes, pull the lock pin back, and unscrew the mandrel.
  4. Insert the other mandrel, then pull back the lock pin towards the end, and gently wiggle the mandrel to allow the lock pin to engage. You will hear a click.
  5. Remove the shepherd’s hook, and check to make sure the mandrel is locked.
  6. Place the anvil back on the tool, and lock it securely.

Note: An anvil can be set to different lengths, using the lock nut, to expose how many threads required for the riveting tools you are using.

To help you visualize the process, we have also created a video tutorial on how to change a mandrel, in which you can find more in-depth information if needed.

We hope you find this guide helpful, and that in the future you will be able to change your mandrels without a hitch. If you want our rivet experts to answer any other questions, send us an e-mail and we will answer it as soon as we can.

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Then and Now: Riveting Tools Fastening the Seams of History

April 25th, 2013

Currently on display at the National Museum of American History, an exhibit called America on the Move details how transportation and technology have changed the shape and fabric of America, from automotive to locomotive and beyond. The exhibit features everything from the trains and cars themselves, all the way down to the tools and techniques that saw these vehicles become a staple of our daily lives. Among this guide to the nation’s planes, trains, and automobiles, was a curious reminder of the lineage of our industry: A pneumatic rivet gun and three swages used on the railways and in welding work from 1950.

From the 1920s, riveting tools have been crucial to the development of early automotives and locomotives, but this isn’t news to anyone. What is particularly interesting is just how far we’ve come in the last few decades.

Comparing this artifact to the raw power and the sleek lightweight design of the BP-4V, for example, its impressive to see the improvements. From a two to three person operation, to a riveting gun wielding 3500lbs. of pulling force at a weight of only 3.6 lbs is a staggering leap in technological achievements, boasting the best weight-to-power ratio that the industry has yet to speak of. Our Power Micro boasts an even lighter weight gun that is still capable of 1760 lbs. of force, weighing in at less than 2.5 lbs. Far from the riveting relics of days past!

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Are rivets really the new duct tape?

March 26th, 2013

When I first heard this comment, I sort of chuckled but I think it’s true. Rivets can be used in hundreds of different applications for home, pleasure and business. There are even people that use them when creating handmade furniture. Rivets hold the world together.

Some products are made using them originally. Other items acquire rivets when something else used in their construction fails. Some of the most popular uses are for trailers.

One man that made his car trailer from scratch used 3/16th size rivets to hold the floor of his trailer to the frame. He had created the frame from welding steel pieces to get the size he wanted. He was able to purchase the aluminum skin of a Boeing 747 as scrap when the company lost the certification on the metal. This was cut to size and bolted on to the frame. To date, the car trailer has been to 19 different states, hauling dozens of cars and trucks and two tractors. It has also been used to move a household across the country several times. Those fifty or so 3/16th rivets have never failed – they haven’t even gotten loose.

Rivets can be used for all types of trailers from enclosed car trailers to boat trailers to homemade teardrop travel trailers. People like them because they sit flat, have no sharp edges to catch clothing or tear skin and seldom come loose.

The size of rivet you use for your trailer or other needs may vary and you may need more or less of them than what was used on this trailer. You can rest assured that when properly placed, the rivets will likely last the life of the trailer.

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Blue Pneumatic – The Latest Advancements in Rivet Guns

March 19th, 2013

We are extremely proud of our new V series of rivet guns. These rivet guns are a prime example of how advances in technology help give you the best value for your money.

The V series were designed to be extremely comfortable and simple to use. Both the BP-3V and BP-4V fit easily in the hand, give low shock, and weigh just 3.2lbs and 3.6lbs respectively. They are also extremely small in size, making it easy to complete work in even the tiniest of spaces.

However, no sacrifices on power were made. The BP-3V features 2100lbs of pulling force, while the BP-4V offers a massive 3500lbs of force. Power on this level, from tools so lightweight, cannot be found anywhere else in the industry.

The BP-3V has the blind rivet setting capacities of 1/8”, 5/32” and 3/16” in all alloys. The BP-4V’s capacities are 1/8”, 5/32”, 3/16”, as well with the added 1/4” capacity.

The BP-3V and BP-4V both feature a thumb-operated control button, to help keep the rivet in place. Each gun also comes with an oil applicator and services wrenches.

For optimal use, we recommend keeping an operating air pressure between 80-95 psi.

If you’d like to see the full specifications for the BP-3V, click HERE. For the BP-4V, click HERE.

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Just Keep Making Cool Stuff With Rivets. Truck FUEL Tank Straps.

September 12th, 2012

We look all over the web to find cool fuel tank straps. Well we really could not find anything. Lets make this short and sweet. We know a Stainless Steel truck accessories designer/manufacturer that…

 

Really gets how to make beautifully designed stainless steel truck accessories! How about this SS FUEL TANK STRAP!!!

 

 

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