Tools & DIY 5 Cordless Rivet Guns for One-Hand Riveting
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By the Pickpedia Team
·5 picks compared
·Last verified October 2026
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Quick answer
For most makers, a dedicated brushless cordless rivet gun with one-button automatic pulling wins on speed and comfort. Pick a battery-platform tool if you already own that brand's packs, or a 2-in-1 model when your projects mix blind rivets and threaded nutserts across many sizes.
5 Cordless Rivet Guns for One-Hand Riveting at a glance
Why you can trust this guide
We compared these picks using verified manufacturer specifications, available manuals and documentation, current retailer listings, and patterns in owner feedback, alongside editorial research. We focus on measurable differences such as performance, capacity, usability, and build quality. Pickpedia does not present editorial research as laboratory testing, and we do not claim hands-on testing unless it was actually performed.
How we chose: We compared five cordless riveting tools across pulling force, rivet size range, battery approach, and how easily each finishes a rivet one-handed.
Cordless riveting removes the cord and the air hose, so you can fasten panels overhead, in a doorway, or out on a remote job without dragging a compressor along. Owners reach for these tools when repetitive squeezing with a manual gun starts to wear on hands and wrists.
Choosing one comes down to what you fasten and which batteries you already have. Some models pull only blind rivets, some add threaded inserts, and one clamps onto a drill you own. We grounded every note below in the stated specifications so you can match a tool to real work.
Our top picks
Rated up to 4,500 pounds of pulling force, this brushless tool sets the toughest stainless steel rivets that lighter guns struggle with. Everyday use stays simple thanks to a tool-free nose change, on-board nose piece storage, and a mandrel collector that captures loose stems as you work. It pulls 3/16, 15/64, and 1/4 inch rivets in aluminum, steel, and stainless, with a stated 300 rivets per charge for productive stretches on the job. All that force and hardware add heft and it commits you to the 20V MAX battery line, so newcomers to the platform take on that starting outlay first.
Pulling forceUp to 4,500 lbf
Rivet range3/16, 15/64, 1/4 in
Per chargeUp to 300 rivets
ExtrasMandrel collector, tool-free nose
Pros
- Very high force handles stainless rivets
- Mandrel collector keeps stems contained
- Tool-free nose change speeds size swaps
Cons
- Heavier than compact tools
- Ties you to the 20V MAX platform
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One tool covers two jobs here, pulling blind rivets from 1/8 inch up to 3/16 inch and setting nutserts in 10/24, 1/4, 5/16, and 3/8 sizes. Switching between the two modes is described as quick, and a memory function keeps your last stroke setting so repeat work needs no resetup. The brushless motor is rated at 2.3 tons of pulling force with a 5.0Ah pack for long runtime, and an automatic mode finishes a rivet on one trigger pull. Carrying two capabilities in one body makes it bulkier than single-purpose guns, so tight overhead spots feel more cramped.
Rivet range1/8, 5/32, 3/16 in
Nutsert sizes10/24, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8
MotorBrushless, 2.3 ton force
Battery5.0Ah Li-ion
Pros
- Handles both blind rivets and threaded inserts
- Memory keeps last stroke setting
- Automatic mode finishes a rivet in one pull
Cons
- Two-in-one body is bulkier in tight spots
- Switching modes adds a learning step
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Reviewers who already run M12 packs like how this kit slots into their existing platform without another charger to manage. It pulls 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, and 3/16 rivets in aluminum, steel, and stainless steel, and the stated 450 steel rivets per charge in the 1/8 inch size points to strong stamina on a small battery. A 0.8 inch stroke and 2,000 pounds of pulling force cover common fastening jobs cleanly. Its ceiling sits lower than the heavy-duty guns, so the largest stainless work sits near the top of its range rather than comfortably inside it.
Rivet range3/32 to 3/16 in
MaterialsAluminum, steel, stainless
Per charge450 steel 1/8 in rivets
Pulling force2,000 lbs
Pros
- Runs on the compact M12 battery platform
- Strong stated rivets-per-charge stamina
- Light and easy to maneuver in tight areas
Cons
- Lower pulling force than heavy-duty guns
- Largest stainless rivets sit near its limit
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Built to run on DeWalt 20V MAX packs you may already own, this gun sells as a tool only, so there is no battery in the box. One-button operation completes fastening, pulling, and stem retraction automatically, a center lock guards against accidental starts, and holding the switch in reverse ejects a jammed rivet without manual picking. It pulls 1/8, 5/32, and 3/16 rivets in aluminum, steel, or stainless, adds a tool-free nozzle change, an LED work light, and an ergonomic grip for overhead runs. Owners without a compatible pack must source one before the first rivet.
Battery fitDeWalt 20V MAX (not included)
Rivet range1/8, 5/32, 3/16 in
OperationOne-button auto cycle
ExtrasLED light, reverse jam eject
Pros
- Reuses batteries many owners already have
- Reverse eject clears jams automatically
- LED light aids dark, cramped spots
Cons
- No battery included in the box
- Fits only DeWalt 20V MAX packs
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Rather than a standalone motor, this kit turns an 18V to 24V drill you own into a nutsert setter through a hex-rod socket connection, and it also mounts on a ratchet wrench for manual work. The set ships with 13 threaded heads spanning M3 through M10 plus SAE sizes, along with 245 assorted nuts, all in a storage case. Setup stays simple since the head twists onto the aluminum base with no extra tools. Your drill must have a torque-limiting clutch, and the maker notes 5 to 6mm nuts are not advised in steel or stainless, so heavy metal work sits outside its comfort zone.
TypeDrill-driven adapter
Drill fit18V to 24V with clutch
Heads13 sizes, M3 to M10 plus SAE
Included245 nuts, storage case
Pros
- Uses a drill you already own
- Wide 13-head size selection included
- Compact kit stores in one case
Cons
- Requires a drill with torque-limiting clutch
- Not advised for larger steel or stainless nuts
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What to look for
Match the tool to what you fasten
Decide first whether you set blind rivets, threaded nutserts, or both. Single-purpose guns pull blind rivets cleanly, while a 2-in-1 or a nutsert adapter adds threaded inserts. Buying for both when you only ever pull blind rivets means paying in weight and setup you will not use.
Pulling force and material
Aluminum rivets ask little of a tool, but stainless steel demands real muscle. Guns rated around 2,000 pounds cover common work, while ratings near 4,500 pounds set the toughest stainless without straining. Check the largest rivet you actually pull and leave headroom above it.
Battery platform matters
A tool that shares your existing packs saves you a second charger and spare batteries. Compact platforms trade some force for lighter reach, while larger packs feed higher force and more rivets per charge. Tool-only listings need a compatible battery you already own or must buy.
Handling and jam recovery
One-button automatic cycling and a mandrel collector keep repetitive work tidy and fast. Look for tool-free nose swaps, a reverse function to clear jammed rivets, and an LED light for dark corners. These touches matter most on overhead or high-volume jobs where fatigue builds quickly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a rivet gun and a rivet nut gun?
A rivet gun pulls blind rivets to clamp two panels together permanently. A rivet nut gun sets threaded inserts, called nutserts, that leave a female thread in thin material so you can screw a bolt in later. Some tools do both.
Can a cordless rivet gun handle stainless steel rivets?
Yes, if it has enough pulling force. Stainless is far harder than aluminum, so owners report reaching for higher-force tools, roughly 4,500 pounds in the strongest picks here, when setting stainless. Lighter guns manage smaller stainless rivets near the top of their range.
How many rivets can I set per charge?
It varies by tool and rivet size. Stated figures here range from about 300 rivets up to 450 steel rivets in the 1/8 inch size per charge. Larger and harder rivets drain a pack faster than small aluminum ones.
Do these tools come with a battery?
Not always. Some kits include a battery and charger, while tool-only listings and drill adapters expect you to supply a compatible pack. Read the listing carefully so you are not left without power on day one.
What rivet sizes do cordless guns handle?
Most blind-rivet tools here cover 1/8, 5/32, and 3/16 inch, with some adding 3/32 or larger sizes up to 1/4 inch. Nutsert tools list threaded ranges such as M3 through M10 plus SAE sizes. Confirm your exact sizes before buying.
Is a brushless motor worth it?
Owners and makers point to brushless motors for longer tool life, fewer faults, and more power without carbon brushes to replace. One listing cites around 50 percent more efficiency. For frequent or demanding use, brushless is the safer long-term choice.
What happens if a rivet jams?
Better tools include a reverse function. Holding the switch in reverse ejects a jammed rivet automatically, which spares you from picking it out by hand. A mandrel collector also keeps spent stems from scattering across your workspace.
Can I turn my drill into a rivet tool?
Yes, adapter kits let an 18V to 24V drill drive threaded nutserts through a hex-rod connection. Your drill needs a torque-limiting clutch, and heavier steel or stainless nuts may sit outside what an adapter comfortably handles.
The verdict
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Rivet Tool (DCF...
9.4/10
For sheer capability, the DeWalt 20V MAX XR is our top pick, pairing high pulling force with a mandrel collector and tool-free nose changes for pro-grade stainless work. M12 owners get compact reach and strong stamina from the Milwaukee kit, while the 2-in-1 gun suits makers juggling rivets and nutserts. Existing DeWalt owners save with the tool-only gun, and the VLOXO adapter fits occasional users who already own a capable drill.
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Note: Availability and specifications change often. Always confirm the current details on Amazon before buying.
