Ideas in extending riveting tool

[carlosproa]

So I am looking for ideas to make it easier to operate my manual rivet tool. I have developed Dupuy’s in my palms plus arthritis in my elbows, so I do no longer have the compression strength needed to rivet stainless steel rivets of 3/16 and higher diameter. after doing a couple of them, I just can’t do more.
I am talking about your standard manual River tool.
See picture for an approximate. I am thinking looking for scrap stainless tubing but maybe someone here has a better idea

[Uncle Bob]

Perhaps this??

https://www.amazon.com.au/ARROW-FAST.../dp/B07S5M595B

[Nekton73]

If the grips are just friction fit (vs glued on) then you might be able to heat them up a bit, slide them off, and then have a much smaller end to work with. You could then sleeve it with pipe. Or if you have access to a welder perhaps insert rod if the handle is tubular or a 'U' shape and tack it in place.

[deblen]

Some battery operated rivet tools
https://www.amazon.com/cordless-rive...ess+rivet+tool

[HankOnthewater]

I know how you feel, I had Dupuytrens in both hands and got operated on, about 5-6 years ago, and now the growth is slowly coming back. Note, there are now other than surgical treatment if the disease is not too far advanced.
When I replaced the acrylic windows on my boat, could not really do the long beads with a manual caulking gun, so a battery operated one was called for.

Similarly with rivets.
I have attached 4 pics of alternatives (pics are borrowed from the net)
1. Longer handles, either extend your current tool (as mentioned in previous posts), or buy new one with long handles
2. A folding constantina one, very good (I have one, one needs this anyway with large rivets)
3. A battery operated one, possibly best solution, but also the most expensive one
4. A rivet gun running on compressed air, only good if one has a air compressor, I have one

[kayakerChuck]

1" stainless tubing will fit over the handles of most of the cheap pop rivet tools. One of the SS handles needs a significant bent so you don't smash your fingers between the longer handles. Mine are about 18" long.

I have the smaller DeWalt 20v pop rivet tool. The Milwaukee is equivalent. The work very, very well on 3/16" SS rivets.

[Franziska]

Originally Posted by HankOnthewater

I know how you feel, I had Dupuytrens in both hands and got operated on, about 5-6 years ago, and now the growth is slowly coming back. Note, there are now other than surgical treatment if the disease is not too far advanced.
When I replaced the acrylic windows on my boat, could not really do the long beads with a manual caulking gun, so a battery operated one was called for.

Similarly with rivets.
I have attached 4 pics of alternatives (pics are borrowed from the net)
1. Longer handles, either extend your current tool (as mentioned in previous posts), or buy new one with long handles
2. A folding constantina one, very good (I have one, one needs this anyway with large rivets)
3. A battery operated one, possibly best solution, but also the most expensive one
4. A rivet gun running on compressed air, only good if one has a air compressor, I have one

We used a standart one with handle extension and it did not last well.

Changed to the Concertina type you mentioned and never looked back.
It's sooo much easier to use.
Great suggestion, and highly recommended.

[HopCar]

I’m sure you have a battery drill. They make attachments to convert your drill to a rivet puller.
https://www.amazon.com/Cordless-Adap...0&sr=8-34&th=1

[JoeRobertJr]

Originally Posted by Franziska

We used a standart one with handle extension and it did not last well.

My experience with a basic riveter was the same. It survived only two stainless steel rivets before the internals wore too much. Then, it would only dent the shank.

I replaced that with one advertised specifically for stainless steel rivets.
https://www.amazon.com/Astro-1423-13...1zcF9hdGY&th=1

[leecea]

Another vote for a longer design of tool - I have this $20 Dorman version:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049E4VJO

[s/v Jedi]

I just got the M12 Milwaukee tool but use it for aluminum rivets… think you need the M18 for stainless steel rivets.

I should have bought it many, many years ago.

[carlosproa]

Thanks for all the great answers!

[tkeithlu]

Wow! I didn't know about that drill conversion. One of my hands has been left weak due to neural damage, and that's the right way to adapt to the disability. Thank you.