What tool is needed

[Souders]

I removed the fender wells on my 99 4x4 to install a Fifth Wheel hitch. This made access to the frame for mounting the hitch very easy. I purchased new plastic pop rivets to reinstall the wells and found the rivets do not fit the rivet guns available in our hardware stores and NAPA auto parts stores that sell the rivets. I found a rivet tool at Harbor freight that would accept the diameter of the rivet only to find the rivets are 1/4 too short for there tool.

At present have reinstalled the wells using plastic plugs with one-way teeth. I would like to find a tool to install these rivets.

Any suggestions appreciated.



Brian

 

[DieselB59]

I got the tool via my MAC tools guy. I forgot what brand he finally found it in, but it's not a MAC. It's made specifically for plastic rivets. If you need to do the job, you can get away with using some needlenose pliers to pull the rivet and a regular pair of pliers to hold the base of it snug to the fenderwell. It works in a pinch... . then they either break off just right or you've gotta use some diagonal cutters.

 

[John]

plastic pop rivet gun

I purchased the required tool in a complete kit from my Snap-On dealer... I believe it was around $75. or so.

 

[Thomas]

The PR-75 Riveter by Huck International, Inc. is a hand rivet set that easily pulls the plastic rivets on our Rams. I have no idea where you can find one by itself. I purchased one as part of a kit from a Matco Tool distributor.

 

[illflem]

Since I don't need the tool enough to warrant the high price I just use a pair of wire connecter crimping pliers that have a hole open in the them when closed, then grab the rivet shaft with needle nose pliers and lever them against the crimping pliers. Works perfect every time. Before I thought of the crimping pliers I was set to grind a groove in a regular pair of pliers. If you feel the need to buy the right tool Pop brand has the best price, about $39 from a good hardware store.

 

[Souders]

Thanks For the input

Thanks from everyone on information of different tools and methods of securing the fender well pop rivets. I will try using two pair of pliers in place of the tool first.