Best Rivet Gun 2026: Marson HP-2 vs Stanley Contractor Grade Compared
The Marson HP-2 Heavy Duty Hand Rivet Tool is our top pick for Rivet Gun 2026: Marson HP-2 vs Stanley Contractor Grade Compared. Professional-grade all-metal tool. For budget shoppers, the Stanley STHT72179 Hand Riveter Toolkit with Rivet Assortment offers solid value at a lower price.
See Today’s Price →At a Glance
| # | Product | Award | Price | Our Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marson HP-2 Heavy Duty Hand Rivet Tool |
Best Overall | $68 | 9.2 | Buy → |
| 2 |  Marson M39001 HP-2 Rivet Tool Kit with … |
Also Excellent | $68 | 8.9 | Buy → |
| 3 |  Stanley MR100CG Contractor Grade Riveter |
Budget Pick | $34 | 8.5 | Buy → |
| 4 |  Stanley STHT72179 Hand Riveter Toolkit … |
Best Budget | $19 | 8.2 | Buy → |
Showing 4 of 4 products
Marson HP-2 Heavy Duty Hand Rivet Tool
“The Marson HP-2 is the professional standard for hand pop riveting. All-metal construction, 5:1 mechanical advantage, and four interchangeable nosepieces make it the only hand rivet tool most people w”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Professional-grade all-metal tool
- Accepts 3/32" to 3/16" pop rivets
- 5:1 mechanical advantage
- Includes 4 nosepiece sizes
Watch out for
- Two-handed operation on thicker material
- Rivet selection limited to 3/16" max
Read Full Analysis
The Marson HP-2 has been the professional riveter's go-to for generations. The all-metal construction means it handles daily abuse in fabrication shops and auto body work without the handle cracking or pivot points wearing loose. The 5:1 mechanical advantage makes pulling 3/16" aluminum rivets manageable with one hand. Four included nosepieces cover every common rivet size. If you need to rivet regularly — HVAC ductwork, auto body, trailer fabrication, enclosures — the HP-2 is the tool to own.
Marson M39001 HP-2 Rivet Tool Kit with 200 Rivets
“The HP-2 kit includes the same professional-grade tool plus 200 assorted aluminum and steel pop rivets in common sizes. This is the practical buy for anyone who doesn't already have a rivet assortment”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Same HP-2 tool plus 200 assorted rivets
- All common sizes included
- Ready to work immediately
- Great starter value
Watch out for
- Same size limitations as base HP-2
- Not all rivets are aluminum
Read Full Analysis
The M39001 kit is the smartest first-rivet-gun purchase: you get the same professional HP-2 tool plus a useful assortment of 200 aluminum and steel rivets in the most common sizes (1/8", 5/32", 3/16"). The economics are straightforward — the rivets alone cost $10–15 to buy separately, so the kit is a better deal than buying tool and rivets individually. Open the box and start fastening.
Stanley MR100CG Contractor Grade Riveter
“The Stanley MR100CG delivers capable riveting performance for occasional use at a low price. Comfortable grip, four nosepiece sizes, and adequate mechanical advantage for standard aluminum and steel p”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Under $20 at most retailers
- Accepts 3/32" to 3/16" rivets
- Comfortable pistol grip
- Good for occasional use
Watch out for
- Less mechanical advantage than Marson
- Plastic components around handle
Read Full Analysis
Stanley's MR100CG is positioned as a contractor-grade step up from homeowner tools, and it delivers that promise at a price that makes it accessible. The ergonomic grip reduces hand fatigue during extended riveting sessions — noticeably better than the standard straight-handle design. Accepts rivets up to 3/16-inch. The four interchangeable nosepieces cover the full standard size range and swap in seconds. Stanley backs this tool with a limited lifetime warranty, which is more meaningful than typical 1-year coverages. Best for residential contractors, HVAC technicians, and serious DIYers who use a rivet gun weekly rather than once a year.
Stanley STHT72179 Hand Riveter Toolkit with Rivet Assortment
“The Stanley STHT72179 kit provides everything a first-time user needs: the riveter and a selection of aluminum pop rivets in multiple sizes. The tool itself is budget-grade, but adequate for light-dut”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Includes rivet assortment to start working
- Budget-friendly complete kit
- Ergonomic pistol handle
- Storage case included
Watch out for
- Lower-quality handle vs MR100CG
- Rivet quality inconsistent in some packs
Read Full Analysis
The STHT72179 is Stanley entry-level and it does exactly what an entry-level rivet gun should: handle 1/8 and 5/32-inch aluminum rivets reliably without costing more than the materials you are fastening. The single-handed design is fine for occasional light work -- gutters, sheet metal patches, light fabrication. The included rivet assortment gets you started without a separate parts purchase. What you sacrifice versus higher-end tools is leverage for larger rivets and long-term durability of the plastic components. For homeowners who rivet a few times per year, the STHT72179 is exactly the right amount of tool.
Rivet Gun Buying Guide
Photo by XT7 Core / Pexels| Tool | Max Rivet Size | Nosepieces | Construction | Includes Rivets | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marson HP-2 | 3/16" | 4 sizes | All metal | No | ~$25 |
| Marson M39001 Kit | 3/16" | 4 sizes | All metal | 200 pcs | ~$35 |
| Stanley MR100CG | 3/16" | 4 sizes | Metal/plastic | No | ~$20 |
| Stanley STHT72179 Kit | 3/16" | 4 sizes | Metal/plastic | Assorted | ~$18 |
Pop Rivet Sizes: What You Need to Know
Pop rivets are specified by diameter and grip range: 3/32" (thin): for 1/16" thick or less material — small electronics, light gauge sheet. 1/8" (most common): for 1/16" to 3/16" total thickness — the standard for HVAC, auto body, and general fabrication. 5/32": medium duty — 1/8" to 1/4" stack. 3/16": heavy duty — thicker panels and structural applications. Match the rivet diameter to the hole size (drill slightly oversized, but not loose). Grip range must include your total material thickness.
Aluminum vs Steel Pop Rivets
Aluminum rivets are by far the most common — corrosion resistant, soft enough to pull easily, and suitable for 90% of applications. Steel rivets are for high-shear applications where the joint experiences significant lateral force. Stainless steel rivets for marine, outdoor, and food-service applications where corrosion resistance is critical. Never mix aluminum rivets with steel panels in marine environments — the dissimilar metals cause galvanic corrosion.
How to Use a Pop Rivet Gun
1. Drill a hole slightly larger than the rivet diameter through all layers. 2. Insert the rivet mandrel into the nosepiece. 3. Insert the rivet body into the drilled hole. 4. Hold the tool perpendicular to the workpiece (not angled). 5. Squeeze the handle firmly until the mandrel snaps — the rivet body expands and locks. 6. The mandrel breaks and ejects into the catching basket. The joint is now permanent and load-bearing.
Quick Decision: If budget is the priority, go with the Stanley STHT72179 Hand Riveter Toolkit with Rivet Assortment; if you want the best overall, choose the Marson HP-2 Heavy Duty Hand Rivet Tool; if you need also excellent, the Marson M39001 HP-2 Rivet Tool Kit with 200 Rivets is your pick.Related Guides
Watch Before You Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pop rivets as strong as screws or bolts?
Can I remove pop rivets if needed?
What drill bit size for common pop rivets?
Why does my rivet gun not fully set the rivet?
Can I use a pop rivet gun on plastic?
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