Best Rivet Gun 2026: Marson HP-2 vs Stanley Contractor Grade
The STANLEY Pop Rivet Tool, Contractor Grade (MR100CG) is our top pick for Rivet Gun 2026: Marson HP-2 vs Stanley Contractor Grade. Under $34.76 at most retailers. For budget shoppers, the Stanley, STHT72179, Rivet Gun Toolkit, Manual, Steel offers solid value at a lower price.
See Today’s Price →At a Glance
| # | Product | Award | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Budget Pick | $34 Buy → |
8.5 | |
| 2 |  riveter kitMarson |
Also Excellent | $100 Buy → |
8.9 |
| 3 |  Marson 39000 HP-2 Hand Rivet ToolSmall Parts |
Best Overall | $68 Buy → |
9.2 |
| 4 | Best Budget | $19 Buy → |
8.2 |
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
How we picked these. We compared 8 rivet guns across rivet diameter range, mandrel collection design, and jaw durability, cross-referencing picks with r/DIY, r/metalworking, and Popular Mechanics. Products were selected for consistent head formation and mandrel retention at each price point.
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.
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“Stanley MR100CG — capable performance for occasional DIY use at the lowest price.”
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.
“Marson M39001 Kit — same HP-2 tool plus 200 rivets. Start working immediately.”
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.
“Marson HP-2 — professional all-metal build, 5:1 mechanical advantage, lasts decades.”
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.
“Stanley STHT72179 — tool plus rivets in one budget kit for first-time buyers.”
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.
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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