Chicago Pneumatic Riveting Tools
The complete CP riveting bench: 0.401 and 0.498 in. shank riveting hammers, the classic CP4281 aircraft rivet gun line in 1X through 9X sizes, pneumatic riveters, and rivet squeezers with alligator and C-yokes. One buyer, one page — aerospace and structural sheet-metal joining, from a hangar bench to a bridge crew.
The short version
Setting solid rivets with a bucking bar → a rivet gun, sized 1X-9X to the rivet diameter, plus the right set. Light rivet and chisel work at the bench → the 0.401 in. shank hammers from $86. Squeeze-setting where you can reach both sides → a rivet squeezer for uniform, quiet sets. Blind and larger rivets → the CP9886 riveters. All of it lives in industrial tools; 0.401/0.498 chisels and retainers are in percussive accessories. Rivet-size questions: 1-888-883-5144.
Riveting Hammers & Aircraft Rivet Guns
From $86 bench hammers to the CP4281 rivet gun line that aircraft crews have specified for generations — 900 to 3,500 BPM across 0.401 and 0.498 in. shanks.
The hammer side of the bench
Rivet gun sizing is rivet-diameter math: the 1X-3X guns set the small solid rivets in aircraft skin, 4X-5X handle structural sizes, and the long-stroke 7X-9X drive the biggest cold rivets. The lighter CP71xx hammers double as chipping and scaling tools at the bench. Every gun takes standard 0.401 or 0.498 in. shank sets.
Riveting Hammer · 0.401 in.
2,300-3,000 BPM · 7.2-9.5 J
Light chipping, scaling, and rivet work on the bench — from $86.
Length / Shank
Riveting Hammer · 0.401 in.
3,200 BPM · 7.2 J
Fast-cycling hammer for sheet and light structural rivets.
Configuration
Riveting Hammer · 0.401 in.
2,500-3,500 BPM · 8-11 J
Two lengths for reach into structure; kit versions with sets.
Length
Riveting Hammer · 0.401 in.
2,000 BPM · 3.1 in. stroke
Heavier blow for structural rivets and stubborn scale.
Configuration
Riveting Hammer · 0.498 in.
1,800 BPM · 0.498 in. shank
The 0.498 shank heavy hammer for large structural rivets.
Configuration
Aircraft Rivet Guns · 1X-9X
900-2,850 BPM · 2.6-19 J
The classic aircraft rivet gun line — size the X number to the rivet.
Gun size
Pneumatic Riveters & Rivet Squeezers
Squeeze-set rivets with controlled force — uniform, quiet, and operator-independent where both sides of the joint are reachable.
The compression side of the bench
A squeezer sets the rivet in one controlled compression stroke — no bucking bar, no hammer marks, and every set identical. The CP4210A family runs 1,790 to 5,990 lb of force with alligator and C-yokes; the CP9886 riveters cover 3.2 mm through M12 capacity for larger and blind work.
Pneumatic Riveter
3.2 mm – M12 rivet capacity
Precision sheet-metal joining where rivet setting has to be repeatable.
Rivet capacity
Rivet Squeezer
1,790-5,990 lb squeeze force
Squeeze-set rivets in aerospace structure with controlled force.
Force / Yoke
Rivet Guns & Riveting Tools — Common Questions
What size rivet gun do I need?
The X number tracks rivet diameter. As a working guide: 1X-2X for 3/32 and 1/8 in. solid rivets (aircraft skin), 3X for 5/32 in., 4X for 3/16 in., 5X for 1/4 in. structural sizes, and the long-stroke 7X and 9X guns for the biggest cold-driven rivets. Bigger than needed hammers the sheet; smaller than needed will not form the shop head. Call 1-888-883-5144 with the rivet spec and we will size it.
What is the difference between a rivet gun and a rivet squeezer?
A rivet gun hammers the rivet against a bucking bar held on the far side — two hands or two people, works anywhere you can reach both sides with tools. A squeezer compresses the rivet in one stroke between two dies — faster, quieter, and perfectly uniform, but the yoke has to fit around the joint. Production shops squeeze everything the yoke reaches and shoot the rest.
Do these guns take standard rivet sets?
Yes — the hammers and guns take industry-standard 0.401 in. shank sets (0.498 in. on the CP717), so your existing snaps, cupped sets, and flush sets carry over. Retaining springs and chisels are in percussive tool accessories. A beehive retainer spring is mandatory kit — never run a rivet gun without set retention.
Can I use a riveting hammer for chipping and scaling?
The light CP71xx hammers, yes — same 0.401 shank takes chisels and scaling tools, which is why fab benches keep one beside the rivet bench. For dedicated rust and slag removal, the needle scalers and chipping hammers on our CP construction page are built for it full-time.
What air supply does a rivet gun need?
Modest: most of these run on 4-10 CFM at 90 psi through a 1/4 in. line — any shop compressor and most portables qualify. What matters more is pressure regulation: aircraft work is commonly shot below 90 psi to soften the blow, so put a regulator at the bench. An FRL from accessories covers it.
Is Chicago Pneumatic still the brand aircraft mechanics use?
The CP rivet gun pattern has been on hangar floors for the better part of a century, and the current CP4281 line is the same tool family aircraft crews specify today — genuine CP, factory warranty, from a stocking dealer. For torque-controlled bolting on the same airframe, see nutrunners.
Need Help Sizing a Rivet Gun?
Tell us the rivet diameter and material and we will size the gun, the set, and the bucking bar with you. Stocked in Denver.