Texas Pneumatic Rivet Busters
Pound for pound there is no harder-hitting tool in the Texas Pneumatic line. Three stroke lengths, D-handle or outside-trigger pistol, shipped with a filter/lubricator hose whip plus a 12 in moil point and flat chisel.
The short version
The TX133 rivet buster comes in three cylinder strokes — 6 in (1,100 BPM, 28.9 lb), 8 in (960 BPM, 30.7 lb) and 11 in (850 BPM, 33.5 lb) — and each is available with a D handle and inside trigger or a pistol grip and outside trigger. Longer stroke means a heavier blow at a lower rate: pick by how stubborn the fastener or the beam is. Every complete tool ships with the TX-8HW-F-1/2 filter/lubricator hose whip and a 12 in moil point and flat chisel, and a safety bridge retains the piston. Tool-only versions are available if you already have whips and steel. All-brands: rivet busters. Also worth reading: the rivet buster buyer’s guide. Chisels: rivet buster chisels.
Three strokes, two handle types
Texas Pneumatic TX133-6 Rivet Buster
The fastest cycling of the three and the lightest at 28.9 lb. Best where the work is repetitive and the fasteners are not oversized — more blows per minute beats more energy per blow.
6 in stroke · 1,100 BPM · 44 CFM · 28.9 lb · 1/2 in female NPT
Texas Pneumatic TX133-8 Rivet Buster
The middle stroke and the most common general-purpose choice: enough energy per blow for most structural work without the weight of the 11 in tool.
8 in stroke · 960 BPM · 44 CFM · 30.7 lb · 1/2 in female NPT
Texas Pneumatic TX133-11 Rivet Buster
The long stroke: fewer, heavier blows, 50 CFM and 33.5 lb of tool. This is the one that moves what the shorter tools will not, and it is the model Crowder sells the most dollars of across the whole Texas Pneumatic line.
11 in stroke · 850 BPM · 50 CFM · 33.5 lb · 1/2 in female NPT
Tool-only versions
Same tools without the hose whip, moil point and flat chisel. Cheaper if you are already set up; call us if you are not sure which you need.
Texas Pneumatic TX133 8 in Outside Trigger Rivet Buster (Tool Only)
The 8 in outside-trigger tool on its own, without the hose whip and steel. Order this when you already run TPT rivet busters and have whips, oilers and chisels on the shelf.
8 in stroke · outside trigger · no whip or steel included
Texas Pneumatic TX133-8 Rivet Buster (Tool Only)
The 8 in D-handle tool on its own at $1,509 — the least expensive way into the TX133 platform if your crew is already equipped with whips and steel.
8 in stroke · D handle · no whip or steel included
Rivet buster comparison
| Model | Stroke | Impact rate | Air at 90 psi | Weight | Air inlet | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TX133-6 | 6 in | 1,100 BPM | 44 CFM | 28.9 lb | 1/2 in female NPT | $1,680–$1,935 |
| TX133-8 | 8 in | 960 BPM | 44 CFM | 30.7 lb | 1/2 in female NPT | $1,735–$1,990 |
| TX133-11 | 11 in | 850 BPM | 50 CFM | 33.5 lb | 1/2 in female NPT | $2,175–$2,430 |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Chisels and accessories
Rivet buster questions, answered
What is a rivet buster?
A heavy percussive air tool built to shear the heads off rivets and to cut and trim structural steel. It looks like a small paving breaker but it is optimised differently: shorter, harder blows into a chisel held against steel rather than into a point driven into concrete. On older bridges, tanks and buildings it is still the fastest way to take a riveted connection apart.
Which stroke length do I need?
Longer stroke means more energy per blow and fewer blows per minute. The 6 in tool runs 1,100 BPM and suits repetitive work on ordinary fasteners. The 8 in at 960 BPM is the general-purpose choice. The 11 in at 850 BPM is for oversized rivets, heavy plate and steel demolition. When in doubt, the 8 in covers the widest range of work.
What is the difference between D handle and outside trigger?
The D handle puts the throttle inside a closed loop handle — the traditional layout, good for two-handed control on a bench or a beam. The outside-trigger pistol grip puts the throttle under the index finger with the handle behind it, which many operators prefer overhead and in tight corners. The pistol version costs about $255 more across the range.
What comes with the tool?
Complete tools ship with the TX-8HW-F-1/2 filter/lubricator hose whip and a 12 in moil point and flat chisel. There is also a safety bridge for piston retention. Tool-only versions are sold separately for shops that already have whips and steel.
How much air does a rivet buster need?
44 CFM for the 6 and 8 in tools, 50 CFM for the 11 in, measured at 90 psi. The inlet is 1/2 in female NPT. Two rivet busters on one compressor is close to a 100 CFM demand before hose losses — an air manifold is worth having.
Can I use it as a chipping hammer?
You can, but you probably should not. A rivet buster is heavier and harder-hitting than a chipping hammer, so it is slower and more fatiguing for slag removal and surface work, and it is harsher on light chisels. The TXCH chipping hammers start at $740 and are the right tool for that job.
What chisels fit?
Standard rivet buster shank chisels — moil points, flat chisels, beam cutters and specialty profiles. Browse rivet buster chisels or call 1-888-883-5144 and we will match steel to your tool.
Why is the tool-only 8 in outside-trigger priced the same as the complete tool?
Good catch — the listed price on that one configuration currently matches the complete outside-trigger tool, and we are checking it with the factory. Call 1-888-883-5144 before ordering the tool-only outside-trigger version and we will confirm the correct price and what is in the box.
Cutting rivets or trimming steel?
Tell us the fastener size and how much of it there is. We will pick the stroke, the handle and the chisels, and tell you whether tool-only makes sense for you.