Heavy Duty Rivet Gun - ARES 70417 - Durable Hand Riveter

Our review of the ARES 70417 finds it a practical, heavy duty hand riveter for DIYers and light industrial users who need a robust, no-frills tool for joining sheet materials. The biggest reason to buy is its durable construction: an aluminum body, high grade alloy steel jaws and double handle bearings give confidence the tool can handle repeated use and larger structural rivets up to 6.4mm. It ships with four common nose sizes and a Chrome Molybdenum special profile nozzle, making it ready for most aluminum, steel and stainless steel rivet work.

Key Features

• Includes multiple nose pieces: Comes with 3 nose sizes 2.0mm (1/8'), 4.0mm (5/32'), 4.8mm (3/16') and 6.4mm (1/4') so users can tackle a wide range of rivet diameters without extra purchases.
• Chrome Molybdenum nozzle: The special profile nozzle is intended for structural rivets up to 6.4mm, improving reliability when setting larger fasteners.
• Durable construction: Aluminum body and high grade alloy steel jaws provide strength for repeated use on sheet aluminum, steel, plastic and vinyl.
• Comfort and control: Cushioned non-slip handles and double handle bearings reduce hand fatigue during longer jobs and help maintain a consistent pull.
• Stem capture feature: A screw-on holder catches and contains rivet stems as they are ejected, keeping work areas cleaner and making single-person operation easier.

Who It's For

This rivet gun suits hobbyists, automotive DIYers and tradespeople who need a hand tool that can set rivets in sheet aluminum, steel, plastic and vinyl. The set of included nozzles and the Chrome Molybdenum nozzle make it a good match for projects that range from light panel work to heavier structural rivets up to 6.4mm.

Those who regularly set very high volumes of rivets or require fully pneumatic/industrial equipment should consider a powered or shop-grade riveter; several users did report occasional jamming, so high-production environments may prefer a different option.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid build with alloy steel jaws and an aluminum body gives a feeling of long-term durability.
• Good value for money with four nose pieces and a special profile nozzle included for larger rivets.
• Cushioned, non-slip handles and double bearings improve comfort and leverage during use.
• Stem catcher keeps the work area tidier and simplifies single-person operation.

Cons

• Several customers reported jamming with some rivet types, so occasional clearing may be required.
• As a manual tool, it is not ideal for very high-volume production compared with pneumatic riveters.

Specifications

Brand	ARES
Model	70417 Heavy Duty Rivet Gun
Nose pieces included	2.0mm (1/8'), 4.0mm (5/32'), 4.8mm (3/16'), 6.4mm (1/4')
Special nozzle	Chrome Molybdenum special profile nozzle for up to 6.4mm
Body material	Aluminum
Jaw material	High grade alloy steel
Applications	Aluminum, steel, stainless steel rivets on sheet aluminum, steel, plastic, vinyl

Our Verdict

The ARES 70417 is a sturdy, well-equipped hand riveter that delivers durable performance for most DIY and light professional tasks. With multiple nose sizes, a Chrome Molybdenum nozzle and a robust aluminum body, it offers strong value for users who need a reliable manual tool, though those facing very high volumes or who cannot tolerate occasional jamming should consider powered alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What rivet sizes does it support?
The tool includes nose pieces for 2.0mm, 4.0mm, 4.8mm and 6.4mm rivets and supports structural rivets up to 6.4mm with the special nozzle.

Can it set stainless steel rivets?
Yes, it can be used with aluminum, steel and stainless steel rivets for joining sheet aluminum, steel, plastic and vinyl.

Does it come with a warranty?
ARES backs the tool with a Performance Assurance Limited Lifetime Warranty and customer service support for parts or replacement.