Anyone have any recommendations for a decent rivet gun kit. Needs to be small for the rivets on PW trucks with rollers. thanks Rob
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I have the Brakeman's Riveter set, and I also have a press for heavier work.
The Brakemans Riveter is a fairly expensive set. The two punches are simply General #79 or #78 automatic center punches ($12.99 or 24.83). The tips for either punch are available separately and you can grind / file your own, or you can order individual tips from The Brakeman's Riveter set for your particular need.
You can buy just pieces of the whole kit, I didn't buy the specialized tools for one or two uses, couldn't see the point. I bought just the tools I needed, and it's very convenient to whip out the tool to do a couple of couplers, etc.
I have had a couple of General Tool automatic center punches in my tool box since 1973 prior to the "Brakeman's Riveter" offering, and have filed down or modified the tips as necessary. One of mine has a steel body and the other one is aluminum. Handy tools for train repairs!
I just need a couple of tools to do PW couplers and those "dad burn" bay window caboose roller springs that are always weak or broken. Thanks for all the replies. Rob
Where do you get one of those sets?
As stated above by two of us, you do not necessarily need a "set". The punch itself with a modified (filed or ground) tip will work with most coupler and sliding pickup repairs. Of course, a screwdriver blade "anvil" will assist . These General tools are readily available in local hardware stores or online. FYI: The aluminum body punch works just as well as the steel body one and is less expensive. BOTH have adjustable force.
I see now I dont need the whole set. Be nice to have but dont have that many repairs. I can get by with only a couple. Thanks again everyone for all the valuable info. Rob
