Light Aircraft Association

Probably sounds like a silly post but after having riveted lots of aircraft over the years, always using guns borrowed for the purpose, I find myself wondering which gun to buy. I assume that the cheapo sub-£30 Ebay 'chisel guns' lack the slow initial touch and will only go at full wallop. If I wanted a small gun for 1/8 soft alloy rivets for non-structural applications and for my Vintage Car bodywork, what would be the best source, assuming nobody here has one for sale?

Thanks

Rob, near St Athan.

Gloster Air Parts sell excellent rivet guns. Call Diana on 01252 617484.

Harry

Harry Hopkins wrote:Gloster Air Parts sell excellent rivet guns. Call Diana on 01252 617484.

Agreed. Gloster supply very nice (normally Avery) kit.

Probably a good idea to call in the evening and talk to Pete to discuss your requirements before ordering. They supply several guns for different jobs, rivet sizes, techniques, tastes etc.
And that's before you even consider the multitude of accessories to go with the guns.

Check http://www.glosterairparts.co.uk/ for the time to call.

Thanks, Harry and Rob.

If I can't find a 'used' toolkit then I'll try them for new stuff. Ideally, for cost reasons, a used set would be needed since I'm going to need snaps, countersinks etc as well as the gun. Soon adds up! I've got a few feelers out at the local college, the airport and some adds on Gumtree and suchlike.

Any RV builders out there who have finished???

Have you tried the UK RV Forum?

http://www.rvforum.co.uk/

Hopefully you can get the link to work - it can be very hit and miss as the site seems to not like proxies and firewalls.

I find that Ingersoll Rand make good stuff. They do one that does from eight inch to three eights rivets, with a light touch starter facility. Were you at the rally - LAS had a box of second hand ones there.

Ahhh, I missed the rally. Just got out of hospital after having 3 vertebrae welded and pinned together.

Thanks, guys.

Bill McCarthy wrote:They do one that does from eight inch...

Just right for repairs to the Forth Bridge.

Still no joy. LAS didn't have any idea about 'used' ones and I've not had a reply to the last 2 questions I sent them, so, I'm still in the market if anyone wants to clear their garage!

Just had a reply from LAS. They are unable to tell me if the rivet snaps they sell are for universal head rivets (an470) or some other profile. Item number 120 in their catalogue, i think.
Can anyone enlighten me (us)?
Ta

I am gobsmacked that LAS could not tell you.

Item 120 is a collection of individual Standard rivet sets listed on the same page. They all have 470 at the start of the part number so I would think it not an unreasonable assumption that they are for Universal Head Rivets(AN470)
It looks to me to be made up of parts:
470-3-3/32
470-3-1/8
470-3-5/32
470-3-3/16
90
but LAS should be able to confirm.

Good luck with finding a used gun. I brought new as previous experience with cast off air tools was not good.

Rob,
Try this lot, the in the USA http://www.yardstore.com