Hey there! I’m a supplier of rivets, and I know firsthand how frustrating it can be when your rivet gun jams. It’s like a roadblock in your project, right? But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. In this blog, I’ll share some tips on how to troubleshoot a jammed rivet gun. Rivets

First off, let’s talk about why a rivet gun might jam. There are a few common reasons. One is that the wrong size of rivet is being used. If the rivet is too big for the gun, it can get stuck. Another reason could be that the gun is dirty or has debris inside. This can clog up the mechanism and cause a jam. Sometimes, the mandrel (that’s the part of the rivet that gets pulled through) can break off and get stuck in the gun. And let’s not forget about using a worn – out or damaged gun. Over time, the internal parts can wear down and not work as smoothly, leading to jams.
So, what can you do when you face a jammed rivet gun? The first step is to stay calm. Panicking won’t help at all. Take a deep breath and start by disconnecting the gun from its power source. If it’s a pneumatic gun, turn off the air supply. If it’s a battery – powered one, remove the battery. This is super important for safety reasons.
Once the gun is safely disconnected, take a good look at it. Try to figure out where the jam is. Is it at the nose piece, where the rivet goes in? Or is it further inside the gun? If it’s at the nose piece, you might be able to see the problem right away. Maybe there’s a rivet that’s half – inserted or a broken mandrel sticking out.
If you can see the jam at the nose piece, you can try a few things. First, gently tap the nose piece on a hard surface. This can sometimes loosen up the stuck rivet or mandrel. Just be careful not to hit it too hard, or you might damage the gun. You can also try using a pair of pliers. Grasp the rivet or mandrel firmly and try to pull it out gently. Make sure you’re not pulling at an angle, as this could make the jam worse.
If the jam is further inside the gun, things get a bit trickier. You’ll probably need to disassemble the gun to some extent. Before you do this, it’s a good idea to refer to the user manual. Every gun is a bit different, and the manual will give you the correct steps for taking it apart. Usually, you’ll start by removing any obvious screws or clips that hold the gun together.
As you disassemble the gun, pay close attention to how the parts come apart. You might want to lay them out on a clean surface in the order you take them off. This will make it easier to put the gun back together later. Once you’ve accessed the jammed area, look for the cause of the blockage. Check for broken mandrels, debris, or anything else that might be causing the problem.
If there’s debris in the gun, you can use a small brush or compressed air to clean it out. For the small brush, a toothbrush can work in a pinch. Just make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Compressed air can blow out the dust and small particles quickly. But be careful when using compressed air; you don’t want to blow the debris further into the gun.
When it comes to removing broken mandrels, it can be a bit of a pain. You might need some special tools like a mandrel extractor. These are designed to grasp the broken mandrel and pull it out without causing more damage. If you don’t have a mandrel extractor, you can get creative. You could try using a small drill bit to make a hole in the broken mandrel and then use a screw to pull it out. But this requires some skill and patience.
After you’ve cleared the jam and cleaned the gun, it’s time to put it back together. Refer to the user manual again to make sure you’re assembling the parts correctly. Start by putting the internal components back in place, then the outer casing. Make sure all the screws and clips are tightened properly.
Once the gun is back together, test it out. But before you start using real rivets, try running a few test cycles with a scrap piece of material. This will help you make sure the gun is working properly and that the jam is really gone.
Now, here’s a tip to prevent future jams. Always make sure you’re using the right size of rivets for your gun. Check the specifications in the gun’s manual or ask your rivet supplier (that’s me!) for advice. Keep your gun clean and well – maintained. After each use, wipe it down and remove any debris. And don’t forget to lubricate the moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer.
As a rivet supplier, I know that having a reliable rivet gun and the right rivets is crucial for your projects. Whether you’re working on a DIY home improvement project or running a professional manufacturing operation, you need high – quality products. I’ve got a wide range of rivets to suit different needs. From small, delicate rivets for jewelry – making to heavy – duty ones for construction work, I’ve got you covered.
If you’re facing issues with your rivet gun or need advice on which rivets to use, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to help. I can offer you expert advice and top – notch products that will make your projects a breeze.

So, if you’re in the market for rivets, or you just want to chat about rivet gun troubles, just drop me a line. Let’s get your projects back on track and make sure you have a smooth experience with riveting.
Washers References:
- "Rivet Gun User Manuals" – various manufacturers
- "DIY Riveting Guides" – online magazines and forums
Handan Dongchao Hardware Products Co., Ltd.
As one of the most professional rivets manufacturers and suppliers in China, we have world-leading production equipment and strong manufacturing capabilities. Please feel free to wholesale bulk high quality rivets in stock here and get pricelist from our factory. Customized orders are welcome.
Address: West of Xiaobeizhuang Village, South of Beizhangzhuang Village, Hanshan District, Handan City
E-mail: david@dcscrews.com
WebSite: https://www.dc-screws.com/