A hand rivet gun is an easy-to-use tool that requires a minimal amount of physical strength. It works with a variety of blind rivet sizes and is a cost effective option for small shops.

It is a good choice for occasional use as long as you are not working on large projects that require the tool to be used repetitively. However, if your project involves a lot of rivets it might be better to use an operated riveter instead.

When choosing a hand riveter make sure that it has a nose piece to accommodate the type of rivets you plan to use. Most of these tools come with a selection of different nose pieces but it is important to choose the right one for your needs.

Bucking Bars
A bucking bar is a heavy chunk of steel that helps counter-vibrate the head during installation. These bars are made from low-carbon steel that has been case hardened and come in a wide range of weights.
The bucking bar should be held at right angles to the rivet head and should be kept clean and polished. A faulty bucking bar can cause a defect in the rivet head or a failure to drive the rivet through.

Safety glasses and ear protection should be worn while working with the hand riveter. It is a very loud and potentially dangerous operation.
Hand riveters are the cheapest option for a novice user but it can be very hard on your hands and wrists. If you are going to be using a riveter for a long time then it is worth considering getting a heavy duty lever riveter or even a pneumatic riveter.