A hand riveter is a hand tool used to install hollow rivets. The tool set includes hand and hand driven tools and hand and pneumatically driven tools. Both tools are used to install hollow rivets, and both tools do the same thing. The tool unfolds and locks the cannulated rivet mandrel through the rivet body by pulling on the cannulated rivet. The mandrel is then broken off and discarded, leaving the expansion rivet to secure the workpiece. Hand drill riveter tools are generally designed only for hollow rivets and are deployed and secured by pulling the rivet mandrel through the rivet body. This pulling action is provided by a set of manually operated handles or pneumatic pressure by the locking pawl assembly and compound lever.

This is where the leverage potential comes in, which distinguishes two main types of manual riveters: the first are tools that are manually operated and rely on manual mandrel retraction; the second are manual riveter tools, albeit hand-operated , rely on a source of compressed air to set the rivet. Manually driven manual riveters typically use one of three drive modes. The first is a pliers-style riveter, typically used for light-duty applications and smaller aluminum rivets. These tools have a jaw mechanism that retracts the rivet mandrel through a pliers-style handle mechanism to complete the riveting operation. Both handles must be squeezed closed several times, releasing tension after each closure, allowing the jaws to move down the mandrel. Once the mandrel reaches its prestressed cut point, it breaks off and pops out of the back of the jaw assembly. The second manual riveter is a lazy tong manual riveter active rivet type and works on a grid style lever system power tong device fully extended to open the jaws and position the rivet mandrel. Then, push the lever of the power clamp against the rivet head, closing the jaws to clamp and retract the mandrel. Due to its long lever range, this type of tool usually requires only one cycle to secure the rivet and break the mandrel. A third common hand riveter is the lever type, similar to a pair of shrub trimmers.

Two long handles or levers that open to insert the rivet mandrel into the jaws and close again to secure and retract. Due to the wide range of motion of the handle, this tool also requires only one cycle to secure the rivet. Lever and idle jaw manual riveters are typically used for heavier steel rivets due to their increased mechanical advantage. While not as commonly used as hand riveters, air tools are typically used in industries that require high riveting volumes and high speeds. These tools are operated by hand but rely on compressed air to retract the jaw mechanism and secure the rivet. These tools work with the heaviest hollow rivets and allow the operator to complete more riveting cycles in any situation. Additional improvements found on pneumatic manual riveters include a rivet box and mandrel catcher, which further speeds up production.