After drilling your hole, you can determine the best rivet size. For example, 316 inch (0.48cm) holes are created with a number 41 drill and accommodate a 316 inch (0.48cm) rivet with the appropriate nozzle attachment. Never use an electric twist drill if you're working on or near an aircraftthey are considered to be a fire hazard. Use pneumatic twist drills instead. The following chart lists rivet sizes and the applicable drill numbers and drill sizes: http://navyaviation.tpub.com/14018/css/Drilling-Rivet-Holes-548.htm. Solid rivets are used for situations that require more safety and reliability than blind rivets can provide. Although they are more expensive, they are invaluable when working with important structural joints. Solid rivets cannot be used if 1 side of the structure is inaccessible. Also called 3X guns, slow-hitting guns are the most common type of pneumatic rivet gun and are best for medium-sized rivets. They are easiest to control, and recommended for first-time users. Medium-sized rivets will be labeled as such. Slow-hitting guns typically have a repetition rate of around 2,500-blows-per-minute (bpm) and strike heavier blows. Also known as 2X guns or vibrators, fast-hitting rivet guns are ideal for soft rivets (which are made of soft aluminum alloy). They continue to hammer as long as the trigger is held down. Keep in mind that they are harder to control than slow-hitting guns. Fast-hitting guns strike lighter blows at around 2,500 to 5,000 bpm. One-shot guns strike 1 blow with each squeeze of the trigger and are ideal when working with heavier materials (such as iron) and materials that crack easily (such as aluminum sheet metal) from repeated hammering. Use a one-shot gun to hammer aluminum alloy rivets, which are brittle and crack easier when driven with other rivet guns. Air pressure (PSI) influences how much pressure you need to put on the trigger when using your gun. The bigger your rivet, the more air pressure you need. Always make sure that you change air pressures when switching between rivet sizes. A 332 inch (0.24cm) rivet requires 25 PSI, 18 inch (0.32cm) rivets require 40 PSI, and 532 inch (0.40cm) rivets require 60 PSI. Pneumatic guns come with cup sets designed for particular rivet sizes. They are made of 2 parts: a shaft that inserts into the gun, and a polished area that meets the head of the rivet. Use flush cup sets for flush rivets and universal sets (also known as domed head sets) for universal rivets. A spring on the end of the gun holds your rivet sets in place, allowing you to swap set sizes as needed. Slide the rivet into the hole using your hand. Afterwards, hold the rivet gun so it is horizontal with the top side of the metal. The tip of the cup set is the polished area that attaches to the shaft inserted into the gun. The shop head refers to the end of the rivet that initially has no head. The bucking bar is held against this end with 1 hand, while the factory head on other side of your metal piece is held against the rivet gun. Bucking bars are made of a few pounds of steel and possess a polished face. They come in many shapes and sizes to accommodate a variety of areas. Purchase a bucking bar from an online supplier or head to the closest industrial tool and supply company. With your bucking bar held firmly in place and the gun engaged with the rivet head, squeeze the trigger for a few moments until your rivet is in place. Triggers are designed to tease airflow, giving you precise control over the strength and duration of the impacts delivered through each rivet set to its head. The amount of time you need to hold the trigger depends on the power of your gun and its air pressure. You can remove the rivet using an electric drill or rivet removal tool if you make a mistake.

Summary:
Drill a hole for your rivet with a standard twist drill. Purchase solid rivets that match the size of the drill hole. Opt for a slow-hitting gun for medium-sized rivets. Select a fast-hitting gun when using soft rivets. Purchase a one-shot gun if you're working with heavy-gauge metals. Set your rivet gun's air pressure to match your rivet size. Attach a cup set that matches your rivet. Insert the rivet through its hole and hold it in place with the tip of the cup set. Hold a bucking bar against the shop head of the rivet to absorb impact. Engage the gun squarely with the rivet head and squeeze the trigger.