Milwaukee Tool introduced its M12 Rivet Tool in 2019 to replace the manual installation of rivets in sheet metal. In 2021, Milwaukee came out with M18 FUEL ¼” Blind Rivet Tool to deliver a solution with more power that meets the needs of transportation maintenance and aviation professionals.
The M12 Rivet Tool is ideal for smaller sized applications, pulling aluminum, steel and stainless steel rivets from sizes 1/8” to 3/16,” while the M18 FUEL ¼” Rivet Tool is optimized for larger applications, installing aluminum, steel and stainless-steel rivets up to 9/32.” In addition, the M12 Rivet Tool features a brushed motor, whereas the M18 FUEL ¼” Blind Rivet Tool leverages M18 FUEL technology to deliver the power needed to tackle larger installations.
Of course, an aircraft maintenance technician could benefit by having both because they have different uses and applications, but in this article, the primary focus will be on the M18 FUEL. Eric Rusch, director of product marketing, answered AMT's questions about the rivet tool.
AMT: Why is the M18 FUEL a good tool for aviation maintenance?
Rusch: The M18 FUEL ¼” Blind Rivet Tool is ideal for aviation maintenance because it eliminates the need for cords and hoses, increasing a user’s safety and productivity. Without being connected to a hose, users can gain access to tighter spaces and can take their tool on a ladder to complete applications in heights. This cordless solution decreases the risks of tripping hazards in the work area and produces lower noise levels than pneumatic solutions. The Blind Rivet Tool also delivers the fastest cordless riveting with 4,500 lbs. (20kN) of pulling force so users can install a wide range of blind-rivets back-to-back and increase their daily productivity.
AMT: Describe some of the specific aviation applications for this tool.
Rusch: The M18 FUEL ¼” Blind Rivet Tool is the ideal solution for fastening together metal panels on the interior and exteriors of aircraft.
Rivet sizes include: 3/16," 7/32," 1/4," 9/32"
Rivet material includes: Aluminum, steel, stainless steel
AMT: What are people’s main takeaway with the M18 FUEL ¼” Blind Rivet Tool with ONE-KEY?
Rusch: Through our user research, we found that users were most excited about the fastening speed the M18 FUEL ¼” Blind Rivet Tool can offer. It delivers 4,500 lbs. (20kN) of pulling force, completing applications much faster than pneumatic and hand tool solutions with less fatigue on the user.
AMT: What are the key benefits of the M18?
Rusch: The M18 FUEL ¼” Blind Rivet Tool installs rivets up to 50 percent faster and delivers up to three times longer life versus other cordless solutions, while eliminating the hassle and maintenance of pneumatic compressors and hoses. Leveraging M18 FUEL technology, the tool will ensure the aviation professional’s needs are met. The POWERSTATE Brushless Motor delivers 4,500 lbs. (20kN) of pulling force for high strength blind rivets in all materials. When equipped with a M18 REDLITHIUM CP2.0 Battery, users can install up to (900) 3/16” aluminum or (500) ¼” aluminum blind rivets in one charge. REDLINK PLUS Intelligence ensures maximum performance and protects against overload, over-heating, and over-discharge. The blind rivet tool is built with an all-metal gearcase, impact strength plastics and a protective over-mold to withstand harsh shop, plant, and field environments while providing a lightweight feel.
AMT: What about this tool makes it have up to a three times longer life than other cordless riveters?
Rusch: The premium steel alloy 3-jaw design delivers greater productivity, allowing more work to be completed between jaw changes. While lightweight, this Blind Rivet Tool was designed to withstand harsh shop or assembly plant environments, manufactured with an all-metal gearcase, impact strength plastics and protective over-mold.
AMT: Turning to tool design, rivets don’t fall out when the tool is pointed down. Why not?
Rusch: The M18 FUEL ¼” Blind Rivet Tool comes with retention nose pieces that grab onto the rivet to secure and not let Blind Rivets fall out. The tool comes with a set of four retention nose pieces (3/16,” 7/32,” 1/4” and 9/32”). A nose piece storage area on the side of the tool gives users a place to store extra nose pieces when they are not being used.
This battery-powered solution is not connected to a strong airflow, decreasing the dangers of the mandrel shooting back at the user. This allows the rivet tool to perform installations with or without the mandrel collector attached. Without, the tool length is reduced to fit in tighter spaces.
AMT: How often does the mandrel collector need to be emptied?
Rusch; The mandrel collector will need to be emptied approximately every 100-150 rivets.
AMT: What advice can you share to help extend the life of the tool?
Rusch: It is recommended that users clean and lubricate the nose of the tool after heavy use, about every 5,000 rivets, or if the tool becomes clustered with dust and debris. Before reassembling the tool after the pieces have been cleaned, users should apply a small amount of oil (SKU 51-08-4290) to extend the life of the jaws.
AMT: What are the benefits of the ONE-KEY app?
Rusch: ONE-KEY provides the ability to track, manage and secure the Blind Rivet tool. With the ONE-KEY app, users can utilize inventory management and track their productivity to gain more insight on how their equipment is working for them.
AMT: Any final thoughts?
Rusch: In 2022, we introduced our M18 FUEL ¼” Lockbolt Tool w/ ONE-KEY to deliver a cordless solution for lockbolt installations. When paired with the M18 FUEL ¼” Lockbolt to Blind Rivet Tool Conversion Kit, this versatile solution can be converted into a blind rivet installation tool. By utilizing the kit, the tool will be capable of installing 3/16”, 7/32”, 1/4”, and 9/32” aluminum, steel, and stainless-steel blind rivets. This allows the M18 FUEL ¼" Lockbolt Tool w/ ONE-KEY to provide users with the ability to install the widest range of riveting fasteners on the market with one solution.
