Rivet Buster Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Rivet Buster
Rivet busters are powerful pneumatic tools used for concrete demolition, bridge work, rivet removal, tank cutting, structural work, and other demanding construction and industrial applications.
Despite the name, modern rivet busters do much more than remove rivets. Their high impact power relative to their size and weight makes them especially useful when a chipping hammer doesn’t provide enough power but a full-size paving breaker is too large or difficult to maneuver.
The right rivet buster depends primarily on stroke length, required impact power, air consumption, tool weight, working position, and application.
In this guide, we’ll explain how rivet busters work, the differences between common sizes, how much compressed air they require, and how to choose the right tool for your job.
What Is a Rivet Buster?
A rivet buster is a heavy-duty pneumatic percussion tool powered by compressed air. Air drives a piston inside the tool’s cylinder, which repeatedly strikes the installed tool steel and transfers impact energy into the work surface.
Rivet busters were originally designed to remove rivets from large metal structures. Today, they’re widely used for concrete demolition and other construction and industrial applications because they deliver substantial hitting power without the size and weight of many paving breakers.
A rivet buster generally provides more impact force than a chipping hammer while remaining lighter and easier to maneuver than a full-size paving breaker.
What Is a Rivet Buster Used For?
Common rivet buster applications include:
- Bridge deck repair and demolition
- Concrete removal
- Reinforced concrete demolition
- Structural rivet removal
- Bolt removal
- Tank cutting
- Metal and plate cutting
- Bridge rehabilitation
- Industrial maintenance
- Horizontal demolition
- Demolition in areas where a paving breaker is too large or heavy
Rivet busters are particularly useful for applications requiring significant impact power while the operator holds the tool horizontally or at an angle.
For continuous downward demolition of heavy pavement or thick concrete slabs, a paving breaker may be the better choice.
How to Choose a Rivet Buster
1. Choose the Right Stroke Length
Stroke length is one of the most important specifications when comparing rivet busters.
The stroke refers to the distance the piston travels before striking the tool steel. In general, a longer stroke provides greater impact energy per blow, making longer-stroke rivet busters better suited for heavier demolition.
Common rivet buster sizes include 6-inch, 8-inch, and 11-inch stroke models.
6-Inch Rivet Busters: Compact and Maneuverable
A 6-inch rivet buster is a good choice when maneuverability and access are priorities.
Typical applications include:
- Rivet and bolt removal
- Tank cutting
- Lighter demolition
- Confined-space work
- Jobs where a lighter, shorter tool is easier to control
For example, the APT 633 Rivet Buster has a 6-inch stroke, weighs 28 pounds, and measures 20-5/8 inches long. Its compact design makes it particularly useful when access is limited but substantial hitting power is still required.
Best for: Tight spaces, lighter demolition, rivet work, and applications where tool weight and length matter.
8-Inch Rivet Busters: The Versatile Choice
An 8-inch rivet buster offers a balance of impact power, weight, and maneuverability, making it a versatile choice for medium-to-heavy demolition.
Typical applications include:
- Bridge deck repair
- Concrete demolition
- Structural work
- Tank cutting
- General construction demolition
The APT 133 Rivet Buster uses an 8-inch stroke and delivers 1,100 blows per minute while weighing approximately 30 pounds. It was designed for medium-to-heavy demolition and meets weight requirements for bridge deck repair work.
Best for: Contractors who need an all-around rivet buster for bridge, concrete, and structural demolition work.
11-Inch Rivet Busters: Maximum Demolition Force
When maximum hitting force is the priority, an 11-inch rivet buster provides a longer piston stroke for demanding demolition applications.
Typical applications include:
- Heavy concrete demolition
- Reinforced concrete
- Heavy bridge work
- Structural demolition
- Tank cutting
- Jobs requiring greater impact energy
The APT 1133 Rivet Buster has an 11-inch stroke, weighs approximately 33 pounds, and operates at 850 blows per minute. It is designed for applications where heavier demolition force is required.
Best for: Heavy demolition applications where impact power matters more than minimizing tool size and weight.
6-Inch vs. 8-Inch vs. 11-Inch Rivet Busters
| Stroke | Best For | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 6 inch | Tight spaces, rivet removal, lighter demolition | APT 633 |
| 8 inch | General demolition, bridge decks, concrete work | APT 133 |
| 11 inch | Heavy concrete and demanding demolition | APT 1133 |
A longer stroke isn’t automatically better. The best rivet buster is the smallest and lightest tool that provides enough impact power for the work you’re performing.
If maneuverability matters more than maximum force, a 6-inch model may be the better choice. For general demolition, an 8-inch model provides a strong balance. For demanding demolition where hitting force is the priority, consider an 11-inch model.
How Much CFM Does a Rivet Buster Need?
Air requirements vary by rivet buster model, so your compressor must be sized according to the manufacturer’s CFM specification, not pressure alone.
For example:
- The APT 133 8-inch Rivet Buster requires approximately 42–46 CFM at 90 PSI.
- The APT 1133 11-inch Rivet Buster requires approximately 48–52 CFM at 90 PSI.
This distinction is important because PSI and CFM measure different things.
PSI measures air pressure.
CFM measures the volume of air the compressor can deliver.
A compressor may reach 90 PSI but still be unable to provide enough airflow to continuously operate a rivet buster at full performance.
An undersized compressor can result in:
- Reduced hitting power
- Slower tool performance
- Pressure loss during continuous operation
- Increased downtime while the compressor recovers
Always check the air-consumption specification for your specific rivet buster before selecting a compressor.
Does Rivet Buster Weight Matter?
Yes, especially when the tool will be used horizontally or for extended periods.
One reason rivet busters are popular for bridge and structural work is their high impact power relative to their weight.
As stroke length and demolition capability increase, however, tool weight generally increases as well.
For comparison:
| Model | Stroke | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| APT 633 | 6" | 28 lbs |
| APT 133 | 8" | 30 lbs |
| APT 1133 | 11" | 33 lbs |
A few pounds can make a noticeable difference when an operator is holding a pneumatic tool horizontally for extended periods.
Don’t automatically choose the largest rivet buster available. Consider the required demolition force, working position, access to the job, and operator fatigue.
What Tool Steel Does a Rivet Buster Use?
Full-size rivet busters commonly use Jumbo extra-heavy-duty tool steel, often referred to as 11X rivet buster steel.
Different steels are available depending on the job, including:
- Moil points
- Narrow chisels
- Cutting chisels
- Rippers
- Back-out punches
- Blanks
The correct steel depends on what you’re breaking, cutting, or removing.
Always confirm the required shank dimensions and compatibility with your specific rivet buster before ordering tool steel.
Rivet Buster vs. Chipping Hammer vs. Paving Breaker
Rivet busters occupy a useful middle ground between lighter chipping hammers and heavier paving breakers.
| Tool | Best For | Relative Power | Typical Working Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipping Hammer | Scaling, surface removal, light concrete work | Light to Medium | Horizontal, vertical, overhead |
| Rivet Buster | Bridge work, structural concrete, rivets, tanks, demolition | Medium to Heavy | Horizontal, angled, downward |
| Paving Breaker | Pavement, slabs and heavy floor demolition | Heavy | Primarily downward |
When should you choose a chipping hammer?
Choose a chipping hammer when maneuverability and lower tool weight are more important than maximum hitting force. Chipping hammers are well suited for lighter concrete removal, scaling, and surface work.
When should you choose a rivet buster?
Choose a rivet buster when you need significantly more impact power than a chipping hammer but still need a tool that can be maneuvered horizontally or in confined areas.
When should you choose a paving breaker?
Choose a paving breaker for heavy, continuous downward demolition of pavement, concrete slabs, and floors where the additional size and weight of the tool are less of a concern.
Rivet Buster Handles
Handle configuration can affect how comfortable and practical a rivet buster is for a particular application.
D-Handle
A D-handle provides a secure grip and is commonly used for general demolition. It works well when the rivet buster needs to be controlled horizontally, vertically, or at an angle.
Pistol-Grip Handle
A pistol-grip configuration can provide additional control and may be preferred for certain horizontal and structural applications.
When comparing models, consider where the operator will be positioned and how the tool will be held during most of the job.
Rivet Buster Maintenance and Replacement Parts
Rivet busters operate under heavy impact loads, making routine inspection and maintenance important for reliable operation and tool life.
Common wear and replacement components can include:
- Retainer springs
- Upper sleeves
- Lower sleeves
- Rubber bumpers
- Retainers
- Other internal wear components
Inspect wear components regularly and replace damaged or excessively worn parts before they cause additional problems.
Express Equipment carries rivet buster replacement parts, including APT retainer springs, upper sleeves, lower sleeves, and rubber bumpers.
Rivet Buster Lubrication
Proper lubrication is critical for pneumatic tool performance and service life.
Compressed air continuously passes through the tool while internal components cycle at high speed. Adequate lubrication helps reduce friction and wear on those moving components.
Follow the manufacturer’s lubrication recommendations for your specific rivet buster and use an appropriate pneumatic tool oil.
For frequent or continuous operation, an in-line oiler can help provide consistent lubrication to the tool.
Which Rivet Buster Should I Buy?
The easiest way to narrow down your options is to start with the work you need to perform.
Choose a 6-inch rivet buster if:
You’re working in tighter spaces, removing rivets or bolts, cutting tanks, or performing lighter demolition where a compact tool is beneficial.
Choose an 8-inch rivet buster if:
You need a versatile tool for bridge deck repair, concrete demolition, structural work, and other medium-to-heavy applications.
Choose an 11-inch rivet buster if:
You need greater impact force for heavy concrete or demanding demolition and can accommodate the additional size, weight, and air requirements.
Before purchasing, also verify your compressor’s available CFM and the tool steel required for the application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rivet Busters
What is a rivet buster?
A rivet buster is a heavy-duty pneumatic percussion tool originally designed for removing structural rivets. Today, rivet busters are commonly used for concrete demolition, bridge repair, tank cutting, structural work, and other applications requiring high impact power in a relatively compact tool.
What is a rivet buster used for?
Rivet busters are used for removing rivets and bolts, breaking concrete, bridge deck repair, structural demolition, cutting tanks and metal, and other heavy construction or industrial applications.
What size rivet buster do I need?
A 6-inch rivet buster is well suited for tighter spaces and lighter demolition. An 8-inch rivet buster is a versatile choice for general medium-to-heavy demolition and bridge work. An 11-inch rivet buster is better suited for heavy demolition where greater impact force is required.
Is an 11-inch rivet buster better than an 8-inch?
Not necessarily. An 11-inch rivet buster provides a longer stroke for heavier demolition, but it is also larger and may require more air. An 8-inch model can be a better choice when you need a balance of impact power, weight, and maneuverability.
How much CFM does a rivet buster need?
It depends on the model. For example, the APT 133 requires approximately 42–46 CFM at 90 PSI, while the APT 1133 requires approximately 48–52 CFM at 90 PSI. Always check the manufacturer’s specification for the exact tool you plan to operate.
Can a rivet buster break concrete?
Yes. Concrete demolition is one of the most common modern uses for rivet busters. They are particularly useful for bridge decks, structural concrete, reinforced concrete, and applications where a heavier paving breaker would be difficult to maneuver.
What is the difference between a rivet buster and a jackhammer?
“Jackhammer” is often used as a general term for pneumatic demolition tools, but it commonly refers to larger paving breakers designed primarily for downward demolition. Rivet busters provide substantial impact force in a smaller package that is easier to use horizontally and at different working angles.
What is the difference between a rivet buster and a chipping hammer?
A rivet buster generally provides greater impact force and is intended for heavier demolition. A chipping hammer is lighter and better suited for scaling, surface removal, lighter concrete work, and applications where maneuverability is the priority.
What does 11X mean for a rivet buster?
11X refers to a common jumbo shank configuration used for rivet buster tool steel. Rivet buster steels are available in different working ends, including points, chisels, punches, and cutting tools. Always verify the required shank for your specific tool before ordering.
How often should a rivet buster be lubricated?
Lubrication requirements vary by manufacturer and model. Follow the maintenance instructions for your specific tool. For frequent professional use, an in-line oiler can help maintain consistent lubrication during operation.
Shop Rivet Busters at Express Equipment
Express Equipment supplies professional pneumatic tools and construction equipment from manufacturers including American Pneumatic Tool (APT) and Chicago Pneumatic.
With more than 31 years of industry experience, our Houston-based team helps contractors and industrial customers find the right equipment and replacement parts for demanding applications.
Need help choosing the right model? Contact Express Equipment at 281-226-0276 and we’ll help you match the tool to your application.