Harbor Freight 3 16 In Air Hydraulic Riveter Product Manual
Manual for the 93458 3/16 Air Hydraulic Riveter 93458 3/16 Air Hydraulic Riveter
2015-05-27
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AIR HYDRAULIC RIVETER
Model
93458
SET UP AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Distributed exclusively by Harbor Freight Tools®.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
 Read this material before using this product.  
Failure to do so can result in serious injury. 
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
Copyright© 2005 by Harbor Freight Tools®.  All rights reserved.  No portion of this manual or any artwork 
contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express written consent of 
Harbor Freight Tools.  Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally.  Due to continuing 
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.  Tools required for 
assembly and service may not be included.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Cover revised 07i

SKU 93458         For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353  PAGE 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Rivet Capacity 3/32”, 1/8”, 5/32”,  & 3/16” sized pins
Operating Air Pressure 90 PSI
Air Consumption 4.5 CFM @ 90 PSI
Air Inlet Size 1/4”-18 NPT
Nosepiece Sizes 3/32”, 1/8”, 5/32”, 3/16”
SAVE THIS MANUAL
You will need this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, 
operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures, parts list and assembly 
diagram.  Keep your invoice with this manual.  Write the invoice number on the inside 
of the front cover.  Keep this manual and invoice in a safe and dry place for future refer-
ence.
UNPACKING
When unpacking, make sure that the item is intact and undamaged.  If any parts 
are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the number shown on the 
cover of this manual as soon as possible.
  SAFETY WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
1.  Use eye and hearing protection.  Wear ANSI approved safety impact 
goggles, hearing protection, and heavy-duty work gloves when using 
this Riveter.  Other people in the work area must also wear appropriate 
ANSI approved safety equipment.
2.  Keep work area clean.  Cluttered areas invite accidents.
3.  Stay within air pressure capacity.  Do not operate the Riveter above 90 PSI.
4.  Observe work area conditions.  Keep work area well lit.  Do not use pneumatic 
tools in the presence of ammable gases or liquids.
5.  Keep children away.  Children must never be allowed in the work area.  Do not let 
them handle machines, tools, extension cords, or air hoses.
6.  Store idle equipment.  When not in use, tools must be stored in a dry location to 
inhibit rust.  Lock up tools and keep out of reach of children.
7.  Use the right tool for the job.  Do not attempt to force a small tool or attachment 
to do the work of a larger industrial tool.  There are certain applications for which 
this tool was designed.  It will do the job better and more safely at the rate for 
SKU 93458         For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353  PAGE 3
which it was intended.  Do not modify this tool, and do not use this tool for a pur-
pose for which it was not intended.
8.  Dress properly.  Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry as they can be caught in 
moving parts.  Protective, electrically nonconductive clothes and nonskid footwear 
are recommended when working.  Wear restrictive hair covering to contain long 
hair.
9.  Do not overreach.  Keep proper footing and balance at all times.  Do not reach 
over or across running tools or air hoses.
10.  Disconnect air hose and release any built-up air pressure.  Do not service the 
Riveter or disassemble with the air hose attached.  Verify that there is no residual 
air pressure even after disconnecting hose.  Disconnect the Riveter when not in 
use.
11.  Remove adjusting wrenches.  Check that adjusting wrenches are removed from 
the tool and work surface before attaching to an air source.
12.  Avoid unintentional starting.  Be sure the Trigger (40) is in the OFF position 
when not in use and before plugging in.  Do not carry any tool with your nger on 
the Trigger, whether it is attached to an air source or not.  Do not point the tool 
towards yourself or anyone.
13.  Stay alert.  Watch what you are doing.  Use common sense.  Do not operate any 
tool when you are tired.
14.  Check for damaged parts.  Before using any tool, any part that appears damaged 
should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform 
its intended function.  Check for alignment and binding of moving parts, any broken 
parts, and any other condition that may affect proper operation.  Any part that is 
damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by a qualied technician.  Do not 
use the tool if the Trigger does not operate properly.
15.  Replacement parts and accessories.  This product is to be repaired and ser-
viced only by a qualied technician.  When this product is serviced, only identical 
replacement parts should be used.  Use of any other parts will void the warranty. 
Only use accessories intended for use with this tool.  Approved accessories are 
available from Harbor Freight Tools.
16.  Do not operate tool if under the inuence of alcohol or drugs.  Read warning 
labels if taking prescription medicine to determine if your judgement or reexes are 
impaired while taking drugs.  If there is any doubt, do not operate the tool.
17.  Maintenance.  The maintenance outlined in the “Maintenance” section should be 
performed regularly.  For your safety, this product should be serviced or repaired 
regularly only by a qualied technician.
18.  Compressed air only.  Do not use combustible gas as a power source.

SKU 93458         For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353  PAGE 4
19.  Fire the Rivets into an appropriate work surface only.  This Riveter is designed 
for use on metal objects only, and is not suitable for soft surfaces. 
20.  Do not re the Rivets too close to the edge of a workpiece.  They may split the 
workpiece and cause it to y free, causing personal injury.
21.  Transport the Riveter safely.  Disconnect the air supply when moving the tool 
in the workplace.  Carry the tool by the handle and avoid contact with the Trigger 
(40).
22.  Avoid working alone.  If an accident happens, an assistant can bring help.
23.  Attach the Safety Cap (23) to the Riveter before use.  Turn the slot in the Safety 
Cap upward to avoid spilling used Rivet Pins.
24.  WARNING!  Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, 
and other construction activities contain chemicals known (to the State of Califor-
nia) to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. 
Some examples of these chemicals are: 
* Lead from lead-based paints, 
* Crystalline silica from bricks, cement, and other masonry products, 
* Arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber. 
(California Health & Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
25.  WARNING!  The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this instruc-
tion manual cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur.  It 
must be understood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors 
which cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.

SKU 93458         For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353  PAGE 5
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
1.  For best service, you should incorporate an oiler, regulator, and inline lter, as 
shown in the diagram above.  Hoses, couplers, oilers, regulators, and lters are all 
available at Harbor Freight Tools.
Note:  If an automatic oiler is not used, put 3-5 drops of pneumatic Tool Oil (not includ-
ed) in the tool’s quick connector before each use.
2.  Prior to use, the Riveter requires the attachment of the Quick Connector (53) to its 
Air Cylinder (29).  To do so, make sure the screen Air Filter is properly seated in 
the Air Cylinder.  Wrap approximately 3” of pipe thread sealer tape (not included) 
around the male threads of the Quick Connector.  Then, rmly tighten the Quick 
Connector into the Air Cylinder.
To Prime The Riveter:
WARNING!  Make sure the Riveter is disconnected from its air supply hose prior to 
performing any maintenance, service, or changing accessories.

SKU 93458         For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353  PAGE 6
1. 
SPANNER
(36)
AIR CYLINDER
(29)
AIR CYLINDER
(29)
AIR PISTON LOCK NUT
(30-3)
PISTON ASSY.
(30 THRU 33)
CYLINDER CAP
(33)
FIGURE C
Use the Spanner (36) to unscrew and remove the Cylinder Cap (33) from the bot-
tom of the Riveter.  (See Figure C.)
2.  Use a pair of pliers (not included) to remove the Piston Assembly (30 thru 33) from 
the Air Cylinder (29).  (See Figure C.)
3.  Hold the Air Cylinder (29) upside down, and pour in hydraulic oil (not included).  
The ll level should only reach the top of the Frame (15).  (See Figure C.)
4.  Insert the Piston Assembly (30 thru 33) back into the Air Cylinder (29). 
(See Figure C.)
5.  Use the Spanner (36) to rmly screw the Cylinder Cap (33) back onto the Air Cylin-
der (29).  (See Figure C.)
REV 05i

SKU 93458         For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353  PAGE 7
Nosepieces:
1.  The Riveter comes with four Nosepieces.  The Nosepiece part numbers and sizes 
are as follows:  (1A = 3/16”), (1B = 5/32”), (1C = 1/8”), (1D = 3/32”).
2. 
NOSEPIECE
(1A, 1B, 1C, 1D)
FRAME HEAD
(11)
SAFETY CAP
(23)
TRIGGER
(40)
FRAME
CAP NUT
(22)
QUICK CONNECTOR
(53)
FIGURE D
Use the Spanner (36) to remove the old nosepiece and install the new one.  Tight-
en the new nosepiece in place before use.  (See Figure D.)
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1.  Secure the Safety Cap (23) rmly to the Riveter by tightening the Frame Cap Nut 
(22).  While securing turn the slot in the Safety Cap upward to avoid spilling used 
rivet pins.  (See Figure D.)
2.  Depending on the size of rivet’s pin used, attach the corresponding Nosepiece size 
(3/16”, 5/32”, 1/8”, or 3/32”) with the Spanner (36). 
(See Figure D.)
3.  IMPORTANT:  When drilling rivet holes in a workpiece, use the same diameter drill 
bit as the outer diameter of rivet you will be using.
4.  Attach an air hose to the Quick Connector (53) of the Riveter.  (See Figure D.)
5.  Turn on the air compressor, and set its regulator at 90 PSI.  Do not exceed 90 
PSI. REV 07i

SKU 93458         For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353  PAGE 8
INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND CLEANING
WARNING!  Wear ANSI-approved safety impact goggles when performing any 
inspection, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.
WARNING!  Prior to performing any inspection, maintenance, or cleaning of the Riv-
eter, make sure to disconnect the air hose from the tool.  Then, squeeze the Trig-
ger (40) again to release any compressed air in the Riveter.
WARNING!  All maintenance, service, and repairs not mentioned in this manual must 
only be performed by a qualied service technician.
1.  To clean the exterior of the Riveter, wipe with a clean, damp cloth using a mild 
detergent or mild solvent.  Do not immerse the tool in liquids.
2.  To clean and change the Jaws:
a. Unscrew and remove the Frame Head (11), using the Spanner (36).
b. Use the Spanner (36) to unscrew and remove the Jaw Cases (6-1, 6-2).  Use care 
as there is a Spring (10) behind the Jaw Case (6-2) which may y out.
c. Remove the Jaws (7) from between the Jaw Cases (6-1, 6-2).
d. If you are going to clean the Jaws (7), use a steel brush and mild solvent. Then, 
apply a light coat of machine oil to the Jaws.  If you are going to replace the Jaws, 
the entire assembly (6-1, 6-2, 7, 8, 9, & 10) must be replaced at the same time, 
6.  Insert the small end of a rivet fully through the Nosepiece (1A, 1B, 1C, or 1D). 
CAUTION!  Keep clear of the trigger when inserting rivets.
7.  Insert the rivet through the predrilled hole in the workpiece.
8.  Hold the Riveter rmly with both hands, and squeeze the Trigger (40) to activate 
the Riveter.  Repeat as necessary.  Then, release pressure on the Trigger.
9.  When nished using the Riveter, turn off the air compressor.  Squeeze the Trigger 
again to release any compressed air in the Riveter.  Disconnect the air hose from 
the tool.  Then, store the Riveter in a clean, dry, safe location out of reach of chil-
dren.

SKU 93458         For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353  PAGE 9
due to the possibility of additional parts being damaged when the Jaws were dam-
aged.
e. Insert the Jaws (7) back into the Jaw Cases (6-1, 6-2).
f.  When reassembling the Jaw Cases (6-1, 6-2), make sure the wedge on the Jaw 
Pusher’s (8) head lines up in between the Jaws, pushing them slightly apart.
g. 
SPANNER GAUGE (35)
FRAME HEAD (11)
(THREADS)
JAW CASE
(6-1)
JAW CASE
(6-2)
FIGURE E
Check the distance from the head of the Jaw Cases (6-1, 6-2) to the mounting 
threads of the Frame Head (11) using the gauge on the Spanner (35).  With the 
gauge at a slight incline, the back of the gauge should rest on the beginning of the 
Frame Head threads, while the front of the gauge should rest on the front edge of 
the Jaw Case (6-1).  If it does not, tighten/loosen the Jaw Cases until the distance 
is corrected.  (See Figure E.)
h. Before reassembly, secure the Lock Nut (12) against the Jaw Case assembly us-
ing the Spanner Gauge (35).
3.  Store the Riveter in a clean, dry, safe location out of reach of children.
REV 08i

SKU 93458         For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353  PAGE 10
PARTS LIST
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem Possible Cause Likely Solution
Jaws slipping. Worn or damaged Jaws. Replace Jaws.
Jaws will not open. 1.  Loose Nosepiece.
2.  Dirty Jaws.
1.  Tighten Nosepiece.
2.  Clean Jaws.
Stroke is too short. 1.  Rivet pin not properly inserted into 
Riveter.
2.  Low oil.
3.  Rivet wrong size.
1.  Fully insert pin. 
2.  Prime Riveter.
3.  Use proper rivet length.
Weak pulling action. 1.  Low air pressure.
2.  Broken/inadequate air 
compressor. 
3.  Low oil.
1.  Check regulator.
2.  Have compressor serviced by a 
qualied technician/upgrade to 
compressor of sufcient capability.
3.  Prime Riveter.
Leaking air. 1.  Poor hose connections.
2.  Damaged O-Ring.
3.  Dirty Air Valve or airline inlet.
1.  Reconnect using pipe thread seal tape.
2.  Replace O-Ring.
3.  Clean and lubricate with pneumatic tool 
oil.
Part Description
1A Nosepiece (3/16”)
1B Nosepiece (5/32”)
1C Nosepiece (1/8”)
1D Nosepiece (3/32”)
6-1 Jaw Case Front (3/32”, 1/8”, 5/32”)
6-2 Jaw Case End
7 Jaw
8 Jaw Pusher
9 Case Washer Ring
10 Jaw Pusher Spring
10A Frame Cap O-Ring (27 x  2)
11 Frame Head
12 Case Lock Nut
13 Back Up Ring
14 Back Up O-Ring (p12)
15 Frame
16 Oil Piston
17 Oil Piston O-Ring (p22A)
18 Back Up Ring
19 Return Spring
20 Hanging Clip
21 Frame Cap
22 Frame Cap Nut
23 Safety Cap
24 Setting Screw Pin
25 Back Up O-Ring (12)
26 Back Up Ring
27 Frame Lock Nut
28 Rubber Cushion
Part Description
29 Air Cylinder
30-1 Air Piston Stem
30-2 Air Piston Insert
30-3 Air Piston Lock Nut
30-4 Large Iron Plate
30-5 Small Iron Plate
31A Air Piston Ring
32 Cylinder O-Ring (67.94 x 2.62)
33 Cylinder Cap
35 Spanner Gauge
36 Spanner
37 Trigger Pin
38 Connector
39 Trigger Rod
40 Trigger
41 Connector
42 Trigger Lever
43 Lever Pin
43A Valve Pusher O-Ring (p7)
44 Valve Pusher
44A Valve Spring
45 Valve
45A Valve Collar
45B Collar O-Ring (p5)
46 Valve Spring
51 Valve Cap O-Ring (p11)
52 Valve Cap
53 Quick Connector

SKU 93458         For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353  PAGE 11
ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
1A
1B 1C
1D
11 6-1 7
810A 20
22
23
24
6-2 10 12 14
13
914
15 16 1718 1937
40
39
41
30-1
30-4
30-2
30-5
30-3
32
33
43A
44
44A
43A
45
44
51
52 27
28
43
24
23
26
25
35
36
35
15
6-1 6-2
38
31A 45B
29
Note:  Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not avail-
able individually as replacement parts.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
  THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS DIAGRAM IN 
THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY.  NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR DISTRIBUTOR 
MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE OR SHE 
IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT OR THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO 
REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT.  IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR 
EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN 
BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL 
RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR RE-
PLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT 
PARTS THERETO.

SKU 93458         For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353  PAGE 12
90 Day Warranty
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality 
and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free 
from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 90 days from the date of 
purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly, to misuse, 
abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, criminal ac-
tivity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance. We shall in 
no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent, 
special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some states 
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the 
above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY 
IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE 
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with 
transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the com-
plaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection veries the defect, we will ei-
ther repair or replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the purchase 
price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will return re-
paired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect 
resulted from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost 
of returning the product.
This warranty gives you specic legal rights and you may also have other rights which 
vary from state to state.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd.  •  PO Box 6009  •  Camarillo, CA 93011  •  (800) 444-3353