The rivet pliers set from Svada made a very good impression in our test. The set includes rivet pliers, metal drills and matching nosepieces for four different rivet sizes, as well as a total of 160 rivets and a matching case. Drilling holes is very easy with the four drills. Setting the rivets is also quick and uncomplicated. The riveting pliers are robust and well made. The different nosepieces can also be changed without tools. With this set, even those with little manual skill can create strong rivet connections in a short time.
Advantages
✅ Sturdy riveting pliers
✅ Quick setting of the rivets
✅ Strong rivet joints
✅ Metal drill included
✅ Robust case for storage
✅ 160 rivets in four sizes
Disadvantages
❌ Limited depth of the rivet joints
❌ uneven back of rivets set
The first impression
The packaging and labelling
ℹ️ Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be ensured.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Product protection | Carton is sturdy, product sufficiently protected | 100 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | Unnecessary packaging waste was avoided, items were packed compactly | 100 points |
| Packaging convenience | Packaging appropriate for the product, can be opened without tools | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
In our case, the rivet pliers set from Svada arrived together with other products in a suitably sized shipping box. The product packaging was well protected against slipping inside the shipping box and therefore well protected. No bubble wrap was used. The product packaging contained the rivet pliers set in the accompanying case. The rivet pliers set and the associated product packaging were undamaged and in perfect condition.
The product packaging is made of cardboard, printed in light grey and matches the product well visually. As it was not glued, it is easy to open without tools.
The two cardboard boxes and the case provide excellent protection for the tools during transport. Accordingly, the first impression of the product is completely convincing.
After unpacking
Package contents and instructions
ℹ️ Most people’s first impression after unpacking is immediately memorable. Are the contents of the pack complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Package contents & scope | Complete set with riveting pliers, case, drills and a total of 160 rivets | 100 points |
| Instructions for use | Written in German and English, easy to understand | 100 points |
| Contact information | Can be found in the instructions for use, no telephone number given | 90 points |
| Total | 97 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
Apart from the rivets, the set consists of a total of six parts: Four metal drills with diameters of 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.2 mm and 5.0 mm, a case for the set and the riveting pliers. The different mouthpieces for the various rivets are attached to the riveting pliers. The set is completed with 40 rivets each in the sizes 2.4 mm, 3.2 mm, 4.0 mm and 4.8 mm.
The instructions for use are included in the case. They are written in German and English. The use of the set is described comprehensively and clearly in three steps. A drawing also supplements the description. The assignment of the attachments to the different rivet sizes can also be found in the instructions for use. This means that the product can also be used by DIY enthusiasts who have not previously worked with riveting pliers.
Contact information can be found on the instructions for use and on the product packaging. It includes the company name, the name of the entrepreneur, address and an e-mail address. Unfortunately, there is no telephone number.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
ℹ️ Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the product processing. How high quality are the materials used? Is the look and feel satisfactory?
| Criterion | Remark | Points achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Visual appearance | High-quality materials, painted metal | 95 points |
| Processing | Very good, no defects | 100 points |
| Stability | Sturdy metal construction | 100 points |
| Sustainability of the product | Good quality means a long service life can be expected | 100 points |
| Case | Practical and very stable | 100 points |
| Total | 99 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The case consists of two connected plastic halves, which can be opened and closed quickly using a clamping mechanism. A three-dimensional pattern is embossed on the outside. The entire case is black and has a surprisingly thick material. This makes the case very sturdy. There are two recesses in the lower half, one of which is moulded to fit the rivet pliers. The rivets are located in the other. The individual rivets are sorted into four small zip-lock bags, which are labelled with the corresponding sizes. These four bags are in turn contained in a larger press-seal bag. The four metal drills are located in the top half of the case. There are suitable holders for these, into which the drill bits can be clamped. Overall, the case is ideal for transporting the set and its components safely and storing them neatly.
The four metal drills with their unusual diameters are designed to match the rivets. They can be used in a standard cordless drill.
The riveting pliers themselves are made of metal, which is partially painted red and partially black. A small bulge in the paint can be overlooked. The handles are covered with plastic to make it easier to grip the pliers. As a result, they are very comfortable to hold, enabling a firm squeeze. An integrated metal spring allows the pliers to open automatically. This means that they can also be operated comfortably with one hand. In order to store them compactly, they can be held together with a metal bracket at the ends of the handles. There are three mouthpieces above the handle, which are marked with different colours. The fourth mouthpiece is already screwed into the head of the pliers. The corresponding rivet size is stamped into the mouthpieces, which complements the colour coding with the instructions for use. Overall, the pliers make a very high-quality and sturdy impression thanks to their solid metal construction.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
ℹ️ Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore the most important. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
| Criterion | Remark | Points achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling the holes | Included metal drill bits with good quality | 100 points |
| Changing the mouthpiece | Quick and easy to use | 100 points |
| Pressing the rivets | Works quickly, but both hands are also required for small rivets, high force required for large rivets | 95 points |
| Variability of the rivets | Four different sizes for different diameters, but rivet joint depth is limited | 90 points |
| Strength of the connection | Stable connection, panels are pressed together without gaps | 95 points |
| Optics of the connection | Almost point-symmetrical and flat front, uneven back | 85 points |
| Total | 94 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
For our practical test, we use two metal sheets, which we fasten flat on top of each other. We start with the smallest rivets. The first step is to drill a suitable hole. The next largest drill bit to the rivet is used for this. In this case, this is the 2.5 mm drill bit for the 2.4 mm rivet. The drill bit is sharp and has good concentricity. After just a short time, a suitable hole is drilled through both sheets using a standard cordless screwdriver.
The matching mouthpiece is now screwed into the head of the riveting pliers. The entire attachment at the tip of the riveting pliers can be adjusted by turning it. If necessary, the adjustment mechanism can be used to make it easier to screw in the nose piece.
The rivet can now be inserted into the pliers with the rivet mandrel first. The rivet shank protruding from the head of the pliers is guided into the drilled hole. This is a major advantage of the riveting pliers, as the back of the hole does not need to be accessible for this. In contrast to a connection with a screw and nut, there is no need to hold against the back of the hole. Riveting is therefore also suitable for connections that are only accessible from one side.
The next step is to press the pliers together. The stop of the pliers is usually reached before the riveting process is complete. The pliers are opened again and pressed together once more. The procedure is repeated until the rivet mandrel breaks off. The process is then complete. In the case of thin rivets, the force of one hand is sufficient. In practice, however, it is advisable to use both hands. When the rivet mandrel breaks off, a jerk goes through the pliers. This can easily cause the head of the pliers to slip over the surface of the objects to be joined. If the surface is sensitive, this can cause scratches. However, the risk is significantly reduced by using a second hand.
The two metal sheets are already firmly held together with the first rivet. They lie directly on top of each other and the riveted joint presses the two panels together without any gaps. A second riveted joint is required to secure the two plates against twisting.
The other sizes are also tested. Drilling is just as successful as with the small diameter. The test shows that the larger the rivet size, the more force is required to operate the pliers. Both hands are required for the larger rivets. Otherwise, there are no differences in handling. It should be noted that the depth of the objects to be joined is limited. Joining two 3 mm thick rigid foam panels was not successful in our test; the overall thickness of both panels is too great for the rivets at 6 mm. The rivet set is therefore particularly suitable for joining thin panels or objects with a thin outer skin. However, these can be joined very stably and easily.
In the finished state, the heads of the rivets differ on both sides of the joint. The front side facing the pliers is wide and flat, while the side on the back is narrower and higher. In the case of the 4.8 mm rivet, for example, this results in a width of 10 mm and a height of 1.5 mm on the front side, and a width of 6 mm with a height of 4 mm on the back side. The smaller rivets are also correspondingly smaller when processed. While the front is almost point-symmetrical, the back is slightly uneven.
Overall, the rivet pliers set lives up to its promise. The rivets can be set reliably and precisely. The connections created are stable and the front is also very even and visually appealing.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
ℹ️ Finally, we look at how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also analyse consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Price / performance ratio | Very good performance in the upper price segment | 70 points |
| Rating cut | Not rated, as there are still too few customer reviews | |
| Total | 70 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
Prices of up to €42 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as €15. With a price of €34.90, the Svada rivet pliers set is currently in the upper price segment. The price ratio is reasonable for the quality and scope of services offered.
Overall result
| Weighting | Score achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & labelling | 10% | 100 points |
| 2. package contents & instructions | 10% | 97 points |
| 3. product processing & appearance | 20% | 99 points |
| 4. in the practical test | 40% | 94 points |
| 5. price/performance & consumer reviews | 20% | 70 points |
| Total | 91 points |
