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How to use & safety

Use it right. Use it for years.

Step-by-step use of the Rivet Sealer 3000 and SE360, which tip and blade to pick, how to stay safe around a hot tool, and answers to common questions.

01
Rivet Sealer 3000

Perforate. Heat-seal. Done.

The Rivet Sealer is a hand-held thermoformer for rivets. It heats the film and presses it at the same time, forming it tight to the rivet head and resetting its memory to that shape.

  1. RS Perforator puncturing vinyl around a rivet
    01 · Perforate

    Hold the RS Perforator by its handle and press an even ring of needle holes around the rivet edge. This lets trapped air escape.

  2. Rivet Sealer heat adapter with a Teflon tip
    02 · Set up the heat

    Fit the adapter to your heat gun (we recommend the Wagner HT1000) with the tip that matches the rivet head. Let it come up to temperature.

  3. Rivet Sealer heat tip forming vinyl over a rivet
    03 · Heat-seal

    Press straight on with light pressure for about one second. The film forms tight to the rivet and stays down. Test on a scrap of the same film first.

Wagner HT1000 heat gun
Recommended heat source

Wagner HT1000 heat gun

The Rivet Sealer adapter snaps onto the nozzle of a standard heat gun. The best one for the job is the Wagner HT1000. It has two heat settings (750°F and 1000°F) and a two-speed fan. The Wagner HT3500 works too.

  • Fit the adapter and tip before you switch the gun on.
  • Let the tip come up to temperature, then test on a scrap of the same film.
  • Set the gun down only on a heat-safe surface, and let the adapter cool before changing tips.
Get the Wagner HT1000 ↗ Setup guide & fire safety
Graffix Tools isn't affiliated with Wagner. Wagner is a trademark of Wagner Spraytech Corporation.
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ALUMINUM TRAILER PANEL WRAP FILM TEFLON™ TIP
02
Tip sizes

Match the tip to the rivet head.

All tips are machined from 100% virgin Teflon™ and fit the same adapter. Send back used tips and get $2 off your next order for each one.

  • 1/4" Single or 4-pack
  • 5/16" Single or 4-pack
  • 7/16" Included in the kit
  • 1/2" Included in the kit
  • 5/8" Single or 4-pack
  • 3/4" Single or 4-pack
  • 1" Zeus Single or 4-pack
  • Box Truck Sold as a pack
Shop Teflon™ tips
03
SE360 Squeegee Evolved

Let your fingers do the work.

Rest your thumb in the Thumb Orbit and wrap your four fingers around the barrel handle. The thumb guides the tool while your stronger fingers and palm supply the pressure, keeping your wrist straight.

SE360 anatomy: Thumb Orbit, thumb grips, horn offsets pressure, ergonomic handle, embossed silicone grip, thick ABS body, quick-eject blades, 33-degree forward-pitched blade
  1. GripThumb in the Thumb Orbit, fingers on the handle. Don't pinch.
  2. AngleThe blade is pitched forward 33°. Let it lead and keep your wrist neutral.
  3. PressurePush from the fingers and palm, not the thumb.
  4. Swap bladesQuick-eject the old blade and fit a new one in seconds.
04
Blade guide

Five blades, soft to hard.

As a general rule, softer blades are gentler on delicate and textured surfaces, and harder blades give more force for pushing out air on smooth, flat panels. Try a blade on a scrap of the film you're installing.

  • Midnight Soft
  • Charcoal Medium
  • Gold Medium
  • Green Hard
  • Ocean Blue Hard card
Shop blade packs
Read before use

Safety & proper use

The Rivet Sealer works because it gets hot. Respect the heat and it will seal rivets for years.

Warning
Hot surface: burn hazardThe adapter and Teflon™ tip run at 360–410°F and can cause severe burns. Never grab or touch the heat tip or adapter while hot or cooling. Let it cool completely before changing tips, and set it down only on a heat-safe surface.
Caution
Sharp element: puncture hazardPerforator needles can puncture skin. Do not press down on the perforator tip with your thumb. Hold the RS Perforator by its handle.
Notice
Overheating damages filmToo much heat or holding the tip too long can burn, discolor or distort the vinyl. Use a recommended heat gun, press for about one second, and test on a scrap of the same film first.
Notice
No excessive pressureLight, straight-on pressure is all it takes. Forcing the tool can damage the tool tip.
Notice
Do not dropDropping the adapter or perforator can damage the tool tip.
Read first
Refer to the instruction manualRead all warnings and instructions before first use. Keep the manual with the tool.
05
FAQ

Common questions

Do I still need primer on rivets?

No. Heat and pressure at the same time reset the film's memory to the shape of the rivet, so it has nothing pulling it back to flat. That is what lets you skip the primer.

What heat gun should I use?

We recommend the Wagner HT1000. The Rivet Sealer adapter fits its nozzle, and the Wagner HT3500 works too. See the heat source section above.

How hot does the tip get?

The Teflon™ tip heat-forms the film at 360–410°F. That is hot enough to cause severe burns, so read the safety section below before first use.

How long do I press each rivet?

About one second, with light, straight-on pressure. Test on a scrap of the same film first, since too much heat or holding too long can damage the vinyl.

Which tips come in the kit?

The Rivet Sealer 3000 kit includes the heat adapter, the RS Perforator and two tips: 7/16" and 1/2". Other sizes are sold singly or in 4-packs.

What are the tips made of?

Every heat tip is machined from 100% virgin Teflon™.

What is the difference between Silver and Gold?

Only the finish. Both editions are the same tool at the same price.

Does the SE360 come with a blade?

Yes. The SE360 includes one blade of your choice. Extra blades come in 3-packs, and the quick-eject blades swap in seconds.

Do you offer distributor pricing?

Yes, for sign supply houses and wrap shops. Call (321) 263-7101 or email Sales@graffixtools.com.

Still have a question?

Ask the installer.

Not sure which tip or blade fits your job? Get in touch and we'll help you pick.

Contact us (321) 263-7101