Hand riveters come in a variety of designs that determine exactly how the tool works. Small one-handed models designed for light assembly work, adapted for operation with only one hand, in which it is enough to squeeze the handles of the tool to install the rivet (so-called "pulley drive"). More powerful two-handed models already require two-handed operation, and the rivet is installed by spreading the handles to the side or pulling the handle back. Such riveters are adapted for installation of blind (structural) rivets and threaded rivets / nuts. To simplify their winding, some two-handed models have a central flywheel, while in smaller riveters, winding is done using the same handle as extraction.

More specific are models with ratchet, which allow to increase the power of the tool with relatively unchanged efforts required from the operator. And the pantograph/accordion models are also special, in them the pulling force is distributed over a long stroke of the handle, and the folding pantograph mechanism makes it easier and softer to install larger rivets.