Rivet Setting- Hand Or Press?

[SimonJester753]

Is there a difference in the holding power between rapid rivets set with a hand set and a mallet and ones set with a bench mounted press?

[TwinOaks]

Holding power? No.

The difference is that the press sets them more uniformly so you can avoid a bent post. If hand set properly, it's the same as being pressed, although might get a tiny bit more compression w/ the press. Regardless of the setting method, rapid rivets shouldn't be used for anything that requires a strong fastener. For that type use, I recommend stitching, copper burr rivets, or Chicago screws (threaded post and cap).