If you're thinking about getting the Dorman 743-100 Hand Rivet Gun, it's worth knowing what works and where it might fall short. It's generally a solid pick for hobbyists or DIY folks rather than professionals.

The design is versatile, meant to handle different rivet sizes, which comes in handy for car projects like putting in window regulators. Plus, it includes an open-end wrench and some rivets, and those long handles give you a bit more leverage.

From what we've found, a lot of people like the Dorman 743-100 because it's affordable and good for light to medium tasks. It's versatile enough to manage various rivet sizes, which is great for automotive and other similar repairs.

However, it's not perfect. Some feedback suggests it might struggle with larger rivet sizes, like 1/4-inch ones, or tougher materials like stainless steel. There's mention of it not releasing used shafts smoothly when dealing with these materials, which could be a bit of a pain.

So, if you're looking for something for heavy-duty professional work, especially with tougher materials, you might find this model doesn't quite meet those needs. It may be worth checking out a more heavy-duty tool if that’s what you're after.

If you're thinking about using the Dorman 743-100 Hand Rivet Gun frequently, here's what we've found from our research. This tool handles a variety of rivet sizes, which is pretty convenient if you've got a mix of tasks—especially if you're into automotive stuff, like installing window regulators, as the manufacturer points out.

When it comes to performance, it's generally solid, particularly with steel and aluminum rivets. But keep in mind there's a bit of a snag when dealing with 1/4-inch rivets. Our research found a few folks mentioning that the tool's grip on these larger rivets can be a bit sticky.

You might end up needing to take the tool apart to release them, which can get annoying if you're working with this size often.

On the plus side, a lot of people have found it to be tough and dependable for the usual DIY and occasional use. Its build is pretty sturdy, so it can handle a bit of wear and tear. Just be aware that some have noticed the mechanism might stiffen up with a lot of use over time.

Still, for what it costs, many find it a good deal, especially since it comes with some extras like rivets and a wrench.

So, if you're doing light to moderate projects, the Dorman 743-100 could work well for you. It's versatile enough for a range of riveting tasks.

But, if you're diving into heavy-duty work, especially with those larger rivets, you might experience a few hiccups. It's a practical choice for less intense applications and those occasional DIY projects, but it might not be the best for really frequent use with larger rivets.

If you're thinking about getting the Dorman 743-100 Hand Rivet Gun and you're wondering if it comes with instructions, from what we've found, it does include instructions to guide you on how to use it properly. This tool is pretty handy because it can handle a range of rivet sizes, up to 1/4-inch, which the manufacturer points out in its description.

A nice feature of the Dorman 743-100 is that it comes with interchangeable nose pieces. This means you can use it for different rivet sizes, which is super convenient for different projects and materials. Our research shows that many folks find this flexibility really useful.

That said, be careful when choosing your nose piece. If you pick the wrong one, you might run into some jams or alignment issues. So it's a good idea to stick to the instructions provided to avoid any hiccups along the way.

People seem generally pleased with how well it works, especially for home or car jobs, like replacing window regulators. Just a heads up, if you're working with really tough materials—like stainless steel—you might need to put a bit more muscle into it. The long handles do help with that, though.

Also, keeping up with some basic maintenance can really help keep things running smoothly and extend the tool's life. This might mean doing a quick check and adding a little lubrication here and there to prevent it from getting stiff.

Overall, the Dorman 743-100 is pretty well-liked for its versatility and value, so whether you're new to DIY or a seasoned pro, it sounds like a solid choice.