Building a cedar deck – should I get riveting pliers or a crimper?

Hey folks, I'm planning to build a 20x12 cedar deck next month. I'll be using a lot of joist hangers and structural screws. I've heard about riveting pliers for metal ties, but also see crimpers. Which one is better for a DIYer? I want something that won't break the bank but gets the job done. Also, any tips for securing the joist hangers without nails? Thanks!

For joist hangers, you don't really need riveting pliers – those are more for electrical work or thin metal. What you want is a good crimping tool for the hanger nails (or screws). I've used the Simpson Strong-Tie crimper for years – it's around $30 and works great. It crimps the hangers onto the joist so they don't shift before you screw them in. But honestly, if you're using screws, you might not even need it. Just get a decent impact driver and some GRK screws. That'll save you time and hassle. Avoid the cheap crimpers, they bend.

I'm with Will on this – skip the riveting pliers, they're for sheet metal and stuff. I built a deck last year and used a $15 crimper from the big box store, worked just fine for the hangers. But the real game changer is using a palm nailer for the hanger nails – that thing is awesome, but it's noisy. If you go the screw route, just make sure you pre-drill to avoid splitting the cedar. And don't forget to use galvanized or stainless fasteners to prevent corrosion.

I'm not a deck builder, but I do a lot of woodworking. I agree with the crimper recommendation. However, if you're looking for a multi-tool, check out Knipex pliers – they have some that can crimp and also work as regular pliers. They're pricey but last forever. But for a one-time deck build, I'd just get a cheap crimper and invest in a good screw gun. Also, for the joist hangers, have you considered using hanger screws? They go through the hanger and into the wood, no need for crimping at all. Speed and strength.

Thanks for the tips, guys! I think I'll skip the riveting pliers and go with a crimper – I found one for $20 at Harbor Freight. I'll also look into the hanger screws though, that seems like it could save time. I'll pre-drill as suggested. Appreciate the help, this forum is great!