1800, "one who rivets," agent noun from rivet (v.). By 1884 as "a riveting machine." The same word was used c. 1300 as "a riveter" or "a maker of rivets."
Entries linking to riveter
rivet v.
early 15c., riveten, "to fasten (something) with rivets," also "to fasten (a nail or bolt) by hammering down the rivet," from rivet (n.). Figurative meaning "to command the attention" is from c. 1600 (For I mine eyes will rivet to his Face - "Hamlet"). Related: Riveted; riveting.