This invention describes a rivet applier delivering orthopedic fasteners into a patient. The rivet applier inserts the rivet body then drives a pin into the rivet body to fix the rivet in position. The rivet applier contains a hammer, hammer spring, firing pin and receiver to deploy rivets. The hammer of the rivet applier is attached to loading grips. The loading grips cock the hammer. A rivet is inserted into the receiver. Upon releasing the hammer, the hammer drives the firing pin and the firing pin inserts the rivet pin into the rivet.