An automatic rivet loading module (20) which includes a pusher mechanism (28), a gripper mechanism (26), a mandrel receptacle (30), mechanisms (34, 36) for moving mandrels in the mandrel receptacle (30), and a tool activation device (24). The gripper mechanism (26) receives a rivet (52), and a mandrel (80) is moved through the rivet (52) such that the rivet (52) threads onto the mandrel (80). The gripper mechanism (26) moves out of the way while the pusher mechanism (28) pushes the mandrel (80) down. The pusher mechanism (28) then retracts, and the gripper mechanism (26) closes and is ready to receive another rivet (52). This process is repeated until the mandrel (80) is full of rivets (52). The mandrel receptacle (30) is rotatable such that the loaded mandrel swings to a position under the tool activation device (24) to be loaded into a rivet tool. As the loaded mandrel is swung under the tool activation block (37), a new mandrel is swung under the gripper mechanism (26), in position for loading with rivets (52).