The application relates to a device for applying an applied force to a connection element such that the connection element is plastically deformed by the application of force. The device comprises a movably mounted head part with a machining head which is designed to contact the connection element; a drive which is designed to drive a translation of the head part in the longitudinal axis thereof; a second drive which is designed to drive a rotation of the machining head about a longitudinal axis; and a housing for receiving the first drive, the second drive, and the head part. The first drive and the second drive are electrically driven and are arranged coaxially. The application further relates to a method for operating a device according to the application and to the use of a device according to the application as an electric riveting machine.