The apparatus for fixing rivets (4) in structural parts (11) includes a positioning adapter (3) for fixing one end of a rivet in a structural component with the rivet (4) in a riveting position; a riveting adapter (5) for deforming another end of the rivet, which has a movable deforming device (34) for deforming the rivet by impact energy stored in it; and a device for changing or adjusting the impact energy (33) stored in the movable deforming device. A greater flexibility for adjustment of the required impact energy (33) to different boundary conditions is thus possible, which guarantees that a minimal number of working strokes or only a single working stroke is required to fasten a rivet (4) in a structural component (11). This reduces the mechanical stress on the riveting adapter (5) and the working robot (6) guiding it besides reducing the noise level.