Ive never used them. However they seem like a valuable solution to many things when building or modifying vehicles.
I have a air powered rivet gun thingy Ive bought from the Matco guy a few years ago in anticipation of a project that never happened. I have not used it yet.
Do rivnuts require a specific tool...or can they be used with a normal rivet gun/tool? My wallet is itching to buy
We use them for some stuff at work, mostly on hotrod interiors and things that don't see a lot of stress.
They're ok, sometimes they cross-thread easily and spin in the panel.
They're better than sheet metal screws into a panel.
Yes, you need a special tool but usually you buy the kit with the tool and the fasteners and re-stock as necessary.
Shawn
I also wonder how these are normally used. I had to replace some in the subframe of my e36 convertible that were used to attach the frame brace. Since I didn’t have the proper tools I ended up using a mishmash of things to put them in.
I've only used them to put inserts back in a couple of straps in my van's ceiling because I didn't realize the original items weren't actual rivets, but sort of push-fit things I could've just pulled out (I drilled them out, so they were done). The cheapie HF rivnut thing I got worked just fine for the purpose of putting in inserts which form the fore-aft location of the cargo cage. I doubt they're incredibly strong, but I also doubt the original push-fit bits were, so problem as solved as it ever was.
I didn't give it a thought about checking if HarborFreight had em. I might do that...get some cheap stuff to get my feet wet then bobs your uncle
malibuguy said:I didn't give it a thought about checking if HarborFreight had em. I might do that...get some cheap stuff to get my feet wet then bobs your uncle
Don't get the HF nutsert kit. The inserter blows and will turn you off of an otherwise great tool. For nutserts to work properly the insert has to be pulled really, really straight. The HF inserter—at least the one I have—doesn't do this. Buy a good one and it will be an invaluable part of your fastening arsenal.
They're generally used in blind locations which are nonstructural for aerospace applications.
They work pretty well for fairings and panels but if they're cross threaded it generally isn't possible to rethread or chase them because of the wall thickness.
There's a tool that you use to install them because they deform at a specific torque/pressure and you can't always feel it which, with a blind fastener, can lead to some issues if you screw it up and need to put another in.
I'm using them as part of my splitter mount and they've held up well across the 20-30 times I've taken the splitter off this summer. being a wood splitter I'm not putting a ton of torque into them but they've held up admirably.
I did start to cross thread one at the track once, simply ran a tap through it and it's been good as new ever since.
Picture in action:
The splitter they hold up:
And the kit I bought off Amazon which came with more Riv Nuts than I've been able to use so far:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TODXQW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
JG Pasterjak said:malibuguy said:I didn't give it a thought about checking if HarborFreight had em. I might do that...get some cheap stuff to get my feet wet then bobs your uncle
Don't get the HF nutsert kit. The inserter blows and will turn you off of an otherwise great tool. For nutserts to work properly the insert has to be pulled really, really straight. The HF inserter—at least the one I have—doesn't do this. Buy a good one and it will be an invaluable part of your fastening arsenal.
While I totally agree with the need for a straight tool, I've had excellent luck with the HF one I bought.
For keeping things neat and orderly, using riv-nuts or nut-serts are a great item to have. I use them all the time when I can. I tried the cheap one seeing how my friend uses his system really well. Once you try it a little, you will really enjoy having them.
These came up in a thread I started recently and they look really handy. I can't quite justify the Amazon kit for the one project....yet. I have afeeling its one of those things that could become a go-to problem solver.
It is one of those tools that once you have, you will find more uses for.
I tend to think of it as a sheet-metal fastening tool. ( used a lot for brake line clips and fuel pump mounts and what not) NOT for structural stuff.
That Astro tool that is linked up there is so far superior to the Marson Threadsetter tool it is unbelievable. I hated rivnuts until I got that tool.
Thanks for all the feedback fellas. I truly appreciate it
For me, they replace a rivet for something I expect to R&R frequently. They're very useful.
I think I'm going to get one not only for car stuff but for building tube amp chassis.
I have the HF tool. I find it useful, and not as a hammer. I've had to tune it up some, but it works for me and is very reasonably priced. Rivnut type inserts are great for fiberglass cars. With the aluminum ones, don't squeeze too hard or you'll pull the threads out of the rivnut and have to start over.
I have installed some rivnuts with just a bolt, some washers, and a nut.
I prefer to use an "allen" style bolt.
To install the rivnut, I thread the nut on the bolt, then add two washers.
I then screw the bolt into the rivnut. Install the rivnut into the hole and then while holding the bolt fixed with an "allen" key wrench I turn the nut and pull the rivnut until the effort required jumps. Rivnut installed. I've done dozens of them this way. NO special tools required!
Anywhere that you would normally rivet or run a self tapping screw, use a rivnut.
I've even taken the cheap HF SAE nuts, installed them, drilled them out and tapped for Metric fasteners.
In reply to Dr. Hess :
That's a tech tip right there.
As far as inexpensive units go... I managed to get this Astro Pneumatic kit to work. I practiced first, but after learning how to set it, the 4 rivnut installs went smoothly
When I built my oil cooler mounts, I used rivnuts to hold the mounts to the car
In reply to JG Pasterjak :
Mine has been working well. Replacing several on my R1200c.
jimbbski said:I have installed some rivnuts with just a bolt, some washers, and a nut.
I prefer to use an "allen" style bolt.
To install the rivnut, I thread the nut on the bolt, then add two washers.
I then screw the bolt into the rivnut. Install the rivnut into the hole and then while holding the bolt fixed with an "allen" key wrench I turn the nut and pull the rivnut until the effort required jumps. Rivnut installed. I've done dozens of them this way. NO special tools required!
This method worked like a champ for me installing a bunch of Rivnuts on the Exocet project!
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