Rivet nut / nut insert tools

[parsonsj]

Sure, you need anti-spin when your tool is turning the bolt in the insert to compress it.

The nice thing about the Sherex tool is that the bolt in the insert doesn't spin. So no anti-spin technique is needed.

jp

[carbuff]

Can someone please enlighten me here... I've used Nutserts for years, but these Rivnuts are new to me. From the pictures I've need, I'm not quite sure how the Rivnuts work. The tools I've used for Nutserts are ok for the smaller sizes, as John has said. But for the larger ones, then are a pain.

Is there a case where you would use a Rivnut instead of a Nutsert? Or vice versa? Trying to understand what the real difference in the two are...

Thanx!

[Bryce]

Nutsert are for thicker material. Rivnuts are for sheet metal.

[carbuff]

Thanx Bryce!

[MuscleRodz]

Sorry for not posting a pic sooner, my computer took a dump and have not found my camera software to upload the pics. Here is what we use, found it in the a/c spruce catalog for $130

[IBDMANN]

Looking at the picture of that mcmaster rivet nut installer. Not sure how it works. Can anyone add a video link of someone using the tool

[parsonsj]

Not a video, but this should give you the idea...

[parsonsj]

The bottom wrench is kept still, and the upper wrench "clinches" the rivet-nut into place. It's the best tool I've ever used for rivet nuts, and I've used several (hence the thread) !

jp

[DLinson]

John, if you get into designing laser cut sheet metal parts, you can use the AVK hex rivet nuts.
http://www.avkfasteners.com/products.AH.php

It is an anti rotation nut since it is a hex barrel with the hole in the sheet metal being a hex.

I usually install the rivet nuts with a tool similar to the T-handle tool on this page. I made my own but it works the same. The largest insert I've used is the 1/4-20 round nutserts.

http://www.avkfasteners.com/tools.handtools.php

At work we use the automated guns.


Dennis

[parsonsj]

I usually install the rivet nuts with a tool similar to the T-handle tool on this page. I made my own but it works the same. The largest insert I've used is the 1/4-20 round nutserts

Dennis! The man who introduced me to rivet nuts and McMaster-Carr a decade ago!!

I've seen the hex versions, but as you say, it's not practical for us home-users. I've used the above tool to insert 3/8-16 rivet nuts in my C6 frame rails for a tow hook, and I was able to get 38 lb-ft of torque on the bolts using those inserts. They really work well.

jp

[MonzaRacer]

Strange, riv-nut and Poly-nut are very similar pieces made by different companies. I have had a Marson kits for several years after having a bed liner company leave a bunch of the longer ones using 8mm x 1.25 threads. These had large flat washer type heads. I used old bolts and flat washers to set some of these.
Many a few years later I picked up the Marson kit in STD, and in last few years a set in metric, which I use at work. I get my inserts from NAPA and rarely have a bad set if you remember to screw them up tight against the gun, if not you will not get a proper set. Also the insert mandrel has to be set with threaded tip flush at end of mandrel.
also using a dial or digital caliper and using fractional drill bits or letter or number bits to get a tight a hole as possible is much better.
I can also say some red lock tight cant hurt or even sleeve retainers compound possibly.
Again properly installed I have rarely had issue unless you try to install fasteners cross threaded or un-lubricated.
Nickkle based anti-seize can help, as do shake proof washers or serrated lock washers.
Again proper drill techniques and proper tool set up allow a much tighter grip.
Also I have tinned the area with steel inserts, and ran a small amount of solder around some too. Had to do that when buddy at work didnt install a few right. Yuo can also use wicking locking compound.