Getting ready to attach brake/fuels to the frame on our 34 (2x3) rectangular tube. Was looking at the rivet nut tool to install threaded fasteners rather than drilling and tapping. Are they a good option/work well?
same amount of work to tap threads into the material, Don't go cheap on the inserts, last thing you need is the bolt stuck and the insert spin
If the material is thick enough to get approximately the bolts diameter I’d say tap. If not a Rivnut or Nutsert properly installed is almost as strong as a tapped hole. Rivnuts and Nutserts come in both steel and aluminum. I have used numerous of both and have not had any problems as long as you don’t overtorque.
If it's for something that rarely gets disassembled Rivnuts will work great. If it's on something that gets removed regularly not so much; they tend to work loose and spin. Just my experience...
the locktite under the lip is a good idea, I have even had to "re-set" rivnuts that have spun...the ones with ridges around the 'shaft' work best ...
Second what's been said. You DO NOT want one to spin as you're tightening the bolt. then it spins as you're tying to remove the bolt to reset the inert!
I've been considering using some riv nuts on the top of the bed rails of my OT p'up to fasten the bed toolbox down, as I move the box back once in awhile so as to mount a rack in the holes provided for posts above the bed rails. Been just using PK screws (self tapping "sheet metal" screws) but they have finally all managed to enlarge the holes till they won't tighten up. I can reach the underside with vise grips if the riv nuts were to spin, otherwise I wouldn't even consider them. As stated above, if the wall thickness is equal to the bolt dia. or better, then yes, drill & tap. If less than bolt dia. then consider an access hole on other side of rect. tubing to insert a nut and a socket.
I've used Rivnuts a plenty but mainly in steetmetal applications. Preferable to self tapping screws imo. But in thicker material I will always drill and tap because it requires a much larger hole to be drilled for a Rivnut and if working on say a frame the positions required are often difficult to get to to drill so struggling making a larger hole isn't my preference! My buddy has a really handy and powerful Makita angle drive drill which has saved me a lot of grief - dunno why I've never got my own as I'm a bit of a self confessed tool whore! Chris
Purchased this kit a few years back to secure some wire looms on my truck. Works great, you just need to ensure you have the correct grip range on the to rivnut to match the material thickness and test one or two pieces before going for the real install. When done right, they don't come loose, at least not with high quality rivnuts.
I use them in thin metal by the hundreds. Every floor pan I have done in the last 10 years has them. I have a Kar products kit that I have wore some of the heads out on. I bought a tool from either Tractor Supply or Northern Tool without inserts that wasn't much money. When I wear it out, I'll buy another tool.
I have had good success in sheet metal applications and always use never sieze on the screws. The biggest issue I have experienced is with the cheap ass tools that are available to install them. Especially when using the steel rivnuts. Anyone have any suggestions on a good tool that won't turn into garbage after a few dozen nuts?
I’ve used them all over my RPU. Everything from 10/32”- 3/8”. If you use a good quality steel rivnut with the spline like ribs and good quality tools to install them in properly sized holes then they do not loosen and spin. While I was building my car I went to the extra measure of putting a tack weld to hold the multiple ones I used for my removable floor boards before I painted. Tools. Buy good quality tools such as Eclipse made in England. https://www.accufastinc.com/product-page/nsk5-threaded-insert-kit-metric-or-imperial Or the larger one for larger inserts. I have both. https://www.accufastinc.com/product-page/325-rnk-kit That’s a Marson tool This is the kit I have. http://www.blindrivetsupply.com/Mar...-with-Storage-Case-Service-Tools_p_15317.html The proper style rivnuts ( very important because if you use the smooth ones without the ribs they will invariably loosen and spin) One last note on tools. Absolutely do not buy your inserts or tools at Harbor Freight or Princess Auto. Good tools are available from most industrial fastener suppliers.
Another FWIW. The hole diameter needs to be spot on. A little too big because you wiggled the drill bit and you're screwed. No pun intended.
You can get the inserts from Ebay. MUCH cheaper! I wouldn't even consider any insert that wasn't splined. As with the installation tool, don't cheap out! I have a Marson kit. It works very well.
Yep. Blue One got it right. If I can't get 5 threads with a tap into the base metal, I use these. But, I only use #10 and 1/4. Nothing larger. If I need a 5/16 or 3/8 I use a weld nut. Never had a problem. If you did, you got aluminum or cheap ass inserts, no serrations, installed them wrong, or over tightened bolt.
You can purchase high quality Rivnuts and Nutserts as well as installation tools from Aircraft Spruce or Wicks Aircraft. They will be slightly more expenseive but at least you know what you are getting. Those two companies sell to aircraft maintenance companies as well as home builders of aircraft. Some Rivnut insertion tools are only good for aluminum but if you buy one for steel Rivnuts you can use for either. I would rather do the job right the fist time rather then having to drill out stripped or Rivnuts that don’t expand properly. Inexpensive and cheap are not the same.
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