Tips To Install And Use The Rivet Nuts

By Author: Nick Neal
Total Articles: 18
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Finding a fastener that works with thin or brittle materials can seem difficult in some cases. Rivet nuts, also known as blind rivet nuts, or wound inserts, are used in this situation. The rivet nut is a variation on the conventional rivet with an internally threaded and counter bored tubular round, splined, square, or hexagonal body.

The rivnut is used as a blind fastener when only one side of the work piece is accessible, making it extremely versatile. BF Goodrich invented the rivet nut in 1936 to attach rubber dicing boots to the leading edge of an aircraft wing. Here are some points on how to use and install rivet nuts bought from rivet suppliers:

Select the appropriate rivet nuts

Rivet nuts are divided into two categories: The first is intended to create a bulge on the sightless side of the application as the screw or bolt is tightened. Because the second is pulled into a sleeve, it does not protrude like the first. So, how do you decide which one to use? It is dependent on the nature of your application. Consider the following features and styles:

- The wide front-side flange on this rivet nut ...
... provides a huge load-bearing surface that reinforces the hole while also preventing the rivet nut from being pushed through.

- Thick flange: This characteristic can provide more push-out strength and spacing.

Countersunk/low-profile head: This feature guarantees an almost or entirely flush installation.
- Wedges beneath the head of the fastener prevent the fastener from spinning in the hole by "biting" into the mating material. For flexible materials like plastic, fibreglass, or aluminium, this function is ideal.

- Rivet nuts exist in a variety of shapes and sizes, including splined, square, and typical smooth, round cylindrical. Each form is designed to prevent the fastener from twisting under high torque, which is particularly important in softer materials.

- Rivet nuts are available with open or closed ends, with the latter preventing water and dust from entering the assembly, such as in an automotive installation.

- Thin or thick wall: Thin wall rivet nuts (also known as standard style) have keyed heads, whilst thick wall rivet nuts (also known as standard style) do not.

Use in a variety of materials

Rivet nuts are simple, dependable fasteners that offer strong load-bearing threads in a thin gauge material comprising castings, panels, housings, tubes, and extrusions. Rivet nuts can also be fitted in a variety of material thicknesses due to their wide grip range tolerance.

Other fasteners are less practical

Rivet nuts, which are made of aluminium, stainless steel, steel, and brass, have a number of advantages over bolts and self-tapping screws. Rivet nuts, unlike other fasteners like weld nuts, are not affected by heat. Installing rivet nuts is frequently more practical than using other available fasteners.