Most Used RIVNUT Sizes?

[Papa]

I'm picking up a few additional tools for my build and bought a RIVNUT set that came with the following mandrel nose piece sets:

1/4-20
10-24
5/16-18
M5
M6
M8

Are there any other sizes that I should consider having in the tool box? I likely won't use the metric ones at all, but was considering picking up an 8-32 and 3/8-16 as well.

[i.e.427]

We generally use more 10-24, than any other size. I think you're covered.

[j.miller]

Yep, 10/24, 1/4 20s.....8/32s cross-thred real easy and you don't want to mount anything too heavy with the 5/16.

[2bking]

I purchased sever hundred 8-32 button head screws in lengths of 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 and a few more. I used over 100 of the 3/8 lengths one for attaching clamps (fuel lines, brake lines, cable), removable panels, and a lot of other parts. The 8-32 size fit in parts with a 3/16" hole and are stronger than the 3/16 rivets. I used the button heads with the allen drive recess and one tool will remove a lot of stuff. The 10-24 screws have a larger head and are more problematic when attaching items intended for 3/16 rivets and require a larger hole for rivnut installation.

I also had to purchase more rivnuts and found a quality issue with some types because they didn't pull up square and had to be chased with a tap to get the screws to start. Perhaps that's where the cross-thread comment comes from. The 1/4-20 rivnuts have a tendency to spin in thin materials and I found the nutserts (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/aaf-all19463) to be a better choice although they require a larger hole for insertion.

Whatever rivnut size you decide on, get plenty of fasteners with different lengths that use same driver. If you set the pulling tool for about half the stroke as its limit will allow, it will have more leverage for pulling the 1/4-20s and less prone to breakage. The inserts require precise holes for success so some bits in the xx/64 will be required.

[phileas_fogg]

I did the same as 2bking except I standardized on 10-32 Phillips head screws. I chose the -32 to get the maximum threads possible in the holes I tap into the large frame tubes, and then chose the same size riv nuts to match.

I haven't used any other size riv nut; however, I've tapped holes to accept 1/4-20 and 5/16-18 bolts for ground lugs.

Cheers,


John

[Joecobr]

I exclusively used 10-32 for all brake, fuel lines, electrics, etc. Just enough threads in the larger steel sections.

[Papa]

Thanks everyone. I'm looking at using button-head shaped screws with the hex socket. McMaster-Carr has them in black oxide in several sizes.

[HCP 65 COUPE]

Order stainless screws instead of the black oxide while slightly more expensive they wont corrode at all the black oxide ones do rust pretty fast.

I used about 150 10-32 button head screws on my coupe just and handful of other sizes.

[GoDadGo]

1/4-20
10-24
5/16-18

These are all I've use and man do I love this tool.
I've got them in all sorts of materials and depths and use them for all sorts of things.
My supplier of choice is:

https://www.rivetsonline.com/

Steve

[grluisi150]

10-24 and 6-32. 6-32 were for the inspection cover on the top of the driver side foot box, and the cover inside the trunk lid.

Gary

[Papa]

Order stainless screws instead of the black oxide while slightly more expensive they wont corrode at all the black oxide ones do rust pretty fast.

I used about 150 10-32 button head screws on my coupe just and handful of other sizes.

Thanks for the info. Have you had any issues with the stainless breaking? That's the only reason I was leaning toward the steel-alloy with the black oxide finish.

[Papa]

1/4-20
10-24
5/16-18

These are all I've use and man do I love this tool.
I've got them in all sorts of materials and depths and use them for all sorts of things.
My supplier of choice is:

https://www.rivetsonline.com/

Steve

Thanks for the link, Steve. I've added it to my growing list of parts suppliers.