Rivnut

[ThickCobra]

I while back I purchased riv nuts in the size of 5/16 - 18. Buying a tool to handle this size is a bit excessive for my budget. Does anyone have an alternative solution.

[DaveS53]

Maybe. You'd have to explain the application. I bonded stainless steel or home made aluminum nut plates to my fiberglass body to mount some parts. I also drilled and tapped the frame to mount other items. Fine threads are better, when tapping thin (1/8") materials.

[edwardb]

I use this style installation tool from McMaster. I have several sizes including the 5/16 - 18. Relatively cheap, simple, probably will never break or wear out, and works every time. https://www.mcmaster.com/#96349a407/=18myjga

[Rodster]

I use this style installation tool from McMaster. I have several sizes including the 5/16 - 18. Relatively cheap, simple, probably will never break or wear out, and works every time. https://www.mcmaster.com/#96349a407/=18myjga

x2. See a tutorial of this exact thing:
https://wayne-yoshida-kh6wz.com/2013/02/18/type-65-coupe-project-update-those-heat-shields-rivet-nuts-pedal-box-and-accelerator-pedal/

[Ray]

Or, just do this....

https://donstechnologyblog.wordpress.com/2016/02/25/diy-homemade-rivnut-tool/

or: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwSzoDyjWA8

Ray

[ThickCobra]

Got it. Now I have options.

[NAZ]

I use the same cap screw, nut, and washer method Ray details above. Been using this method for more than forty-years now for 1/4" and above as I've never used enough at one time to make spending the $$ for a heavy duty tool. It's slow and cumbersome but works. I use a grade-8 cap screw & nut with a hardened washer and plenty of lube. Also, when using rivnuts in plastic, fiberglass, or thin aluminum I use the type that are made for plastic. They look and work like drywall anchors where pedals spread out when tightened.

[GoDadGo]

A long 5/16" grade-8 bolt, three washers, some grease and a coupler nut works well to install larger rivet-nuts.
You just need to be able to swing the wrench on the coupler nut to do a rock solid installation.
The point is you have an alternative that is also inexpensive.
Good Luck From Da-Swamp Dawlin!
N.O.L.A. Style Speaking That Is!

[Speedy G]

If you're going to be using a lot of rivnuts I'd buy a tool. I'm using the following one with great results:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003TODXQW/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A word of caution. Those small rivnuts may not be able to handle the thickness of the aluminum+frame tubes. You can try to get the rivnuts for thicker metal. They may be hard to find. You need them to handle at least .15".

[GoDadGo]

You can try to get the rivnuts for thicker metal. They may be hard to find. You need them to handle at least .15".

Here Is A Great Place To Find Any Rivet-Nut You Need & At A Fair Price Too!

https://www.rivetsonline.com

[Frank Messina]

I just went through this exercise when mounting my new seats to the Breeze seat mounts. I have had the Marson Riv Nut tool for years and figured I was all set until I tried collapsing one of the 5/16 riv nuts with grip strength alone. Not happening! I now have the tool(s) from McMaster-Carr that edwardb referenced. One each for 5/16 and 3/8.
Frank

[Rodster]

Ray - Excellent! Thanks for sharing the DIY versions!

[ThickCobra]

Ray - Excellent! Thanks for sharing the DIY versions!

2x. Great DYI. Thanks.