Rivnut Tool recommendation

[mmklaxer]

As I prepare for the build and order some tools, I'm struggling to find a rivnut tool that has mandrels for fine thread.

Most of the tools i see online have coarse thread. Is that sufficient? if not, where can I find a fine thread tool?

Thanks!

[CaptB]

I bought this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08ND2DYGM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Works great. Not sure if it works for you but here you go anyway.

[mmklaxer]

I bought this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08ND2DYGM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Works great. Not sure if it works for you but here you go anyway.

ok, Lots of tools available in these 6 sizes. Barring another recommendation, I would get one of these and run with it. thank you.

[edwardb]

I've extensively used three different types of tools for setting rivnuts. This one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TODXQW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (highly recommended by others), a hand squeeze variety, and this wrench driven style from McMaster. https://www.mcmaster.com/rivet-nut-installation-tools/wrench-driven-rivet-nut-tools/. I get the most reliable results with the last one from McMaster. Available in multiple sizes. I have three: #10, 1/4" and 5/16". So far has covered everything I need. The Astro Pneumatic tool works OK and would be my second recommendation. I get it out occasionally. But the size and space required to operate it sometimes is a problem. The hand squeezer is OK for small sizes. The larger sizes and HD rivnuts are too much for my office hardened grip.

[mmklaxer]

I've extensively used three different types of tools for setting rivnuts. This one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TODXQW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (highly recommended by others), a hand squeeze variety, and this wrench driven style from McMaster. https://www.mcmaster.com/rivet-nut-installation-tools/wrench-driven-rivet-nut-tools/. I get the most reliable results with the last one from McMaster. Available in multiple sizes. I have three: #10, 1/4" and 5/16". So far has covered everything I need. The Astro Pneumatic tool works OK and would be my second recommendation. I get it out occasionally. But the size and space required to operate it sometimes is a problem. The hand squeezer is OK for small sizes. The larger sizes and HD rivnuts are too much for my office hardened grip.

Very helpful, as always!

[Alex_V]

I had no issues with a cheap Harbor Freight air tool, and an old Craftsman hand riveter. If I was to do this as a trade there are probably better choices. My .02

[CaptB]

I used the Milwaukee cordless riveter. It is pricey but it was excellent to use.

I plan on building the truck next so it will be used after this build.

[mmklaxer]

I used the Milwaukee cordless riveter. It is pricey but it was excellent to use.

I plan on building the truck next so it will be used after this build.

As this might be the only car I build for a while, I'm going to attempt to pull it off with just a manual rivet tool. More than a few people here have chimed in stating they did it without too much issue. we'll see....

[Jhinkemeyer]

I used one just like this, but got it from the local Menards for way less.

https://www.grainger.com/product/5TUW2?ef_id=CjwKCAjwwo-WBhAMEiwAV4dybVhgqpwtS5ZpA9eR8unch26W3uuLLMD6C3Ao_ YIlz79dxZe3bKI9jBoCre4QAvD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!2966!3!496359975286!!!g!1642691767813!&gucid=N:N:PS:Paid:GGL:CSM-2293:99F1R6:20501231&gclid=CjwKCAjwwo-WBhAMEiwAV4dybVhgqpwtS5ZpA9eR8unch26W3uuLLMD6C3Ao_ YIlz79dxZe3bKI9jBoCre4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

It has a few fine thread mandrels, I used a lot of 8-32 and 10-32 fasteners on my coupe. (It comes with #10-24, #10-32, #8-32, 1/4"-20).

[phileas_fogg]

I used the Homebuilders Rivet Nut Tool from aircraftspruce.com, for much of my build, and do NOT recommend it. I was never able to get the riv nuts square to the surface, so the screws ended up being all wonky. I went to the Astro Pneumatic tool, and like it very much. Though, as Paul says, it won't fit into tight spaces.


John

[JohnK]

I used this one from McMAster: https://www.mcmaster.com/rivet-nut-installation-tools/hand-driven-tools-for-low-profile-rivet-nuts-5/

As well as this one (same as what EdwardB linked above): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TODXQW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can buy additional mandrels for both if the size you want isn't included. 99% of the time I used 10-32 but I also used 6-32 and 1/4-20 in a few places.

Just be careful with the big lever-actuated one if using aluminum rivet nuts, as it's easy to over-pull and rip all the threads out of the rivet nut.

[J R Jones]

I made my hand tool, M6/.25in on one end, M8/.312in on the other. I use appropriate screw/nuts/washer.
Of course the Rivnut is formed with screw/nut clamp load, which is not fast, but it is certain. Obviously this method is advantageous where space above the insert is limited.
I think the FFR 818 assembly guide describes it.

I rarely use fine threads, the physical property differences (course to fine) are negligible, and I have not seen fine thread inserts.
In the case of inserts in fiberglass, I use aluminum to reduce the likelihood of splitting or crushing the plastic.
The only insert company I have found that lists insert grade (grade 5) is Rivnut, which is recommended for automotive.
Rivnut also lists the physical properties and torque specs.

https://www.swfastener.com/pdf/RIVNUT-TheOriginalRivnut.pdf

jim

[mmklaxer]

Great stuff; thanks all!

[i.e.427]

Bought this one from Harbor Freight a while back and could not be happier. May even have to go back and do a long term review of it at one point.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l3g0qRVOl8&list=PLDlFwXKm54oecALjYQ8zADLmN282lXmW7

[toadster]

the exact one I got on amazon isn't there anymore (Tacklife was the brand) but pretty much identical to this design

Rivet Nuts Tool, 14" Hand Rivet Tool Kits with 100Pcs Rivet Nuts and 7 Metric & Inch Mandrels M6 M8 M10, 1/4-20, 5/16-18, 3/8-16, 10-24 and Rugged Carrying Case (https://amzn.to/3IjWiw8)

https://i.imgur.com/VGz0zgc.png

only $38 and comes with a bunch of sizes already, just focus on your primary ones and get a bulk pack of bolts
it's one of my favorite tools, never knew about them prior to the build :)

[rthomas98]

As I prepare for the build and order some tools, I'm struggling to find a rivnut tool that has mandrels for fine thread.

Most of the tools i see online have coarse thread. Is that sufficient? if not, where can I find a fine thread tool?

Thanks!

I used a rivnut tool I picked up at Menards and did the job just fine. I only used it in a couple of places. The fuel tank access covers, the access cover over the brake box and finally on the elephant ears. Anywhere that went into the frame I just drilled and tapped the hole instead of putting rivnuts in. As far as fine thread needs that will be a personal preference if want to use fine thread and if it is worth having it in the tool. Anywhere you are putting rivnuts you are selecting the fastener. Factory Five doesn't require there use. So really that part is up to you and what you would like to do. Hope this helps.

[MB750]

Can you use an impact gun to drive those McMaster Carr style installers?

[Daddy O]

I use a pair of ratcheting box end wrenches and it goes pretty fast. I like the feedback I get using a hand tool and would be concerned using power would make it to easy to over tighten.

[edwardb]

Can you use an impact gun to drive those McMaster Carr style installers?


I use a pair of ratcheting box end wrenches and it goes pretty fast. I like the feedback I get using a hand tool and would be concerned using power would make it to easy to over tighten.

I tried once with a power ratchet. Very easy to over torque and distort or strip out the rivet nut. I wouldn't recommend it. I use two wrenches as noted. Not hard and easy to feel when the rivet nut is seated.