Rivnuts, help please.

[Gloveman]

I have been researching rivnut installation tools and have only managed to confuse myself.

I need to install the rivnuts that come with Forte's drive shaft guard, they are 5/16 I think. Also will need to install some smaller rivnuts for the panel I cut out over the drivers foot box for access to the pedals, those will obviously be smaller, maybe 1/4 20.

Is there one tool that will handle both of these sizes? Should I get a manual tool or power? Is there a preferred quality manufacturer?

Thanks for any light you can shine on this for me.

Glove

[FritoBandito]

Funny you should ask. Stinson Pilot posted this link on the other site.
http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15647
For smaller more common rivnuts I have the Harbor Freight tool. But for the size you're talking about you're not going to use it very often so I'd just use the method described in that link.

Mario

[3kcarbon]

Might want to get a "real" one from a quality vendor. I've had pretty good luck with a lot of Harbor freight stuff but I killed their rivit setter in about 30 minutes. Most good one have a set of different size "tools" with it. Get one that can set steel rivnuts without failing. You probably won't like what a good one costs but after you use it you will find more uses for it later. Good tools are a investment, cheap ones will get you by....sometimes. 8/32 is perfect for gearshift boots and parking brake bezels. Iused 1/4 20 on the rocker body bolts.

[Lynnhowlyn]

Here's another possible source for the install tool (I posted the same info on the "other" forum as well)

http://www.aircraft-tool.com/shop/detail.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=R290-8-32

They have size specific rivnut install tools that are used with your pop-rivet tool (the one in the link is the 8-32 that I ordered) and they are "one" source for rivnuts as well.

They also have several other rivnut install tool options.

HTH

Lynn

BTW - as I'm going thru this build, I'm learning that the aircraft industry ... including the home-built bunch (EAA) ..... is (can be) a good source for tools and techniques

[Dave O]

I used the "Homebuilders Rivet Nut Tool" from Aircraft Spruce. Easy to use, handles several sizes, and cost is good.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/to/rivnuttools.html

[MK4]

This is where I buy my stuff

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/search/searchResults.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-6243227948567754792&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHa ndler.searchRequest.docSort=strprop&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryF ormHandler.searchRequest.docSort=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHa ndler.searchRequest.docSortProp=score&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryF ormHandler.searchRequest.docSortProp=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHa ndler.searchRequest.docSortOrder=descending&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryF ormHandler.searchRequest.docSortOrder=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHa ndler.searchRequest.pageSize=15&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryF ormHandler.searchRequest.pageSize=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHa ndler.searchRequest.saveRequest=true&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryF ormHandler.searchRequest.saveRequest=+&%2Fpal%2Festore%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FAr chivedProductQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.pageSi ze=1&_D%3A%2Fpal%2Festore%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog %2FArchivedProductQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.p ageSize=+&%2Fpal%2Festore%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FAr chivedProductQueryFormHandler.saveRequest=true&_D%3A%2Fpal%2Festore%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog %2FArchivedProductQueryFormHandler.saveRequest=+&question=threaded+inserts&_D%3Aquestion=+&%2Fpal%2Festore%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FAr chivedProductQueryFormHandler.search=+Search+&_D%3A%2Fpal%2Festore%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog %2FArchivedProductQueryFormHandler.search=+&%2Fpal%2Festore%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Ffilesystem%2 FDocumentQueryFormHandler.search=+Search+&_D%3A%2Fpal%2Festore%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Ffilesys tem%2FDocumentQueryFormHandler.search=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHa ndler.search=Search&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryF ormHandler.search=+&_DARGS=%2Fpal%2Finclude%2Fheader.jsp.searchForm good price and fast delivery

[edwardb]

I used a wrench drive rivet nut installation tool from McMaster. Wouldn't be best for high volume, but for the number I put in my build, they're bullet proof and not too expensive. Used a bunch of 10-32 rivnuts in my dash, and then several other locations on the body including splash panels, underhood panels, etc. Go to this page and scroll down about half way, right past the T-handle tool. That's another nice option, but more expensive.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/117/3271/=fp8ge4

[Gloveman]

Thanks guys,

As always, the forum has all the answers.

Glove

[XLR8]

I did a whole thread on this at the following link: Driveshaft Hoop Install tips (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/283730-fortes-driveshaft-hoop-install-tip.html) I suggest you read it...it will help minimize frustration with this install. Also, I forget the size of these rivnuts, but they are huge. I had to get a specific setter for this size...my hand held setter wasn't stout enough at all. I think it was 20 or 30 bucks from aircraft spruce If I remember right. worked great, but make sure you drill the holes right (see my post linked!!!!). Good luck.

[TimC]

I bought this one and it worked well on my build and a few other things after.

7301
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200308963_200308963

[skullandbones]

I like this thread as it will be something I will take into account when installing the DSH. Thanks Gloveman and XLR8 (read the thread!). See you later, WEK.