What are Rivet Nuts?

Rivet nuts, also known as nutserts or rivnuts, are internally threaded inserts designed to be installed in sheet metal, fibreglass, plastics, and other composite materials. These versatile fasteners provide a secure and permanent captive thread, making them an ideal solution for various industries. Available in different body types, materials, and finishes, rivet nuts cater to a wide range of applications. Whether you need a strong thread in a thin sheet or a reliable fastening solution in a composite material, rivet nuts offer the perfect answer.

Nutsert, Rivnut, Rivet Nut = Different Names, Same Reliable Product

While customers may refer to them differently – Nutserts, Rivnuts, or Rivet Nuts – but these terms all point to the same reliable fastening product - a type of internally threaded insert. The nutsert is specifically designed to be installed in sheet metal, fibreglass, plastics, and other composite materials to create a secure and permanent captive thread. Assembly applications include automotive, electrical engineering, sheet metal, domestic appliances and general fabrication.

Rivnut

The first rivnut was created by BF Goodrich in the 1930s and sold under the trademark Rivnut^®. Although rivnut is now a trademark of BÖllhoff Inc., USA, it has become a generic name for any blind threaded insert with a body and flange.

How do nutserts work?

A nutsert offers a versatile alternative to a conventional nut, allowing you to create strong threads in thin sheets where drilling and tapping may not be effective. Once installed, it enables the easy and secure joining of multiple materials with a bolt or screw. Nutserts are installed from one side, making them exceptionally handy for creating a permanent thread in tubular materials or where access is limited to one side.

How to install nutserts?

Nutserts can be easily installed using a manual, cordless, or air nutsert gun by following these simple steps. Manual rivnut tools are a cost-effective option for occasional installations, while pneumatic and cordless tools offer more efficiency for frequent use.

1. First, thread the nutsert onto the mandrel of your tool of the matching size.
2. Next, place the nutsert into the pre-prepared hole in the material.
3. As you draw the mandrel into the tool, the nutsert is securely compressed.
4. After installation, unthread the mandrel and tool from the workpiece.

The result is a strong, load-bearing thread, ready to connect to other materials confidently.

How strong are nutserts?

The strength of a nutsert is determined through a variety of measurements:

• Maximum Tightening Torque
• Pull-Out Strength
• Push-Out Strength

Maximum tightening torque is the force applied to the nutsert when installing a bolt or screw before spinning or causing the thread to fail under load. Typical values are provided on our datasheets.

Pull-out and push-out strength is the approximate force required to cause the nutsert to fail by being pushed or pulled out of the parent material. This can also be influenced by the strength or rigidity of the parent material itself.

How to install nutserts without a proper nutsert tool?

While it’s possible to install some nutserts using homemade or DIY tools, we strongly recommend using the appropriate tool for the best results. For low-volume installations, affordable manual tools are readily available. For high-volume or larger-diameter nutserts, a cordless or air tool is an excellent choice to ensure efficiency and precision.

How to remove rivet nuts?

Once installed, a rivet nut is designed to stay securely in place. While it can be removed by carefully drilling or grinding the head, it's important to note that this may carry a risk of surface damage or hole deformation.

Benefits and Applications

Rivet nuts offer several benefits, including quick and reliable installation, high load-bearing capacity, and resistance to vibration and corrosion. These attributes make them suitable for a wide range of applications, including automotive, aerospace, construction, and electronics. In industries where welding or tapping is not feasible or desirable, rivet nuts provide an efficient and effective alternative. Their versatility and reliability have made them a popular choice among manufacturers and engineers, ensuring secure and durable connections across numerous projects.

Rivet Nuts vs. Rivets

Rivet nuts and rivets serve different purposes in fastening. Rivet nuts provide a threaded hole for bolts or screws, allowing for a reusable fastening point in thin materials like metal or plastic. They are ideal for applications where a strong, detachable connection is needed. In contrast, rivets create a permanent mechanical connection between materials and are installed without threads. Once set, they can not be removed without destruction, making them suitable for projects requiring a permanent, non-removable fastening, like aerospace and electronics. Both are installed from one side, but rivet nuts allow reusability, whereas rivets are a permanent solution.

Choosing the Correct Rivet Nut

The most crucial attribute when choosing a rivet nut is the grip range, which refers to the material thickness into which the rivet nut is inserted. Other attributes that need to be checked are hole size, material, body style, and flange/head size. Read 5 Things to Remember to Make the Most of Rivet Nuts for more information. 

RivetLab supplies the most extensive range of rivet nuts to help you complete your pending job, including rivet nuts for special requirements, such as Jack Nuts, Well Nuts, Rivstuds, and Plus Nuts. We assure you that all our products have passed strict industry standards and are manufactured from strong, durable, and premium-quality materials.

Install rivet nuts effortlessly with our range of rivnut tools. Discover the perfect tool for your project from our selection.