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Introduction
Rivet nuts are threaded inserts used to add strong, reusable threads to materials that may be too thin or difficult to tap directly. They are commonly installed in sheet metal, thin steel, aluminum panels, tubing, cabinets, enclosures, trailers, automotive panels, machinery guards, and other fabricated parts.
The main advantage of a rivet nut is that it can be installed from only one side of the material. This makes it useful in places where you cannot reach the back side of the workpiece to hold a traditional nut. Once installed, the rivet nut creates a permanent threaded mounting point that can accept a bolt or machine screw.
Rivet nuts are popular in automotive work, metal fabrication, equipment repair, furniture, electronics enclosures, HVAC panels, and general maintenance because they provide a clean way to add threads without welding, tapping thick material, or using loose hardware on the back side.
What Is a Rivet Nut?
A rivet nut is a type of threaded insert that is installed into a drilled hole to create internal threads in a workpiece. It is also commonly called a rivnut, nutsert, blind rivet nut, blind nut, or threaded insert.
Although these names are often used interchangeably, they generally describe the same kind of fastener: a hollow insert with internal threads that can be compressed into place using a rivet nut tool. After installation, the rivet nut stays locked in the material and allows a bolt or machine screw to be threaded into it.
Rivet nuts are especially useful when the base material is too thin to tap strong threads directly. For example, a thin sheet metal panel may not have enough thickness to hold threads on its own. By installing a rivet nut, you create a stronger threaded attachment point without needing to weld a nut to the back side of the panel.
They are also helpful when the back side of the material is closed off or hard to reach. This is why rivet nuts are often called “blind” fasteners. Like blind rivets, they can be installed from the front side of the workpiece only.
How Do Rivet Nuts Work?
A rivet nut works by expanding or collapsing behind the material after it is placed into a drilled hole. The process starts by drilling the correct hole size for the rivet nut. The hole must be large enough for the rivet nut body to fit, but not so large that the insert spins or fits loosely.
Once the hole is drilled and deburred, the rivet nut is threaded onto the mandrel of a rivet nut tool. The mandrel is the threaded part of the tool that screws into the insert. The rivet nut is then placed into the hole with its flange sitting flat against the front surface of the material.
When the tool is squeezed, ratcheted, or activated, it pulls on the threaded portion of the rivet nut. As the tool pulls, the backside of the rivet nut compresses and forms a bulge behind the material. This bulge clamps the rivet nut against the workpiece, locking it into place.
After the rivet nut is set, the tool is unthreaded and removed. What remains is a finished threaded hole that can accept a bolt or machine screw. The bolt can be removed and reinstalled as needed, making rivet nuts useful for panels, brackets, covers, accessories, guards, and parts that may need to be serviced later.
Rivet Nut vs Rivet vs Weld Nut
Rivet nuts are sometimes confused with blind rivets, weld nuts, and tapped holes because all of them are used to fasten parts together. The main difference is whether the fastener creates reusable threads, a permanent joint, or a threaded attachment point by another method.
A rivet nut creates reusable internal threads in thin material. A blind rivet permanently joins materials together. A weld nut creates a threaded attachment point by welding a nut to the workpiece. A tapped hole creates threads directly in the base material by cutting threads into the hole.
| Fastener or Method | What It Does | Result | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rivet nut | Installs a threaded insert into a drilled hole | Reusable threaded hole | Thin metal, tubing, panels, one-sided access |
| Blind rivet | Joins two or more materials together | Permanent fastened joint | Sheet metal fastening, panels, brackets |
| Weld nut | Welds a threaded nut to the workpiece | Permanent welded threaded attachment | Heavy-duty metal assemblies and production work |
| Tapped hole | Cuts threads directly into the material | Threads in the base material | Thicker metal or solid material with enough depth |
Use a rivet nut when you need removable bolts or screws in material that is too thin to tap. Use a blind rivet when you want to permanently fasten materials together. Use a weld nut when welding is practical and you need a strong permanent threaded attachment. Use a tapped hole when the material is thick enough to hold threads on its own.
Common Uses for Rivet Nuts
Rivet nuts are used anywhere strong reusable threads are needed in thin material or areas where the back side of the workpiece is difficult to reach. They are especially useful because they can be installed from one side of the material and do not require welding or access for a loose nut.
Common uses include:
Automotive panels
Rivet nuts are often used for body panels, interior panels, underbody parts, brackets, accessories, roof racks, skid plates, and custom mounts. They allow parts to be bolted on and removed later for service or replacement.
Sheet metal
Thin sheet metal usually does not have enough thickness to hold strong tapped threads. A rivet nut adds a threaded insert without needing to weld a nut to the back side.
Tubing
Rivet nuts are useful in square, rectangular, or round tubing where the inside is not accessible. They can create threaded mounting points on tube frames, rails, racks, and fabricated structures.
Trailers
Trailers often use rivet nuts for panels, lights, brackets, tie-down points, fenders, toolboxes, and accessories where removable hardware is helpful.
Racks
Rivet nuts are commonly used on roof racks, storage racks, equipment racks, and metal frames because they create strong threaded mounting points in hollow or thin material.
Cabinets
Metal cabinets, storage boxes, and industrial furniture often use rivet nuts for handles, hinges, panels, shelves, and mounting brackets.
Enclosures
Electrical enclosures, electronics housings, control panels, and equipment covers can use rivet nuts so covers or components can be removed and reinstalled without damaging the base material.
HVAC panels
Rivet nuts can be used in ductwork, access panels, brackets, guards, and sheet metal assemblies where service access may be needed later.
Machinery guards
Machine guards, covers, shields, and access panels often need removable fasteners. Rivet nuts allow these parts to be bolted in place while still being removable for maintenance.
Marine and outdoor equipment
Stainless steel or corrosion-resistant rivet nuts are useful for marine hardware, outdoor equipment, trailers, racks, and exposed metal parts.
Repair work
Rivet nuts are also helpful for repairing stripped threads, damaged panels, broken mounting points, or places where the original threaded attachment is no longer usable.
Types of Rivet Nuts
Rivet nuts come in different styles for different materials, access conditions, strength needs, and installation requirements. The best type depends on the material thickness, hole shape, load requirements, corrosion exposure, and whether the finished surface needs to be flush.
Open-End Rivet Nuts
An open-end rivet nut has a threaded body that is open at the back. This is one of the most common styles and is used for general-purpose fastening.
Open-end rivet nuts are usually easier to manufacture, widely available, and suitable for many sheet metal, tubing, panel, and bracket applications. They work well when the bolt does not need to be sealed from moisture, dust, or debris entering from the back side.
Closed-End Rivet Nuts
A closed-end rivet nut has a sealed back end. This helps keep the bolt from passing completely through the insert and can provide better protection against moisture, dirt, fumes, or debris.
Closed-end rivet nuts are often used in applications where sealing matters, such as outdoor equipment, marine hardware, tanks, enclosed panels, or places where the backside should remain blocked.
Flat Head / Large Flange Rivet Nuts
A flat head or large flange rivet nut has a wider flange at the front of the insert. The flange sits on top of the material and helps spread the load over a larger surface area.
This style is useful for softer materials, thin sheet metal, oversized holes, or applications where extra bearing surface is helpful. The larger flange can also help prevent the rivet nut from pulling through the material.
Countersunk / Flush Rivet Nuts
A countersunk or flush rivet nut is designed to sit more level with the surface of the material. The hole usually needs to be countersunk so the head of the rivet nut can sit flush.
This type is useful when a raised flange would interfere with another part, panel, hinge, bracket, or finished surface. It is common in applications where clearance, appearance, or smooth surface contact matters.
Knurled Body Rivet Nuts
A knurled body rivet nut has ridges or serrations around the outside of the body. These ridges bite into the material during installation and help resist spinning.
Knurled rivet nuts are a good choice when you need better grip in softer materials or when the insert may experience repeated bolt removal and installation. The knurling helps the insert stay locked in place.
Ribbed Body Rivet Nuts
A ribbed body rivet nut is similar to a knurled rivet nut, but the outside of the body has ribs or grooves designed to increase resistance to rotation.
Ribbed rivet nuts can be useful in sheet metal and panel applications where spin resistance is important. They help reduce the chance of the rivet nut turning in the hole when a bolt is tightened or removed.
Hex Body Rivet Nuts
A hex body rivet nut has a hex-shaped body instead of a round body. It is installed into a hex-shaped hole, which gives it excellent resistance to spinning.
Hex body rivet nuts are often used in production environments or higher-torque applications where rotation resistance is critical. The downside is that they usually require a hex hole, which may need special tooling or a punching process.
Round Body Rivet Nuts
A round body rivet nut is the most common body style and fits into a standard round drilled hole. This makes it easy to install with basic drilling tools.
Round body rivet nuts are convenient and widely available, but they may not resist spinning as well as knurled, ribbed, or hex body styles. For many general-purpose uses, they work well as long as the hole size and grip range are correct.
Sealed Rivet Nuts
A sealed rivet nut is designed to limit the passage of liquid, air, dust, or debris through the insert. Closed-end rivet nuts are one common sealed style, but some designs may also include sealing features around the flange.
Sealed rivet nuts are useful for outdoor equipment, marine applications, enclosures, HVAC systems, and panels where moisture or contamination could be a problem.
Plus Nuts vs Rivet Nuts
A plus nut is a type of threaded insert that expands differently than a standard rivet nut. Instead of forming a compact bulge behind the material, a plus nut usually splits or folds into legs that spread out behind the panel.
Plus nuts are often used in softer or thinner materials where a wider backside grip is helpful, such as plastic, fiberglass, thin panels, or automotive body panels. They can provide a larger bearing area than a standard rivet nut.
A standard rivet nut is usually better for metal, tubing, brackets, and general threaded insert applications. A plus nut may be better when the material is thin, soft, or prone to pull-through.
Here’s the next section for the article:
Rivet Nut Materials
Rivet nuts are available in several materials, and the right choice depends on the strength required, the environment, the base material, and how difficult the installation will be. The most common rivet nut materials are aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and brass.
In general, softer rivet nuts are easier to install but may not provide the same strength as harder materials. Stronger materials can handle heavier loads, but they usually require more installation force and a stronger rivet nut tool.
Aluminum Rivet Nuts
Aluminum rivet nuts are lightweight, easy to install, and naturally corrosion resistant in many environments. Because aluminum is softer than steel or stainless steel, it requires less force to compress during installation. This makes aluminum rivet nuts a good choice for basic hand rivet nut tools and light-duty projects.
Aluminum rivet nuts are often used in thin aluminum panels, light sheet metal, electronics enclosures, cabinets, signs, furniture, and general DIY repairs. They are also useful when reducing weight matters.
The main downside is strength. Aluminum rivet nuts are not usually the best choice for high-load applications, heavy brackets, structural mounting points, or places where the threads will be tightened and removed repeatedly under force.
Best for: light-duty panels, aluminum sheet, enclosures, cabinets, signs, and low-load applications.
Steel Rivet Nuts
Steel rivet nuts are stronger than aluminum and are one of the most common choices for automotive, fabrication, equipment, and general repair work. They provide stronger threads and better load capacity than aluminum inserts.
Steel rivet nuts are a good choice for brackets, racks, trailers, machinery panels, automotive accessories, frames, and other applications where strength matters. They work well in many general-purpose metal fastening jobs.
The tradeoff is that steel rivet nuts require more installation force than aluminum. Smaller steel rivet nuts can often be installed with a hand tool, but larger sizes are usually easier with a long-arm lever rivet nut tool. Steel can also corrode if it is not plated or protected, so the finish matters in outdoor or wet environments.
Best for: automotive work, brackets, racks, trailers, general fabrication, and medium-duty fastening.
Stainless Steel Rivet Nuts
Stainless steel rivet nuts offer good corrosion resistance and higher durability, making them useful in outdoor, marine, chemical, food-service, and harsh environments. They are commonly chosen when the insert may be exposed to moisture, weather, road salt, or corrosive conditions.
Stainless steel rivet nuts are strong, but they are also harder to install. They require more pulling force than aluminum or standard steel rivet nuts. For this reason, stainless steel inserts should usually be installed with a heavy-duty lever tool, pneumatic tool, or cordless rivet nut tool rated for stainless steel.
They are usually more expensive than aluminum or steel rivet nuts, but the extra cost can be worthwhile when corrosion resistance is important.
Best for: marine equipment, outdoor hardware, exposed metal assemblies, food-service equipment, corrosive environments, and higher-durability applications.
Brass Rivet Nuts
Brass rivet nuts are less common than aluminum, steel, or stainless steel, but they are useful in certain applications. Brass offers good corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and a clean appearance. It is also easier to install than steel or stainless steel.
Brass rivet nuts may be used in electrical equipment, decorative hardware, light-duty assemblies, soft materials, and applications where corrosion resistance or conductivity matters. They are not typically used for heavy structural loads.
Because brass is softer than steel, care should be taken not to over-tighten bolts or damage the threads.
Best for: electrical applications, light-duty hardware, decorative uses, corrosion-resistant assemblies, and softer material applications.
Rivet Nut Sizes
Rivet nuts come in both metric and SAE/inch thread sizes. The thread size determines what bolt or machine screw will fit into the installed rivet nut. When choosing rivet nuts, you need to match the rivet nut thread size to the fastener you plan to use.
Common metric rivet nut sizes include:
- M3
- M4
- M5
- M6
- M8
- M10
- M12
Common SAE rivet nut sizes include:
- 8-32
- 10-24
- 1/4-20
- 5/16-18
- 3/8-16
Smaller sizes like M3, M4, 8-32, and 10-24 are usually used for light panels, electronics, enclosures, and small brackets. Medium sizes like M5, M6, and 1/4-20 are common for general hardware, automotive panels, and brackets. Larger sizes like M8, M10, M12, 5/16-18, and 3/8-16 are used for heavier brackets, racks, frames, trailers, and fabrication work.
Thread size is only one part of the selection. You also need to consider the correct hole size, material thickness, grip range, rivet nut body style, head style, and material.
Rivet Nut Size Chart
Use this rivet nut size chart as a general guide when matching thread size to common applications and tool types. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact hole size and grip range before drilling.
| Thread Size | Common Use | Typical Tool Type |
|---|---|---|
| M3 / M4 | Light panels, electronics | Hand tool |
| M5 / M6 | Brackets, automotive panels | Hand or lever tool |
| M8 | Racks, frames, heavier brackets | Lever tool |
| M10 / M12 | Heavy fabrication | Heavy-duty lever or powered tool |
| 1/4-20 | General hardware | Hand or lever tool |
| 5/16-18 | Automotive/fabrication | Lever tool |
| 3/8-16 | Heavy brackets | Heavy-duty lever tool |
Small rivet nuts are easier to install and usually work with basic hand tools. Larger rivet nuts require more force, especially when made from steel or stainless steel. For larger sizes, a long-arm lever tool, pneumatic tool, or cordless rivet nut tool may be a better choice.
Grip Range: Why Material Thickness Matters
Grip range is one of the most important details when choosing a rivet nut. It refers to the range of material thickness that the rivet nut is designed to clamp onto after installation.
A rivet nut is not selected by thread size alone. You need to match three things:
- The thread size, which determines what bolt fits the insert
- The hole size, which determines the drilled hole diameter
- The grip range, which determines what material thickness the rivet nut can properly clamp
If the material is too thin for the rivet nut’s grip range, the insert may not collapse correctly. It may feel loose, spin in the hole, or fail to clamp tightly. If the material is too thick, the rivet nut may not have enough room to collapse behind the workpiece, which can lead to weak installation or damaged threads.
For example, two M6 rivet nuts may have the same internal thread size but different grip ranges. One may be designed for very thin sheet metal, while another may be designed for thicker material. They are not always interchangeable.
This is why grip range matters so much. Before installing a rivet nut, measure the thickness of the material and choose an insert designed for that range. A properly matched rivet nut will collapse behind the material and clamp securely without spinning, pulling out, or deforming the workpiece.
How to Choose the Right Rivet Nut
Choosing the right rivet nut means looking at the entire application, not just the thread size. The best rivet nut for a thin aluminum panel may not be the best choice for a steel bracket, outdoor trailer, or stainless marine part.
Start with the thread size. Choose the metric or SAE size that matches the bolt or machine screw you plan to use. Common choices include M5, M6, M8, 1/4-20, and 5/16-18, depending on the application.
Next, check the hole size. Each rivet nut requires a specific hole diameter. If the hole is too small, the rivet nut may not fit or may deform during installation. If the hole is too large, the rivet nut may spin or fail to clamp securely.
Then check the material thickness and grip range. Measure the workpiece and choose a rivet nut designed for that thickness. This is especially important with sheet metal, tubing walls, and panels.
Choose the rivet nut material based on strength and environment. Aluminum is easier to install and good for light-duty use. Steel is stronger and better for automotive and fabrication work. Stainless steel is best for corrosion resistance. Brass is useful for certain electrical, decorative, or light-duty applications.
Select the right head style. A large flange can spread load and help prevent pull-through. A countersunk or flush head is better when the insert needs to sit level with the surface.
Choose the right body style. Round body rivet nuts are easy to install in standard drilled holes. Knurled or ribbed body styles offer better spin resistance. Hex body rivet nuts provide excellent resistance to rotation but usually require a hex-shaped hole.
Decide between open-end and closed-end. Open-end rivet nuts are good for general-purpose use. Closed-end or sealed rivet nuts are better when you need to block moisture, dirt, fumes, or debris from passing through the insert.
Consider spin resistance. If the bolt will be removed and reinstalled often, or if the application sees vibration, choose a rivet nut with knurls, ribs, or a hex body to reduce the chance of spinning.
Think about corrosion resistance. Outdoor, marine, wet, or chemical environments may require stainless steel or another corrosion-resistant material or finish.
Finally, consider the load requirements. Rivet nuts are useful fasteners, but they must be matched to the strength of the material and the expected load. For heavy loads, use the proper material, body style, grip range, and installation method. When in doubt, choose a stronger insert and test the installation before relying on it in a critical application.
Here’s the final section for the article:
How to Install Rivet Nuts
Installing rivet nuts is straightforward, but the details matter. The correct hole size, grip range, tool setup, and installation pressure all affect how securely the rivet nut holds in the material.
1. Choose the Correct Rivet Nut
Start by choosing the right rivet nut for the job. Match the thread size to the bolt or machine screw you plan to use. Then check the material, head style, body style, and grip range.
For light-duty panels, aluminum rivet nuts may be enough. For automotive brackets, racks, and fabrication work, steel rivet nuts are usually a better choice. For outdoor, marine, or corrosion-prone environments, stainless steel rivet nuts may be needed.
2. Drill the Correct Hole Size
Drill the hole to the size recommended by the rivet nut manufacturer. The hole needs to be large enough for the insert to fit, but tight enough to keep it from spinning.
A hole that is too small can damage the rivet nut during installation. A hole that is too large can prevent the rivet nut from gripping the material correctly.
3. Deburr the Hole
After drilling, remove burrs and sharp edges from both sides of the hole if possible. A clean hole helps the rivet nut sit flat against the surface and compress evenly.
Burrs can prevent the flange from seating properly, which may lead to a weak or crooked installation.
4. Thread the Rivet Nut Onto the Tool Mandrel
Choose the correct mandrel size for the rivet nut thread. Carefully thread the rivet nut onto the mandrel by hand. It should turn smoothly without force.
If the rivet nut does not thread easily, stop and check the size. Forcing the wrong mandrel into the insert can cross-thread the rivet nut, damage the mandrel, or ruin the tool.
5. Insert the Rivet Nut Into the Hole
Place the rivet nut into the drilled hole. The flange should sit flat against the front side of the material.
Make sure the rivet nut is straight and fully seated before compressing it. If it starts crooked, it may collapse unevenly or create weak threads.
6. Compress the Rivet Nut
Squeeze the handles, use the ratcheting mechanism, or activate the pneumatic or cordless tool. The tool pulls on the threaded portion of the rivet nut, causing the backside to collapse and form a bulge behind the material.
This backside bulge clamps the rivet nut in place. Use steady pressure and avoid over-compressing the insert. More force is not always better.
7. Remove the Tool
Once the rivet nut is set, unthread the mandrel from the insert. Do this carefully so you do not damage the newly installed threads.
The rivet nut should remain firmly locked in the material with the flange sitting flat on the surface.
8. Test With the Correct Bolt
Thread the correct bolt or machine screw into the installed rivet nut. It should turn smoothly and tighten securely.
If the rivet nut spins, feels loose, or pulls out, the hole size, grip range, installation force, or material choice may have been incorrect.
Common Rivet Nut Installation Mistakes
Rivet nuts are reliable when installed correctly, but small mistakes can lead to spinning inserts, weak threads, damaged tools, or failed mounting points.
Wrong Hole Size
The most common mistake is drilling the wrong hole size. If the hole is too small, the rivet nut may not seat properly or may deform during installation. If the hole is too large, the rivet nut may spin instead of clamping to the material.
Always check the recommended hole size before drilling.
Wrong Grip Range
Grip range refers to the material thickness the rivet nut is designed to clamp. If the rivet nut does not match the thickness of the workpiece, it may not collapse correctly.
A rivet nut used in material that is too thin may not tighten securely. A rivet nut used in material that is too thick may not form a proper backside bulge.
Over-Compression
Over-compressing a rivet nut can damage the insert, strip the threads, deform the material, or break the mandrel. This is especially common when using too much force with softer materials or smaller rivet nuts.
Compress the rivet nut only enough to lock it securely in place.
Under-Compression
Under-compression happens when the rivet nut is not pulled enough to fully clamp behind the material. This can leave the insert loose, allowing it to spin when a bolt is tightened.
If the rivet nut moves or rotates after installation, it may not have been compressed enough.
Cross-Threading
Cross-threading can happen when the rivet nut is forced onto the wrong mandrel or started at an angle. This can damage the internal threads of the insert and the threads of the tool mandrel.
Always start threading by hand and make sure the rivet nut turns smoothly.
Weak Base Material
Rivet nuts need the base material to be strong enough to support the load. If the material is too thin, brittle, cracked, soft, or damaged, the rivet nut may pull out or deform the surrounding area.
For soft or thin materials, consider a large flange rivet nut, plus nut, backing support, or a different fastening method.
Wrong Material Choice
Using the wrong rivet nut material can lead to poor performance. Aluminum is easy to install but may not be strong enough for heavy loads. Steel is stronger but may corrode if not protected. Stainless steel resists corrosion but requires more installation force.
Match the rivet nut material to the strength and environment of the application.
Using the Wrong Tool
A small hand tool may work well for light-duty aluminum rivet nuts, but it may struggle with larger steel or stainless steel inserts. Using an undersized tool can lead to poor installation, tool damage, broken mandrels, or hand fatigue.
For larger sizes, frequent use, or stainless steel rivet nuts, use a heavy-duty lever, pneumatic, or cordless rivet nut tool.
Rivet Nut FAQ
Are rivet nuts permanent?
Rivet nuts are considered permanent threaded inserts because they are designed to stay installed in the material. However, the bolt or machine screw that threads into the rivet nut can be removed and reinstalled as needed.
The rivet nut itself can sometimes be removed by drilling it out, but it is not meant to be removed during normal use.
Are rivet nuts strong?
Rivet nuts can be very strong when the correct size, material, grip range, and installation method are used. Steel and stainless steel rivet nuts provide more strength than aluminum rivet nuts.
Strength also depends on the base material. A rivet nut installed in thin or weak material will only be as strong as the material supporting it.
Can rivet nuts be used in plastic?
Yes, rivet nuts can sometimes be used in plastic, fiberglass, and composite panels, but the correct style matters. Standard rivet nuts may pull through or crack soft materials if they concentrate too much force in one area.
For plastic or thin soft panels, a plus nut or large flange insert may be a better choice because it spreads the load over a wider area.
Can rivet nuts be removed?
Yes, rivet nuts can usually be removed by drilling out the insert or carefully cutting away the flange. However, removal may enlarge the hole or damage the surrounding material.
If a rivet nut spins in the hole, removal can be more difficult because the insert may rotate while drilling.
What is the difference between a rivet nut and a nutsert?
In everyday use, rivet nut and nutsert usually refer to the same type of fastener. Both terms describe a threaded insert that is installed into a drilled hole to create reusable internal threads.
“Rivnut” is also commonly used as another name for a rivet nut.
Do rivet nuts spin?
Rivet nuts can spin if they are installed incorrectly, if the hole is too large, if the grip range is wrong, or if the base material is too weak. They can also spin if too much torque is applied to the bolt.
To reduce spinning, use the correct hole size, proper grip range, and a body style with better rotation resistance, such as knurled, ribbed, or hex body rivet nuts.
What tool do you need for rivet nuts?
The best tool depends on the size and material of the rivet nut. Small aluminum rivet nuts can often be installed with a basic hand rivet nut tool. Larger steel rivet nuts are easier with a long-arm lever tool. Stainless steel rivet nuts or frequent installations may require a heavy-duty lever, pneumatic, or cordless rivet nut tool.
Are rivet nuts waterproof?
Standard open-end rivet nuts are not waterproof because the insert is open at the back. Closed-end or sealed rivet nuts are better when you need to limit moisture, dust, air, or debris from passing through the fastener.
For wet, outdoor, or marine applications, use corrosion-resistant materials and consider sealed or closed-end rivet nuts.
Can you install rivet nuts without a tool?
It is possible to install some rivet nuts without a dedicated tool using a bolt, nut, and washer method. However, this method is less consistent and can damage the threads if done incorrectly.
A proper rivet nut tool is usually the better choice because it provides more controlled compression and a cleaner installation.
Final Summary
Rivet nuts are a practical way to add strong, reusable threads to thin metal, sheet metal, tubing, panels, enclosures, and other materials where tapping threads or reaching the back side is difficult. They are useful in automotive work, fabrication, trailers, racks, cabinets, HVAC panels, machinery guards, marine equipment, and general repair projects.
The key to a strong installation is choosing the right rivet nut for the job. Pay attention to thread size, hole size, grip range, material, head style, body style, corrosion resistance, and installation tool. When matched correctly, a rivet nut creates a clean threaded mounting point that can be used again and again.
For more help, see our related guides on rivet nut tools, rivet nut hole sizes, rivet nut materials, and how to choose the right rivet nut for your project.