Rivet Nut Tool Guide: Choose the Best Rivnut Tool

Intro

A rivet nut tool is used to install threaded inserts into materials where standard threads are difficult or impossible to create. These inserts are commonly called rivet nuts, rivnuts, nutserts, blind nuts, or threaded inserts. Once installed, they create strong internal threads that allow a bolt or machine screw to be fastened into thin metal, sheet metal, tubing, automotive panels, cabinets, equipment housings, and other materials.

The main advantage of a rivet nut tool is that it lets you create a secure threaded mounting point from only one side of the workpiece. This is especially useful when you cannot reach the back side of the material to hold a nut in place, or when welding, tapping, or using a standard nut and bolt is not practical.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a rivet nut tool does, how it works, the main types of tools available, how to choose the right tool for your project, what sizes to look for, and the most common installation mistakes to avoid.

What Is a Rivet Nut Tool?

A rivet nut tool is a hand, lever, pneumatic, or cordless tool designed to install rivet nuts into a drilled hole. The tool pulls on the threaded portion of the rivet nut while holding the flange against the front side of the material. As the tool pulls, the back side of the rivet nut compresses and expands behind the material, locking it in place.

After the rivet nut is installed, the tool is removed and the insert remains in the workpiece. The result is a permanent threaded hole that can accept a bolt or machine screw.

Rivet nut tools are useful because they allow you to add strong female threads to thin material without needing access to the rear side. This makes them popular for automotive work, metal fabrication, trailers, equipment panels, enclosures, furniture, racks, brackets, and repair projects.

A rivet nut tool is especially helpful when welding a nut is not practical, when the material is too thin to tap threads directly, or when you need a cleaner and more removable fastening solution than a standard rivet.

For a helpful visual, imagine a rivet nut sitting inside a drilled hole. The tool threads into the insert, pulls the mandrel upward, and compresses the back side of the rivet nut until it forms a bulge behind the material. That compressed backside bulge is what holds the insert securely in place.

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Rivet Nut Tool vs Rivet Gun: What’s the Difference?

A rivet nut tool and a rivet gun may look similar, but they are used for different types of fastening. The main difference is what each tool installs and what kind of connection it creates.

A standard rivet gun installs blind rivets, also called pop rivets. Blind rivets are used to permanently join two or more pieces of material together. Once the rivet is installed, it is not meant to be removed without drilling it out or damaging the fastener. This makes a rivet gun a good choice for permanent sheet metal fastening, panels, brackets, ductwork, and general fabrication.

A rivet nut tool installs rivet nuts, also called rivnuts or nutserts. Instead of creating a permanent riveted joint, a rivet nut creates a threaded hole in the material. After the rivet nut is installed, you can thread a bolt or machine screw into it, remove the bolt later, and reuse the threaded insert again.

Use a rivet gun when you want to permanently fasten materials together. Use a rivet nut tool when you need strong reusable threads for a bolt, screw, bracket, panel, accessory, or removable part.

Tool	Installs	Result	Best For
Rivet gun	Blind rivets	Permanent joint	Sheet metal fastening
Rivet nut tool	Rivet nuts / nutserts	Threaded hole	Removable bolts/screws

For example, if you are fastening two sheets of metal together and do not plan to remove them, a rivet gun is usually the better tool. If you are adding a threaded mounting point for a removable panel, roof rack, bracket, machine guard, or automotive accessory, a rivet nut tool is usually the better choice.

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Common Names for a Rivet Nut Tool

A rivet nut tool can go by several different names depending on the manufacturer, industry, or type of fastener being used. In most cases, these names refer to the same general kind of tool: a tool that installs threaded inserts into a drilled hole.

Common names include:

Rivet nut tool
Rivnut tool
Nutsert tool
Threaded insert tool
Blind nut tool
Rivet nut installer
Rivet nut gun
Nut/thread hand riveter

Buyers often use these terms interchangeably. For example, someone working on an automotive project might search for a rivnut tool, while someone in fabrication or maintenance might call it a threaded insert tool or rivet nut installer. Retailers may also list the same type of tool as a rivet nut gun, nutsert tool, or nut/thread hand riveter.

The fasteners themselves also have several names. Rivet nut, rivnut, nutsert, blind nut, and threaded insert are often used to describe the insert that gets installed into the material. The exact term may vary by brand, trade, or application, but the basic purpose is the same: creating a strong threaded mounting point where a standard tapped hole or loose nut would not work well.

When shopping for a tool, pay less attention to the name on the package and more attention to the thread sizes, mandrels, material compatibility, and tool style. A good rivet nut tool should clearly list which metric and SAE rivet nut sizes it can install.

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Types of Rivet Nut Tools

Rivet nut tools come in several styles, ranging from simple hand tools to heavy-duty pneumatic and cordless installation tools. The right choice depends on how often you plan to install rivet nuts, what thread sizes you need, what material the rivet nuts are made from, and how much space you have around the work area.

For occasional projects, a basic hand tool may be enough. For automotive work, fabrication, or larger rivet nuts, a longer lever-style tool usually makes installation easier. For production work or repeated installs, pneumatic and cordless rivet nut tools can save a lot of time and hand fatigue.

Hand Rivet Nut Tool

A hand rivet nut tool is the most basic and affordable style. It usually looks similar to a standard hand riveter, but it has threaded mandrels for installing rivet nuts instead of a nosepiece for blind rivets. The rivet nut threads onto the mandrel, the insert is placed into a drilled hole, and the handles are squeezed to compress the rivet nut behind the material.

Hand rivet nut tools are best for occasional DIY work, small repairs, light fabrication, and smaller thread sizes. They are a good choice if you only need to install a few rivet nuts at a time and do not want to spend more money on a heavy-duty tool.

The main advantage is simplicity. A hand rivet nut tool does not need an air compressor, battery, charger, or power source. It is portable, easy to store, and usually comes as a kit with several mandrel sizes.

However, hand rivet nut tools require more physical effort than larger lever-style tools. They can be tiring if you are installing many rivet nuts in one project, and they may struggle with larger steel or stainless steel rivet nuts. For small aluminum rivet nuts or light-duty use, they work well. For larger sizes like M8, M10, 5/16-18, or 3/8-16, a longer-handled tool is usually easier to use.

Pros:

Affordable
Simple to use
Portable and easy to store
No air compressor, battery, or charger needed
Good for small thread sizes and occasional repairs

Cons:

Requires more hand effort
Harder to use with larger rivet nuts
Slower for repeated installations
May not be ideal for steel or stainless steel rivet nuts
Can cause hand fatigue on bigger projects

Long-Arm Lever Rivet Nut Tool

A long-arm lever rivet nut tool is a heavier-duty option that uses longer handles to create more pulling force with less effort. The extra leverage makes it much easier to install larger rivet nuts, especially in steel or thicker material.

This style is a good all-around choice for automotive work, trailers, racks, brackets, fabrication projects, equipment panels, and medium-duty repairs. If you plan to install rivet nuts more than occasionally, a long-arm lever tool is usually more comfortable and more capable than a small hand rivet nut tool.

Long-arm tools are especially helpful for common larger sizes such as M8, M10, 5/16-18, and 3/8-16. These sizes can be difficult to install with a compact hand tool because they require more force to properly collapse the rivet nut behind the material.

The tradeoff is space. Long handles need room to open and close, so this style may not work well in tight areas such as engine bays, inside cabinets, narrow frames, or already-installed equipment.

Pros:

More leverage
Easier for larger rivet nuts
Good for M8, M10, 5/16-18, and 3/8-16 sizes
Better for automotive and fabrication work
Good all-around choice for most users

Cons:

Needs more room to open and close the handles
Not ideal in tight spaces
Larger and less compact than basic hand tools
Can be awkward on small or delicate workpieces

Ratcheting Rivet Nut Tool

A ratcheting rivet nut tool is designed for areas where a full handle swing is difficult. Instead of closing long handles in one motion, the tool uses a ratcheting action to compress the rivet nut in smaller, controlled pulls.

This makes a ratcheting rivet nut tool useful for tight spaces like engine bays, door jambs, cabinets, equipment housings, installed panels, and areas near corners or obstructions. It can also give the installer more control because the rivet nut is compressed gradually.

Ratcheting tools are not always as fast as full-stroke lever tools, but they can be much easier to use when access is limited. For automotive accessories, repair work, and field installations, this style can be a practical choice.

Because ratcheting tools have more moving parts than a basic hand or lever tool, quality matters. A poorly made ratcheting tool may feel loose, bind under load, or wear faster if used heavily.

Pros:

Works in tighter areas
Controlled installation pulls
Less handle swing needed
Good for engine bays, cabinets, and installed equipment
Useful when access is awkward

Cons:

Slower than full-stroke lever tools
More moving parts
May cost more than a basic hand tool
Not always the best choice for high-volume installation

Pneumatic or Cordless Rivet Nut Tool

A pneumatic or cordless rivet nut tool is designed for frequent use, production work, and shop environments where speed and consistency matter. Instead of relying only on hand force, these tools use air pressure or battery power to pull and set the rivet nut.

This type of tool is best for manufacturing, fabrication shops, maintenance departments, fleet work, and any job where many rivet nuts need to be installed in a short period of time. A powered rivet nut tool can reduce hand fatigue and help create more consistent installations from one fastener to the next.

Pneumatic tools usually require an air compressor and proper setup. Cordless tools are more portable, but they require batteries, chargers, and a higher upfront investment. Both options are usually overkill for someone installing only a few rivet nuts for a home repair or one-time project.

For professional users, the main benefit is productivity. A powered rivet nut tool can make repeated installations faster, cleaner, and easier on the installer.

Pros:

Fast installation
Consistent results
Less hand fatigue
Good for production and shop use
Better for frequent installations

Cons:

More expensive
Requires more setup
Pneumatic tools need an air supply
Cordless tools need batteries and charging
Overkill for occasional users

How to Choose the Best Rivet Nut Tool

The best rivet nut tool depends on the size of rivet nuts you plan to install, the material of the rivet nuts, how often you will use the tool, and how much space you have around the work area. A small hand tool may be fine for occasional light-duty work, but larger steel or stainless steel rivet nuts usually require more leverage or a powered tool.

Before buying a rivet nut tool, look closely at the included mandrel sizes, the material ratings, and the type of tool. Not every kit works with every thread size, and not every tool is strong enough for larger or harder rivet nuts.

1. Match the Tool to the Rivet Nut Size

The most important thing to check is whether the tool includes the mandrels you need. A mandrel is the threaded part of the tool that screws into the rivet nut before installation. If the tool does not include the correct mandrel size, it will not install that rivet nut.

Common SAE rivet nut sizes include:

8-32
10-24
1/4-20
5/16-18
3/8-16

Common metric rivet nut sizes include:

Smaller sizes like M3, M4, 8-32, and 10-24 are usually easier to install with a basic hand rivet nut tool. Medium sizes like M5, M6, and 1/4-20 can often be installed with a hand tool or lever tool. Larger sizes like M8, M10, M12, 5/16-18, and 3/8-16 usually require more leverage.

Do not assume that every rivet nut tool kit includes every size. Some kits are metric only, some are SAE only, and some include both. Before buying, compare the listed mandrels against the rivet nuts you actually plan to use.

2. Consider the Material

The material of the rivet nut affects how much force is needed to install it. Softer materials are easier to compress, while harder materials require a stronger tool and more careful installation.

Aluminum rivet nuts are usually the easiest to install. They are a good choice for light-duty work, panels, enclosures, and projects where corrosion resistance and low installation force are important.

Steel rivet nuts require more force than aluminum. They are commonly used for automotive, brackets, frames, equipment panels, and general fabrication because they provide stronger threads for heavier loads.

Stainless steel rivet nuts are the hardest of the common materials to install. They are often used where corrosion resistance is important, but they require more pulling force and a stronger tool. If you plan to install stainless steel rivet nuts, choose a heavy-duty lever, pneumatic, or cordless rivet nut tool that is rated for stainless steel.

Using a weak tool on hard rivet nuts can lead to poor installation, broken mandrels, stripped threads, or hand fatigue.

3. Think About Access Space

Access space matters more than many buyers expect. A long-arm rivet nut tool is easier to squeeze because it gives you more leverage, but the handles need room to open and close. This can be a problem in tight spaces.

Long-handle tools are a good choice when you have open access around the workpiece. They work well on benches, trailers, racks, frames, and larger panels.

Ratcheting or compact rivet nut tools are better for tight areas such as engine bays, door jambs, cabinets, equipment housings, and installed panels. They usually require less handle movement and give you more control in awkward positions.

Straight-pull rivet nut tools can also be useful when the tool needs to stay aligned with the hole or when the surrounding space makes a traditional handle style difficult to use.

Before choosing a tool, think about where the rivet nuts will actually be installed. The strongest tool is not always the best choice if it cannot physically fit into the work area.

4. Look for Replaceable Mandrels

Mandrels are wear parts. They thread into the rivet nut, pull against the insert, and take a lot of stress during installation. Over time, mandrels can wear, bend, strip, or break.

Cross-threading is one of the most common ways to damage a mandrel. This can happen if the rivet nut is forced onto the wrong mandrel size or started at an angle. Over-compressing the rivet nut can also put too much stress on the mandrel and shorten its life.

A good rivet nut tool kit should include replacement mandrels or make replacements easy to buy. This is especially important if you use the tool often or plan to install larger steel or stainless steel rivet nuts.

When comparing kits, do not only look at the number of rivet nuts included. Check whether the mandrels are replaceable, whether extra mandrels are available, and whether the tool uses standard sizes.

5. Choose a Kit With the Sizes You Actually Need

It can be tempting to buy the biggest rivet nut kit because it includes the most pieces. However, a large kit is not always better. Many kits advertise a high piece count because they include hundreds of rivet nuts, not because the tool itself is stronger or more versatile.

Focus on the sizes you actually need. For general home and DIY use, a kit with common sizes like M4, M5, M6, 10-24, and 1/4-20 may be enough. For automotive and fabrication work, look for M6, M8, 1/4-20, 5/16-18, and 3/8-16. For heavier work, make sure the tool supports larger sizes and stronger rivet nut materials.

Also pay attention to the rivet nuts included in the kit. A kit may include many aluminum rivet nuts, but that does not mean the tool is suitable for large steel or stainless steel inserts.

The best kit is not the one with the most pieces. It is the one with the right mandrels, the right tool style, and the right rivet nut material for your project.

Best Rivet Nut Tool by Use Case

Different projects need different types of rivet nut tools. A tool that works well for light DIY repairs may not be strong enough for stainless steel rivet nuts or repeated shop use. Use the project type as a starting point when choosing a tool.

Best for DIY/Home Repair

For DIY and home repair, a basic hand rivet nut kit is usually enough. Look for a kit that includes common SAE and metric sizes, such as M4, M5, M6, 10-24, and 1/4-20.

This type of tool is affordable, portable, and simple to use. It works well for small brackets, panels, furniture repairs, enclosures, light sheet metal, and occasional projects around the house.

Best for Automotive Work

For automotive work, a long-arm lever rivet nut tool or ratcheting rivnut tool is usually the better choice. Automotive projects often involve brackets, body panels, accessories, engine bay components, interior panels, roof racks, and tight access areas.

Look for a tool that includes sizes such as M6, M8, 1/4-20, 5/16-18, and 3/8-16. A long-arm tool gives you more leverage for larger rivet nuts, while a ratcheting tool can be easier to use in tight spaces.

Best for Fabrication Shops

For fabrication shops, maintenance departments, and frequent installations, choose a heavy-duty lever tool, pneumatic rivet nut tool, or cordless rivet nut tool. These tools are better suited for repeated use and larger rivet nuts.

A shop tool should be durable, easy to service, and compatible with replacement mandrels. If the tool will be used every day, the extra cost of a pneumatic or cordless model may be worth it because it can save time and reduce hand fatigue.

Best for Tight Spaces

For tight spaces, a compact ratcheting rivet nut tool is usually the best option. This style needs less handle swing than a long-arm lever tool and can be easier to control in awkward positions.

Use a ratcheting tool for engine bays, door jambs, cabinets, installed equipment, equipment housings, and areas where a full-size lever tool will not fit.

Best for Stainless Steel Rivet Nuts

For stainless steel rivet nuts, choose a heavy-duty tool designed for higher installation force. Stainless steel requires more effort to compress than aluminum or regular steel, so a light hand tool may not be enough.

A heavy-duty lever tool may work for occasional stainless steel installations, but pneumatic or cordless tools are better for frequent use. Always check the tool rating before using it with stainless steel rivet nuts.

How to Use a Rivet Nut Tool

Using a rivet nut tool is straightforward, but accuracy matters. The hole size, grip range, mandrel size, and installation force all affect how well the rivet nut holds.

Choose the correct rivet nut size.
Select the thread size and material that match your project. Make sure the rivet nut is appropriate for the thickness of the material.
Drill the correct hole size.
Drill the hole according to the rivet nut manufacturer’s recommended hole size. A hole that is too small can damage the insert, while a hole that is too large can cause the rivet nut to spin.
Deburr the hole.
Remove sharp edges, burrs, and loose material around the hole. A clean hole helps the rivet nut sit flat and install evenly.
Thread the rivet nut onto the mandrel.
Choose the correct mandrel size and carefully thread the rivet nut onto it. Do not force it. If it does not thread smoothly, check that the size is correct.
Insert the rivet nut into the hole.
Place the rivet nut fully into the drilled hole with the flange sitting flat against the surface.
Squeeze or activate the tool.
Pull the handles, ratchet the tool, or activate the pneumatic or cordless tool to compress the rivet nut behind the material. The rivet nut should collapse and grip the backside of the workpiece.
Unthread the mandrel.
Once the rivet nut is installed, unthread the tool from the insert. Do this carefully to avoid damaging the new threads.
Test the installed threads with the correct bolt.
Thread the correct bolt or machine screw into the installed rivet nut to confirm that it is secure and properly aligned.

For best results, always check a rivet nut hole size chart before drilling. The correct hole size helps prevent loose installs, spinning rivet nuts, and damaged threads.

Common Rivet Nut Tool Mistakes

Most rivet nut problems come from using the wrong size, drilling the wrong hole, or applying too much or too little installation force. Avoiding these mistakes will give you a stronger and cleaner installation.

Drilling the wrong hole size is one of the most common issues. If the hole is too large, the rivet nut may spin in the material. If the hole is too small, the insert may not seat correctly or may be damaged during installation.

Using the wrong grip range can also cause problems. Rivet nuts are designed for specific material thickness ranges. If the material is too thin or too thick for the rivet nut, it may not collapse correctly.

Over-compressing the rivet nut can damage the threads, distort the insert, break the mandrel, or weaken the installation. More force is not always better.

Under-compressing the rivet nut can leave the insert loose. A loose rivet nut may spin when you try to tighten a bolt into it.

Using aluminum rivet nuts where steel is needed can lead to weak threads or premature failure. Aluminum is easy to install, but it is not always the right choice for higher-load applications.

Installing into material that is too thin or too weak can cause the rivet nut to pull out, spin, or deform the surrounding material. The base material needs enough strength to support the fastener.

Cross-threading the mandrel can damage both the mandrel and the rivet nut. Always start the rivet nut by hand and make sure it threads smoothly.

Using the wrong mandrel size can strip the insert, damage the tool, or prevent the rivet nut from installing correctly. Match the mandrel exactly to the thread size of the rivet nut.

Rivet Nut Tool Size Chart

Use this chart as a general guide when choosing a rivet nut tool. The best tool depends on the rivet nut material, the thickness of the workpiece, and how often you plan to install that size.

Thread Size	Common Use	Tool Type Recommended
M3 / M4	Light duty, electronics, panels	Hand tool
M5 / M6	Automotive panels, brackets	Hand or lever tool
M8	Frames, racks, heavier brackets	Lever tool
M10 / M12	Heavy fabrication	Heavy-duty lever, pneumatic, or cordless
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

For small thread sizes and light-duty materials, a hand rivet nut tool is usually enough. For larger sizes, steel rivet nuts, stainless steel rivet nuts, or repeated installations, choose a tool with more leverage or a powered installation option.

Final Summary

Choosing the best rivet nut tool comes down to the size of rivet nuts you need to install, the material of the inserts, how much access space you have, and how often you plan to use the tool. A basic hand rivet nut tool is a good choice for occasional DIY and light repairs, while a long-arm lever tool is better for automotive work, brackets, racks, and larger thread sizes. For tight spaces, a ratcheting rivnut tool is often the most practical option. For shops, production work, or stainless steel rivet nuts, a heavy-duty pneumatic or cordless tool may be worth the investment.

Before buying, make sure the kit includes the mandrel sizes you actually need and that replacement mandrels are available. The right rivet nut tool will make installation easier, reduce mistakes, and create strong reusable threads in thin metal, tubing, panels, and other materials.