Rivnut install without special tools

[PoorOwner]

I am about to install a skid plate on the cross member under the car, it comes with a couple of riv nut you replace the plastic fastener (replace plastic piece with metal) with, goes into the cross member piece.

There is a special $300 dealer tool that makes the rivnut mushroom behind the sheet metal and becomes like a threaded boss, well that's what a rivnut is!

I understand this can be done using a spare longer bolt and a nut, you tighten the bolt head against the nut and do the same thing, does this sound like it will work, and somewhat idiot proof?

 

[Bill Bowman]

Use a nut (larger size than the bolt), and a couple of washers. Box wrench to fit the over size nut. Impact socket to fit the bolt. Assemble, insert rivet nut, hold oversize nut with box wrench, impact tight (righty tighty), rivet nut will crush. Use to put roof racks on Ford station wagons that way. Bill

 

[PoorOwner]

Forgot to mention cannot access the back side of it, goes into a hollow chassis body, will your method work? When you say larger nut than bolt do you mean the nut is larger thread and doesn't thread on the bolt?

 

[lotsoftools]

Bill's method works alright, especially if the riv nuts are aluminum. I've done it that way for steel ones before, and it is a bit more difficult but it can be done.

 

[rsanter]

yes you can but the larger ones get tough...but still can be done
put a couple of washers under the nut and grease them to reduce friction

bob

 

[MackMan]

What size rivnut are you doing?
I have used this before and it works great.. It's still a special tool, but I think it was along the $30-50 range not $300.

http://cardinalcomponents.com/PDF/C845 Rivnut Manual Sheet.pdf

 

[dellwas]

Do a google on "homemade rivnut tool". Lots of hits, including youtube vids.

 

[MotoDave]

Mcmaster sells a couple options, I have some of the 'wrench drive' tools and they work well.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#rivet-nut-installation-tools/

 

[Shadowdog500]

What size rivnut?

Harbor freight sells a rivnut tool for $16.99
http://www.harborfreight.com/45-piece-threaded-insert-riveter-kit-1210.html

You can also get inserts that work in regular rivet guns.

Chris

 

[Kevin C]

http://aircraftproducts.wicksaircraft.com/viewitems/nutserts/hi-torquer-expandable?&bc=100|1012|1093|1094

http://aircraftproducts.wicksaircraft.com/viewitems/nutserts/aircraft-nutsert?

I have used Nutserts from Wicks with good results

 

[lorne]

When I installed the side steps on my wife's Pilot, a put the rivnut in the hole, used a jack to hold side step up tight against the rivnut in the hole and just tightened it down. It could back out because the sidestep was holding it into place.

 

[bullnerd]

I've done them like Bill and others suggest but I like to finish it off with a wrench so I can feel it tighten. I have only done a couple dozen though.

I lube the threads and the washers.

 

[Jmatlock88]

Harbor Freight sells one for $17 bucks! It's based on a manual blind rivet tool. Piece of cake. Don't pull too hard or you will strip the threads out of the rivnut, which is easy to do on a 6-32 size.

 

[PoorOwner]

OK, I understand what bill is saying now.
it's like this one
http://www.carolinarovers.info/croc-stuff/tips/259-make-your-own-rivnut-tool

And then another method is to use a threaded nut against the rivnut, and hold bolt, and tighten the nut and retract the bolt, similar action.
I think this method is slightly better, you are putting the threading stress against your disposable bolt, instead of both threading and pulling the rivnut (2 forces) to compress it.

Does the HF tool work for metric rivnuts? I only see standard sizes
.

 

[Applesauce]

Nut, bolt, washers, etc., method works great. I have an M8x1.25 end for my rivnut install tool, but I'll be damned if I can crush a rivnut that size...

 

[Lil'John]

I broke down and bought a Marson 325 HD thread setter. I sort of subscribe to buy once, cry once

This is the one I got on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MARSON-325-...276?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ac5e100dc

A little bit expensive at $150ish but it is very worth it. I did inserts for my transmission tunnel, fuel cell, etc.

They make both metric and SAE fittings. If I recall, I've got a 3/8" fitting for mine.

 

[CARS]

My Nutsert kit from W&E came with one of these for each size.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/280631443411?lpid=82