What are Rivet Nuts?

Rivet nuts or Riv Nuts as they are referred to in the trade are a quick way to install a nut onto a threaded fastener in which the nut is too large to go over the head completely. They're mainly used on machine screws and bolts but can be used on other types of fasteners, such as wood screws, nyloc nuts and lag screws. Their popularity stems mostly from the ease at which they can be installed regardless of skill level.

A typical use for rivet nuts is when you need to mount an angled bracket onto a surface in which there isn't enough space for a screwhead or bolt head to fit into, but it's not necessary that the area becomes threaded after installation. Hence the 'rivets' part of their name.

Rivet nuts are also used to install studs onto stud-wall studs and lintel. By installing a nut into the wall or ceiling and then tightening it down, the nut will sink further into the surface, thus keeping it from pulling out with use.

What is a Rivnut Tool?

Once you have decided where to position your rivets you will need to determine which tool is best suited to the job. We highly recommend buying a Rivnut tool. Wolfchester sell the genuine POP Rivnut tools in hand compress or ratchet style. These can be used on Aluminium or Steel Rivet Nuts from M4 right through to M12.

Rivnut Tools are cheap and comparatively easy to use. Once you're set up, installing rivet nuts can be done in about a minute, giving you plenty of time for other tasks during the day. That is assuming that your job does not take longer than it does.

Types of Rivet Nut Tools

POP Hand Rivnut Tool

The POP Rivnut hand tool is the most popular for light rivet nut installation. The 'POP' name comes from the air-based operation method of the tool, which allows a powerful torque to be applied through the body of the tool to secure the nut in place. This can be done with one hand while you're holding onto another part of your work. It's great for installing into tight spaces.

• Link to Wolfchester Product Here - PNT110-M

POP Ratchet Rivnut Tool

If you have a lot of rivet nuts to install, you may prefer buying a ratcheting style Rivnut tool or an air powered unit. Tool sizes range from M2 to M12.

How to Install A Rivet Nut

Step 1: Preparation. The first thing you will need to do is determine what material you are mounting the Rivet Nut too. This will determine what type of Rivnut you use and the tool required to fit it.

Step 2: Determine Size: You can fit a Rivnut into an existing hole or drill a new one depending on what size Rivet Nuts you have.

Step 3: Position. Once you figure out where the hole is located and the size, mark it out with a pencil.

Step 4: Drilling. Use a drill bit that is marginally smaller than your rivet nut so that they will fit snugly into place. In most cases, it is not necessary to use a drill stop, but if you feel like it will help, you can begin drilling in a corner and continue drilling until you can put the head of your screw through. Take care not to drill any further than necessary or else you risk damaging your screwdriver or natural material underneath.

Step 5: Assembly. Choose a rivet nut size that is smaller than the hole you drilled (to prevent it from falling through or being forced through) and place it into the position you want to place your screw. If it's not long enough, choose a different size. Insert the screw into your hole and then place the rivet nut on top of the head of your screw and onto the material you're working with. While holding on to this, push down on top of your rivet nut tool until your rivet nut has sunk into place fully enough so that when you pull down on it, there is no chance of it moving out of position without being removed. Repeat until complete.