[GROOVY2]

Found this Rivet Nut Tool -
its different than the ones I have used in the past-
with 2 handles squeeze together type --

this tool looks like it would fit in small places and
could even put Rivet Nuts inside walls or backwards
(inside out) if needed -what do you think about it ??

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rivet-Nut-Tool/131196728909?_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D34494%26meid%3D307ee0a2c9b1434cbf99ea79c7f58577%26pid%3D100010%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D18%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D291478298874

 

[jonsobi]

Looks like it only has one size rivnut.

I bought the harbour Freight model for about $22. It comes with a robust tool, four different sized interchangeable rivnut threaded bolts and about 20 each rivnuts of the four sizes.
So far I have used three different sizes in the Transit. It is simple to operate and I have had no failures or loose nuts.

The supplied rivnuts do seem to be made of very light white metal or alluminum, so not sure how much load bearing resilience they will have.

I can post pics tomorrow if you are interested.

 

[GROOVY2]

tool above I listed in link comes with 3 size bolts/heads-
8-32 stud
10-32 stud
1/4-20 stud


jonsobi that would be great -

also post part number or exactly what they call the tool
if you can I have a harbor freight close but
looked online and they dont list the tool -

 

[jonsobi]

Fasten-Pro

Here is a pic of the item. It is decent quality considering the price. I wondered when I bought it if my hands would be strong enough to use it. turns out there is approximately a 24-1 mechanical advantage in the squeeze. Three inches of hand squeeze crushes the rivet about 1/8 inch, so I was quite impressed with the results on the largest inserts.

Bang for the buck for a conversion - 10/10

 

[GROOVY2]

went ahead and ordered the Rivet Nut Tool that I listed
above- it is made in the UK and has good reviews -
like that it is small and will fit in tight places -

one cool thing is it tightens using a power drill and a socket -
after I use it I will write a review -

 

[jonsobi]

I think the UK has a reputation for good tools.

 

[GROOVY2]

Got the Rivet Nut Tool -

Quality -Cast aluminum - would rather it have been steel but likely OK

it is Small so it will fix in tight places - will work for #6 #8 and 1/4 "

has steel rod that slides thru hole so you can hold in place in tight area
or hold with tool with a wrench while tightening to expand riv nut -

Bolt Pulls wedge and Flares Riv nut as Bolt is tightened-

Who sells good quality Rivet Nuts- 1/4 20 ??????? - quantity about 40

 

[jonsobi]

Should work well Groovy. Does it give instructions? Specifically, do you draw the bolt in the same amount for all sizes and sheet metal gauges?
I don't have a source for rivnuts, but an upfitter shop back home gave me a couple of samples. Same as Orton uses, more robust and heavy than the HF ones.

I doubt my hand tool could crimp the heavier nuts. Yours might be okay.

 

[orton]

Bought my tool from McMaster-Carr. #96349A555 It has worked fine for my use. Occasionally I need to run a tap in the insert. Tool is small and fits most locations and works where a larger tool would not.

See bottom of page:

http://www.mcmaster.com/?m=true ForceRecrawl: 0#catalog/122/3327/=10unmv1

For prebulbed inserts a longer bolt must be used.

 

[GROOVY2]

instructions were real basic --

 

[jonsobi]

Thanks Groovy. What's this talk about washers? I haven't been using washers.

 

[GROOVY2]

the washer is on the Top of the tool on bolt the goes thru
rivet nut - think its because tool is made from cast aluminum =soft
and will dent

 

[jonsobi]

Okay. I placed 8 each 1/4-20
Inserts today. One out of the eight ended up turning in place. The rest seem secure.

 

[GROOVY2]

think Im going to put 1 drop of Super Glue at flange of rivnut - before install -

Or 3m Bearing Locker likely Better -->

Put a drop of good CA on loose rivnut -

Loctite #404 is 3 x stronger than store super glue -

 

[foxharp]

Okay. I placed 8 each 1/4-20
Inserts today. One out of the eight ended up turning in place. The rest seem secure.

jonsobi -- will the harbor freight tool (i assume that's what you used) do pre-bulbed inserts?

groovy -- same question for you, with your ramp-style tool. seems like if the inserts are longer that the ramps might not travel far enough?

paul

 

[jonsobi]

jonsobi -- will the harbor freight tool (i assume that's what you used) do pre-bulbed inserts?

groovy -- same question for you, with your ramp-style tool. seems like if the inserts are longer that the ramps might not travel far enough?

paul

My guess would be no for the HF hand tool. I can give you a better answer in time. I have a pre bulbed somewhere, will pop it in when I find a useful spot and see what happens.

 

[jonsobi]

HF 1/4-20 insert

This is the insert that came with the HF tool.

 

[GROOVY2]

tested Rivnut tool on stock hole punched in van wall - 1/4 -20

Totally worked - took a few seconds using power drill to tighten

Stock hole in vas wall seems to large - but rivnut swelled to tight fit-

also put 3 drops of loctite #609 Bearing locker on flange of rivnut
but likely not necessary =

 

[orton]

Many of the existing holes in the Transit sheet metal are the correct size for a 1/4-20NC prebulbed insert. At least close enough that they work. A pre-bulbed insert is not as sensitive to the hole diameter because it has 4 little feet that expand behind the hole.

 

[foxharp]

Many of the existing holes in the Transit sheet metal are the correct size for a 1/4-20NC prebulbed insert. At least close enough that they work. A pre-bulbed insert is not as sensitive to the hole diameter because it has 4 little feet that expand behind the hole.

yup -- last night i ordered the mcmaster tool, and pre-bulbed inserts, all based on your recommendations on the forum.

btw, rivetstop.com will sell the inserts in lots of 50, though free shipping kicks in if you order $100. [ oddly, though, searching their site today, in order to provide a URL here, i can't find what i ordered last night, even cutting/pasting from my confirmation mail. ]

paul