I want a threaded insert rivet gun - any recommendations?

[newbury]

I've some applications where I'd like to put threaded inserts into sheet metal, like doors. 1/4 20 bolts would be ideal. HF sells a tool for it (45 Piece Threaded Insert Riveter Kit) but it gets poor reviews.

Anybody have recommendations?

Note - not "normal" rivets, but rivets that accept a threaded bolt in metal sheet (0.30 and thicker).

 

[ericm979]

A lot of people doing DIY van conversions use Rivnuts.

 

[4get gto]

A lot of people doing DIY van conversions use Rivnuts.

That might be what he's looking for... I've used the ones for a regular rivet gun but I believe they only go up to 3/16" threaded .

 

[ruffdog]

You would think a larger tool like these would be better:

Rivet Gun Kit Rivnut Thread Setting Tools Nut Setter Tool NutSert Metal Working | eBay

 

[newbury]

Yes, "Rivnuts" is one brand. But there are a wide variety of tools available (beside just using a threaded rod and 2 nuts) and prices are all over the place.

And reviews from one fellow TBN'er carries more weight than 10 Amazon reviews.

 

[ning]

I bought this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TODXQW
"Astro Pneumatic Tool 1442 13" Hand Rivet Nut Setter Kit - Metric & SAE W/ 60pc Rivnuts"
Also got this set of rivet nuts: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M63JQEO

I'm pretty happy with it.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I needed one to replace some threaded inserts on my jeep. They were put in by some off road shop, but whoever did them messed up about half of them. I got the one from HF and it worked well for the 12-15 that I had to do. I purchased the inserts from Fastenal, much cheaper and better quality. I'm not sure if the HF one will hold up if your going to use it often.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I needed one to replace some threaded inserts on my jeep. They were put in by some off road shop, but whoever did them messed up about half of them. I got the one from HF and it worked well for the 12-15 that I had to do. I purchased the inserts from Fastenal, much cheaper and better quality. I'm not sure if the HF one will hold up if your going to use it often.

Ditto on HF. Mine works well. Too bad they don't have a nut assortment. It seems well made and sturdy still working after installing 25 5/16 nuts that I bought from Amazon. Using one can turn a frustrating or 2 person job into a slam dunk. I hope the SS steel nuts are fully annealed. There are air powered ones for production work same as the pop riveters.

Ron

 

[mcfarmall]

The threaded insert setter we have at work came from McMaster-Carr and was reasonably priced and easy to use.

 

[ddbackhoe]

You would think a larger tool like these would be better:

Rivet Gun Kit Rivnut Thread Setting Tools Nut Setter Tool NutSert Metal Working | eBay

Thats the size / style I prefer for rivets and rivnuts. I got this one nutsert - Smittybilt (about $40) and get the nuts/inserts from McMaster-Carr

 

[newbury]

I needed one to replace some threaded inserts on my jeep. They were put in by some off road shop, but whoever did them messed up about half of them. I got the one from HF and it worked well for the 12-15 that I had to do. I purchased the inserts from Fastenal, much cheaper and better quality. I'm not sure if the HF one will hold up if your going to use it often.

The HF ones get many poor quality easily broken reviews.

Thats the size / style I prefer for rivets and rivnuts. I got this one nutsert - Smittybilt (about $40) and get the nuts/inserts from McMaster-Carr

Looks good for a manual setter.

The threaded insert setter we have at work came from McMaster-Carr and was reasonably priced and easy to use.

They now list 2 - McMaster-Carr
is the $275 one "reasonably priced"?

I'm still looking for one. I've run across some you-tube DIY videos on using an electric drill. Just need to get the correct combination of nuts and time to try it out,
One mfg makes "Astro Pneumatic Tool ADN14 Rivet Nut Drill Adapter Kit" for $96.

 

[TractorGuy]

You can install them with a short bolt and flat washer also. Had a couple 8mm hex base missing on my backhoe and had to order the inserts from china. Bolt and flat washer cinched them down just fine.

Round base may not be as easy if they try to spin.

 

[ruffdog]

You can install them with a short bolt and flat washer also. Had a couple 8mm hex base missing on my backhoe and had to order the inserts from china. Bolt and flat washer cinched them down just fine.

Round base may not be as easy if they try to spin.

The important thing is to cinch the rivet without wearing out the threads in the process.

 

[crazyal]

I got a no name one off of ebay and it works fine for aluminum rivnuts but I don't know how well it would handle a steel one. I find the aluminum rivnuts threads strip out kind of easy. Back in the day (before trucks got high tech) a rivnut was how you would attach a mirror to the side of a door. If you're good about not loosing tools I would buy a good quality one (vs a HF) and just accept that it's money well spent.