How to install a rivet nut (rivnut) and the tools you need

[@Hopeless_and_Forlorn]

A little history--Rivnut was invented in the 1930's by B.F. Goodrich Rubber Company to facilitate screwing of deicer boots to aircraft wings and tail surfaces. Aircraft specification Rivnuts usually have an indexing tang under the flange (head) of the Rivnut. After the hole is drilled in the surface, a notching tool is used to make a tiny slot in one side of the hole to engage the tang as the rivnut is inserted. This prevents the Rivnut from spinning when the screw is inserted or removed. Replacing worn or stripped Rivnuts on DC-3 aircraft was one of the first tasks I performed after going to work for an airline in 1965. Yes, several regional U.S. carriers still operated the DC-3 at that time.

[@GeoffreyOwenMiller]

this is really helpful and appreciated. Any idea how long the neoprene rivet nuts last in an outdoor setting (no UV)?

[@henknoordermeer]

Galileo, YOU don't get it: By keeping the bolt stationary and by turning the nut down on the bolt, you compress the rivnut by only pulling it without wearing out the thread in the rivnut because there's no turning motion. This keeps the thread in the rivnut in the best condition possible, and wears down the replacable nut and bolt. In my opinion, not the easiest way (as it requires to think), but definately the best. The rivnut guns use the same technique: They only PULL the rivnut also.

[@georgegreiner4603]

hi

[@AlejandroBelloRD]

This seems like a convoluted free nut, because it achieves the exact same mechanical results. Just use a larger diameter nut that spins freely to keep the screw from bottoming out, some lubricated washers and start bulging rivnuts in no time at all.

[@georgegreiner4603]

hi

[@slick3676]

Thanks Galileo! great insight! I find that sometimes you can reconstruct the developer's thought process to solve similar problems. He probably used whatever he had laying around to do it the first time. What would that have been?

[@georgegreiner4603]

hi

[@chrishiggins9659]

thanks for explaining. Land Rver Toolbox videos has some more reviews on the MEMtool on his channel.

[@georgegreiner4603]

hoi

[@emilwilms6999]

How do i assemble a pop rivet gun after it has been taken appart ?

[@acecalzadilla6878]

ok you are missing the lock star washer on the nut and bolt method. That's why its not working for you. I works fine no need for the fancy tools unless your using rivet nuts on a regular bases save the money and do it with the nut bolt and washer. I do like the rubber rivet nuts that's cool never seen those before.

[@georgegreiner4603]

hi

[@georgegreiner4603]

hi

[@glennprichard3606]

Can a riv nut be installed in roto-molded plastic?

[@ronh9384]

Glenn Prichard If you used the rubber Rivnuts you could probably do it but you might it would probably depend on how thick and how tough the roto-moulded plastic is. Also it depends on how much vibration the roto-molded would be subjected to.

[@georgegreiner4603]

hi

[@lgccyy]

You ARE the MAAANNNN!! Man!

[@georgegreiner4603]

hi

[@chrishiggins9659]

Just turn the bolt instead of the nut,... doesn't seem logical Jim!

[@dannydodd2075]

that will not do anything think before you speak

[@georgegreiner4603]

hi

[@galileogalilei7844]

Guess you don't understand the "nut and bolt" way of installing rivnuts. You should use a larger nut than the bolt you are using with a proper sized washer between this nut and the rivnut, this nut acts as a spacer, not as a nut! And you should turn the bolt, not the nut. Essentialy that MEMFast tool is exactly that, a bolt and a spacer. No use wasting money on them, just use a long enough bolt and washer and a larger sized nut or piece of steel tubing.held with visegrips.

[@georgegreiner4603]

hi