Rivet nuts are critical to many industries’ product lines, and it is necessary to master rivet nut characteristics.
This article summarized several different types of rivet nuts and their application environments.
We have done an in-depth analysis of industrial rivets and rivet guns, respectively; if you are interested, please click on the corresponding links.
Rivet Nut
Rivet nuts, also known as insert nuts or blind rivet nuts, are fasteners designed to provide a strong threaded insert in materials that are too thin to tap.
They are commonly used in applications where access to the back of the material is limited, making traditional fastening methods impractical.
The design allows it to be installed in areas where a standard nut cannot be used, as it can be inserted into a pre-drilled hole and expanded from behind, creating a strong hold without the need for access to both sides of the material.
Rivet nuts can be installed using a simple tool that deforms the nut, expanding it against the material, thereby creating a secure hold.
They come in various sizes and materials, allowing for versatility in different applications.
Parts of rivet nuts
The main components of a rivet nut include:
- Body: Provides the structural integrity.
- Mandrel: Used to install the rivet nut securely.
- The flange: Helps distribute the load over a larger area, preventing pull-through in softer materials.
- Internal threads: allow for the attachment of bolts or screws, making rivet nuts versatile in applications.
- Nut: Engineered to provide a secure threaded hole in materials that are too thin to accommodate traditional screws. This allows for a robust fastening solution in situations where access is restricted.
- Rivets: Played a crucial role in the installation process, as they secured the nut to the base material.
- Outer casing(shell): Provides structural integrity and helps distribute the load across the surface, further enhancing the connection’s strength.
Use of Rivet Nut in Manufacturing
In Automotive
They are extensively used to secure components in vehicles, ensuring safety and durability while minimizing weight. Ease of installation makes them ideal for assembly lines.
Consumer Products
They also benefit from the use of rivet nuts. From furniture to electronics, these fasteners allow for sleek designs and sturdy constructions, enhancing product longevity and user satisfaction.
Medical Devices
They rely on rivet nuts for assembling complex instruments and equipment.
The ability to maintain integrity under varying conditions is essential in medical applications, where precision and reliability are paramount.
Installing Rivet Nut
Installation Process
- Drill selection: The installation begins with selecting an appropriate drill bit to create a hole in the material where the rivet nut will be inserted. It’s crucial to ensure that the hole diameter matches the specifications for a secure fit.
- Install: Place the rivet nut into the hole, and use the tool to compress the flange against the backside of the material. This process creates a strong grip and prevents it from spinning during usage.
- Insert: Once the rivet nut is securely installed, it provides a threaded insert that allows for easy attachment of bolts or screws.
- Check: It’s important to check the installation for any signs of misalignment or weakness to ensure the integrity of the joint.
Rivet Nut Tools
Rivet nut installation tools are essential for creating strong, reliable connections in various applications.
Manual Tool
These tools are often favored for their simplicity and portability, allowing users to easily install them without the need for external power sources.
They are ideal for small projects or fieldwork where convenience is key.
pneumatic Tool
These tools utilize compressed air to provide high-speed and consistent installation, making them suitable for larger productions where efficiency is crucial.
It significantly reduces fatigue and increases productivity in high-volume environments.
Electric Tool
These tools combine the ease of use of manual devices with the power and speed of pneumatic systems, offering a versatile solution for both light and heavy-duty applications.
Blind Rivet Nut
Also known as blind threaded insert nuts or rivet inserts, they are specialized fasteners designed to create strong, permanent threads in thin materials.
These innovative components are ideal for applications that:
- Access to the backside of the material is restricted, making traditional fastening methods impractical
- Durability and strength are paramount
It provides:
- Reliable load-bearing threads without the need for welding or additional hardware
- Versatility in various mating materials(aluminum, steel, and brass)
- Ability to accommodate a wide range of environmental conditions and mechanical requirements
Threaded Rivet Nut
This type provides a strong, durable thread in materials that are too thin or soft to tap directly.
These nuts are designed to be inserted into pre-drilled holes and can be installed using standard tools, making them a versatile choice for various projects.
It comes in:
- Various sizes and materials, allowing engineers and designers to select the most appropriate option for their specific needs
- Particularly reliable in applications where a secure, load-bearing connection is required
- Beneficial in tight spaces, since it creates a strong fastening point without the need for access to the rear side of the material
Stainless Steel Rivet Nut
This type is essential in various industries due to its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance.
It is manufactured from high-quality stainless steel and offers durability and longevity, making it suitable for applications in:
- Harsh environments, such as marine and automotive sectors
- Electronic devices, machinery, and home improvement projects
They provide:
- A secure, threaded connection in thin-walled materials
- Reduce damage to the assembly of lightweight structures without compromising structural integrity
- Straight forward installation process requiring minimal tools and effort
- Various sizes and styles catering to different project requirements
Hex Rivet Nut
Hex-shaped(including full hex and half hex) are versatile fasteners used extensively in various industries to create strong, permanent threads in thin materials.
Hex bodies are made from a wide range of materials such as steel, aluminum, or plastic, they provide:
- A reliable method for securing components without welding or heavy machinery
- Easy installation using standard tools(thanks to the hexagonal shape, they can be installed from one side of the material)
- A secure grip even in challenging environments
- Distribute loads evenly, reducing the risk of material deformation
They are commonly used in composite applications like:
- Automotive assembly
- Electronics
- Furniture Manufacturing
- Scenarios where access is limited.
Aluminum Rivet Nut
This type is a versatile fastener used in various industries.
They provide:
- A strong and reliable threaded connection in materials that are too thin to tap
- Lightweight nature ensures that they don’t add unnecessary weight to assemblies
- Flexibility that they can be installed using various methods, including hand tools and pneumatic systems.
- Longevity of the connection enhanced by the corrosion resistance of aluminum
- Secure anchor point to ensure a robust joint
Industries preferred them in scenarios that:
- Weight reduction is crucial
- Indoor and outdoor environments
- Bolts, screws, or other threaded fasteners
Rubber Rivet Nut
This type are specialized fastener designed to provide a strong, secure connection in applications where:
- Weight reduction and corrosion resistance are crucial
- Traditional metal rivets may not be suitable
- require a degree of flexibility and vibration damping
These components are particularly beneficial in:
- Necessitate maintenance or adjustments
- Prevent galvanic corrosion
- Avoid multiple assemblies
- Absorb shock and reduce noise
Conclusion
To sum up, the rivet nut’s primary function is to securely join two or more components together.
Various types of fasteners play an important role in several industries and are indispensable for modern manufacturing.
Rivet Nut Near Me
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FAQS
Q1: What tools do I need to install rivet nuts?
A: To install rivet nuts, you will typically need a gun or a power drill with a threaded mandrel. The type of installation tool used will depend on the specific nut being employed and the material thickness.
Q2: Can rivet nuts be used with different materials?
A: Yes, they are ideal for use with a variety of materials, including sheet metal, plastic, and composites. Their blind-side installation feature allows for use in applications where access is limited.
Q3: What are the advantages of using rivet nuts over traditional nuts and bolts?
A: It provides several advantages, including easier installation in thin materials, reduced weight, and the ability to create strong, permanent connections without needing access to the back side of the material.
Q4: What is the importance of torque when installing rivet nuts?
A: Proper torque is crucial during the installation to ensure that the nut features a hollow threaded body that expands correctly to create a secure joint. Over-tightening can lead to failure, while under-tightening may result in a weak connection.
References
- mechtool.co.uk. (n.d.). Flat head rivet nuts (from GB/T 17880.1-1999) | Rivet nuts | Connectors and fasteners. https://www.mechtool.cn/boltsandnuts/boltsandnuts_rivetnut.html
- AD-INSERT Rivet Nuts – Introduction of Rivet Nuts – Dalian Andi Machinery Equipment Co. (n.d.). http://dlandi.com/index.php/Single/index/menuid/188/language/cn
