A Rivnut tool combines elements of a traditional riveting tool with a nut that allows you to screw thin pieces of sheet metal tightly together.
They are much easier for DIY and small shops to use.
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Rivet tools help hold thin pieces of metal together.
They are commonly used in aviation, when working on busses, and by automobile enthusiasts to modify their vehicles. These small guns are capable of squeezing together pieces of sheet metal to insert a threaded cylinder for a bolt.
Video Of How To Use A Rivnut Tool
Also called Rivnut® or Nutsert® tools, you’ll learn everything about the best Rivnut tools in this guide.
Here we will give you a cross-section of some of the variants on the market today along with a brief buying guide on how this tool works and what to look for when purchasing one.
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When you are installing Rivet Nuts, you need to drill the hole first. Any drill bit can be used.
However, one of the easiest hacks I have come across is this step drill bit. It has the sizes pre-marked on it and comes with a magnet card that correlates with the Rivet Nut sizes.
Just slap that magnet anywhere it is convenient and store this bit with the Rivet Nut tool that you buy separately (I review those below).
This is solid steel, CNC-machined bit. It seems to be highly accurate on the sizing, and punched through thick aluminum with ease.
I don’t like to fight with my projects, and sorting through a set of drill bits to find one that it “almost right” and then spend the res of the project fighting with it, just seems like too much work for me.
The time I save in being able to drill the right hole every time makes this worth it for me.
Our List Of The Best Rivnut Tools:
Astro 1442 Pneumatic Tool
This device is excellent for a multitude of applications, whether it is bicycles, body panels, or firewall additions.
What I really like about this rivnut tool is the torque hinges. My hands and arms get tired with the other models, and this one is just so easy to use. Frankly, I feel like I could do 100 nut inserts in a few minutes if I needed to.
Basically, the torque hinges multiply your pulling force considerably, allowing you to get enough leverage for a smooth insert every time.
This kit includes a heavy-duty setting, enabling you to interchange based on ten different metric sizes.
Now, for a protip. The tool was a little stiff when I started. I added some lube and that seemed to make it much easier. I recommend a little white lithium grease on the threads to get it going. I also put a little bit of grease on each of the pivot points to reduce friction.
Overall, this is not a delicate rivet insert tool for circuit boards. But for sheet metal and auto body work, you are going to appreciate it.
However, if you are doing a lot of rivet nut work, I would still upgrade to a pneumatic tool. However, for a weekend hobbiest like myself, I am always finding new ways to use this tool.
Pros
- Toolless Quick Change Head
- Automatic Rotation Lock
- Interchangeable Mandrel
- Replacement Mandrels Easy to Find
Cons
- Requires Lubrication Before Use
Astro 1427 Powered Rivet Nut Tool
The Astro 1427 combines the advantages of a drill with the versatility of other rivet nut models.
You can expect your rivets to last much longer as this model is specifically designed to pull instead of turn the threads in, creating a more secure bond.
The durability of this device is nothing to sneeze at either as it is composed of a billet aluminum body that can withstand tremendous pressure.
Compatible with most corded and cordless drills alike. For aluminum and stainless steel rivets, it is recommended to use a drill with a minimum 12V of power. Included in with this tool are eight mandrels and nosepieces in metric.
Larger size mandrels are available such as M8, M10, 5/16-18, and 3/8 – 16.
Despite its body toughness, the quality of the mandrels has been called into question, with replacements often needed.
Manufacturer replacements are available, so keep their contact information handy.
Because of this the Astro 1427 is less recommended for professional settings but an excellent choice for residential and hobbyist setups.
Pros
- Converts Drill into Rivet Nut Setters
- Designed to Cause Less Wear
- Withstands 4x the force Compared to Other Adapters
Cons
- Mandrel Quality may not be as good as 1442
Muzata Blind Rivet Nut Tool Kit
This hand riveter set comes with everything you need right out of the package.
There are hundreds of rivets in both brass and aluminum included inside this tool kit that organizes everything along with the hand tool itself.
You’ll be able to set a plethora of different sheet metal thicknesses with the five different mandrels and nuts ranging from M3 to M8.
The actual tool has a pair of dual clip locks and an ergonomically designed handle that is coated in anti-slip material. The small size of the device makes it a great choice for car modification as it can get into parts not easily reachable by larger power tools.
Despite the handle only expanding a total of 16 cm (6.3 inches), there is still decent power along with the pivot.
While a great rivet nut tool kit for those just starting it does have some limitations, it is not compatible with larger mandrel sizes like m10, m12, or higher; while far from crippling it should be noted that this kit is more designed for riveting smaller holes.
Pros
- Huge 900 pcs Set
- Single Hand Operation
- Easy to Use with No Plugs Needed
Cons
- Limited to Upwards of M8 Size
Pneumatic Nutsert Rivet Gun
If speed and power are your goals in your Rivnut® installation than look no further than this rivet nut set.
Attachable to an air compressor along the bottom of the handle, this tool needs little time to smash in everything from brass, aluminum, and steel rivet nuts.
The mandril capacity of this gadget ranges all the way upwards of 5/16″, making it more compatible with larger projects.
Made of exceptional craftsmanship yet simple design makes this one of the better ones on the market today.
Nonetheless, some may find that this rivet tool is a little too heavy-0duty for their needs, on the account that smaller sizes like M3, M4, and M5 aren’t included in the package.
The forward and reverse controls, along with its dial regulator, helps users adjust the size at a moment’s notice.
In short, this tool is a great choice for those looking to upgrade and tackle larger projects. If you do a lot of riveting, a pneumatically powered tool is much faster to work with.
Pros
- Quick Change Mandrel
- Dial for Specific Nut Sizes
- Forward and Reverse Controls
Cons
- Overkill for Smaller Projects
Buyer’s Guide
How Does The Rivet Nut Work
Rivet nut tools allow for the placement of fasteners in areas with reduced thickness and uncomfortable locations. While not all of these tools are the same, there are a few common features of all of them.
Once the correct hole size – approximately the same size of the rivet – is placed, then the fastener portion of the rivet can be put inside. The tool, either a manual or automatic, applies the nut by spinning it inside of the fastener and simultaneously tightening along the other side of metal. This creates a thread for bolts to attach to, with blind rivet bolts being inverted variants that have the bolt already attached, allowing for it to be threaded onto different sheets of metal.
Riveter Size to Metal Thickness
Knowing which rivet size to use is important as too small doesn’t work with especially thick sheet metal. As unofficial rules dictate that rivets are based on the metric system, with M3 sizes good for thicknesses upwards of 1.5 mm; M4 upwards 2.5mm; M5 upwards to 3.0mm; with each increase in rivet size applying to an extra 0.5mm of depth.
Manual vs. Automatic
A good heavy duty hand riveter can take you far but can have its limitations for larger projects. Rivnut® guns and drill attachments can make quick work of even large projects though they are often unnecessary when it comes to residential use.
Kits Are Available
A good heavy duty hand riveter can take you far but can have its limitations for larger projects. Rivnut® guns and drill attachments can make quick work of even large projects though they are often unnecessary when it comes to residential use.
Rivet Tool Assembly
There are roughly five steps when it comes to assembling your rivet tool.
First, you’re going to want to retract the slide completely and then install the rivet nut finger into the associated stud.
There should be a hole to install a stabilizing rod, though every device is a little bit different. A screw that slides back up the ramp should be closed 0 to 1/4 inch. Finally, apply a small bit of oil on the tool to make operation easier.
Zachary Drumm
Hey! My name is Zachary Drumm! This site allows me to test new tools, piddle around in the garage, and share the insights I get from flipping cars and houses. When it comes to tools, home improvement, and being a “shade tree mechanic,” you’ve come to the right spot. If I’m not in the garage creating content, you’ll find me outside, running, canoeing, and traveling. My goal is to empower more people to be self-sufficient.