Rivet nuts (threaded rivets)

Rivet nuts create an internal thread in thin sheet components, profiles and enclosures where the base material is too thin for tapping. They are installed with access from only one side and are then used to attach components with bolts or screws.

This solution provides a detachable threaded connection without welding a nut in place. Reliable fastening requires the product design, base material thickness, hole shape and installation parameters to be matched correctly.

Rivet Nuts: Purpose and Operating Principle

A rivet nut consists of a hollow body, a flange and an internally threaded section. During installation, it is screwed onto the tool’s threaded mandrel and inserted into a prepared hole. The tool compresses the body axially, forming a retaining bulge on the reverse side. The base material is clamped between this bulge and the flange.

After setting, the mandrel is unscrewed. A secured threaded insert remains in the component, allowing another structural element to be attached.

The rivet nut remains in the base material during maintenance, while the component secured with a bolt can be removed. This is what distinguishes threaded rivets from blind rivets: they create a point for subsequent threaded fastening.

Types of Rivet Nuts in the Dinmark Range

Versions differ by body geometry, flange shape, material and whether the end is closed. These characteristics affect hole preparation, resistance to rotation and the positioning of the attached component.

By Body Shape

Round knurled bodies. Installed in a round hole. Knurling on the outer surface helps prevent the body from rotating in the base material. Performance also depends on the component material, hole accuracy and correct setting.

Half-hex bodies. Have a hexagonal section that fits into a matching hole and provides additional resistance to rotation. This version requires a hole of the correct shape and size.

A further distinction is made between open-end and closed-end models. An open body allows the bolt to pass through, provided there is sufficient clearance behind it. In a closed-end version, bolt length is limited by the depth of the internal cavity. The closed end blocks passage through the body, but sealing the entire assembly may require additional measures.

By Flange Type

Standard flange. The flange rests on the base material’s surface and remains above it after installation. Its height must be considered when designing how the components fit together.

Large flange. The larger bearing area helps distribute the clamping force on the head side. This version may be considered for thin materials if it meets the joint requirements.

Reduced flange. Used when protrusion above the surface needs to be limited. A low-profile flange does not always mean a completely flush installation.

Countersunk flange. Requires appropriate hole preparation. Check whether countersinking is possible, taking into account the base material thickness and the geometry of the specific product.

By Material

Steel with a protective coating is used for many manufacturing and installation applications. Corrosion resistance is assessed according to the coating type and operating environment.

Stainless steel is suitable for joints with higher corrosion resistance requirements. The material grade must be matched to exposure to moisture, salts, chemicals and temperature.

Aluminium is used in structures where low weight is important. Permissible loads and tightening torque are specified in the documentation for the particular model.

The fastener material must also be compatible with the base material: contact between dissimilar metals in the presence of moisture can cause galvanic corrosion.

Advantages and Applications of Threaded Rivets

Threaded rivets are used in mechanical engineering and in the manufacture of transport equipment, metal furniture, electrical cabinets, covers and panels. They are convenient for hollow profiles and other components where a conventional nut cannot be held on the reverse side.

Main advantages include:

• Installation from one side. Clearance behind the component is needed only to accommodate the body and form the retaining bulge.

• A thread in thin material. A fastening point can be created where the material is too thin for tapping.

• A removable attached component. The bolt or screw can be removed for repair or maintenance.

• Installation without welding. There is no local heating associated with welding nuts in place.

• Suitability for series assembly. A correctly adjusted tool helps achieve consistent results.

Assembly strength depends on more than the thread alone. Pull-out and spin-out resistance, base material properties and the permissible load on the installed product must also be considered.

How to Choose a Rivet Nut: Key Parameters

Before selecting a rivet nut, determine which components need to be joined and the conditions in which the fastener will operate.

1. Thread size and pitch. These must match the bolt or screw. The designation M6 or M8 refers to the internal thread, not the installation hole diameter.

2. Grip range. The actual thickness of the base material or component stack must fall within the range specified by the manufacturer.

3. Hole shape and size. A round body requires a round hole, while a hexagonal section requires a matching profile. Use the dimensions and tolerances given in the technical documentation.

4. Flange. Consider the bearing area, permissible protrusion height and whether a countersink can be prepared.

5. Material and coating. Check mechanical requirements, the corrosive environment and compatibility with the base material.

6. Body length and rear clearance. There must be enough space to install and deform the product.

7. Installation tool. Its working range and mandrel must match the nut’s thread, material and design.

If the specification states only “M6 rivet nut”, this is not sufficient for an unambiguous selection. Add the body design, material, flange type and grip range.

Catalogues may use terms such as “threaded rivets”, “rivet nuts” or “nutserts”. Compare these items using drawings and specifications, as similar names do not guarantee interchangeability.

How to Install a Rivet Nut

Installation requires a manual, cordless or pneumatic-hydraulic rivet nut tool. A standard blind rivet tool without the appropriate equipment is not suitable for this purpose.

Installation sequence:

1. Prepare the hole. Follow the manufacturer’s requirements for shape, size and tolerances. Remove burrs and swarf, and countersink if required.

2. Set up the tool. Fit the appropriate threaded mandrel and nosepiece. Set the stroke or setting force according to the instructions.

3. Screw the nut onto the mandrel. Ensure sufficient thread engagement without misalignment.

4. Insert the body into the hole. The flange must sit against the prepared surface.

5. Set the rivet nut. Keep the tool aligned with the product’s axis until the body forms a retaining bulge.

6. Unscrew the mandrel and check the result. Inspect flange seating, thread condition and the absence of looseness or rotation.

Before series installation, check the settings on a sample with the same base material and thickness. Insufficient setting can result in weak retention, while excessive setting can damage the thread, body or component.

During subsequent assembly, observe the permissible tightening torque. For closed-end versions, also check the bolt length to ensure it does not bottom out.

Advantages of Buying on the Dinmark B2B Platform

The DINMARK B2B platform allows you to select fasteners for manufacturing, installation and repair. Product pages and technical materials help you compare available versions against your specification.

To buy rivet nuts for a particular application, prepare information about the thread, base material thickness, material and installation hole. If you need help clarifying specifications, contact the DINMARK team.

When planning to order rivet nuts in bulk, determine the quantity required for each size in advance. For series production, buying threaded rivets in bulk according to an agreed specification helps avoid mixing similar versions.

Before placing an order, check:

• material, coating and grip range;

• body, flange and installation hole dimensions;

• pricing unit, pack size and order multiples;

• available quantities and stated lead times.

Rivet nut prices depend on the material, design, thread size and purchase volume. Compare prices for items with identical specifications and check the quantity to which each price applies.

If you need to buy rivet nuts in bulk for several manufacturing applications, separate the specification by version and base material thickness. When ordering rivet nuts in bulk, also consider requirements for future batches and stock replenishment times.

Questions and Answers

Which Rivet Nuts Should You Choose: Steel, Stainless Steel or Aluminium?

The choice depends on the load, base material and operating environment. Steel versions with a protective coating are suitable for many typical applications. Stainless steel versions are considered when higher corrosion resistance is required, and aluminium versions when low weight is important. For the final selection, check the specific model’s characteristics, permissible tightening torque and metal compatibility.

Can a Rivet Nut Be Installed Without a Special Tool?

There are methods of setting rivet nuts using a bolt, nut and supporting components, but they make deformation harder to control and can damage the thread or cause the body to rotate. For predictable results, use a purpose-built tool with the appropriate mandrel. This is particularly important for series installation and critical joints.

How Do You Select a Rivet Nut for the Metal Thickness?

Measure the base material thickness at the installation point and find a version whose grip range includes that value. For example, a 2 mm thick sheet requires a model with a specified range that includes 2 mm. Also check the thread, installation hole and clearance behind the component. Body length alone does not determine the permissible metal thickness.

Can Bolts Be Repeatedly Installed in and Removed from Rivet Nuts?

Yes, a serviceable and correctly installed rivet nut is designed for a detachable threaded connection. Observe the permissible tightening torque, use a compatible bolt and avoid misalignment. The number of cycles depends on operating conditions and thread condition. If the body rotates or the thread is damaged, inspect the assembly and replace the fastener if necessary. A rivet nut removed from the base material must not be reinstalled.