What Are Rivet Nuts?

Nuts are common hardware components that are paired with fasteners such as bolts and screws to secure an assembly together. With general nut types, such components are installed to the backside of a component after the bolt or screw has been passed through a pre-drilled hole, the two fasteners then tightening to clamp parts together. In the case that parts to be assembled are too soft for accepting a threaded insert, or can only be accessed from one side, a specialty component known as a rivet nut may be used. Developed in the 1930s, rivet nuts, also known as rivnuts or blind rivet nuts, are internally threaded components that may be anchored to one side of an assembly.

In some instances, a material may not be capable of accepting a threaded bolt hole as they face the risk of stripping due to their softness. Similar to the installation of blind bolts, blind rivet nuts are inserted into the hole of an assembly from one side and are driven with the use of a specific tool. As a rivnut tool is operated, the rivnut will begin to expand as pressure is applied on the opposite side. This results in the deformation of the rivnut, creating a bulge that is secured to the assembly. With the implementation of such threaded inserts, threaded fasteners can then be installed with ease. In order to ensure that a rivnut sufficiently fits in a material, the diameter of the nut should match the diameter of the hole.

As compared to other various fasteners, rivnuts exhibit high versatility which makes them very desirable for a number of applications. With their ease of installation and their role in creating a reusable threaded hole, such types of nuts prove highly beneficial when there are assemblies to be secured with various threaded fasteners. Rivnuts may also be constructed from numerous materials to accommodate different environments or operational requirements, such fasteners commonly being made from steel, brass, and aluminum for strength and corrosion resistance.

Beyond featuring diverse materials for construction, rivet nuts may also be installed in a number of materials as well. With their wide grip tolerance, rivet nut components are commonly driven into materials such as steel, plastic, and aluminum. As different materials may exhibit varying properties, it is important to correctly pair components and rivet nuts. For example, plastics and wood are soft in nature, thus they pair well with rivet nut types such as slotted-body rivnuts that utilize a straight shank. Meanwhile, wellnut rivnuts are another common variation that feature rubber shafts, making them well suited for taking on vibration or other similar stressors.

Just as it is crucial to make the right decision for a rivnut, tools also come in numerous types. Whether an operation requires portability, precision, or preset pressures, different rivnut tools can be used. In general, the three most basic types of rivnut tools include spin/spin tools, spin/pull tools, and pull-to-pressure tools. If you find yourself in need of various threaded inserts, rivnuts, rivnut tools, or other parts, Internet of NSN can help you quickly secure everything you need with competitive prices and rapid lead-times.

Internet of NSN is a leading supplier of fasteners and aircraft components, providing solutions for assemblies related to aircraft wing structures, fuselages, structural assemblies, and much more. With our strict adherence to quality control and export compliance initiatives, we proudly conduct operations with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B certification and accreditation. Take the time to explore our offerings as you see fit, and you may request quotes for your comparisons at any time through the submission of a completed RFQ form. Initiate the purchasing process today and see how Internet of NSN can serve as your strategic sourcing partner.