How to Install Rivet Nuts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Rivet nuts are a versatile fastening solution, perfect for creating strong, threaded connections in thin materials like metal, plastic, or fiberglass. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional, learning how to install rivet nuts can save time and ensure durable results. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help you master rivet nut installation with confidence.

What You’ll Need

Before starting, gather these tools and materials:

• Rivet nut (choose the size and material, like stainless steel, for your project)

• Manual rivet nut tool or rivet nut gun

• Drill with a bit matching the rivet nut size

• Wrench (if using a manual tool)

• Marker or center punch

• Safety glasses and gloves

• Deburring tool or sandpaper (for smoothing holes)

Step 1: Drill a Pilot Hole

Select a drill bit that matches the rivet nut’s diameter (check the manufacturer’s specifications). Carefully drill a straight, clean hole at your chosen location. Wear safety glasses to protect against metal shavings. After drilling, use a deburring tool or sandpaper to smooth any burrs around the hole to ensure a secure and flush fit for the rivet nut.

Step 2: Select and Attach the Mandrel and Nosepiece

Get your rivet nut tool ready by attaching a mandrel and nosepiece that match your rivet nut’s size. The mandrel is a rod that holds the rivet nut in place during installation, while the nosepiece secures the mandrel and allows you to thread the rivet nut onto the tool. Slide the mandrel into the tool, then screw on the nosepiece to lock it in place. Most rivet nut tools come with multiple mandrel sizes, so select the one that fits the rivet nut you plan to install.

Step 3: Load the Rivet Nut onto the Tool

Preparing your rivet nut tool correctly is key to a successful installation. For manual tools, fully open the tool’s handles to ready it for loading. Use both hands to pull the handles apart until they’re completely extended, ensuring the tool is ready to accept the rivet nut. A closed handle will prevent the tool from working, so always double-check this step. Screw the rivet nut onto the mandrel until it’s securely threaded. For rivet nut guns, load the rivet nut directly into the nosepiece.

• we’re using a manual tool for this guide, and you can explore our high-quality manual rivet nut tools at RivetGo here.

Step 4: Insert and Compress the Rivet Nut

Place the rivet nut into the drilled hole, ensuring it sits flush against the material’s surface. Hold the tool steady to keep the nut aligned. For a manual tool, press the handle to set the rivet nut in place. For a rivet nut gun, squeeze the trigger until the nut is fully set. You’ll feel resistance when the nut is secure.

Step 5: Release the Tool

Once the rivet nut is set, unscrew the manual tool or release the gun’s mandrel to free it from the installed nut. The rivet nut should remain firmly in place, creating a threaded insert.

• Note: Each rivet nut tool model may have a different method for unscrewing the mandrel from the nut, so always read the product’s user manual carefully to ensure safe and effective operation of your tool. For the manual rivet nut tool used in this guide, unscrew the mandrel by opening the handles fully and squeezing them 2-3 times to release the nut.

Step 6: Inspect the Installation

Check that the rivet nut is flush and secure. Test the threads by screwing in a bolt to ensure a strong connection. Here, we’ll perform a small test by placing a metal strip over the rivet nut and securing it with a bolt. If the nut spins or feels loose, you may need to drill a new hole and try again.