Rivet Nuts / Threaded Inserts

Large Flange, Small Flange & Ribbed Options in Aluminum & Steel / Zinc Yellow. Available in Standard and Metric Threads.

Rivet nuts, also called threaded inserts, give you strong internal threads in materials that are too thin to tap. They’re a clean option when you need a threaded connection in sheet metal, tubing, or other thin wall parts. Once set, the insert stays in place and you can remove and reinstall the bolt as needed, which is handy for service panels and repeat assembly work.

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Types of Rivet Nuts

There are several styles of rivet nuts, and choosing the right one comes down to your parent material, access, and the load you’re carrying. Large flange rivet inserts spread the clamping force over a wider area, which helps in softer materials or oversized holes. Small flange versions sit closer to flush when clearance matters. Ribbed bodies add extra resistance to spinning, especially in sheet metal. You’ll also see different body type options, including round body and hex body inserts. A hex body can lock into a matching hole shape to reduce rotation under torque. Pay attention to shank diameter, hole size, and grip range so the insert collapses correctly and clamps the material without distortion. For mixed fleets or equipment, standard and metric threads keep specs consistent.

Rivet Nuts: Reliable Solutions for Blind Installations

Blind rivet nuts are made for jobs where you can only reach one side of the workpiece. That means you can create a threaded mounting point from the installation side without needing a nut on the back. The insert is placed in a drilled hole, then compressed so it mushrooms behind the parent material, similar to a blind rivet but with internal threads. To install rivet nuts consistently, use the right tool for the insert style and material. Depending on volume, you may use hand, pneumatic, or battery-powered installation tools. For occasional installs, a simple setup can work, but high-volume production often calls for a special tool that sets pull length consistently. This is why threaded rivet nuts for sale are popular in enclosures, frames, and field service panels where backside access is limited.

How Rivet Nuts Improve Fastening in Thin or Hollow Materials

Thin material can’t always hold threads, and hollow sections don’t give you a place to capture a nut. Rivet nuts solve both problems by creating a clamped insert that carries the load across the material thickness. That makes them useful for sheet metal cabinets, tubing frames, racks, and light structural assemblies. The right grip range is key: too short and the insert won’t set properly; too long and it can collapse unevenly. Match hole size to the insert’s shank diameter so you don’t end up with spin-out during tightening. Body type matters too. A round body is common for general use, while a hex body can add anti-rotation in higher torque applications. When you pick the right tool and install correctly, blind rivet nuts provide repeatable fastening without welding or backside hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are rivet nuts / threaded inserts?

Rivet nuts, also called threaded inserts or blind rivet nuts, are fasteners that create internal threads in thin or hollow materials. They’re installed into a pre-drilled hole from one side, then set to clamp behind the material, leaving a reusable threaded hole for bolts.

What materials are rivet nuts available in?

Rivet nuts are commonly available in aluminum, steel, and coated steel options. Material choice depends on strength needs and the environment. For example, aluminum is lightweight, while steel provides higher strength. Coated options can help with corrosion protection in exposed applications.

What types of heads are available for rivet nuts?

Rivet nuts come in multiple head styles, including large flange and small flange options. Flange size affects how load is distributed on the installation side. Larger flanges help spread force on softer parent material, while smaller flanges are useful when you need a tighter footprint.

What applications use threaded inserts?

Threaded inserts are widely used in enclosures, panels, frames, and equipment housings where you need serviceable threads in thin wall sections. They’re common in sheet metal fabrication, HVAC, automotive-style assemblies, and any build where you can’t reach the back side to add a nut.

What is the difference between round body and hex body rivet nuts?

A round body rivet nut installs into a round hole and is common for general-purpose fastening. A hex body insert fits a hex-shaped hole and helps resist spinning under torque. Choose based on expected load, tightening torque, and whether rotation control matters.