At 10:26 AM 4/22/05, Mark L wrote: >The project I just finished up (at work) required several hundred knurled >rivnuts (which are less likely to spin), so we >learned a lot about them in the fabrication process. ... The problem >with that is if you don't get it tight enough, the rivnut just spins, and >you can't tighten up the bolt. If you squeeze it too tight, the threads >get scrunched up and distort, and the >bolt binds and the rivnut spins. You'd think after several hundred, you >could get the feel of it, or get it adjusted correctly, but it never >happened...
I'm really surprised at this, as it runs opposite to my experience over the last dozen or so years. Here's the tool I've been using: http://home.earthlink.net/~ronb_4/images/rivnut_tool.jpg It is the Nutsert brand; notice the knurled base of the mandrel to keep the nutsert from spinning in the hole (this is a 4mm tool). Here's a picture of the actual nutsert: http://home.earthlink.net/~ronb_4/images/rivnut.jpg (this is a 5mm insert). I've been purchasing my replacements from McMaster too. Here are some possibilities for our different experiences: I've generally been using small-ish sizes (M3-M6) I've also been using them in relatively thick materials (1/16" min) There are recommendations for different size holes for different material thicknesses: http://home.earthlink.net/~ronb_4/images/rivnut_sizes.jpg Regards, RonB
