The Complete Guide to Selecting and Using Rivet Nuts and Pop Rivets

When you need to securely fasten two materials together, especially in a blind or limited access setting, pop rivets offer an excellent solution. Rivet nuts allow you to easily add strong threaded holes to sheet metal and plastics. This guide will walk you through choosing and using these incredibly handy fasteners.

Not sure what material you need? Check out our Material Guide to find the right material for your needs!

How to choose your Pop Rivets

Before you begin working with rivets or rivet nuts, a bit of planning goes a long way. Carefully measuring the materials, you need to join and determining the optimal locations for your fasteners is crucial for ensuring stability in the finished product. You will also want to calculate the grip range required based on the thicknesses of the materials being joined. This grip range measurement determines what rivet lengths or rivet nut heights you should purchase for your project.

With the grip range and hole diameter known, you can then readily select the specific rivet or nut sizes needed by consulting our convenient sizing charts. It is also wise to estimate your total rivet and nut quantity required plus some extra to account for any rejects or mistakes made during installation. Having to halt progress mid-project because you have run out of hardware can be incredibly frustrating. So do that bit of measuring and planning up front and you will know exactly which rivets and nuts in what quantities to purchase from us for your application.

Pop rivets consist of a tubular body and mandrel which pulls the body tight. Let us look at what factors you need to consider determining which style and material to order:

• Material: Aluminum provides strength with light weight. Steel offers maximum shear strength. Choose material compatible with your application and the environment where it will be used.
• Style: Standard dome head for general use. Countersunk for flush finish. Closed end for waterproof strength. Your needs determine the style of rivet nuts and pop rivets your project(s) will need.
• Size: Diameter and grip length are critical. Measure thickness and hole size. Order rivets online that will fit securely without excess grip.
• Quantity: Estimate number of rivets needed for entire project. Having extras is recommended.

With the right rivets selected, you will achieve a solid fastening solution.

Installing Pop Rivets

Proper technique is crucial when it comes to installing structural pop rivets and rivet nuts securely. It's advisable to start by using very sharp drill bits to cut clean and accurately sized holes for your rivet shanks and rivet nut bodies. Any slop or loose fit at this stage causes problems later. Make sure to thoroughly deburr all drilled holes after boring them, as this allows for smooth rivet/nut insertion and optimal grip on the materials. You will also want to confirm the holes are precisely aligned across both pieces being joined to enable straight, centered rivet/nut engagement. During setting, take care to pull rivet mandrels and flare rivet nut bodies adequately to maximize shear and tensile strength, but be careful not to overdo it and risk damage to the surrounding materials or hardware breakage. It is wise to do some test pieces first, optimizing your hole sizing, alignment, and pull/flare process before jumping into main rivet and nut installation production. Paying attention to those installation details will lead to strong, long-lasting, trouble-free results after installation of your structural rivets and rivet nuts is complete.

Using blind rivets aka pop rivets is a straightforward process:

• Drill properly sized holes in materials to be joined. Align the holes.
• Insert mandrel end of rivet through holes with domed head on accessible side.
• Use rivet gun or hand tool to grip mandrel and pull tight. Rivet body expands on blind side.
• Mandrel snaps off at break point when rivet reaches optimal tension. Dome head remains.
• Installation complete! Rivet holds materials securely together.

Proper hole sizing and blind rivet tensioning ensure a lasting connection. Take care not to overstress the rivet.

Getting the Most from Rivet Nuts

Rivet nuts allow you to quickly add strong threaded holes. Here is how to pick the best ones:

• Material: Steel for strength, aluminum where weight matters. Match material to use.
• Finish: Zinc plating resists corrosion. Important in harsh conditions.
• Style: Flanged, countersunk, or threaded flange types for different needs.
• Size: Thread diameter, pitch, and body diameter must suit hole.
• Quantity: Have extra nuts available to allow for errors and rework.

With rivet nuts selected, you will be ready to install them.

The Quality of the Hardware Matters Too

The characteristics and quality of the pop rivets and rivet nuts we sell have an impact on your project's success. Here at our shop, we also supply top-notch rivets and nuts from leading manufacturers that are known for their consistency and reliable performance. Our extensive size range means you are sure to find just the right fit for your particular task or application needs. We offer blind rivets and nuts in a variety of material options and finishes so you can select the optimal choice to withstand your specific operating conditions. And our handy rivet assortment kits eliminate the guesswork of getting the right mix of rivet sizes for your jobs. With all these high-quality hardware options, you can proceed confidently knowing the pop rivets and nuts from our shop will deliver finished assemblies that stand the test of time.

How to Install Rivet Nuts

The rivet nut process is straightforward:

• Drill proper sized hole for rivet nut body to pass through. Check fit.
• Insert rivet nut and use tool to grip mandrel and pull tight. Body flares.
• Mandrel snaps off leaving nut body securely installed in hole.
• Thread in bolt to check your work. Nut should fasten tightly.
• Installation complete! Your threaded insert is ready for use.

With care taken on hole sizing and the flare process, rivet nuts provide durable threaded holes.

The Concepts Behind Proper Use

• Use quality riveting tools to avoid hardware failure or damage.
• Ensure hole sizes are right for your rivets/nuts - precision matters.
• Grip lengths must suit material thickness.
• Pull rivets and flare nuts adequately, but not excessively.

Follow these guidelines and you will get reliable, long-lasting results.

Check out our full catalog of rivets, nuts, and tools today to find the best fit for your next project!