18-8 Stainless Steel Rivet Nuts
What are 18-8 stainless steel rivet nuts? 18-8 stainless steel rivet nuts are internally threaded inserts set from one side to create a strong machine thread in sheet metal, tube, and panels where you cannot reach the back. Made from 18-8 stainless with about 18% chromium and 8% nickel, they resist rust in wet, humid, and outdoor use while giving a durable, reusable thread in thin material.
Sizes:
- Metric Rivet Nuts, Thinwall Half Hex, Low Profile Head, Stainless Steel 18-8
- Metric Rivet Nuts, Thinwall Ribbed Low Profile Head, Stainless Steel 18-8
- Rivet Nuts, Thinwall Half Hex, Low Profile Head, Stainless Steel 18-8
- Rivet Nuts, Thinwall Ribbed Low Profile Head Stainless Steel 18-8
- Rivet Nuts, Thinwall Ribbed Reduced Head, Stainless Steel 18-8
Why 18-8 stainless suits rivet nuts
18-8 is the workhorse austenitic stainless family, and it fits rivet nuts well because it stays ductile enough to collapse and form a clean blind-side bulge during setting while resisting corrosion in the outdoor and wet assemblies where these inserts live. It handles indoor, freshwater, and most outdoor exposure. Match the grip range to your material thickness, use the correct drill diameter, and choose a knurled or hex body for the best anti-rotation in thin material.
Why choose 18-8 stainless rivet nuts
- Corrosion resistance: 18% chromium and 8% nickel resist rust in wet and outdoor use.
- Blind installation: sets from one side where you cannot reach the back.
- Strong reusable thread: adds a machine thread to thin material.
- Anti-rotation options: knurled and hex bodies resist spinning.
Available 18-8 rivet nut styles and sizes
- Thinwall half hex low profile head: hex body resists spinning, in inch and metric (M6 and up).
- Thinwall ribbed low profile head: knurled body resists rotation, in inch and metric sizes.
- Thinwall ribbed reduced head: small head with a low surface footprint.
Common applications for 18-8 stainless rivet nuts
- Sheet metal, tube, and enclosures
- Panels and brackets needing a machine thread
- Automotive, trailer, and equipment builds
- Outdoor and wet assemblies
Set them with a stainless-rated rivet nut tool, see the full body and head selection on the stainless steel rivet nuts page, or browse every material on the main rivet nuts category.
18-8 Stainless Steel Rivet Nuts FAQ
Is 18-8 the same as 304 stainless?
18-8 is a broad family covering 304 and similar 300-series grades with about 18% chromium and 8% nickel. In practice the terms are often used interchangeably for fasteners.
Is 18-8 stainless magnetic?
18-8 is austenitic and effectively non-magnetic, though heavy cold working during forming can make it slightly magnetic.
Will 18-8 rivet nuts work in coastal areas?
18-8 resists rust in most outdoor and freshwater conditions but can pit in heavy salt exposure. For direct coastal or saltwater use, a molybdenum-alloyed grade offers more protection.