What Is a Rivet Nut Tool?
A rivet nut tool is a tool used to attach nuts to thin metal sheets and other materials that cannot be tapped to make threaded holes.
By using a rivet nut tool, metal plates without screw holes can be fastened to each other with bolts or screws without distorting them. In addition, since the metal plates can be separated from each other by loosening the screws, the rivet nut tool is used to secure items that are scheduled to be removed at a later date or periodically.
Since you can work solely from the direction in which you want to install the nut, there is no need to reach around to the back side, making it possible to install nuts even on items shaped like bags or tubes.
How to Use the Rivet Nut Tools
This section explains how to use the hand nutter to attach a nut to an object to be processed.
Start by drilling a pre-drilled hole into the workpiece. After attaching a mandrel that fits the drilled hole to the rivet nut tools, open the handle and insert the nut into the mandrel while turning the mandrel. At this time, the nut should be screwed in firmly all the way to the back. After inserting the nut mounted on the rivet nut tools into the hole, slowly close the handle to crimp the nut (make a tight fit). After confirming that the rivet nut tools have been secured, turn the knob on the nut tool to rotate the mandrel and pull the rivet nut tools out of the tightened nut.
How to Choose Rivet Nut Tools
When choosing rivet nut tools, be sure to check the size (nut diameter) and material of the nut that can be used.
There are two main types of rivet nut tools: manual and electric. The features of each are summarized below.
In the case of manual rivet nut tools, there are “one-hand nutters” that clamp nuts with one hand and “two-hand nutters” that clamp nuts with both hands.
The one-hand nutters are suitable for crimping nuts from M3 to M6 in size. Most are compact, portable, and reasonably priced.
A two-hand nutter can exert more force than a one-hand nutter, allowing for the crimping of nuts larger than M6. They also prevent the hand from slipping when crimping the nut and ensure that the nut is held straight and secure.
Electric rivet nut tools are ideal when you want to crimp numerous nuts or when work efficiency is important because you can easily crimp nuts by simply turning on the switch. Also, since screw holes can be drilled, drills are not necessary.