Three Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rivnut Tools
Rivet nuts, also known as rivnuts, nutserts, blind rivet nuts, or threaded inserts, are one-piece internally thread inserts that can be installed in sheet metal and composite materials from one side to create a permanent and reusable thread.
Rivet nuts are highly versatile. Rivet nuts come in different materials and can be installed into materials such as metal, plastic, carbon fibre, wood and more, where conventional hot welding is impractical. Rivet nuts feature faster and easier assembly at reduced costs, so they are commonly used in applications including aerospace and agricultural equipment, medical technology, construction, automotive industry, electronic appliances, furniture assembly, HVAC, boat building, playground equipment and more.
Most rivet nuts need to be installed by using a rivnut tool. Depending on how the setting power is generated, rivnut tools can be categorised as manual rivnut tools, battery or cordless rivnut guns and air hydraulic nutsert guns.
Power rivnut tool vs manual rivnut tool
When choosing a rivnut tool, the first thing to consider is whether you need a power tool or a hand/manual tool. It depends on the volume of rivet nuts you plan to install. If it is a one-off project and you are looking at less than 100 rivet nuts in total, perhaps a hand tool is sufficient. If you plan to use the tool every day and will go through hundreds of rivnuts, then a power tool is worth the investment.
Battery rivnut gun vs air rivnut gun
The choice between these two depends on the location you plan to work in. If you are working on a job site without ready access to a compressed air supply, a battery-operated tool would be ideal. An extra battery is recommended for volume installations. If you are working in a factory or in one location, an air rivnut gun could offer a faster solution for high volume users.
The good news is that though air rivnut guns generally provide more power, quality cordless rivnut guns these days offer fast installation speed and large setting capacity as well. Some battery tools can reach up to M12 in stainless steel. The Gesipa Firebird Pro Gold nutsert gun is a good example. This presents more options for users searching for a good balance tool between convenience and efficiency.
Size and material matters
The next factor is the size and type of material of the rivet nuts you are working with. Most rivnut tools are compatible with a range of rivnut sizes. They come with a full set of nosepieces and mandrels, so you don’t have to buy multiple tools. Check the tool’s setting capacity and make sure the size of rivnut you install is in the working range.
The material of rivnut is another factor to consider. Stainless steel rivnuts require more pulling force to install. So if you are in this material zone, double check the material setting capacity description and make sure the tool is capable for stainless steel rivnuts of that size.
If you are looking to purchase quality rivet nuts and rivnut tools, get in touch with reliable rivet suppliers today and let them know what you need.