Rivet Nuts
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 862
Likes: 0
From: Gaithersburg MD
Rivet Nuts
Plan to use some AL/AK series rivet nuts to attach items to the thin sheet metal or fiberglass engine compartment panels. Seems like a much better idea than self tapping screws.
Anybody have alternatives these products?
http://www.acfcom.com/product_profil...g%20Manual.pdf
Anybody have alternatives these products?
http://www.acfcom.com/product_profil...g%20Manual.pdf
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis Indiana
Hi Dan, Rivnuts have been used in aircraft for as long as I can remember. The only issue is knowing the application. What are you installing? Most fasteners are application specific, so you should look closely at what load you have on it. I would hesitate putting anything heavy on a plastic panel though. Also, without the proper tools they can be hard to install.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 3
From: Austin, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Houston, Dallas, Hong Kong, Elgin, etc.. Texas
They are stronger than sheet metal screws or pop rivets depending on which model you use. I've used them in production and like them.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
The biggest problem with blind fasteners other than the actual installation is having enough blind side surface area to avoid breakout or distortion of the parent material. Some applications are impossible, due to the limited strength of the parent structure.
