Threaded inserts?
 

Our design team is working on a west-coast inspired chassis/drivetrain. We are currently planning on using aluminum tubing with 1/8” wall. In past seasons, we used backer plates or support tubes for threads. We are interested in using some sort of threaded inserts. Possibly the clinching (PEM) variety...

Does anyone use threaded inserts? If so, how do you guys install them? Any problems?

Thanks,
Eric

Re: Threaded inserts?
 

I use "Rivet Nuts" all the time in aluminum tubing. When installed properly they work great. McMaster has a good selection. I also invested in the rivet nut setter, about $50....it makes installation a snap.

I use flush mount press in style PEM nuts in the Wild Swerve module. These also work great but take more planning and are quite expensive.

Re: Threaded inserts?
 

We have used "Rivnuts" you can often get a disposable tool to insert them for about $2 at your local hardware store. As mentioned McMaster-Carr has better tooling depending on how much you want to spend, the ultimate being the one that works similar to a pop-rivet gun, though we have the cheaper crank style unit that works great. The standard ones to create a ~1/16" gap due to them sitting about that much above the surface. There are also countersunk styles that will sit flush but getting the exact depth of the counter sink could be tricky.

The only downside is that you must keep people from over tightening the fastener that goes into it, go to far and they can start to spin making it very difficult to remove. If properly set it should take a lot of force to cause them to spin since they tighten their grip to a point as the fastener is tightened. For many years automakers used them in thin sheet metal for attaching mirrors and roof racks so they are proven in the long term.

Re: Threaded inserts?
 

Thanks for the replies AJ and Mr. V...I appreciate it.

Re: Threaded inserts?
 

Here's a link for rivet nuts that have a splined bodies that resist rotation, and will give you some choices of style to suit your needs.

http://www.rivetsinstock.com/rivet47...FY865QodyT88Fg

Re: Threaded inserts?
 

Splined bodies are the most commonly found and the way to go but that doesn't mean that someone over torquing them won't cause them to spin.