Remember to use washers and not over tighten

[Peter Matteson]

Originally Posted by Mr V

Using the knurled version like I linked to is preferred over the smooth version. The other big key is to make sure they are installed properly. Having a good tool is part of that equation, so you can ensure the proper compression is achieved, as is making sure that the hole is the correct size. If it slides into the hole easily the hole is too big.

Here is a good tool from McMaster. I'm not finding the one we use, if I do I'll update.

I'm with Mr V on this. I've never had a properly set rivnut fail in Al. The only issues I can thiink of are when you try to set it in a material with a higher Rockwell hardness which prvents the knurls or splines from digging in to the parent material.

We have had issues when people who haven't used them before don't compress the nut all the way however, which I was reminded of last night when I realized the only person on the team other than me who installed our rivnuts for the last four years graduated last year.