Hexagonal Rivnuts - Interior fixings

[Paynewright]

I spotted these on ebay recently and recall there being lots of hexagonal holes under the roof panels so might be useful for creating solid fixings for interiors. A much better fixing than a self tapper and take a threaded bolt.

For those that dont know, a rivnut is a threaded insert that can be fitted into a thin metal panel, and is squeezed into place trapping the panel. I’ve used the round ones and they can spin. They are generally available in ally and steel.

 

[Paynewright]

This is a set I bought years ago...

 

[rod_vw]

Screwfix do a mixed pack...

Easyfix Brass Mixed Rivet Nut Handy Pack 250 Pcs - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Zinc-plated brass rivet bushes. Widely used in steel board fixing. Pre-drilling required. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

60 x M4, 55 x M5, 60 x M6, 30 x M8, 30 x M10 and 15 x M12.

Description says they are brass but a reviewer corrects this saying they are steel.

But they don't sell a tool for inserting them.

 

[DXX]

If the hex‘ hole is already present I can see the advantage.
If you are making a new hole is it not best to use a hex’ broach after drilling to lock the rivnut?

 

[Eclipse Custom Vans]

I spotted these on ebay recently and recall there being lots of hexagonal holes under the roof panels so might be useful for creating solid fixings for interiors. A much better fixing than a self tapper and take a threaded bolt.

For those that dont know, a rivnut is a threaded insert that can be fitted into a thin metal panel, and is squeezed into place trapping the panel. I’ve used the round ones and they can spin. They are generally available in ally and steel.

View attachment 95574

We used a number of steel ones and you have to be quite strong to insert them (well with my hand gun anyway). I even snapped my tool as using so much pressure to install, Teng tool so not cheap crap also. Some others are much easier to fit so we tend to use them. Must be ally ones. We always try to avoid drilling holes in the van where possible and reuse existing holes.

 

[The Bear78]

Screwfix do a mixed pack...

Easyfix Brass Mixed Rivet Nut Handy Pack 250 Pcs - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Zinc-plated brass rivet bushes. Widely used in steel board fixing. Pre-drilling required. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

60 x M4, 55 x M5, 60 x M6, 30 x M8, 30 x M10 and 15 x M12.

Description says they are brass but a reviewer corrects this saying they are steel.

But they don't sell a tool for inserting them.

They can be installed with a nut, washer and bolt quite easily. There are also locking types available with a little tang that you file a tiny keyhole slot for but these aren't very common.
If those fit the hexagonal holes it looks a good option.