Setting blind rivet nuts:
A simple guide
Do you want to create a strong thread in thin sheet metal or a hard-to-reach workpiece, but only have access from one side? Then you don't need weld nuts or complicated screw connections. The solution is:
blind rivet nuts
Blind rivet nuts have long been part of everyday life in industry, trade and many DIY projects. They make it possible to create a stable thread in materials where this would not be possible using conventional methods, with little effor
You may already be familiar with blind rivet nuts under a different name. Here are the most common terms used as synonyms:
- Threaded sleeves
- Threaded rivets
- Set nuts
Contents
What variants and types of blind rivet nuts are available?
Tools and methods for assembly
Step-by-step instructions: Setting blind rivet nuts
Preparation
Step 1: Drill hole
Step 2: Drill blind rivet nut onto the tool
Step 3: Insert rivet nut into the hole
Step 4: Actuate the pliers or tool
Step 5: Drill the blind rivet nut off the threaded mandrel
Avoid typical mistakes
The rivet nut turns with the workpiece?
The rivet nut pulls crookedly?
The material is damaged?
Conclusion
The typical areas of application for blind rivet nuts are:
- Vehicle construction (e.g. car bodies, interior trim)
- Electrical engineering (e.g. for device housings)
- Furniture construction (especially for metal frames or aluminium)
- Solar technology
- Classic applications in metal construction or in the workshop
Your big advantage: You can install the threaded sleeve quickly and reliably – even without access to the rear. This saves time and allows you to work precisely.
In this article, we will show you step by step how to set a blind rivet nut correctly. We will discuss the design, variants, tools required and, of course, practical installation. This will enable you to complete your next project with ease.
What is the design and function of a blind rivet nut?
To understand how a blind rivet nut works, it is worth taking a quick look at its design, which is divided into two main components:
- Setting head: This is the part that is visible on the outside after installation. It lies flat on the workpiece or is flush with it.
- Rivet nut body: This part is deformed when the rivet nut is set. This creates a firm connection with the material.
Inside, there is usually a metric thread dimension. You can use this to screw in screws as usual. Frequently used sizes are M4, M5, M6 or M8.
The function is quickly explained:
When set, the tool pulls the rivet nut body together. This is compressed, forming a bead on the back of the material and clamping itself in place.
This ensures that the thread is permanently stable.
What variants and types of blind rivet nuts are available?
Blind rivet nuts are available in many designs. To ensure that you choose the right variant for your project, you should be aware of the following differences:
Head shapes
Dome head: The standard. Sits on the material and ensures a large contact surface.
Countersunk head: Disappears flush into the workpiece when correctly installed. You need a pre-drilled and countersunk hole for this.
Small head: For minimal protrusion of the blind rivet nut and thus an almost flat contact surface for the mounting part.
Shaft shapes
Smooth round shaft: Suitable for soft or thicker materials. Easy to install.
Splined round shaft: Has corrugations. These prevent twisting in the material, which is ideal for higher loads.
Partial hexagon: Requires a hexagonal hole. Offers better anti-rotation protection than smooth rivet nut bodies.
Full hexagon: Very high anti-rotation protection. However, installation requires a punched hexagonal hole and often a professional tool.
The choice depends on the material, accessibility and the desired hold. For DIY projects with standard tools, flat and smooth or splined variants are often sufficient.
Tools and methods for installation
To set a blind rivet nut, all you need is a drill or cordless screwdriver and blind rivet nut pliers or a blind rivet nut setting tool. Use the drill to pre-drill the hole in the material. The rivet tool is the most important tool for this project: it is used to insert the rivet nut into the material.
There are three common methods for doing this:
Manual rivet tool
- Inexpensive (from approx. £20)
- Sufficient for occasional use
- However, you need some strength
- Ideal for small projects or hobby use
Battery-powered setting tool
- Professional tool with electric drive
- Fast work, even with many connections
- High repeat accuracy
- Significantly more expensive (from approx. £1,000)
- Worthwhile for workshops or series production
Pneumatic-hydraulic setting tool
- Powerful professional tool for industrial applications
- Operated with compressed air, also offers hydraulic transmission
- Extremely high setting speed and repeat accuracy
- Ideal for series production and continuous use
- Cost depending on model from approx. £1,500
A tip: If you only set blind rivet nuts occasionally, a good hand rivet tool is often sufficient. GESIPA® offers reliable models for this purpose.
Step-by-step instructions: Setting blind rivet nuts
Now it's time to get practical: In this section, we will show you how to set a blind rivet nut correctly in just a few steps. Careful preparation and the right tools are essential.
Preparation
Before you start, clarify the following points:
Analyse the material
Ask yourself: What material do you want to use the blind rivet nut in? Is it steel, aluminium or plastic? This determines the choice of the right blind rivet nut and shank shape.
Select the right blind rivet nut
Pay attention to:
- Nut material (e.g. aluminium for soft materials, steel for higher loads)
- Thread dimensions (e.g. M5 nut for 5 mm screw)
- Shank shape, suitable for the application and tool
- Length and grip range of the blind rivet nut
Measure the material thickness
It is important that the grip range of the blind rivet nut matches the thickness of the material. If the rivet nut is too short, it will not hold properly. If it is too long, it cannot be deformed correctly.
If you are unsure whether the selected rivet nut is a good fit, we recommend testing it on a sample piece before final use to ensure that the system holds reliably.
Check the drill hole diameter
Each blind rivet nut requires a specific hole size. Example: A 6 mm aluminium rivet nut requires a 6.1 mm drill hole. The exact diameter can be found in the manufacturer's product table or in the technical data sheet.
Have the right tools ready
You will need a drill bit with the right diameter, a hand rivet tool or a cordless rivet gun and, if necessary, a countersink if you are using countersunk nuts.
Step 1:
Drill the hole
Mark the desired position on the workpiece. Then drill the hole with the appropriate drill bit. Make sure that the edge is clean and free of burrs. If necessary, deburr the hole with a countersink.
Step 2:
Screw the blind rivet nut
onto the tool
Screw the rivet nut onto the threaded mandrel of the pliers or tool. Make sure that the nut is straight and tight.
Step 3:
Insert the rivet nut
intothe hole
Insert the prepared blind rivet nut together with the tool into the drill hole. The setting head rests on the outside of the material.
Step 4:Actuate the
pliers or tool
Now actuate the hand rivet tool or the cordless tool.
The rivet nut body is drawn together and compressed. The nut is deformed and anchors itself firmly in the material.
Make sure that the nut is seated straight in the material and does not rotate after setting. If it does, select a different rivet nut body shape (e.g. splined or hexagonal).
Step 5:
Drill off the blind rivet nut
from the threaded mandrel
After setting, turn the mandrel of the tool manually or with the drilling-off function of the riveting tool out of the blind rivet nut. You can now screw a screw into the stable thread dimension as you would into any other thread.
That's it.
You have successfully set a blind rivet nut.
Avoiding typical mistakes
Even though setting blind rivet nuts is a simple and practical way of joining two materials together, unexpected problems can occasionally arise. The most common mistakes (and how to fix them) are listed below
Rivet nut turns with the workpiece?
The hole may have been too large, the nut too small or the rivet nut body too smooth. Use a larger, splined or hexagonal version.
Rivet nut pulls crooked?
The hand rivet tool was probably not positioned exactly perpendicular. Position the tool correctly.
Material is damaged?
Check the hole, the tool, the size of the blind rivet nut and the force applied. If necessary, use a different blind rivet nut or adjust the settings on the tool according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Conclusion
Blind rivet nuts are a clever solution if you want to create a load-bearing thread dimension in thin or hard-to-reach materials. They are also a smart way to join these materials together in a single operation. The resulting thread can also be used to fasten other materials with a detachable connection.
With the right preparation, a suitable tool and an eye for detail, you can set blind rivet nuts quickly, safely and permanently.
What you should take with you:
- Select the blind rivet nut that is suitable for the material and application.
- Measure carefully (especially the grip range).
- Use a suitable tool. A manual hand rivet tool is often sufficient for occasional work.
- Work cleanly and precisely to ensure that the nut fits perfectly.
Whether for hobby, workshop or professional projects: with this knowledge, you can set every blind rivet nut correctly.
If you are looking for high-quality tools and reliable blind rivet technology, take a look at the products from GESIPA – the specialist for blind rivet technology.
