I have worked on quite a few DIY projects where I needed to attach something to a thin piece of metal.

The problem is always the same:

You need a strong threaded connection, but there is no easy way to reach the back side of the material to install a regular nut.

Welding a nut in place is one solution, but it requires extra equipment and is not always practical for a small workshop project.

That’s where rivet nuts come in.

A rivet nut (also called a nutsert or blind rivet nut) allows you to add a threaded mounting point to sheet metal, aluminum panels, and other materials from only one side.

In this project, I’ll show how I install rivet nuts using a manual rivet nut tool and share some tips I learned along the way.

What Are Rivet Nuts?

Before using them, it helps to understand how they work.

A rivet nut is basically a threaded insert with a deformable body.

When you tighten the installation tool, the back section of the insert expands and clamps tightly against the material.

The result is a strong threaded hole that can accept a bolt or screw.

They are especially useful for:

1. Sheet metal projects
2. Aluminum frames
3. Automotive modifications
4. Machine covers
5. DIY workshop builds

Tools and Materials

For this installation, I used:

1. Rivet nut tool
2. Rivet nut inserts
3. Drill
4. Correct drill bit
5. Matching bolts

A good rivet nut kit usually includes multiple mandrels and different rivet nut sizes, which makes it easier to work on different projects.

For this project, having several insert sizes available was helpful because different materials and applications often require different thread sizes.

For this build, I used a kit with multiple sizes ranging from smaller inserts like M3/M4 up to larger sizes such as M10/M12.

Choosing the Right Rivet Nut Size

Choosing the correct size is probably the most important part of the process.

The right rivet nut depends on:

1. Material thickness
2. Required strength
3. Bolt size
4. Space available

For example:

Small sizes like M3 and M4 work well for lightweight panels.

M5 and M6 are common choices for general DIY projects.

Larger sizes such as M8, M10, and M12 are better when you need stronger fastening points.

First, mark the position where you want to install the threaded insert.

Drill a hole according to the recommended size for your rivet nut.

The hole should not be too large because the insert needs enough material to grip.

A properly sized hole makes the final connection much stronger.

Choose the correct mandrel for your rivet nut size.

Thread the insert onto the mandrel until it sits securely.

Make sure the rivet nut is straight before installation.(1)

Insert the rivet nut into the drilled hole.

Then squeeze the handles of the tool.

The rear part of the rivet nut will expand behind the material, locking it in place.

Take your time during this step.

Applying too much force too quickly can damage the insert or deform thin materials.(2、3)

Once the rivet nut is installed, remove the tool.

You should now have a clean threaded hole ready for your bolt.

One advantage I like about rivet nuts is that they allow parts to be removed and reinstalled many times without damaging the base material.(4)

I hope this guide helped you understand how rivet nuts work and how they can make DIY projects a little easier.When I first started using rivet nuts, I found them to be a simple solution for situations where creating a threaded hole was not so straightforward. They are one of those small workshop tools that you may not use every day, but when you need them, they can save a lot of time and effort.There are many different ways to complete a project, and I’m sure everyone has their own tips and experiences. If you have used rivet nuts in your own builds or have any suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments.

Thanks for reading, and I hope this tutorial gives you some ideas for your next DIY project.