Rivet Nuts for Strong Threaded Connections in Thin or Hollow Materials
When working with thin sheet metal, hollow sections, or inaccessible blind holes, creating reliable, load-bearing threads is a challenge. That’s where Rivet Nuts—also known as blind rivet nuts or threaded inserts—offer an efficient and high-strength solution.
At Dongguan Sango Hardware Fasteners Co., Ltd., we supply a wide range of rivet nuts designed for automotive structures, metal cabinets, tubular assemblies, and industrial enclosures, enabling quick, permanent, and vibration-resistant fastening.
1. What Is a Rivet Nut?
A Rivet Nut is a tubular, internally threaded fastener that can be installed into thin, soft, or hollow materials using a pulling force that expands its body to form a tight grip. It provides a durable thread in materials too thin to tap or where only one side is accessible.
🔩 Key Benefits:
- Creates strong threads in thin or hollow sections
- Blind-side installation — no rear access required
- Available in round, hex, or knurled body designs for anti-rotation
- Can be installed manually or with pneumatic/hydraulic tools
- Ideal for retrofit applications and lightweight structures
2. Common Types of Rivet Nuts
🔹 Flat Head Round Body Rivet Nut
- Most common style; suitable for general-purpose fastening
- Ideal for sheet metal, tubing, and thin panels
🔹 Countersunk Head Rivet Nut
- Allows flush surface after installation
- Used in visible assemblies, electronics, consumer products
🔹 Hex Body Rivet Nut
- Hexagonal body prevents spinning during installation or under torque
- Used in high-vibration environments, automotive, machinery
🔹 Knurled Body Rivet Nut
- Provides extra grip in soft or coated materials
- Prevents loosening in plastic panels or painted metal
🔹 Closed-End Rivet Nut
- Sealed bottom to prevent moisture, debris, or electrical contact
- Common in electronics, HVAC, marine applications
3. Applications of Rivet Nuts
Rivet nuts are used in industries where thin materials, blind installations, and strong threads are required:
- 🚗 Automotive frames, roof rails, bumpers, and body panels
- 📦 Metal enclosures, server racks, and communication cabinets
- 🧱 Furniture assembly, bicycles, racking systems
- 🛠 Tube structures, aluminum extrusions, and square pipe joints
- 🧪 Medical carts, laboratory frames, portable devices
- ✈️ Aerospace ductwork, interior panels, and lightweight frames
4. Material and Finish Options
| Material | Features | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Steel (Zinc-plated) | High strength, economical | General machinery, automation |
| Stainless Steel (304/316) | Corrosion-resistant, durable | Medical, marine, outdoor use |
| Aluminum Alloy | Lightweight, non-corrosive | Aerospace, electronics, portable structures |
| Brass | Conductive, corrosion-resistant | Electronics, decorative applications |
Finish options:
- Zinc plating for corrosion protection
- Passivated stainless for medical/food use
- Anodized aluminum for color coding
- Black oxide for reduced reflectivity
- Nickel plating for wear resistance and conductivity
5. Customization from Sango Hardware
We offer:
- 📏 Thread sizes: M3 to M12 or #6–1/2"
- 📐 Grip range: 0.5mm–6mm material thickness
- ⚙️ Head types: Flat, countersunk, low-profile
- 🧩 Body styles: Smooth, knurled, hex, slotted, sealed end
- 🔧 Installation support: Manual or powered rivet nut tools
Additional services:
- OEM/ODM logo or serial stamping
- CAD drawings + installation guidelines
- Bulk packaging with user instructions for assembly lines
6. Case Study: Rivet Nuts in Industrial HVAC Ducting Systems
Client: HVAC enclosure manufacturer in the Middle East
Problem: Welding inserts into sheet metal ducts was time-consuming, causing deformation and heat distortion
Sango Solution:
- Supplied M6 knurled-body rivet nuts in zinc-plated steel
- Provided pneumatic installation tooling and grip-range testing
Result:
- Reduced installation time by 70%
- Eliminated panel warping from welding heat
- Improved field serviceability with standard thread size compatibility
7. Why Choose Sango Hardware for Rivet Nuts?
🏭 Precision Cold Forming
- Consistent wall thickness, thread tolerance, and collapse strength
🧪 Comprehensive Testing
- Pull-out strength, torque-to-failure, salt spray, vibration resistance
📐 Engineering Support
- Grip range selection, hole diameter guidance, tool compatibility
📦 OEM/Global Logistics
- ISO 9001, RoHS, REACH certified; international packaging and export-ready
8. Conclusion: Fast, Reliable Threading with Rivet Nuts
Whether you're building aluminum structures, thin panel enclosures, or retrofit hardware, Rivet Nuts provide fast, permanent, and secure threaded connections where conventional methods fail. Sango Hardware delivers standard and custom rivet nuts designed for strength, repeatability, and ease of use.
Contact Dongguan Sango Hardware Fasteners Co., Ltd. today to source blind rivet nuts that meet your assembly and production needs.