A Comprehensive Guide to Rivet Nuts: Types and Applications
In modern manufacturing and assembly processes, the rivet nut—also known as a rivnut or blind rivet nut—plays a vital role as a fastener for thin sheet metal and tubing. With advantages like quick installation, strong thread formation, and broad application range, rivet nuts are widely used across industries such as sheet metal fabrication, automotive, furniture, and aerospace.
As a professional fastener manufacturer, Xinchi is happy to provide an in-depth look at the common types of rivet nuts and their practical applications, helping you choose the right solution for your production needs.
Common Types of Rivet Nuts
Rivet nuts come in various types, each designed to meet different structural and functional requirements:
Hex Rivet Nuts
Hex-shaped rivet nuts feature an external hexagonal body that prevents spinning once installed, offering superior torque resistance. These are ideal for applications that require a secure, anti-rotation fit—commonly used in sheet metal enclosures, control panels, and machinery housings.
Round Rivet Nuts
Round rivet nuts are the most commonly used type, with either smooth or knurled exteriors. They are easy to install and suitable for general-purpose use in furniture, toolboxes, lighting fixtures, and lightweight structures.
Open-End Rivet Nuts
Open-end rivet nuts allow screws or bolts to pass through freely, making them suitable for components that require frequent disassembly or access. They are widely used in display stands, cabinets, kitchen appliances, and consumer electronics.
Closed-End Rivet Nuts
These rivet nuts are sealed at one end, providing excellent protection against the ingress of dust, moisture, and other contaminants. This makes them particularly suitable for applications in automotive chassis, aerospace structures, and marine equipment, where sealing is crucial.
Key Application Industries for Rivet Nuts
Thanks to their versatility and reliable performance, rivet nuts are widely used in various industries:
Sheet Metal Fabrication
In sheet metal work, rivet nuts provide an easy solution for creating internal threads in thin materials where traditional tapping is not feasible. They offer quick installation with high holding strength.
Automotive Industry
Rivet nuts are widely used in automotive assembly lines, particularly indoors, seats, frames, and structural panels. They ensure durable fastening while helping reduce overall vehicle weight.
Furniture Manufacturing
As modern furniture increasingly adopts modular and metal-based designs, rivet nuts offer secure connections between frame parts and panels, supporting both assembly and future disassembly for maintenance.
Aerospace & Defense
Aerospace applications demand high-performance fasteners. Closed-end and high-strength rivet nuts are ideal for aircraft structures, military-grade equipment, and satellite components, ensuring reliable fastening under extreme conditions.
How to Choose the Right Rivet Nut
When selecting a rivet nut, it’s essential to consider factors like base material thickness, required thread size, load direction, and environmental conditions. Additionally, choosing the right material—such as carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminum—and surface treatment like zinc plating or anodizing will improve corrosion resistance and durability.
Though small in size, rivet nuts are essential components that ensure secure and efficient fastening across a wide range of industries. Understanding their types and applications can help manufacturers make better decisions in design and production. As a professional rivet nut supplier, we offer a full range of sizes, materials, and customization options. Whether you need standard models or tailored solutions, feel free to contact us for technical support and product recommendations.
XINCHI is a trustworthy fastener company, especially in furniture nuts. We have a factory, founded in 2007. We are the designated fastener supplier to“STAPLE”. As a trusted fastener supplier, XINCHI can offer a wide range of high-quality fasteners, including nuts, screws, bolts, rivets, washers, etc. If you want to know more about fasteners or want to wholesale fasteners, please feel free to contact us. Our experienced and expert service team will reply as soon as possible.