Common Problems When Installing Rivet Nuts and How to Fix Them

Rivet nuts are widely used in metal sheets, thin-wall structures, and blind installation environments. Although they are designed to provide strong and reliable threads, various issues may occur during installation if the tools, hole size, or product selection are not properly matched.

As a professional rivet nut manufacturer, Xinchi is glad to introduce the most common problems when installing rivet nuts—including spinning, stripping, and deformation—and offer practical solutions for assembly teams and manufacturers.

Rivet Nut Spinning During Installation

Rivet nut spinning is one of the most frequently encountered installation issues. It typically occurs when the rivet nut rotates together with the bolt during tightening, preventing proper fastening.

Possible Causes

• The base material is too thin or soft for the selected rivet nut
• Insufficient pulling force or incomplete expansion during installation
• Oversized or inaccurate hole diameter
• Using a smooth-body rivet nut on smooth sheet metal

Solutions

• Adjust the rivet nut tool stroke to ensure full deformation
• Follow the recommended hole diameter for each rivet nut size
• Use knurled (or hex) rivet nuts to increase anti-rotation performance
• Avoid using flat-body rivet nuts in materials that are too thin or soft

Rivet Nut Stripping (Internal Thread Damage)

Stripping refers to damage or failure of the internal threads, preventing the bolt from engaging properly.

Possible Causes

• Excessive pulling force during installation
• Selecting a thread size too small for the load requirement
• Using soft materials (e.g., aluminum rivet nuts) in high-torque applications
• Repeated tightening/loosening causes thread wear

Solutions

• Follow the recommended torque specifications
• For high-load applications, select steel or stainless-steel rivet nuts
• Use torque-controlled power tools or torque-limiting screwdrivers
• Avoid overtightening after installation

Rivet Nut Deformation (Crushing, Tilting, Over-Expansion)

Improper deformation can lead to misalignment, excessive expansion, or even cracking of the rivet nut.

Possible Causes

• Excessive pulling force beyond the forming range
• Hole diameter too large, causing the nut to sit off-center
• Panel thickness outside the rivet nut’s grip range
• The tool is not positioned perpendicular to the workpiece

Solutions

• Select rivet nuts according to the recommended grip range
• Control pulling stroke or force according to specifications
• Ensure the tool is aligned vertically during installation
• Check and maintain accurate hole diameter (±0.1mm tolerance recommended)

Rivet Nut Under-Setting (Incomplete Expansion)

Under-setting means the rivet nut has not fully expanded, reducing its load-bearing capacity.

Possible Causes

• The stroke is too short on the pulling tool
• Material thickness exceeding the nut’s capable range
• Insufficient compression of the backside flange

Solutions

• Use tools with adjustable stroke or force control
• Choose longer or large-flange rivet nuts for thicker materials
• Inspect the expansion shape to ensure proper forming

Difficult Bolt Installation After Setting

Sometimes the bolt becomes hard to screw in, even though the rivet nut is already installed.

Possible Causes

• Internal thread damaged during forming
• Rivet nut installed at an angle
• Edge deformation or sheet metal compressing the thread opening

Solutions

• Maintain perpendicular alignment when setting the rivet nut
• Use thread gauges to verify thread quality after installation
• Ensure the flange area is flat and unobstructed

How to Reduce Rivet Nut Installation Issues

Most rivet nut problems—spinning, stripping, deformation—can be avoided by:

• Matching the correct rivet nut size and material to the application
• Using precise hole diameters and following grip-range guidelines
• Applying controlled torque and stroke during installation
• Maintaining proper alignment and using reliable tools

A small adjustment in process or product selection can significantly improve assembly efficiency and durability.

Xinchi Fasteners Factory Advantages

Xinchi Fasteners is a professional manufacturer of rivet nuts and metal fastening solutions. Our advantages include:

• 102 cold-heading machines with daily output over 10 million pieces
• New factory covering 30,000 m² with two six-floor production buildings
• Full inspection system including thread gauges, torque testing, and salt-spray testing
• Support for OEM customization, non-standard parts, and private-label packaging
• Stable quality, short lead time, and reliable supply for furniture, equipment, automotive components, and general industries

Xinchi is a trustworthy fastener company, especially in furniture nuts. We have a factory that was founded in 2007. We are the designated fastener supplier to“STAPLE”. As a trusted fastener supplier, Xinchi offers a wide range of high-quality fasteners, including nuts, screws, bolts, rivets, and washers. Our products are widely used in automotive, machinery, construction, electronics, and furniture industries, trusted by global customers for stability, precision, and durability.

We can recommend the most suitable rivet nut type based on your material, load requirements, and installation conditions to help reduce assembly problems and improve production efficiency.