Types of Rivet Nuts – A Complete Guide

A rivet nut is a fastener that can quickly create internal threads in thin plates, tubes, or other workpieces that cannot be directly tapped. Rivet nuts are easy to install, reliable in strength, and widely used in machinery manufacturing, automotive, home appliances, and furniture. Different types of rivet nuts have unique structures and applications. Below, Xinchi is glad to classify them for your reference.

Rivet Nuts Classified by Head Shape

The head shape of a rivet nut determines how it sits against the installation surface, affects the load-bearing area, and influences the final appearance. Common head types include:

• Flat Head Rivet Nut: The flat head rivet nut has a moderately wide flange that sits flush with the work surface after installation, providing a stable bearing surface and reducing the risk of scratches.
  Typical uses: Automotive interiors, appliance panels, and enclosures where a neat, flush appearance is desired.
• Reduced Head Rivet Nut: The reduced head rivet nut has a smaller flange diameter, making it ideal for installations with limited edge distance or tight space, avoiding interference with surrounding structures.
  Typical uses: Electronics housings, light machinery components, and narrow installation areas.
• Countersunk Head Rivet Nut: The countersunk head rivet nut has a flange designed to fit into a pre-drilled chamfer, allowing the head to be flush with the surface for a completely flat appearance.
  Typical uses: Furniture, machine panels, and decorative surfaces where the nut must be hidden.

Rivet Nuts Classified by Body Shape

The body shape of a rivet nut impacts its anti-rotation performance and installation convenience. Different designs suit different working conditions.

• Round Body Rivet Nut: The round body rivet nut has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture. It works best with precisely sized round holes.
  Typical uses: Low-torque applications in machinery and thin-sheet structures.
• Half Hex Body Rivet Nut: The half hex body rivet nut features a partially hexagonal and partially cylindrical shape, combining anti-rotation performance with easy insertion.
  Typical uses: Thin plates, softer materials, or assemblies requiring some anti-slip capability.
• Full Hex Body Rivet Nut: The full hex body rivet nut is entirely hexagonal, offering the highest resistance to rotation and the ability to handle higher torque.
  Typical uses: Automotive chassis, construction machinery, and high-strength joints.

Rivet Nuts Classified by Tail Structure

The tail structure affects the sealing performance and suitability for certain environments.

• Open End Rivet Nut: The open end rivet nut allows the internal thread to pass completely through, accommodating longer bolts and offering high versatility.
  Typical uses: General fastening applications.
• Closed End Rivet Nut: The closed end rivet nut features a sealed bottom to prevent bolt protrusion and block dust or moisture from entering, improving service life.
  Typical uses: Automotive manufacturing, waterproof equipment, outdoor structures, and electronics housings.

Rivet Nuts Classified by Material and Surface Treatment

The material and surface treatment of a rivet nut determine its strength, corrosion resistance, and longevity.

• Carbon Steel Rivet Nut: High strength and cost-effective; usually requires protective coatings such as zinc plating or Dacromet.
• Stainless Steel Rivet Nut: Made from 304 or 316 stainless steel, offering excellent corrosion resistance for humid or outdoor environments.
• Aluminum Alloy Rivet Nut: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant; ideal for lightweight structural components.

Xinchi Rivet Nut Manufacturing Advantages

When choosing rivet nuts, production capacity and quality control are as important as the product type. Xinchi Fasteners operates 102 cold heading machines, with a daily output of over 10 million rivet nuts, ensuring quick fulfillment of large orders. Our new factory covers 30,000 square meters, with two six-story production buildings. From raw materials to finished products, we maintain strict quality control to meet ISO, DIN, and ANSI standards, supplying stable, high-quality rivet nuts to customers in Europe, the United States, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

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 offers a wide range of high-quality fasteners, including nuts, screws, bolts, rivets, and washers. If you would like to learn more about fasteners or are interested in wholesale fasteners, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our experienced and expert service team will reply as soon as possible.