Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => AmpTools/Tech Tips => Topic started by: MakerDP on March 16, 2019, 06:47:52 pm

Title: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: MakerDP on March 16, 2019, 06:47:52 pm: Hey guys... been a while...

Anyways if you are like me you hate doing chassis attachment. I've tried a lot of different ways but finally found my favorite...
I know Doug has sold his rivnuts and the install tool (bolt and nut) for quite a while. I tried it but could not figure out how to get the install bolt to work quite right, so I gave up in frustration because "proper" rivnut installation tools are quite expensive for something I will hardly ever use.

Along comes this for only $22....
https://www.harborfreight.com/45-piece-threaded-insert-riveter-kit-1210.html

It works amazingly well and installs the leftover rivnuts I bought from Doug quickly and painlessly. Now the hardest part is drilling the hole! so... not that hard at all! (Doug's rivnuts are way better than the ones it came with because of the ribbing.)

Sorry if you already knew about that one but I thought I'd share. Finally building a permanent home for my D'Mars ODS this week... almost done.
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: John on March 18, 2019, 06:05:46 am: Good to know,thanks!
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: EL34 on March 18, 2019, 07:14:04 am: Thanks for the link

The ones I have been looking at on Ebay are a nicer design
But that style there is not bad

I like this style of tool better, but then I would have to buy a few more SAE tools to go with it
It comes with these
Metric M5, M6, & M8 and in SAE 10-24, 1/4-20, & 5/16-18.

$38 US

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hand-Rivet-Kit-Riv-Nut-Threaded-Gun-Metal-Mandrel-Tool-M5-M6-M8-SAE/382510058991 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hand-Rivet-Kit-Riv-Nut-Threaded-Gun-Metal-Mandrel-Tool-M5-M6-M8-SAE/382510058991)
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: MakerDP on March 19, 2019, 10:45:12 am: Very cool. It's nice to know there are multiple inexpensive options for this now! It really is the way to go IMO.

I tried affixing lengths of aluminum angle to a chassis using standard pop rivets a couple of times and while that works OK it's kind of a pain to get set up: cutting to length, lots of drilling and lots of extra care to get alignment correct.
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: EL34 on March 19, 2019, 10:50:36 am: I think the one that I posted has more power than the rivet tool type design
I have had it on my shopping list for a while
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: MakerDP on March 19, 2019, 01:09:14 pm: Well for what it's worth, the chassis I used the HF tool on was thicker than your typical Hammond aluminum chassis and the tool easily handled your 10-24 rivnuts. Now, how long it lasts... jury is still out on that one. You probably do a lot more of these than I do and for other things, so the extra $$ might be worth it in your case.
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: EL34 on March 19, 2019, 01:37:45 pm: Ok, good to know

I am thinking I want to use this to set 1/4-20 and 5/16-18 rivnuts also
Not for amp chassis, but other things

Those sized rivnuts are pretty beefy
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: davidwpack on March 20, 2019, 07:39:58 am: I bought one from Amazon that's pretty much like the one EL34 posted a picture of. It works great but make sure you always keep it oriented with the workpiece. The bits will break easily if you put them in a bind. I ordered a couple extra ones.
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: EL34 on March 20, 2019, 07:43:40 am: Quote from: davidwpack on March 20, 2019, 07:39:58 am
I bought one from Amazon that's pretty much like the one EL34 posted a picture of. It works great but make sure you always keep it oriented with the workpiece. The bits will break easily if you put them in a bind. I ordered a couple extra ones.

Good tip

Where did you buy extra mandrels?

I ordered that one yesterday
Should be here soon
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: MakerDP on March 20, 2019, 10:41:52 am: Cool let us know how it works out for you.

The HF tool will do 1/4-20 but that's the largest it will go.
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: EL34 on March 20, 2019, 11:04:42 am: I use 5/16-18 bolts and threaded rod quite a bit for projects
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: davidwpack on March 20, 2019, 01:10:06 pm: Also from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-Tool-1442-3-8-16A/dp/B01F9A4PHE/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=2U0AIXS3WOIPV&keywords=astro+pneumatic+mandrel&qid=1553105315&s=gateway&sprefix=astro+pneumatic+man&sr=8-4 (https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-Tool-1442-3-8-16A/dp/B01F9A4PHE/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=2U0AIXS3WOIPV&keywords=astro+pneumatic+mandrel&qid=1553105315&s=gateway&sprefix=astro+pneumatic+man&sr=8-4)
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: EL34 on March 24, 2019, 02:04:02 pm: I got the Rivnut tool I linked to up above
It came more install tools than the description on Ebay
See my pic below

So there were 6 Metric and 3 Sae tool tips included

Seeing how nice this tool was made, I can recommend it
Here's the Ebay link again
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hand-Rivet-Kit-Riv-Nut-Threaded-Gun-Metal-Mandrel-Tool-M5-M6-M8-SAE/382510058991 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hand-Rivet-Kit-Riv-Nut-Threaded-Gun-Metal-Mandrel-Tool-M5-M6-M8-SAE/382510058991)

I tested it by installing 4 10-24 Rivuts in one of my Stout chassis

It's a really nice tool with lots of power
I just had to drill out the chassis holes to 19/64 so the Rivnut fits into the hole

Way easier than using a bolt and washer
Plus the Rivnuts do not try and spin like they do with a bolt install

Here's a pic of my first Rivnut install with the tool
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: MakerDP on March 24, 2019, 03:40:12 pm: Very cool. Thanks for posting your report!
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: davidwpack on March 24, 2019, 11:48:56 pm: I have the one in the link below. They look identical. The mandrels are possibly interchangeable? https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-Tool-1442-Setter/dp/B003TODXQW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=3GYWTB99DNDD8&keywords=astro+pneumatic+tool&qid=1553489040&s=gateway&sprefix=astro+p&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-Tool-1442-Setter/dp/B003TODXQW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=3GYWTB99DNDD8&keywords=astro+pneumatic+tool&qid=1553489040&s=gateway&sprefix=astro+p&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1)
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: sluckey on March 25, 2019, 05:52:14 am: Have any of you guys seen one that will do 8-32, 10-32, and 1/4-20?

Mine does 1/4-20
Check out the pic up above with all the mandrels that came with it

I would like to get a 8/32 mandrel, but not sure where to get one that fits
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: EL34 on March 25, 2019, 07:11:27 am: Quote from: davidwpack on March 24, 2019, 11:48:56 pm
I have the one in the link below. They look identical. The mandrels are possibly interchangeable? https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-Tool-1442-Setter/dp/B003TODXQW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=3GYWTB99DNDD8&keywords=astro+pneumatic+tool&qid=1553489040&s=gateway&sprefix=astro+p&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-Tool-1442-Setter/dp/B003TODXQW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=3GYWTB99DNDD8&keywords=astro+pneumatic+tool&qid=1553489040&s=gateway&sprefix=astro+p&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1)

Yep, that's the same one
Except way cheaper on Ebay

I contacted the seller on ebay about getting other mandrels and he said he does not have any
I wonder if the Amazon seller can get other madrels
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: davidwpack on March 25, 2019, 08:55:50 am: The link in reply #11 is individual mandrels. But yeah you can buy them separately in Amazon.
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: EL34 on March 25, 2019, 09:42:51 am: Quote from: sluckey on March 25, 2019, 05:52:14 am
Have any of you guys seen one that will do 8-32, 10-32, and 1/4-20?

I used this search phrase on amazon
Mandrel and Nose Piece

These mandrels say they fit the Astro 1442 model and that model looks the same as mine

Here's a 10/32
https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-Tool-1442-10-32A/dp/B01F9A4PFG/ (https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-Tool-1442-10-32A/dp/B01F9A4PFG/)

I found a 8/32 here
https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-Tool-1442-8-32A/dp/B01F9A4PJM/ref=sr_1_5 (https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-Tool-1442-8-32A/dp/B01F9A4PJM/ref=sr_1_5)

8/32 comes in handy for lots of small stuff
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: EL34 on March 25, 2019, 09:53:41 am: I already have a bunch of 10/24 rivnuts

I may get this assortment to have on hand
https://www.amazon.com/VIGRUE-Rivnuts-Threaded-Nutsert-Assortment/dp/B07MMYXY69 (https://www.amazon.com/VIGRUE-Rivnuts-Threaded-Nutsert-Assortment/dp/B07MMYXY69)
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: davidwpack on March 25, 2019, 02:48:49 pm: Yeah, that's why I bought the Astro Pneumatic because they had the replacement mandrels. But looking at them, I'll bet they are interchangeable between brands. I wonder if they're made by one manufacturer and rebranded with other company names?
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: EL34 on March 25, 2019, 03:02:12 pm: I just got a reply back on Amazon asking about the Mandrels for the 1442 tool
They are the same as the ones I got with my Ebay tool

I got 9 Mandrels with mine, but I still need a 8/32 mandrel
They are $15, which is almost double some of the other larger Mandrels
Seems weird when you can get a 1/4-20 for $6
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: davidwpack on March 25, 2019, 03:07:32 pm: That is weird. I wonder if there's multiple sellers on Amazon that might have them cheaper.
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: davidwpack on March 25, 2019, 03:13:18 pm: Here's one for $11. https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-Tool-ADN14-8-32-Mandrel/dp/B01JBP1VV6/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmrnull_2?crid=1H203AGRRGUPE&keywords=astro+pneumatic+mandrel+8-32&qid=1553544646&s=gateway&sprefix=astro+pneumatic+mandre&sr=8-2-fkmrnull (https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-Tool-ADN14-8-32-Mandrel/dp/B01JBP1VV6/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmrnull_2?crid=1H203AGRRGUPE&keywords=astro+pneumatic+mandrel+8-32&qid=1553544646&s=gateway&sprefix=astro+pneumatic+mandre&sr=8-2-fkmrnull)
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: EL34 on March 26, 2019, 06:38:00 am: Not sure that one will work
I would have to ask the seller if it is M8 threads on the end that screws into the tool

For $4 more, I think I would just get the one that I know is correct

here's the one I know fits mine
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: davidwpack on March 26, 2019, 09:35:51 am: Oh yeah, that one is different. I didn't notice that. I would get the other one too.
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: sluckey on March 26, 2019, 10:47:45 am: I wonder if you could take one of those metric mandrels to your machine shop buddy and get some 8-32 threads put on it?
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: EL34 on March 26, 2019, 10:51:05 am: Quote from: sluckey on March 26, 2019, 10:47:45 am
I wonder if you could take one of those metric mandrels to your machine shop buddy and get some 8-32 threads put on it?

I have taps and dies
I probably could re thread one myself
I could buy one of the $6 tools and see how it goes

But they are hardened steel and it may be pretty tough to work with that metal?
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: sluckey on March 26, 2019, 11:05:28 am: That's why I suggested a machine shop buddy.
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: EL34 on March 26, 2019, 11:12:36 am: Quote from: sluckey on March 26, 2019, 11:05:28 am
That's why I suggested a machine shop buddy.

I don't have a machine shop buddy :)
The labor for something like that would be more than the Amazon tool

I bet those tools are made first and then hardened

I could take a regular M8 bolt and turn it down on my lathe
Then do 8/32 threads on the other end
just as an experiment
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: davidwpack on March 26, 2019, 12:17:08 pm: I looked at that other mandrel I posted. That company makes rivnut attachments for drills also. I believe it is one of those. They do look different. http://www.astrotools.com/rivet-nut-drill-adapter-kit.html (http://www.astrotools.com/rivet-nut-drill-adapter-kit.html)
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: EL34 on March 26, 2019, 12:21:55 pm: Quote from: davidwpack on March 26, 2019, 12:17:08 pm
I looked at that other mandrel I posted. That company makes rivnut attachments for drills also. I believe it is one of those. They do look different. http://www.astrotools.com/rivet-nut-drill-adapter-kit.html (http://www.astrotools.com/rivet-nut-drill-adapter-kit.html)

That's cool
As long as the drill you use has enough power to do big rivnuts
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: davidwpack on March 26, 2019, 12:26:36 pm: Yeah, no doubt. $88 on Amazon. About the same on eBay. I want one.
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: MakerDP on March 26, 2019, 12:48:31 pm: Oiks! I would be afraid of using a drill to set them. I'd probably strip out all the threads.
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: davidwpack on March 26, 2019, 01:06:03 pm: I'd get the hang of it after about 1000 or so. :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: Willabe on March 29, 2019, 10:02:48 pm: Quote from: davidwpack on March 26, 2019, 01:06:03 pm
I'd get the hang of it after about 1000 or so. :icon_biggrin:

:laugh:
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: Willabe on March 29, 2019, 10:04:43 pm: Quote from: davidwpack on March 26, 2019, 12:17:08 pm
I looked at that other mandrel I posted. That company makes rivnut attachments for drills also. I believe it is one of those. They do look different. http://www.astrotools.com/rivet-nut-drill-adapter-kit.html (http://www.astrotools.com/rivet-nut-drill-adapter-kit.html)

That 1 has 8-32.
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: davidwpack on March 30, 2019, 07:36:52 pm: Oh, yeah. I think they pretty much have all the available sizes though on Amazon... In that particular brand anyway.
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: sluckey on April 05, 2019, 06:06:19 pm: Quote from: EL34 on March 26, 2019, 11:12:36 am
I could take a regular M8 bolt and turn it down on my lathe
Then do 8/32 threads on the other end
just as an experiment
Did you try this yet?
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: EL34 on April 05, 2019, 07:03:56 pm: Quote from: sluckey on April 05, 2019, 06:06:19 pm
Quote from: EL34 on March 26, 2019, 11:12:36 am
I could take a regular M8 bolt and turn it down on my lathe
Then do 8/32 threads on the other end
just as an experiment
Did you try this yet?

No, I would just buy the tool on Amazon or Ebay
It's not worth my time to try and make it :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: EL34 on April 16, 2019, 02:34:56 pm: I picked up a couple Rivnut assortment packs in SAE and Metric

On Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D5FMV8S (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D5FMV8S)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MMYXY69 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MMYXY69)
Title: Re: Rivnut setting tool
Post by: EL34 on April 20, 2019, 08:11:29 am: I just got this 8/32 tool from Amazon
It fits my Ebay rivnut tool

It's listed as fitting this tool
Astro Pneumatic Tool 1442

It's $9.74 right now, which is way cheaper than the $15 ones I found before

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F9A4PJM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F9A4PJM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/6110AN1HILL._SL1421_.jpg)