Forgot examples of the thin and full hex rivnuts. The photo with two rivnuts is the thin head version. The single rivnut is the full head version.

AES37H115ZYR Full Head 3/8-16 In stock .437 across flats No minimum from DB Roberts
AETHHS-M8-3.0ZI Thin Head M8-1.25 In stock .431 across flats No minimum from DB Robers
AEFHHS-M8-3.0ZI Full Head M8-1.25 Out of stock .431 across flats Min order 150,000

All the above are Atlas part numbers with a clamp range of about .030" to .115" or .5mm to 3mm.

 

Www.mcmaster.com

 

The McMasterCarr 3/8-16 rivnut has a clamp range of .104-.239. This would be optimum for 1/8" to 3/16" thick metal for a good snug fit. The thickness of the metal in our ProMasters is around 1/32" or a bit less, hence the rivnuts listed above which are a much better match.

None of the other hex rivnuts listed fit the Promaster hex punchouts.

Lex

 

I've been hunting around for hex rivnuts to fit the hex punchouts in the Promaster cargo area.
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I found the same 3/8-16 Atlas rivnuts but with a .030 to .115 clamp range which is much better suited for our purpose. The part number is AES37H115ZYR. They are available from DB Roberts for about 51 cents each and they ship out of their New York warehouse. DB Roberts sales is 800-800-6887.
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Hence I went with the 3/8-16 which has the proper clamp range as well as the full head. It's about .006 oversized across the flats but should work.

Lex

Thanks for doing the leg work on this. Can you report back with how they work out for you?

 

Should be here Wednesday of next week. Will let you know how they fit.

 

https://www.baysupply.com/2509088/P...M8-3.0ZI_(0.51-3.00mm_Grip)_Full-Hex_Body,_Large_Flange_Head,_Steel,_Zinc_Clear

 

http://catalog.pemnet.com/item/stan...dard-full-hex/standard-full-hex-threaded-insert-metric/aesm8h255zyr?plpver=1021

 

Charity, The problem is not finding the proper rivnuts for the Promaster, but being able to purchase a reasonable quantity. If you'll notice, BaySupply has a 500 minimum order. Same goes for Fastenal. You'll find the same issue going directly through Pemnet. It was Mary Jane Davis (inside sales rep at Pemnet) that directed me to DB Roberts as a source for small quantity orders, and gave me the minimums for direct and/or out of stock orders.

It would be cool if Hein could stock these. 500 at 20 cents each would be reasonable if you were in the market to resell them with a good mark-up. That's what DB Roberts is doing. They purchase at 20 cents (or less) and resell at 50 cents. They just don't carry the full metric line. McMasterCarr is also doing the same thing but they charge 68 cents each. I would have gladly paid the 68 cents, but the clamp range they carry is way to large.

Lex

 

These look close to the right size their are many more to chose from. You really only need half height hex, if the metal you use it on is thin and the flange does not need to be large since you will be bolting up to the flange this prevents back out. The bulge on the back needs to be big to prevent pull through .
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/50P...c-4af2-4137-b72b-e04690f4ad96-15&algo_pvid=55be320c-4af2-4137-b72b-e04690f4ad96

 

Just might try this. Roughly how many for a 159Ext High? 50 or 100?

 

i just did not think $100 was excessive to get the ones you want, should not be hard to get another member to buy some off ya if you were worried about spending too much.

 

Yup, these look like they'd work great. The price is right too!

 

If anyone wants to retry Fastenal, they can supposedly order these from Bollhoff, (Rivkle rivnuts part number 2334 1080 230). These are made in France. I have talked to Bollhoff sales rep here in Canada (there is Ballhoff USA), they do not want to sell directly, but she claimed they deal with Fastenal on regular bases and their (Bollhoff's) minimum order is $50.00. My local Fastenal is kinda small and unfriendly and I didn't get anywhere with the guy. It might depend on given manager. I am not desperate for them, but might try again somewhere else...

 

You'll have to count.
rivetsonline.com has 100 min order at low prices check them out too. Their Amazon store is Jay-Cee Sales and Rivet Inc and shipping is about $7 for 100pc

 

I looked at Jay-Cee Sales half hex rivnuts and couldn't find the right size. The hex cut in the promaster is metric 11mm across the flats which is about .431 inches or so. Jay-Cee's half hex rivnuts are either .375 (9.5mm) which is to small, or .500 (12.7mm) which is to large.

Maybe I'm missing something?

Lex

 

Got the AES37H115ZYR 3/8-16 hex rivnuts from DB Roberts yesterday evening. They fit the hex punchouts in the Promaster cargo area perfectly. I ordered 50 at about 50 cents each plus a few dollars shipping.

These are the same Atlas Brand from Pemnet that are sold by McMasterCarr only these have the .030-.115 inch clamp range for thin sheet metal 1/32"-3/32", where McMaster only carries the .104 -.229 clamp range best suited for 1/8"-3/16" thick metal.

Lex

 

My local Fastenall rep has ordered some Sherex hex rivnuts for me. The specs look good, we will see how well they fit. Minimum is 1 box of 25, price will be in the ballpark, we'll see when they arrive. USA made, they claim.

http://fasteners.sherex.com/item/al...x-rivet-nuts/-fhl-metric-series-br-full-hex-large-flange-series/fhl2-3118-157-1

 

Specs look very good indeed. My local Fastenal insisted on a minimum of 450! Hence I decided to look elsewhere. If you can get 25, that's a great deal. My dealings with Fastenal have been inconsistent at best. Sometimes they will work with me and other times they act like my small order isn't worth their time.

Lex

 

There have been a number of referrals for the rivnuts, if you have used any of those and found ones that work well that would be good information to have here.

Dave

 

If anyone found a good source for some good ones and has to buy a large amount I'd be happy to buy some of your extras to help you recoup the cost. I'll be at the paneling stages one day not too far off I hope.

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I just received these yesterday. They fit in the factory hex holes but I haven't "used" them yet. It took about 3-4 weeks to arrive from China. Thanks to SteveSS for finding them in the first place. I'm sure they have other sizes and shapes.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/50P...-Rivet-Nut-Insert-Nut-Blind-Rivet/32772188254.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.Gvs8Of

 

I just received these yesterday. They fit in the factory hex holes but I haven't used them yet. It took about 3-4 weeks to arrive from China. Thanks to SteveSS for finding them in the first place. I'm sure they have other sizes and shapes.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/50P...-Rivet-Nut-Insert-Nut-Blind-Rivet/32772188254.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.Gvs8Of

ShaunB, as much as I'd like to, I can't take credit. It was KilWerBzz that found them. I ordered and received some as well, but haven't tried them either. No tool yet. I did notice some hex holes under the van too. I might use some when hanging the grey tank.

 

Good idea on the grey tank. I still have that to do as well.

 

Grainger

Anyone try these from Graingger?

0.685" Steel Hex Rivet Nut Rivet Nut with 3/8-16 Thread Size and Zinc Yellow Finish.

https://www.grainger.com/product/GRAINGER-APPROVED-0-685-Steel-Hex-Rivet-Nut-32FY48?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/32FY36_AW01?$smthumb$

Grip range is good but the rep on the phone couldn't tell me the distance across the flats so I just used the ones from McMaster Carr. Pinched in just fine even though the grip range is larger than our sheet metal.

To the OP: I couldn't get to the description of the rivnut on the DB Roberts website. The site found your part # but no description or price. It says you don't have to login but do you think you do to see the description?

 

Anyone try these from Graingger?

0.685" Steel Hex Rivet Nut Rivet Nut with 3/8-16 Thread Size and Zinc Yellow Finish.

https://www.grainger.com/product/GRAINGER-APPROVED-0-685-Steel-Hex-Rivet-Nut-32FY48?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/32FY36_AW01?$smthumb$

To the OP: I couldn't get to the description of the rivnut on the DB Roberts website. The site found your part # but no description or price. It says you don't have to login but do you think you do to see the description?

The part description says 1/2 inch hole. This is the dimension across the flats. You'll find it is too large to fit. You need 11mm which is .432 or so across the flats.

 

Riv-nuts are commonly available on this continent from your neighbors . Auto parts , metal supplies, Zoro Tools, McMaster-Carr , etc. A week away at most. And there are variations for a given size, a little research required.

 

The Fastenal sources Sherex hex rivnuts worked for me. The bolt size is M8. A very accurate fit in the hex holes and squeezed down very solidly to the sheet metal.

 

The Fastenal sources Sherex hex rivnuts worked for me. The bolt size is M8. A very accurate fit in the hex holes and squeezed down very solidly to the sheet metal.

How did these work out?

 

Looking to buy a few ...

Can I buy a few off anyone that has found a fit?

I ordered some from an earlier eBay recommendation...they don't fit, too big.

 

How are you using these? Fastening furring to frame?

 

PopeAng,

email me I have some (contact info on my website in signature)

ivan,

If you google "rivnut tool" there are lots of videos on simple homemade tool ideas, and they work!

To install my hoop steps, I used a simple metal bar setup.. worked well.... and you don't have to search for an insertion tool with the right metric thread, just use a strong bolt.

The metal bar was an extra piece from a garage door opener kit. A little oil on the double washers under the bolt made it work smoothly. Good for tight spaces (like under there) but also easy to use along the van rails with hex nuts inside!

 

The metal bar was an extra piece from a garage door opener kit. A little oil on the double washers under the bolt made it work smoothly. Good for tight spaces (like under there) but also easy to use along the van rails with hex nuts inside!

I can also vouch for the metal bar "tool". It's super easy and doesn't cost $50-$100 for an official "tool". It also doesn't require 2 sets of wrenches like some of the other rivnut DIY tools you'll see or can buy.

I didn't realize what you were initially showing with this picture because it's *too* easy - it seemed like it should have been more complex! Use a cordless impact wrench to tighten and it's even easier.

Here's a video of a guy using the same setup:

 

I ordered off AliExpress from the link and received them in less than two weeks. I'm away on a work trip so I can't play with them yet though.

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