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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
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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
Discussion starter · #31 ·
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.
 
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.

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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!
 
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
This site is awesome. I was looking for these and did not know they were out there. I was looking at well nuts but these are much better. Thx for the info. Ordered these today. :D
 
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 would guess too much force. Yes, the Astro tool is $50 but I use it all the time for other projects and was well worth it to me (and I’m a cheap SOB) Eddie’s system is also fine and the price is right but using an air hammer is a no no.
 
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