Brian Davis

As part of #vanconversion project I've been installing 10-24 threaded rivet nuts to create attachment points in sheet metal.

I broke and returned two of the lever style rivet tools you can buy online for $50. Both had these custom mandrels (fancy machine screws) that attach to the rivet and pull the back toward the front. Both tools lacked sufficient feedback to tell me when to stop applying force, with predictable results.

This little gizmo is about $2 in parts from the hardware store and has installed dozens of rivets.

3:57pmWeb
Show threadBrian Davis14h ago
The whole process could be a lot faster. I could chuck the Allen wrench in my cordless drill and set the torque limiter. I could get a drill bit of the right size. It takes something odd like 9/32 so I've been drilling 1/4" holes and using a round file. I could be using self tapping screws like everyone else. But this project is not about efficiency. It's not quite clear what it is"about" yet but I'm enjoying tinkering.
Show threadTim Stanton14h ago
@intrepidhero
I completely get it. Enjoying the process, not racing to the end like in an assembly line. Have fun with your project!
Show threadBrian Davis14h ago
@TimKStanton like any older abused vehicle it's got a lot of quirks and things that don't work quite right. It's been fun to see what I can figure out how to fix.
Show threadScott12h ago

@intrepidhero after living with a 25 year old van that the upfitter used self-tapping screws in, just don’t (unless you are flipping it and don’t intend to keep it for years).

The constant vibration eventually leads to the holes enlarging and the screws pulling out. Over and over.

(I used a pneumatic rivnut tool for this van)

Show threadBrian Davis12h ago

@Scott aha! Vindication!

This van came to me with a cargo barrier and shelves that were installed with self tapping screws and it rattled like all heck. Of course a couple pounds of loose hardware scattered around the wall cavities didn't help either.

Show threadScott6h ago

@intrepidhero we literally had trim panels fall off the walls when the screw holes enlarged enough. It’s was worse in places the holes rusted. New van has no selftappers, that was a rule. I don’t know how many rivnuts I installed, but more than fifty 1/4-20s and a handful of 9/16.

Went through a bunch of mandrels before I learned to let it cool off between settings. If it’s too hot to rest your finger on, WAIT!

We also have unistrut anchored to the ford shelf mounts. Cabinetry bolts to that