Rivet nuts—also known as rivnuts or threaded inserts—are increasingly popular in industries such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace, furniture production, and metal fabrication. Designed to provide strong, load-bearing threads in thin or soft materials, rivet nuts are valued for their ease of installation and versatility. However, a common question arises: Are rivet nuts permanent? 

What Are Rivet Nuts?

Rivet nuts are tubular, internally threaded fasteners installed into pre-drilled holes. Once placed, they are deformed from the blind side of the material (typically using a rivet nut tool), forming a flange that secures them in place. This creates a strong, permanent anchor point for screws or bolts—even in thin sheets of metal, plastic, or composite material where standard tapping is not possible.

Permanent or Not?

Permanent in Installation
Rivet nuts are considered permanently installed once the crimping process is complete. When set properly, the deformed backside of the rivet nut tightly grips the base material. It is not meant to be easily removed or repositioned. Removing a rivet nut generally requires destructive methods like drilling, grinding, or cutting—methods that damage both the rivet nut and potentially the base material.

This characteristic is crucial for ensuring the reliability of assembled components, particularly in applications where vibration resistance and structural integrity are required. In automotive panels or aircraft structures, for example, permanence is an asset.

Not Permanent in Use
While the rivet nut stays fixed in place, the bolt or screw inserted into it is removable and replaceable. This makes rivet nuts ideal for applications requiring serviceability. A technician can unscrew a panel or part for maintenance and reattach it later without compromising the threaded connection. This feature allows rivet nuts to act like a permanent anchor with a reusable function.

Are Rivet Nuts Removable?

Technically, yes—but not without damage. To remove a rivet nut:
A drill bit slightly larger than the inner thread is used to bore it out.
In some cases, a rotary tool or grinder may be necessary.
Once removed, a new rivet nut can be installed in the same or a slightly larger hole.
Because of the difficulty in removal, rivet nuts are often referred to as semi-permanent fasteners.

When to Use Rivet Nuts
Rivet nuts are perfect for situations where:
The material is too thin to tap threads.
The rear side is inaccessible, making nuts and washers impractical.
A secure and reliable fastening point is needed for bolts or screws.

Components may require disassembly or maintenance in the future.
Typical applications include:
Automotive body assemblies
Sheet metal enclosures
Aerospace components
Industrial machinery

Conclusion
Rivet nuts strike a balance between permanent installation and reusable functionality. Once installed, they provide long-lasting, vibration-resistant threads, yet allow for repeated screw insertion and removal. While not removable without damage, their ability to create permanent, threaded solutions in thin materials makes them an essential fastening method in many modern industries.