Blind rivet nuts, often simply called rivet nuts or threaded inserts, are highly versatile fasteners used to create strong internal threads in thin, brittle, or soft materials. Unlike traditional nuts and bolts that require access to both sides of the workpiece, blind rivet nuts can be installed from only one side—a critical advantage in many assembly environments. This makes them ideal for use in tubes, enclosures, or any application where rear access is restricted or impossible.

How Do Blind Rivet Nuts Work?
A blind rivet nut is inserted into a pre-drilled hole. Using a dedicated rivet nut tool, the installer pulls the threaded shank while holding the head of the nut flush against the surface. This action causes the unthreaded section of the nut to deform or “bulge” outward behind the material, locking the fastener into place. The result is a secure, load-bearing, and reusable thread ready for a standard bolt or screw.

This process is somewhat similar to a pop rivet, but instead of creating a simple joint, it provides internal threads for future fastening operations.

Types of Blind Rivet Nuts
Depending on your application, blind rivet nuts come in a variety of styles:
1. By Body Shape
Round Body Rivet Nuts: Easy to install, often knurled to prevent spinning.
Hex Body Rivet Nuts: Require hex-shaped holes but provide superior resistance to torque and rotation.

2. By Head Style
Flat Head: Sits on top of the material, offering good load distribution.
Countersunk Head: Sits flush with the material surface, giving a clean look and reducing interference.

3. By Material
Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant; suitable for soft materials.
Steel: Strong and cost-effective; best for heavy-duty applications.
Stainless Steel: Excellent corrosion resistance; ideal for marine, outdoor, or food-processing environments.
Brass: Good electrical conductivity; used in some electronics and decorative applications.

Key Advantages of Blind Rivet Nuts
Blind rivet nuts offer several distinct advantages over traditional fastening methods:
Single-Side Installation (Blind Access)
Only one side of the workpiece needs to be accessible, saving time and allowing fasteners to be used in enclosed spaces like pipes, housings, or structural tubing.

Threading in Thin Materials
Rivet nuts can be installed in materials as thin as 0.5 mm, where conventional thread tapping is not possible.

Fast and Easy to Install
No welding, tapping, or back-side work is required. With a manual or pneumatic tool, installation is quick and efficient.

Strong and Secure Threads
Once set, they offer high pull-out and spin-out resistance, enabling reliable assembly in both static and dynamic load conditions.

Suitable for a Wide Range of Materials
Can be used in metal, plastic, fiberglass, and even carbon fiber composites.

Applications Across Industries
Because of their versatility and ease of use, blind rivet nuts are used in a wide range of industries:

Automotive Industry
Used in frames, bumpers, brackets, dashboards, and panel assemblies. Especially useful where welding might distort thin materials.

Aerospace
Lightweight yet strong threaded connections in confined areas without damaging delicate structures.

Consumer and Industrial Products
Furniture, electronics casings, vending machines, HVAC ducts, and electrical enclosures.
Construction and Infrastructure
Ideal for metal studs, railings, signage, and curtain wall assemblies where only one side is accessible.

Installation Tools
Blind rivet nuts require specific tools for proper installation. These tools vary in complexity:
Hand Rivet Nut Tools: Simple and cost-effective; suitable for small volumes or maintenance.
Pneumatic or Battery-Operated Tools: Ideal for production lines with high volume and efficiency requirements.
Spin-Spin or Spin-Pull Tools: Used for different styles of rivet nuts based on their design and grip range.

Conclusion
Blind rivet nuts are essential in modern fastening systems. They allow for strong, reliable internal threading in places that are otherwise impossible to reach. From car manufacturing to electronics enclosures and beyond, these fasteners provide a smart, clean, and cost-effective solution for building durable and serviceable products.