When using bolts to fasten parts, you’ll typically need matching nuts. Most nuts feature interior threads that connect to the external threads of bolts. After inserting a bolt through the parts, you can twist a nut onto the end to apply a clamping force. Certain applications, however, may require a specialized nut, such as a clinch nut or rivet nut.
What Are Clinch Nuts?
Clinch nuts are threaded fasteners that are pressed into place. They are typically installed using a flat press. After drilling or cutting a hole in the parts, a clinch nut is placed over the hole. A flat press is then used to apply pressure, allowing a band of material to flow into the clinch nut’s groove. This process essentially locks the clinch nut in place.
What Are Rivet Nuts?
Rivet nuts are threaded fasteners that are installed using a specialized “setter” tool. Like with clinch nuts, rivet nuts are inserted through the parts. A setter tool is then used to partially deform or expand the rivet nut. This causes the rivet nut to press against the adjacent material, thereby securing it in place.
Differences Between Clinch Nuts and Rivet Nuts
While they provide internal threads for bolts, clinch nuts and rivet nuts aren’t the same. They are two different types of threaded fasteners with their own unique design and purpose.
Clinch nuts and rivet nuts use different mechanisms to secure themselves in place. Clinch nuts leverage the surrounding material of the parts in which they are inserted. When pressed, some of this material moves into precut indentions or grooves on the nut. Rivet nuts, on the other hand, leverage their own material. They are deformed during installation so that they grip the sides or back of the workpiece.
Rivet nuts can be installed without accessing the back of the fastened parts. Also known as blind nuts, they only require access to the front of the assembled parts. The setter tool is used to deform them from the front. Clinch nuts don’t support blind installations such as this. Instead, they require access to both sides of the fastened parts.
Another difference between clinch nuts and rivet nuts is the finish. Clinch nuts typically provide a flush finish on both sides of the fastened parts. Rivet nuts, in comparison, typically protrude from the back of the parts. This is due to their deformation-based installation process. When deformed, rivet nuts will bulge slightly.