
(Spinout torque is higher than the recommended tightening torque, and as a result I sheared a bolt during the test.)
RIVET NUT INSERT INSTALL
Install cross nuts and rivet nuts without and with “helpers” (adhesive, washers).Drill a matrix of identical holes (9.25mm/0.364in).Astro 1450 PlusNut and rivet nut setter.But that’s good enough to decide which threaded inserts we will use in our van! This is NOT science 😉 We don’t have enough specimens, the holes are not all perfectly identical, we may introduce variations during installation (we’re humans not robots), etc.This creates friction on the insert’s head and greatly increases the spinout torque value. In a “real-world” application, there is a non-rotating material between the bolt and the insert (the stuff you’re trying to mount). Our goal is not to quantify the “real-world” spinout torque value.Determine if spinout resistance can be increased with the following:.Determine which threaded insert has a better spinout resistance: cross nuts or rivet nuts.Let’s review those that are useful for a van conversion: There are dozen of different threaded insert types, each one of them designed for a specific application.

That being said, it’s OK to drill a few holes (outside the no-drill zones prescribed by the manufacturer) and add some corrosion protection… They might not be exactly where you want them. Have to deal with the location of pre-drilled holes.More on that in the Tools & Installation section.

Cost more than sheet metal screws or bolts/nuts.Threaded inserts have the following drawbacks: And as it turns out, many pre-drilled holes in our Ford Transit have blind access so that’s quite convenient. On the other hand, cross nuts and rivet nuts only require access to a single side (front) this is called “blind access”.

Installing bolts and nuts requires access from both sides (front and back). Threaded inserts can be used to create joints without having to drill new holes, which would expose bare metal and potentially create corrosion. A van comes from the factory with pre-drilled, unthreaded holes all over the cargo area.
