It all depends on what. On some things I drilled a tapped on other things I used carriage bolts or self taping screws. Me personally I wouldn't rely on rivets to hold my lights down let allow my lowrance...

 

Thanks Carp.... Was looking at old posts and reading, it got me thinking. Thx

 

Rivet nuts are great!!! They provide threads where you have thin material to work with... And gives it a factory look...
http://www.tannerbolt.com/JQMobile....obile.aspx?page=item+detail&itemcode=MAR+47152&gclid=CLy1l_CCtMgCFQuqaQodqSICng

 

I definitely wouldn't use them for my Seelites, or my expensive electronics... however, I'd use them for the smaller things around the boat. They look really handy.

 

I don't get it why wouldn't you use rivet nuts??? They're a hell of a lot more reliable than self tapping screws...

 

My old deck was held on with 4 3/8 rivnuts. Like that for 4 years and not one problem.

 

That's what I have holding my deck in place and no problems yet.

 

Do you have to have a special tool to install or just tighten them down till they smash down

 

Here are the ones I use, my deck and trolling motor are mounted using 1/4 inch and everything else is 5/16.
The kit comes with the install kit, very easy to use, http://www.ebay.com/itm/PLUSNUT-FAS...T-FASTENER-KIT-5-16-25PC-W-TOOL-FREE-SHIPPING-/171953729496?hash=item28093dafd8

 

We use a bunch of em at work. Yall would be amazed how many riv-nuts are in cars now days.

 

Most everything mounted on my boat is mounted with Plus-nuts, never had a single problem. very solid and secure.

 

http://m.harborfreight.com/45-piece...45-piece-threaded-insert-riveter-kit-1210.html?utm_referrer=direct/not provided

 

There is a installation tool that is used to install them. I suggest you pop for one. Once you use these you'll find other places to use them.

 

Huck rivets like used on semi trucks are awesome, you just have to find someone with a huck rivet gun, Some body shops have them , They will NEVER come lose.

 

Look like a cheap nut-cert.

 

I have been useing 1/4x20 Riv-Nuts on my build, Made my own install tool and I can say these things are awesome. I have used them to mount switch panels,Fuse panel,Neutral buss,and insulated wire straps,I intend to use them for the floor as well, I dont think they will ever come lose from vibration, Look to be a whole lot better then a rivet .Thanks for the heads up guys, They are great .

 

WE have used rivnuts in the aviation field all the time....another fastener is called a nutplate,i have them in my seaark..they hold down my 1/8 alum.floor and i use them on my alum. deck.i have also used rivnuts....the best tool for install is made by a tool co. called Marson.In aviation we can not afford to them get lose.the Marson hand held tool also has kits to do pull rivets......what you all call pop rivets.yes rivnuts are very secure,and can hold a lot of weight.they are a great fastener.

 

I used these large 3/8 riv nuts to hold all sorts of stuff down on my boat. Love them. Made a homemade tool to install them using an impact gun.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008VGVDCO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00

 

I have used Riv nut for all kinds of stuff on my boat... but I wouldn't trust them to hold a deck down thou... had a hard sided blind bolted to the rails with riv nuts... and my stern rails are bolted to riv-nuts...

 

Have to agree, I would not feel good about a raised deck relying on riv nuts going down the road , im going to thru bolt or or use small binders on mine.

 

I use rivnuts and they're really useful for some things. Just keep one thing in mind, if they start to spin with a bolt in them you'll have all sorts of fun getting them out.

 

I have those tools for removing them,it is not as hard as you may think.could explain the technique,if some one needs it.

 

Kopter Doctor, Explain away please , I always welcome tips and tricks . never to old to learn a new trick.

 

I just saw the blog on removing riv-nuts.Yes you can drill them out...but they might spin on you. basically a good cold chisel,and a high speed or right angle one,and what they call pin routers. Lowes sells them.dremel makes them also,they are used in dry wall,but they sell them for cutting steel or aluminum,you split the riv-nut,while using that pin router. a the right size drill bit sometimes works also.but if you do it right a cold chisel will do the same.it will keep the old riv-nut from spinning.

 

I used nutsert when I worked to DON and to take one out I would just drill it.
Use same bit as hole size, then I put in new one.

 

You can stretch them out and get them back out. I developed a tool for this on parts we send to Nissan.

 

What size rivnuts would you guys recommend for mounting Seelites to a deck, and different accessories here and there?

 

1/4-20 minimum and most likely 5/16-18

 

Thx Garp