Riveting T nuts

[Chris E Smith]

Anyone use the riveting T nuts from Rockler ?

http://www.rockler.com/riveting-t-nuts-and-inserting-tool?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=dyn&utm_campaign=PL&sid=V9146&gclid=CPrs67OMoMoCFQ8taQodc20Efg

I use a lot of T nuts and these riveting ones look interesting. I was wondering if anyone has used them with the insertion tool and has any tips on use. I'm wondering if the rivet part always sits proud after being set and would cause a piece being attached to rock on it.

BTW, Parts Express has six prong T nuts at about the best price I have found.

http://www.parts-express.com/cat/nuts-t-nuts/313

thanks
chris

[Robert Willing]

I use these on 1/2" plywood for a project made about 250 pieces. As I recall I needed a solid backing so I used a forstner bit to make a 1/16" depression slightly bigger than the T nut in a piece of oak and held it in a vice while using the roll over tool. If you don't the T nut will work it's way out. The items I made were disks 6" in dia, If you don't use the backer the prongs will bend and the T nut will spin

[Sean Tracey]

Neat, but you can get 100, 1/4-20, Ez-loks at Amazon for $7.00. You can also get other sizes and you don't need to buy a special tool to install them unless you consider metric allen wrenches special.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002KSZ13G/ref=biss_dp_t_asn

They screw in and hold well.

[Chris E Smith]

Thanks for the install info, that's what I was looking for. I may have to buy some to play with.

I have used threaded inserts but I have more confidence in T nuts for some things. I just welded some brackets for clamp storage and I'm going to use T nuts to attach the two plywood pieces that form the French cleats they will hang with. I'll post pics when done.

Chris

[Sean Tracey]

Ez-lok's web site has installation instructions that include information on holding power.

I've installed the zinc 1/4-20 softwood inserts in plywood and southern yellow pine in 11/32" holes which is a 1/64" smaller than the drill recommended on their info and they installed easily.

They also make brass hardwood inserts which are a little harder to install but they work very well and look very good.

I find the prongs on T-nuts really sort of smash up the wood and tend to come loose over time and I no longer use them.

I think the rivet T-nuts probably help solve that problem as the prongs can't back out, but then they will only work in a panel type install.

The zinc ez-loks are available in flanged and flush mount versions. You can install the flanged with the back on either side of a panel. You can also install the flush type below the surface a bit if necessary.

For the type of work I use them for and the pricing and availability at Amazon, I am really happy with the ez-lok inserts and I always keep a couple of sizes on hand for jigs and projects.

[Davis Young]

McMaster-Carr comes in a little cheaper, though you would have to buy in 100-quantities. http://www.mcmaster.com/#tee-nuts/=10n3sdz