Large load footprint
The four legs spread the load over a much wider area behind the panel than a standard rivet nut, so soft and brittle materials are not crushed or cracked.
High pull-out strength
With the legs locked behind the panel, the nut resists being pulled through thin sheet, plastics and composite panels under load.
Resists spinning
The folded legs grip the back of the panel, so the nut does not turn in the hole when the bolt is tightened or removed.
Forgiving fit
Works across uneven or thicker panels and slightly oversize holes, where a standard rivet nut may not set properly.
Click a material or industry to see how split rivet nuts are used.
What is a split rivet nut?
A split rivet nut, also called a blind split rivet nut, four pronged rivet nut or four legged rivet nut, is a blind threaded insert whose body is slit lengthwise into four legs. It is pushed into a drilled hole and set with a rivet nut tool from one side only. As it is set, the four legs fold outwards behind the panel and clamp it against the flat head, leaving a strong, reusable metal thread. Because the legs grip a large area behind the panel, split rivet nuts are used in plastics, fibreglass, plywood and other soft or brittle materials where a standard rivet nut could crush the hole or pull through.
What is the difference between a split rivet nut and a standard rivet nut?
A standard rivet nut forms a small bulge behind the panel as its body collapses, which works well in metal sheet of the right thickness. A split rivet nut has a body cut into four legs that fold right out behind the panel, giving a much larger footprint. That spreads the load over a wider area, so it gives higher pull-out strength and less damage in soft or brittle materials such as plastics, fibreglass and plywood, and it tolerates uneven panels and slightly oversize holes. For metal sheet of normal thickness, a standard round or hex body rivet nut is usually the better and more economical choice.
Which materials can split rivet nuts be used in?
Split rivet nuts are made for materials that are too soft or brittle for a standard rivet nut, including plastics, fibreglass (GRP) and other composites, plywood and board panels, and thin sheet metal. They are also used in hollow sections such as tubes and box sections, and in panels with uneven surfaces. Because the four legs spread the clamping load behind the panel, they are less likely to crack brittle materials or pull through soft ones. For very soft wood, check the joint with a trial installation, as the grip depends on the density of the board.
What tool do I need to install a split rivet nut?
Split rivet nuts are installed with a standard rivet nut tool, either a hand tool or a pneumatic or battery tool, fitted with the matching M6 or M8 mandrel and nosepiece. The nut is screwed fully onto the mandrel, pushed into the hole and set by pulling the tool, which folds the four legs out behind the panel. The mandrel is then unscrewed. No special tool is needed, so workshops that already set rivet nuts can use split rivet nuts straight away. Excel Trading Corporation also supplies rivet nut tools.
Do split rivet nuts spin in the hole?
Split rivet nuts resist spinning well. Once set, the four legs press against the back of the panel and clamp it firmly against the flat head, so the nut does not turn when a bolt is tightened or removed. This is a common problem with round body rivet nuts in soft materials such as plastic and fibreglass, and it is one of the main reasons buyers choose split rivet nuts for these materials. Avoid over-tightening the bolt in very soft panels, as excessive torque can still crush the material.
Which sizes and material of split rivet nut do you stock?
Excel Trading Corporation stocks split rivet nuts in M6 and M8 thread sizes, made from mild steel, with a flat head and an open end. The M6 has a 12.0 mm body and a 16.0 mm head, and the M8 has a 15.0 mm body and an 18.0 mm head. When you enquire, tell us the panel material and thickness so we can confirm the right part. For other sizes or materials, see our standard round, half hex and full hex rivet nuts.
Can a split rivet nut be used in a blind or closed section?
Yes. A split rivet nut is installed entirely from one side, so it is ideal for closed sections, tubes, box sections and panels where the back cannot be reached. The only requirement is enough clear space behind the panel for the four legs to fold out. Before installing in a narrow section, check that nothing behind the hole, such as a cable, pipe or second wall, will block the legs.
Where can I buy split rivet nuts in Bangalore or India?
Excel Trading Corporation keeps M6 and M8 mild steel split rivet nuts in stock in Bengaluru and supplies OEMs, fabricators, body builders and furniture makers across India. Use the Add to Quote button on this page, call +91 7204435253 or email info@exceltrading.in with the size and quantity you need, and we will reply with price and dispatch details.
