Blind rivet nuts, often referred to as rivnuts, are versatile fasteners used in a wide range of applications where the back side of the workpiece is inaccessible. They offer a robust solution for adding strong, durable threads to thin materials or creating attachment points in places that cannot be reached by conventional nuts. 

A blind rivet nut is a tubular fastener with internal threads. The term "blind" refers to the fact that it can be installed in applications where only one side of the material is accessible. This feature makes them ideal for use in closed structures like tubes, frames, and hollow sections. Once installed, they provide a sturdy threaded hole for screws or bolts, creating a permanent fastening point.

Key Applications of Blind Rivet Nuts
Blind rivet nuts are used in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, construction, electronics, and manufacturing. Here are some practical applications:

Automotive: Rivet nuts are frequently used in vehicle body panels, where they provide attachment points for brackets, trim, and other components.

Aerospace: These nuts are critical for fastening interior panels, overhead bins, and lightweight structures without compromising the structural integrity of the material.

Furniture Assembly: Blind rivet nuts are often used in assembling metal furniture, providing strong fastening points that can handle stress and load over time.

Electronics Enclosures: They allow components to be easily attached to thin-walled enclosures without damaging delicate materials.

Construction: Rivet nuts can be used to attach items like handrails or signage to metal frames or other hard-to-reach surfaces.

Advantages of Using Blind Rivet Nuts
Blind rivet nuts offer several practical advantages:

Installation From One Side: As the name suggests, they allow installation from one side, which is invaluable in situations where the back side of the material is inaccessible.

Versatility: These fasteners can be used in a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites. They work well with thin materials that cannot support traditional tapped threads.

No Damage to Surface: Unlike welding or using self-tapping screws, blind rivet nuts do not deform the surrounding material, making them ideal for applications where the appearance of the finished product is important.

High Load-Bearing Capacity: Once installed, a rivet nut provides a strong attachment point that can handle high torque and pull-out forces, making it ideal for demanding applications.

Ease of Installation: Blind rivet nuts can be installed quickly with simple tools, reducing labor costs and installation time.

Types of Blind Rivet Nuts
There are various types of blind rivet nuts designed for different applications:

Round-Body Rivet Nuts: Ideal for general-purpose fastening.
Hexagonal Rivet Nuts: Designed to prevent spinning in the hole, often used in high-torque applications.
Countersunk Rivet Nuts: Installed flush with the surface, providing a clean, flat appearance.
Closed-End Rivet Nuts: Prevent liquid and gas penetration, making them suitable for airtight or watertight applications.

How to Install Blind Rivet Nuts
The installation process of a blind rivet nut is simple and can be done with basic tools:

Drill a Hole: First, drill a hole in the material that matches the diameter of the rivet nut.

Insert the Rivet Nut: Place the rivet nut into the drilled hole, ensuring it sits flush against the material.

Use a Rivet Nut Tool: Using a rivet nut tool, pull the mandrel of the nut to compress the backside of the rivet nut, expanding it and locking it into place.

Thread the Fastener: Once installed, the rivet nut provides a strong, threaded hole into which a screw or bolt can be fastened.

For small-scale installations, hand-operated rivet nut tools are sufficient. For high-volume applications, pneumatic or hydraulic tools can be used for faster and more efficient installation.