Rivnuts

[Windbreaker]

 

 

Probably one for Johan Bornman,

 

I was told that it is not a good idea to insert and set Rivnuts using anything other than the proper tool. To me they look like they could just as easily be set with a home-made jig.

 

Second question - where can I get Rivnuts in Cape Town. Called my lbs today to see if they had them and was told my frame was a "throw away" if they were loose.

 

Windbreaker2008-01-17 12:37:44

[SwissVan]

Interesting question WB... you overtightened your water bottle cage?

 

What kind of frame have you got, make and material?

Whats wrong with your existing "rivnut", is it loose and if so only slightly loose or fall out loose?

 

Ok then after all these questions I cannot really help with rivnut availability, can't say I have seen then around in the local hardware shop, but try a specialist rivet supplier or if all else fails try an aviation spare parts supplier or maintenace facility, planes are riveted riddled with rivnuts.

 

You need a dedicated rivnut installation tool, something similar to a pop rivet plier, except it has a mandrel with a thread that matches the screw thread size and screws into the thread of the rivnut, this is then pulled aka a pop rivet.

 

Good luck

 

[Windbreaker]

 

Nope haven't done any damage to my bike. I am starting to think about taking my training seriously again but I also don't want to give up on the tandem so I am going to install a Polar CS600 power sensor on the tandem (measuring the tension & speed of the timing chain) and need to make a bracket to mount the sensor onto (no chainstay available). The bracket needs to mount to the tube between the 2 BB's - for that I need to insert a couple of rivnuts.

 

I saw said tool yesterday (I don't know the owner from Adam and the guy obviously isn't willing to part with it) wondered why you could not use a long bolt with matching thread, two washers, and a nut to achieve the same result. If you are doing lots of these regularly then the tool is obviously a must.

 

I don't need an excuse to go out and buy a new tool but I guessed that I am going to battle to find this thing - and I'm not known for patience when it comes to stuff like this.

Windbreaker2008-01-18 01:14:41

[wendfan]

I know "Wurth" are selling rivnuts. Maybe phone them and see who are buying rivnuts from them as they will obviously have the correct tool.

[Azonic]

Frame is not a throw away. I've had my lbs put new rivnuts into two frames, a Trek and a Cannondale. Just phone around a bit. If they don't know what you are referring to, also use the term 'bottle cage bosses'.

 

[SwissVan]

I don't need an excuse to go out and buy a new tool but I guessed that I am going to battle to find this thing - and I'm not known for patience when it comes to stuff like this.

 

 

Might seem to be a waste to get the right tool for a few rivnuts... But you want to make sure the installation is done properly, otherwise you may end up with a few more holes in your Tandem than you planned on having.... Dont think Tandems are suitable for lightening holes

 

If you go the boermaaknplan route try it out a few times on some scrap tubing or something similar so that you can "practise" and see what the end result is.