If the grip range is too low (or the thickness of the wall too big), the threaded hole will be deformed. This will make it impossible to screw the bolt. If you have problems driving the bolt in, drill the RivNut out and use one with a bigger grip range.
I found that the RivNuts that come by default with the tool, are not long enough. You said that you ordered extra ones, which is a good sign. Btw. I used them to attach a clutch to the mast for my jib halyard. It is working well for two seasons. Marek Sent from my Android-based can on a string -------- Original message -------- From: Matt Wolford via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Date: 2022-10-31 22:34 (GMT-05:00) To: 'Stus-List' <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Cc: wolf...@erie.net Subject: Stus-List Re: Vang repair Marek: Once again, I appreciate your insight. Today I ordered some RivNuts and a tool. I was concerned about the tight tolerance of the grip range, so I did additional research. I found aluminum RivNuts with a broader grip range, so I decided to order them. In addition, it occurred to me that having aluminum on aluminum was probably better. The replacement screws will be stainless, but I can coat them with Tef Gel or something. Better to not have dissimilar metals working against each other at the RivNut interface. I think this will be a good solution. Thanks to you and the other listers who provided advice. I’ll keep you posted. Matt From: Marek Dziedzic via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Sent: Monday, October 31, 2022 9:34 PM To: Stus-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Cc: Marek Dziedzic <dziedzi...@hotmail.com> Subject: Stus-List Re: Vang repair Be very careful about the grip range. The RivNuts come in different sizes (guess how I know). Measure the thickness of the boom wall and get the right RivNuts. When I needed them, I had to switch between imperial and metric to find the right size. Good luck Marek Sent from my Android-based can on a string -------- Original message -------- From: Matt Wolford via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com<mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> Date: 2022-10-31 12:53 (GMT-05:00) To: 'Stus-List' <cnc-list@cnc-list.com<mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> Cc: wolf...@erie.net<mailto:wolf...@erie.net> Subject: Stus-List Re: Vang repair Getting ready to pull the trigger on the RivNut idea. The stainless RivNuts I found have a grip range of 0.027"-0.125". I was able to measure the thickness of the aluminum I'm going through: 1/8" (maybe a micron or two heavy), which is the top of the range. For those familiar with these things, should I look for RivNuts with a slightly longer grip range, or is a .125 top end of the range meant for 1/8" applications? Please advise (if you know). Thanks. -----Original Message----- From: Marek Dziedzic via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com<mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> Sent: Monday, October 31, 2022 12:08 PM To: Stus-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com<mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> Cc: Marek Dziedzic <dziedzi...@hotmail.com<mailto:dziedzi...@hotmail.com>> Subject: Stus-List Re: Vang repair >From what I know, the RivNuts are better for shear load (rather than for pull). Also, be careful how long the bolts you use. You don't want the bolts sticking inside the boom (if you have any lines going there). Just a few cents Marek 1994 #122 "Legato" Ottawa, ON