Mike LaB.
New member
When I first bought my Sprinter I decided I didn't want to attach things to it's interior body by simply installing sheet metal screws into the vans hollow metal parts so I bought a Rivet Nut Installation Tool. In a kit, with a selection of riv nuts and mandrels, it cost me $100.oo. It is convenient but pricey. I use a step drill for making the holes and it is a fairly simple operation. However, if I had known at the time about other installation options I would have considered them first. These are links to two ways of fabricating your own tool.
http://www.fjr1300.info/howto/rivnut-tool.html
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/oakwood_data/pulling_rivnuts.htm
Also, I located an item in the Home Depot that they call a Mirror Mount Nut. It works the same way as the rivnuts except that when it expands when installed it folds in the blind hole similar to other hollow wall fasteners I've used in my house. These particular Mirror Mount Nuts are threaded for 1/4-20 machine screws and so far have been plenty sturdy enough for what I've used them. They also have a grey rubber coating on the face side which kind of matches the front interior of my van. In some areas they may be easier to find than riv nuts.
http://www.fjr1300.info/howto/rivnut-tool.html
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/oakwood_data/pulling_rivnuts.htm
Also, I located an item in the Home Depot that they call a Mirror Mount Nut. It works the same way as the rivnuts except that when it expands when installed it folds in the blind hole similar to other hollow wall fasteners I've used in my house. These particular Mirror Mount Nuts are threaded for 1/4-20 machine screws and so far have been plenty sturdy enough for what I've used them. They also have a grey rubber coating on the face side which kind of matches the front interior of my van. In some areas they may be easier to find than riv nuts.
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