What Are The Different Types Of Rivet Nuts?

Rivet nuts (also known as compression nuts or pull nuts) are mechanically deformed fasteners fastened to a thin plate or pipe, providing a reliable threaded connection that does not require welding or tapping. According to the structure, installation method and application of rivet nuts, rivet nuts can be divided into the following categories:
Installation Method
 Rivnut Publishing:
How it works: Apply pressure using a hydraulic press or riveting tool to insert the embossed teeth at the bottom of the nut into the plate's pre-drilled holes. The surrounding material undergoes plastic deformation and flows into guide grooves, forming a mechanical lock.
Features:
Fast installation speed, suitable for mass production; single-sided operation, no backpass; suitable for low carbon steel, aluminum aluminum and other good malleable materials.
Uses: Automobile sheet metal, electronic device housings, aerospace structure.
Aqueduct nuts: 
How it works: rivet gun is used to exert tension that causes the tail of the nut to expand and clamp onto the plate to form a fixed connection.
Features: Lightweight installation tools suitable for field work, closed piping or confined spaces, metal thickness (0.5mm-10mm).
Uses: Pipe installation, building decoration, outdoor equipment installation.
ii. By head shape
Hexagon Rivnut
Structure: Hexagonal head, easy to tighten with a wrench or socket tool.
Features: Strong torque transmission capacity, suitable for high strength connection, Neat appearance after installation, excellent anti-loosening effect.
Purpose: Used for mechanical equipment, heavy equipment, often require to be dismantled.
Round Rivnut
Structure: Round head with a smooth or textured surface.
Features: Smooth appearance after installation, suitable for high surface finish requirements;
Uses: Appliance housings, automobile interior decoration, electronic device panel.
Flat Rivnut
Structure: Head level with plate, no protrusions.
Features: Smooth finish after installation, suitable for sealing or spraying, accurate riveting depth, avoid head deformation.
Uses: explosionproof equipment, food machinery, medical equipment.
III. By Functional Characteristics
Closed-end Rivnut
Structure: One end of the nut is closed to prevent liquid or gas leakage.
Features: Has sealing function, can replace traditional sealing plugs; often used in rubber washers or O-ring.
Uses: Piping systems, hydraulic equipment, chemical container.
Floating Rivnut
Structure: Nuts may float axial or radial in a certain range to compensate for installation error.
Features: Low pre-drilled hole accuracy requirements; suitable for vibration environments or applications requiring adaptive adjustment.
Applications: rail transit, aerospace, precision instruments.
Self-locking Rivnut
Structure: Internal integrated spring or nylon inserts to prevent thread loosening.
Features: No additional anti-loosening measures (such as lock gaskets); suitable for high vibration or shock environments.
Uses: Engine mounts, vibration screen, mining machinery.
IV. INTRODUCTION Introduction by Material
Carbon Steel Rivet Nuts
Features: High strength, low cost, but easy to rust, surface treatment (e.g. zinc plating, blackening).
Uses: Dry indoor environment, general industrial equipment.
Stainless Steel Rivet Nuts (e.g. 304, 316)
Features: corrosion resistance, suitable for humid or chemical environments.
Applications: Marine engineering, food processing, medical devices.
Aluminum Alloy Rivet Nuts
Features: Lightweight, good thermal conductivity, but low strength.
Applications: Aerospace, electronics, lightweight structures.
Copper Rivet Nuts
Features: Good electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, but high cost.
Uses: Electrical connection, battery mounting, high-frequency equipment.
V. By Thread Type
Metric Threads (M Series)
Features: Conformed to ISO standards, good versatility.
Application: Most industrial sectors worldwide. British Standard Thread (UNC/UNF)
Features: North America Market 60° thread angle.
Applications: Automotive, Aerospace (some models).
chiffon?
Features: Small pitch, good self-locking performance, suitable for high precision connection.
Applications: Optical instruments, precision machinery.
VI. INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION Special Purpose Rivet Nuts
Triangular Thread Rivet Nut
Features: Triangular thread, excellent anti-loosening effect.
Application: Vibration environments, high reliability required on site.
Semi-Hexagonal Rivet Nut
Features: Semi-hexagonal head, balancing wrench operation, surface flatness.
Purpose: Equipment requiring frequent disassembly and surface treatment.
Welded Rivet Nut
Features: Bottom soldering protrusion are prominent and can be welded before riveting to improve connection strength.
Purpose: Suitable for heavy and high load scenarios.