MacGregorSailors.com

I want to add some Nylon Cleats to my boom.
Far enough in that I doubt I could add a nut to the back side.
Do I use?
Stanless screws but...

Metal threads with a tap? (metal seems thin)
Wood threads with no tap?
Everything else I add I use rivets.

Steines screw, like factory made.

The factory used sheet metal screws, but I’m not a fan. I use riv-nuts to screw into sheet metals - they’re strong and offer you a deep thread in thin metals.

Well a rivet mit is a perfect solution.

But: You get a really big hole in the Alu.

Maybe easy would ne normal rivet. Just watch for the perfect length.
AT the end you stay with a screw... Easy...

Problem... What diameter the hole has to be. Just test out.

The issue with a rivet is the height of the plastic cleat. Do not think the rivet would expand past the metal.

A riv-nut.
That seems like the proper solution.
Now I just have to learn how to use them.
Thanks dmclemore!

don't forget alu rivets that are long til 30mm or more...

Lee,
You can go out and buy a riv-nut tool to install the riv-nuts but if you go to YouTube you can watch a few videos on how to install the riv-nuts with a bolt and a few nuts with washers. It will save you some money instead of buying the tool. Hope that saves you a few. Tony

If you are aware of any of those videos, post their addresses here. That can help out more the just Lee.

NiceAft,
I just went to YouTube and typed in DIY rivnut tool. It appears all of the tools are just variations of the same principle. You’re ultimately just tightening the rivnut into place and compressing it. There are some videos with nuts, washers, and an appropriate bolt. There are a few using a drill. I personally wouldn’t use the drill method because with just the wrenches the person installing the rivnut can torque down on the assembly probably a lot more than the drill. Hope that helps, Tony

Hi NiceAft!

Hope your coffee is as good as mine today! Heck, I hope it’s better!


Having done multiple Rivnuts over the years using a variety of methods I found that the investment into a proper tool pays off.
Harbor Freight has a pretty nice tool and kit with a functional case that you might want to consider.
There is also a video on their web store showing how to use it.




Like a lot of things having the right tool available not only makes for a better/easier/faster project one can then leverage it into other projects.

I have used the fixed bolt with the drawing nut approach in the past (and still do in tight locations) which is fine… but you really have to be sure that you have fully compressed the Rivnuts fully. It works but it’s more fiddle factor.

The lever tool is pretty much goof proof and much faster where one has open access to the surface (which I find is the majority of my projects). It’s been well worth the investment.

Rivnuts are available in Aluminum, Steel and Stainless from a variety of sources.
My local go-to hardware stores stock aluminum ones in the specialty fastener section.
I generally get them from online though as it saves time and gets me what I need with less hassle.

In the last year or so I helped my daughter’s friend refurbish an insulated school bus interior into a camper and the Rivnuts really fit the bill making a much better stronger faster interface than sheet metal screws, rivets or through bolts could have accomplished. Plus the aspect that the Rivnuts remain fixed in position allows things to be readily unbolted for repositioning or future access if desired. The minimal back face clearance needed when installing I also found beneficial when dealing with several situations. I also re-mounted the helm pedestal on our Mac26X which is now not only stronger and more secure but also much easier to service as I only need to access the bolt heads rather than having someone on the other side holding a hex nut still. It’s been used on several other projects and provides a superior bolt interface than many alternatives… expecially where one needs some strength.

Best Regards,
Over Easy

TonyHouk wrote: ↑Wed Jan 28, 2026 4:07 am NiceAft,
I just went to YouTube and typed in DIY rivnut tool. It appears all of the tools are just variations of the same principle. You’re ultimately just tightening the rivnut into place and compressing Tony,

Thanks for the quick update.

it. There are some videos with nuts, washers, and an appropriate bolt. There are a few using a drill. I personally wouldn’t use the drill method because with just the wrenches the person installing the rivnut can torque down on the assembly probably a lot more than the drill. Hope that helps,

Tony,

Thanks for the quick update.

I have no need for the info., but there might be someone, somewhere in the Mac universe who does, so I posted what I did. I’m sure someone out there is being helped.