Evening all. I've just managed to snap the threaded end bit off my only M4 rivnut mandrel, leaving me a bit stuck for the time being!

Rather than shell out for a whole new tool, I was wondering if the replacement mandrels are available anywhere? I'm pretty certain it is a Draper rivnut tool (the one that looks like a pop rivet tool) that I acquired from an autojumble ages ago.

Anyone got any ideas?

Cheers
andy

Can't you use a high tensile bolt as a replacement. (Not knowing what it looks like!) That's what we did...

Andy,

I had the same problem with my 3mm mandrel. It sounds as though you've got a " Laser" rivnut gun. Suggest you ring the nice people at Laser ( 01926 815999) and ask for a replacement. I did and they sent me one FOC by return post.

David

sorry these tools are absolute crap....

I snapped mine on first use, i emailed laser tools and they sent me a replacement free of charge however that snapped on second use!

I drilled a hole down into the stub of the old mandrel and tapped it then cut off the threaded portion form a suitable bolt and screwed it in, then just to finish off I brazed it in as well. worked well - ish. In the end bought a new tool similair to the sealy heavy duty type and it was the best £60 i have spent!

good luck

Well, i have spoken to laser (it is a laser tool, not a draper one as I originally thought, as it is identical tot he one on their website!).

They are sending a replacement mandrel out anyway, FOC! I have to admit, I have only set about 10 M4 Rivnuts with it before it broke, but i did aggravate it by bending it once or twice. the M5 mandrel has set about 50 rivnuts fine so far. I guess it is just a bit stronger!

I'll see how I go with the replacement. the thought did cross my minbd about trying to use a high tensile bolt attached to the broken mandrel somehow though...

Cheers
Andy

In the words ofthe Jedii night Yoda

"Pay for tools get you what"

Baffled now am I. My local bolt store sells a tool for £40 which handles up to M8 steel rivnuts. I borrow one off a mate and it's good and strong enough to handle the job.

what you want is one of these...


[img]http://www.justoffbase.co.uk/core/media/media.nl?id=1923&c=317638&h=1db699ce512a44fd8eb4[/img]

Bugger image doesn't link properly

try this link Here

[Edited on 26/1/05 by DaveFJ]

That looks rather more beefy than mine!

While we are talking about rivnuts, has anyone got any ideas on how to set one, when there is limited clearance above the location of the rivnut? I.e. there is not enough room to get the setting tool in to set the rivnut?

I'm thinking of a bolt with a handle welded to it and it drilled out to accept a bolt the smae size as the rivnut thread? if that makes sense?

Cheers
Andy

try Dave Jenkins site (how often have I typed that!)




Here

I think MK can also sell you something that is similair (can any indy people confirm this?)

[Edited on 26/1/05 by DaveFJ]

Brilliant! that is just what I need!

Cheers for that link!

Andy

A bit of an update, you guys were right. the laser tools mandrels are rubbish.

I received a couple of spares in the post. 24 M4 rivnuts (ally) later, i had one more snapped mandrel and another bent and ready to snap at any minute!

Cheers
Andy