GT40 Build Tools

[Rob]

Excellent pics Sandy.
One other difference I think is of value is that the rivnut essentially clamps the material as you tighten the fitting into place (install it), the thread-sert applies some outward pressure as the outer collar expands over the threads. So, if you believe this too, then you may not want to use them in fiberglass. However, cons are that the riv-nut can spin once installed which can be a pain, where the thread sert does not have the same tendancy as the torqued fastener keeps the tension on the outer sleeve.

Of course all obove is IMHO....

Sandy,
Any opinion on the best source for the Riv-nuts. I was planning on using McMaster......

 

[Randy V]

Excellent pics Sandy.
One other difference I think is of value is that the rivnut essentially clamps the material as you tighten the fitting into place (install it), the thread-sert applies some outward pressure as the outer collar expands over the threads. So, if you believe this too, then you may not want to use them in fiberglass. However, cons are that the riv-nut can spin once installed which can be a pain, where the thread sert does not have the same tendancy as the torqued fastener keeps the tension on the outer sleeve.

Of course all obove is IMHO....

Sandy,
Any opinion on the best source for the Riv-nuts. I was planning on using McMaster......

I agree on the pics - thanks guys.. I have had Riv-Nuts and Threadserts both come loose on me in the past. Where the backside is not going to be accessible, I've taken to putting a dab of JB Weld Epoxy on the shoulder to make certain that the threaded component is well retained to the work.. This has worked well for me. Also since the threads are aluminum and the bolts are typically steel - I put just the slightest speck of anti-seize on the threads..

 

[Sandy]

Rob -

McMaster is likely the best bet for most things like that, they are avail at Aircraft Spruce and JC Whitney too. I Have a the Rivet Gun version and the T-Type Allen wrench version which came as a kit with a bunch of sizes of the nut-serts and have not run out yet. I also got a kit from JC Whitney to make an order to meet free shipping, wanted the rivnuts, but got another set of threadserts, so I'm plenty stocked . As I said, a life saver when you can't get to the back for a nut, or don't want a loose nut floating around

Sandy

 

[Howard Jones]

These are the best tool I have ever owned. I still use them all the time. They put the car up in the air at just the right height to anything I could do with jack stands except take the wheels off and they are easier to put into place than jackstands.

The bottom of the car ends up high enough to lay on my back under. Great for oil changes, gearbox draining, etc. and very safe. I always put it up on these before I pull the motor. Just push it back in it's spot against the wall while I do the motor work.

 

[Mike Drew]

This is the best tool I've ever owned:

My garage has an average-height ceiling and thus there's no room for a two- or four-post lift, but this beauty (made by Benwil, no longer in business sadly) is just dynamite. The ramps in the foreground are now obsolete! I waited for about five years before finally splurging on it, and I felt like a complete putz the first time I used it--what was I waiting for???