RIVET NUT

552 185 37A RIVET NUT This type of fastener is used to create a permanent, threaded hole in thin sheet metal or hollow sections where you can't access the back side. On a drill rig, you'll find these rivet nuts holding on control cabinet doors, securing cable trays to the main frame, or mounting protective covers on the feed beam. They offer a much stronger and more reliable solution than a simple sheet metal screw.

A properly installed rivet nut ensures that critical components stay firmly attached despite constant machine vibration. If one of these were to fail, a bracket holding a hydraulic hose could come loose, leading to the hose chafing against a steel edge and eventually causing a leak. Maintaining the integrity of these small fasteners is key to the overall reliability and safety of the machine's assembly.

Check for loose or spinning rivet nuts during routine inspections, especially on panels that are frequently removed. A failed rivet nut cannot be re-tightened; it must be drilled out and replaced. Installing a new one requires a specific rivet nut setting tool to ensure it is properly crimped into the hole for maximum strength.