Choosing the right rivet nut can change a repair or build from fiddly and fragile to fast and robust. Whether you're fitting brackets to thin sheet metal, repairing automotive panels, or assembling furniture, the correct thread insert matters. These recommendations come from a combination of hands‑on testing, catalog research, and analysis of expert and consumer feedback.
How we tested and chose
What we looked for:
- Material & corrosion resistance: stainless vs zinc‑plated carbon steel and how each stands up in wet or high‑stress environments.
- Fit & thread quality: clean threads, correct pitch, and resistance to stripping.
- Knurling & pull‑out strength: knurled bodies and deep threads to prevent spin‑out in thin materials.
- Quantity & value: sensible pack sizes and practical assortments for DIYers and pros.
- Tooling & usability: kits that include mandrels, tools or step‑drill bits earn extra points.
- Packaging: labeled boxes and clear separation of sizes for fast access.
We combined hands‑on installs in sheet metal, consumer review aggregation (for durability and reported failures), and expert opinion from fastener forums. Where a tool was included, we tested fitment and ergonomics. Results favored kits that balance quality, quantity, and clear, usable packaging.
1/4-20 Zinc Rivet Nuts
An affordable 70‑piece pack of 1/4‑20 UNC zinc‑plated carbon‑steel rivet nuts. Good thread quality and knurled bodies give reliable grip in sheet metal and plastics — a solid pick for routine automotive and home repairs without overspending.
Best Budget Pick — TottoKool 1/4‑20 Rivet Nuts
TottoKool delivers a no‑frills, cost‑effective 70‑piece pack in the very common 1/4‑20 UNC size. Made from zinc‑coated carbon steel with a knurled body and deep threads, these rivnuts hold well in sheet metal and composites. During testing they installed cleanly with standard blind‑rivet nut tools and offered good resistance to spin‑out. Expect minor surface plating blemishes on a small fraction of parts in large packs, but performance for the price is excellent. Ideal for hobbyists and budget‑minded mechanics who need a reliable everyday thread insert.
Eoppen Rivet Nut Kit
A feature‑rich professional kit with a durable hand tool, 8 mandrels, 500 rivet nuts, and a step drill bit. Chrome‑vanadium tool construction and a labeled case make this kit a good choice for pros who need on‑the‑job versatility.
Premium Choice — Eoppen Rivet Nut Tool Kit
This kit is built for professionals and serious DIYers who want an all‑in‑one solution. The rivet nut tool uses chrome‑vanadium alloy for mandrels and a robust arm to resist deformation; the kit ships with eight metric/SAE mandrels (including M6 preinstalled), a step drill bit, and roughly 500 rivet nuts. The tool’s leverage and mandrel interchangeability make installs quick and repeatable. Rivet nuts included are carbon steel with zinc plating—adequate for most jobs, though stainless would be preferable for marine environments. The carrying case keeps parts organized and ready on site. If you need a complete, serviceable kit that reduces trips to the shop, this is a strong premium option.
Metric Rivet Nut Kit
A compact, well‑sorted 105‑piece metric assortment (M3–M8) in a compartmentalized box. Carbon‑steel construction with knurling and deep threads makes this a versatile starter kit for furniture, appliances and light mechanical work.
Best Value — JYNB 105‑Piece Metric Rivet Nut Assortment
JYNB’s 105‑piece metric kit offers the best balance of price, size variety and usable packaging for metric‑based projects. The set covers commonly used M3–M8 sizes, each stored in a clearly labeled compartment box—handy on the bench or in a toolbox. Carbon steel construction with knurled bodies and deep threads provides dependable grip across sheet metal, tubing and composites. For users who primarily work with metric fasteners and don’t need a dedicated hand tool included, this assortment delivers the most bang for relatively little money.
560-Piece Rivet Kit
A comprehensive 560‑piece Metric & SAE kit with 13 sizes, zinc‑plated carbon steel rivets, and a clear, labeled storage box. Excellent coverage for professional shops and advanced hobbyists who need breadth and organization.
Editors' Choice — Hapric 560‑Piece Rivet Nut Kit
Hapric’s 560‑piece kit stood out in testing for sheer breadth and organization. It includes 13 common sizes spanning SAE and metric threads (from #6‑32 up to M12), with quantities allocated so you have useful counts of the most common sizes. Zinc‑plated carbon‑steel construction gives good strength for general use; the labeled plastic box and clear marking make part selection and storage painless. We tested several installs across thin panels and tubing—retention and spin resistance were consistently good thanks to appropriate knurling and thread depth. This kit is perfect for workshops that service a range of equipment and want a single, well‑organized source for blind rivet nuts.
Quick Comparison
- Best overall breadth: Hapric 560‑piece kit — most sizes, best organization.
- Best for professionals who want a tool included: Eoppen Rivet Nut Kit — full tool, mandrels and 500 parts.
- Best value (metric users): JYNB 105‑piece — affordable, labeled compartments, good selection.
- Best budget buy (common SAE size): TottoKool 70‑piece 1/4‑20 — reliable parts at a low price.
Key technical differences to note:
- Material: stainless (better corrosion resistance) vs zinc‑plated carbon steel (good strength, lower cost).
- Included tooling: only some kits include a hand tool and mandrels—buy a dedicated rivet nut tool if you plan repeated installs.
- Size coverage: single‑size packs are fine if you know the thread you need; assortments save time and trips to the hardware store.
Final Recommendation
For most users I recommend the Hapric 560‑piece kit as the best overall purchase: it combines comprehensive size coverage, reliable zinc‑plated carbon steel parts, and user‑friendly packaging at a modest price. If you frequently install rivet nuts and want a ready‑to‑use kit with a tool, choose the Eoppen premium kit for its durable tool and large parts count. If you work primarily with metric threads on a tight budget, the JYNB 105‑piece kit delivers exceptional value. And for one‑off projects or to stock common 1/4‑20 inserts cheaply, TottoKool is the standout budget pick.
These recommendations are based on hands‑on installs, review aggregation, and fastener‑forum input. Match the kit to your thread standards (SAE vs metric), the environment (choose stainless for marine or corrosive settings), and whether you need an included tool. That approach will give you the best long‑term performance and value.