The 304 stainless hex rivet nut is a blind threaded insert designed to create a reusable internal thread in thin sheet, tubing, panels, and hollow sections where access is available from only one side. This page focuses on a full-hex body, open-end configuration in 304 stainless steel, a common industrial form for applications requiring corrosion resistance and strong resistance to insert rotation. The hexagonal shank fits a matching hexagonal hole, creating positive mechanical resistance to spinning.
Product Overview and Key Features
A hex body rivet nut is installed with a dedicated setting tool that threads into the insert and applies axial force. The deformable section collapses behind the panel while the flange seats against the accessible face, creating a captive female thread without welding.
- Full-hex anti-rotation body: engages a matching hexagonal hole to provide positive geometric resistance to spinning.
- One-sided installation: useful for box sections, tubes, cabinets, housings, and closed assemblies.
- 304 stainless steel: provides useful corrosion resistance for many indoor, outdoor, humid, and general industrial environments.
- Reusable internal thread: allows covers, brackets, and service components to be removed and reinstalled.
- Multiple head options: flat/large flange, reduced head, and closed-end variants are common market configurations.
304 Stainless Hex Rivet Nut Specifications
Specification Overview
| Item | Typical Configuration |
|---|---|
| Product form | Blind rivet nut / threaded insert |
| Body style | Full hex body |
| Material | 304 stainless steel |
| Common metric threads | M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, M10, M12 |
| Thread series | ISO metric coarse thread |
| Head style covered in table | Flat / large flange |
| End style covered in table | Open end |
| Surface condition | Natural stainless steel; passivation may be specified |
| Dimensional basis | Common manufacturer / market specifications; no single universal DIN or ISO product dimension standard covers all hex rivet nuts |
Common Dimensions and Grip Ranges
The following table is a verified market reference for 304/316 stainless, flat-head, full-hex, open-end rivet nuts. It is not a universal standard table or a Flybear stock statement. Hole is the nominal hexagonal installation-hole size, D is the body dimension used by the referenced product family, dk is flange diameter, k is flange thickness, and L is overall length. Dimensions are millimetres.
| Thread | Pitch (mm) | Grip Range (mm) | Hole (mm) | D (mm) | dk (mm) | k (mm) | L (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 | 0.5 | 0.5-1.5 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 7.5 | 0.8 | 9.0 |
| M4 | 0.7 | 0.5-2.0 | 6.0 | 5.9 | 9.0 | 0.8 | 11.0 |
| M5 | 0.8 | 0.5-2.5 | 7.0 | 6.9 | 10.0 | 1.0 | 14.0 |
| M6 | 1.0 | 0.5-3.0 | 9.0 | 8.9 | 12.7-13.0 | 1.35 | 15.0-16.0 |
| M8 | 1.25 | 1.0-3.5 | 11.0 | 10.9 | 16.0 | 1.5 | 18.0 |
| M10 | 1.5 | 1.0-3.5 | 13.0 | 12.9 | 18.0-19.0 | 1.7 | 21.0-23.0 |
| M12 | 1.75 | 2.0-5.0 | 16.0 | 15.9 | 23.0 | 2.0 | 27.0 |
Different lengths of the same thread size can cover other grip ranges. Hex-hole dimensions are critical because anti-rotation depends on close geometric engagement. Do not force the insert into an undersized or distorted hole.
Common Materials, Grades and Surface Finishes
304 Stainless Steel Material
This product page is limited to 304 stainless steel. In fastener trade terminology, A2 stainless is often associated with 304-type stainless, but A2 and AISI 304 are different designation systems and should not be treated as automatically identical. When exact 304 chemistry is required, state the material specification or composition requirement in the RFQ.
Surface Finish Options
Natural stainless steel is the common finish. Passivation may be specified for applications requiring controlled surface cleanliness and corrosion-processing requirements. Black or other appearance finishes may be specified, but thread fit and setting deformation must be considered. Confirm the required material, finish, head, end style, and grip range during quotation.
Typical Applications and Selection Considerations
- Electrical cabinets, control panels, machinery housings, and removable access covers.
- Automotive, rail, transportation, and battery-enclosure assemblies.
- HVAC equipment, stainless panels, appliance frames, and fabricated sheet-metal products.
- Round or rectangular tubing where a conventional rear-side nut cannot be accessed.
Flybear’s rivet nut selection guide for thin sheet metal explains grip range, hex versus round bodies, head styles, and installation control. Buyers can also review the Flybear rivet nut range. Select by thread, panel thickness, hex-hole geometry, functional requirements, substrate, and setting method rather than thread size alone.
Ordering and Quality Documentation
An RFQ should state thread size and pitch, grip range, full-hex body, head style, open or closed end, 304 stainless requirement, quantity, panel material, and hex-hole dimensions. For critical applications, specify the test panel and required pull-out or torque-out performance. Flybear’s quality control and inspection page describes dimensional, thread, material, torque, and other inspection support; exact tests and documentation should be agreed for the order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose a hex body instead of a round rivet nut?
A full-hex body engages a matching hexagonal hole, giving positive mechanical resistance to rotation. This can be useful where repeated bolt installation or higher tightening torque might cause a round insert to spin. The tradeoff is more demanding hole preparation.
What sizes are common for 304 stainless hex rivet nuts?
M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, M10, and M12 are common market sizes. Grip ranges, head styles, and end configurations vary by product family.
Is 304 stainless steel the same as A2 stainless?
Not exactly. A2 is a stainless-fastener designation, while 304 is an AISI material grade. They are often associated commercially, but a drawing that specifically requires 304 chemistry should state that requirement directly rather than relying only on the term A2.
Can a hex rivet nut be installed in a round hole?
Normally, a full-hex rivet nut is intended for a matching hexagonal hole so the body can provide its anti-rotation function. A round hole removes that geometric lock and may prevent correct seating. Use a round-body insert when the production process only provides round holes.
What information should be included in an RFQ?
Provide thread size, grip range, head style, end style, 304 stainless requirement, quantity, panel material and thickness, hex-hole dimensions, mating screw, and any torque-out or pull-out target. Include a drawing when body geometry or installation-hole tolerance is controlled.
Request a Quote for 304 Stainless Hex Rivet Nuts
For a 304 stainless hex rivet nut quotation, send Flybear Industrial the required thread, grip range, head style, open- or closed-end configuration, quantity, panel material, and hex-hole dimensions. Include drawings and functional test requirements for controlled OEM applications. Submit the project through the Flybear fastener RFQ page for technical review and quotation.
