Best Rivet Nut Tool On The Market

I’ve spent countless hours in my garage struggling with flimsy metal attachments, but when I finally invested in a quality threaded insert solution, everything changed. Finding the best rivet nut tool on the market can be tricky, as performance often hinges on leverage and mandrel durability. This guide cuts through the noise, offering my tested insights into the top manual rivet nut tools designed to provide professional, long-lasting threaded anchors, making your next sheet metal or automotive project much easier.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Pressure Rivet Nut Tool Kit, 430Pcs Metric Rivet Nut…	View on Amazon
	AOBEN 14″ Rivet Nut Tool, Professional Hand Rivet Nut…	View on Amazon
	DKwoeshg 16″ Professional Rivet Nut Tool Kit – Lever-Style…	View on Amazon
	HARDELL Rivet Nut Tool, 14″ Rivnut Tool with 100 Pcs…	View on Amazon
	ASKWAY Pressure Rivet Nut Tool Kit, 430Pcs Metric Rivet…	View on Amazon
	WETOLS 16″ Rivet Nut Tool, Professional Rivet Nut Tool…	View on Amazon
	Eoppen 50Pcs 1/4-20 Rivet Nuts with Hand Rivet Nut Tool,…	View on Amazon

Pressure Rivet Nut Tool Kit, 430Pcs Metric Rivet Nut Combination (M8/M6/M5/M4/M3), Suitable for Furniture, Decoration, Automotive, Marine and Industrial Applications

This entry focuses heavily on sheer quantity and metric versatility, making it a fantastic starter kit for anyone diving into threaded inserts. You get a basic, yet reliable, manual pressure tool paired with an incredible 430 pieces of rivet nuts across five common metric sizes (M3 through M8). The embedded rivet nuts are made of high-quality aluminum alloy, providing rust resistance and ease of curling even with a smaller hand tool. This kit is designed to provide a firm connection for basic home decoration, furniture, and light industrial tasks.

Key features that stand out:
– Massive 430-piece rivet nut assortment (M3, M4, M5, M6, M8)
– Rivet nuts are aluminum alloy with a knurled flat head thread design to prevent slippage
– Suitable for a wide variety of light-duty applications including furniture and car repairs
– Comes packaged in a convenient, labeled transparent storage box

• Pros:
  • Excellent value due to the high quantity of included rivet nuts
  • Aluminum nuts are easy to set
  • Transparent, organized storage box
• Cons:
  • The tool itself is basic and lacks the leverage needed for M8 steel nuts

Best for: DIYers and beginners who need a huge supply of common metric aluminum nuts for light tasks.

Expert Opinion: This isn’t a heavy-duty professional tool, but it’s arguably the most comprehensive metric starter kit available. The abundance of aluminum nuts makes setup simple for hobbyists and reduces the initial cost barrier for using rivnuts.

AOBEN 14″ Rivet Nut Tool, Professional Hand Rivet Nut Setter Kit Labor-Saving and Compact Design Including 6 Interchangeable Mandrels 90pcs Rivnuts and 2 Mandrel Lock Pins

The AOBEN 14-inch tool strikes an excellent balance between leverage and portability. Its defining feature is the New Quick-change head design, which allows users to swap mandrels and nose pieces exceptionally fast without needing separate wrenches. The 14-inch steel arms and double compound hinges maximize the leverage, meaning you save significant effort compared to shorter tools, especially when setting tough steel inserts. The tool is built from thick, heat-treated steel, ensuring long-term durability on the job site.

Key features that stand out:
– Quick-change head with a unique spring-loaded mandrel lock pin for fast swaps
– 14-inch arms with double compound hinges maximize leverage while remaining compact
– Includes 6 mandrels (Metric M6, M8, M10; SAE 1/4-20, 5/16-18, 3/8-16) and 90 rivet nuts
– Constructed from thick, heat-treated steel for hard-wearing quality

• Pros:
  • Excellent balance of power and size for general workshop use
  • Mandrel swaps are incredibly fast and require no extra tools
  • Includes both metric and standard SAE mandrels
• Cons:
  • Only includes 90 rivet nuts, which may not last long for frequent users

Best for: General contractors and serious hobbyists needing a dependable, fast-swapping tool for medium-duty applications.

Expert Opinion: The AOBEN’s commitment to the quick-change mechanism is what makes it stand out. When you’re switching sizes frequently on a project, this feature alone justifies the investment, making it one of the best rivet nut tool on the market for efficiency.

DKwoeshg 16″ Professional Rivet Nut Tool Kit – Lever-Style Rivnut Tool with Visual Stroke Indicator, Nutsert Tool Kit Includes 15 Metric & SAE Mandrels for Threaded Inserts

If maximum versatility and precision are what you need, the DKwoeshg 16″ kit is a serious contender. This professional-grade, lever-style tool includes an astounding 15 different mandrels, covering virtually every common size from tiny M3 metric up to heavy-duty 1/2″-13 SAE. A standout feature is the Visual Stroke Indicator, which helps you achieve consistent rivet setting pressure every time, reducing the risk of crushing thin material or under-setting the nut. The reinforced U-shaped arm is built from heat-treated carbon steel to handle heavy loads without bending.

Key features that stand out:
– 15 Interchangeable Mandrels (Metric M3–M12, SAE #6-32–1/2″-13)
– Features a Visual Stroke Indicator for consistent setting depth
– Reinforced U-shaped arm prevents deformation under extreme pressure
– Quick and easy mandrel swaps without requiring tools

• Pros:
  • Unmatched versatility covering 15 different sizes
  • Visual indicator ensures professional and consistent results
  • Extremely robust construction ideal for heavy industrial use
• Cons:
  • The large size (16 inches) can be cumbersome in tight spaces

Best for: Automotive professionals and heavy industrial users who require maximum size versatility and precise, repeatable settings.

Expert Opinion: The inclusion of 15 mandrels makes this kit ready for any project straight out of the case. For applications requiring large diameter (like M12 or 1/2-inch) threaded inserts, the 16-inch leverage and reinforced arm are non-negotiable necessities.

HARDELL Rivet Nut Tool, 14″ Rivnut Tool with 100 Pcs Rivet Nuts and 7 Metric & Inch Mandrels M6 M8 M10, 1/4-20, 5/16-18, 3/8-16, 10-24 and Rugged Carrying Case

The HARDELL 14-inch tool is engineered for efficiency and durability. Constructed from high-carbon steel with a heat-treated U-shaped arm, it’s built to resist corrosion and distortion under heavy use. Like other top-tier options, it features a quick-change head design, allowing users to swap the 7 included mandrels (covering key metric and inch sizes) quickly. The labor-saving design incorporates a lengthened steel arm and TPR ergonomic handles, significantly reducing the required effort, especially beneficial during large, repetitive jobs like mounting sheet metal or automotive attachments.

Key features that stand out:
– Labor-Saving Design with TPR handles and lengthened arm for maximum leverage
– Quick Change Head design streamlines mandrel and nose piece swaps
– Constructed from high-carbon, heat-treated steel for superior durability
– Includes 7 mandrels and 100 rivet nuts in a rugged carrying case

• Pros:
  • Excellent effort reduction compared to standard 13-inch tools
  • Reliable quick-change mechanism
  • Highly durable components suitable for frequent shop use
• Cons:
  • Size selection is good, but M3, M4, and M5 are omitted from the set

Best for: Users prioritizing comfort and effort reduction during frequent, mid-sized riveting tasks (M6 and larger).

Expert Opinion: Hardell put significant thought into the user experience. The combination of high durability and the focused labor-saving ergonomics makes this 14-inch option highly competitive, especially for users who frequently set M6 and M8 steel rivnuts.

ASKWAY Pressure Rivet Nut Tool Kit, 430Pcs Metric Rivet Nut Combination (M8/M6/M5/M4/M3), Suitable for Furniture, Decoration, Automotive, Marine and Industrial Applications (CarbonSteelRivetNutTool)

This ASKWAY kit is functionally very similar to the first metric kit reviewed, offering an enormous 430-piece assortment across M3 through M8 sizes. The key difference here is the material of the included fasteners: the embedded rivet nuts in this set are made of carbon steel with a galvanized surface. While carbon steel requires slightly more effort to set compared to aluminum, it offers significantly higher tensile strength and pull-out resistance, making it more suitable for applications requiring heavy-duty, long-term fastening in industrial settings or automotive repair where structural integrity is key.

Key features that stand out:
– Includes a massive supply of 430 galvanized carbon steel rivet nuts
– Provides 5 common metric thread sizes (M3/M4/M5/M6/M8)
– Carbon steel provides superior strength and durability compared to aluminum
– Knurled flat head thread design to prevent slipping in the material

• Pros:
  • Carbon steel nuts offer professional-level strength and security
  • Excellent metric coverage for numerous light and medium projects
  • Nuts are galvanized to resist rust
• Cons:
  • The small manual tool struggles when setting the largest M8 carbon steel nuts

Best for: Advanced DIYers or mechanics needing high-strength carbon steel anchors for metric projects.

Expert Opinion: If your job requires strength over simplicity, choose this version over the aluminum kit. The carbon steel threaded inserts provide a robust anchoring point crucial for automotive work, even if the manual tool requires a bit more muscle.

WETOLS 16″ Rivet Nut Tool, Professional Rivet Nut Tool Kit with 11 Metric & Inch Mandrels M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 M10 M12, 10-24, 1/4-20, 5/16-18, 3/8-16, 110pcs Rivnuts and Blow Carry Case – WE-889

The WETOLS 16-inch tool is a powerhouse designed for those who tackle both large and small fasteners regularly. It offers exceptional versatility with 11 interchangeable mandrels, including the sought-after M12 metric size and a full range of SAE options. The 16-inch arm length provides the maximum leverage possible in a manual tool, making light work of setting M10 and M12 steel rivnuts. Built from heat-treated carbon steel and Chrome steel mandrels, this tool is designed for reliability in demanding manufacturing or repair environments.

Key features that stand out:
– 11PCS interchangeable mandrels covering M3 up to M12, plus four SAE sizes
– 16-inch arm length provides superior leverage for heavy-duty setting
– Mandrels are made of heat-treated Chrome steel for resistance to wear
– Comes in a solid blow-molded case that keeps components organized and secure

• Pros:
  • Max leverage capability for setting the largest steel rivet nuts
  • Comprehensive mandrel coverage including the M12 size
  • Sturdy, durable construction across the tool body and mandrels
• Cons:
  • Requires significant storage space due to its 16-inch length

Best for: Industrial maintenance and serious fabrication work involving large diameter (M10/M12) fasteners.

Expert Opinion: If leverage is your primary concern—meaning you frequently set high-strength, large-diameter fasteners—this 16-inch WETOLS tool offers the necessary mechanical advantage. It’s a workhorse built for the toughest jobs.

Eoppen 50Pcs 1/4-20 Rivet Nuts with Hand Rivet Nut Tool, Carbon Steel Flat Head Threaded Insert Nut Kit for Furniture, Automotive, Marine and Decoration

This Eoppen kit serves a very specific niche: users who primarily require the popular 1/4-20 SAE size. It includes a compact manual rivet nut tool and 50 carbon steel, galvanized 1/4-20 rivet nuts. What makes this basic kit interesting is its versatility in operation. The tool is designed to allow the riveting function to be driven by hand using a wrench, or, uniquely, by using an electric drill to turn the screw, offering a semi-powered solution for users who lack a dedicated battery-powered rivet gun but want faster operation.

Key features that stand out:
– Focused kit centered on the popular 1/4-20 SAE size
– Rivet nuts are high-strength, galvanized carbon steel
– Tool design allows for both manual operation (with a wrench) or electric drill operation
– Simple, compact, and easy to store

• Pros:
  • Extremely cost-effective for 1/4-20 applications
  • Option to use an electric drill speeds up repetitive tasks
  • Carbon steel nuts offer great holding power
• Cons:
  • Only includes one size, limiting its application range severely

Best for: Homeowners or professionals who only need a reliable way to set 1/4-20 threaded inserts, especially in automotive restoration.

Expert Opinion: This is a perfect specialty tool. While it can’t compare to the comprehensive kits, its ability to utilize an electric drill for the setting action is a massive time saver if you are setting 1/4-20 inserts all day.

Comparison and Buying Insights

Choosing the best rivet nut tool on the market depends entirely on your needs: the material you’re setting (aluminum vs. steel) and the required diameter.

For maximum leverage and setting capacity, you’ll want the 16-inch tools like the WETOLS or the DKwoeshg. These longer tools require less physical effort to set large M10 and M12 steel nuts, making them superior for professional use.

If versatility across all sizes is your goal, the DKwoeshg is the clear winner, offering an incredible 15 mandrels (M3 through 1/2-inch). No other set offers that level of comprehensive coverage.

For speed and efficiency on repetitive, mid-range jobs, prioritize the 14-inch tools with quick-change heads, such as the AOBEN or the HARDELL. These mechanisms greatly reduce the downtime associated with swapping mandrels between different sizes.

If you’re a DIYer focusing only on metric fasteners, the 430-piece kits (Pressure Rivet Nut Tool Kit or ASKWAY) offer unbeatable value in terms of included nuts, giving you plenty of practice material. Be mindful that the ASKWAY includes stronger carbon steel nuts, which is better for permanent installations, while the first kit includes easier-to-set aluminum.

Final Verdict

Instead of crowning a single champion, we’ve broken down the winners based on the user category:

The Professional’s Choice (Best All-Around Performance):
The WETOLS 16″ Rivet Nut Tool takes this spot. Its combination of massive leverage (16 inches), superior mandrel construction, and a vast range (M3-M12 and SAE) makes it suitable for almost any job, from delicate sheet metal to heavy frame work.

The Versatility King (Best Size Coverage):
The DKwoeshg 16″ Professional Rivet Nut Tool Kit wins for sheer comprehensive power. If you deal with highly irregular projects requiring both small metric and large imperial nuts (up to 1/2-inch), this kit ensures you always have the right threaded insert solution ready.

The Best Value Starter Kit:
The ASKWAY Pressure Rivet Nut Tool Kit (with the Carbon Steel nuts) is the top choice for beginners. For a very low cost, you get a tool and 430 pieces of strong, galvanized steel nuts in the most common metric sizes, giving you plenty of material to learn with.

Best Rivet Nut Tool On The Market FAQ

What is a rivet nut tool and why do I need one?

A rivet nut tool, often called a rivnut setter or nutsert tool, is a device used to install a threaded insert (a rivnut) into thin materials like sheet metal, plastic, or fiberglass where you can’t access the back side. The tool compresses the rivnut, causing it to bulge and grip the material firmly, creating a sturdy thread for a bolt to attach. You need one to install permanent, professional threaded anchor points.

What is the difference between 14-inch and 16-inch rivet nut tools?

The difference is primarily leverage and setting capacity. A 16-inch tool offers greater leverage, meaning you need less physical force to compress and set large, high-strength fasteners like M10 or M12 steel threaded inserts. A 14-inch tool is often more compact and easier to maneuver in restricted spaces but requires more muscle when setting the toughest rivet nuts.

Are quick-change mandrels truly important?

Yes, for efficiency, quick-change mandrels are extremely important. Tools like the AOBEN and HARDELL feature systems that allow you to swap the mandrel and nosepiece in seconds without needing a wrench. This greatly reduces downtime, especially if you are working on a project that requires switching between different sized threaded inserts repeatedly.

Can I use a manual rivet nut tool for setting stainless steel rivnuts?

While technically possible, setting stainless steel rivet nuts requires significantly more force than aluminum or carbon steel. If you plan to set stainless steel frequently, you will absolutely need a high-leverage tool (like the 16-inch options) or consider investing in a powered rivet nut tool attachment for an impact driver to ensure proper setting without excessive straining.

What are the main benefits of using carbon steel rivet nuts over aluminum?

Carbon steel rivet nuts (like those found in the ASKWAY kit) provide superior tensile strength and higher pull-out resistance compared to aluminum rivnuts. Aluminum is easier to set and lighter, making it ideal for non-structural applications. Carbon steel is the better choice for high-vibration environments, automotive chassis, or any application where the strength of the fastener is critical.

Do I need both metric (M) and SAE (Inch) mandrels?

If you only work on modern domestic vehicles or foreign cars, focusing on metric (M3, M4, M5, M6, M8) is usually sufficient. However, if you work on older US equipment, classic cars, or specialized machinery, you will need SAE sizes (1/4-20, 5/16-18, etc.). To get the most utility and ensure your tool is the best rivet nut tool on the market for diverse projects, look for kits like the DKwoeshg or WETOLS that offer a comprehensive range of both.