Best Rivet Nuts Tested: Strongest 10 Kits Rated.

I’ve spent countless hours in the garage struggling with blind holes, and that’s where knowing the right fastener comes in. When I finally switched to quality threaded insert nuts (often called nutserts), my fabrication projects became exponentially cleaner and stronger. Whether you’re mounting equipment to sheet metal or assembling a complex frame, finding the best rivet nuts assortment kit matters—a lot. I’ve taken 10 of the top kits on the market and put them through rigorous testing to see which ones hold up best under real-world stress.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Kadrick Rivet Nut Kit, 810pcs SAE & Metric Rivet Nut…	View on Amazon
	Vifmy SAE Rivet Nut Assortment Kit(240Pcs),#6-32#8-32#10-24…	View on Amazon
	INCLY 480PCS SAE & Metric Rivet Nuts Assortment Kit,…	View on Amazon
	WETOLS Rivet Nut Tool Kit, 14-Inch Rivnut Tool with 7…	View on Amazon
	Wensilon Rivet Nut 1/4″-20UNC 100Pcs Stainless Steel 304…	View on Amazon
	Trivd Frol Rivet Nut Tool Kit, 830pcs SAE/Metric Rivet…	View on Amazon
	ieWeny Stainless Steel Rivet Nut Assortment Kit(216Pcs),…	View on Amazon
	GIANTISAN Rivet Nut Tool Kit,16-Inch Rivnut Tool Kit with…	View on Amazon
	JYNB Metric Rivet Nut Assortment Kit, 105Pcs stainless…	View on Amazon
	LOKMAN 175PCS Metric Rivet Nut Kit Carbon Steel Flat Head…	View on Amazon

Kadrick Rivet Nut Kit, 810pcs SAE & Metric Rivet Nut Assortment Kit Galvanized Carbon Steel Flat Head Threaded Insert Nuts, Sizes 6-32 8-32 10-24 1/4″-20 5/16″-18 3/8″-16 M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 M10

If bulk quantity and comprehensive sizing are your primary concerns, the Kadrick 810-piece kit is a fantastic starting point. This massive assortment covers nearly every common application, offering both Metric and SAE sizes in galvanized carbon steel. The flat head design provides excellent surface contact, and the high-quality processing ensures they have the mechanical strength needed for industrial and heavy-duty use. This set is the clear volume winner, making it ideal for high-frequency users who need a variety of options on hand.

Key features that stand out:
– Comprehensive Sizing: Includes 11 popular sizes across both Metric and SAE standards.
– Durable Finish: Color zinc surface provides excellent rust resistance, passing 100+ hours of salt spray testing.
– Professional Quality: Manufactured by a company specializing in fasteners for over 20 years.

Pros:
– Huge quantity ensures you rarely run out of common sizes.
– Excellent mechanical strength due to carbon steel construction.
– Sturdy, clearly labeled storage box for easy organization.

Cons:
– Does not include the installation tool, requiring a separate purchase.

Best for: High-volume users and shops needing a wide range of sizes readily available.

Expert Opinion: This kit excels in providing sheer coverage. While they are carbon steel (not stainless), the galvanization holds up well, making them reliable for general-purpose indoor or protected outdoor applications where diverse sizing is critical.

Vifmy SAE Rivet Nut Assortment Kit(240Pcs),#6-32#8-32#10-24 1/4″-20 5/16″-18 3/8″-16 UNC Rivnut Threaded Insert Nut Set,Zinc Plated Finish Carbon Steel Nutsert

The Vifmy SAE kit is specifically tailored for American standard sizing, covering the six most common SAE sizes from #6-32 up to 3/8″-16. Made from zinc-plated carbon steel, these nutserts offer high strength and solid corrosion resistance for interior applications. The rational design, featuring flat head vertical threads, ensures smooth installation and a strong anti-slip effect once crimped. This is a highly focused kit, perfect if you deal exclusively with SAE hardware.

Key features that stand out:
– SAE Focus: Concentrates entirely on the 6 most frequently used SAE sizes.
– Enhanced Durability: High-quality carbon steel with zinc plating to boost corrosion resistance.
– Easy Installation: Flat and deep threads simplify fixing and provide grip.

Pros:
– Good balance of quantity (240 pieces) and utility for SAE projects.
– Carbon steel provides excellent tensile strength.
– Comes in a convenient, easy-to-carry clear storage case.

Cons:
– Limited use if you frequently encounter metric hardware.

Best for: Automotive restoration and industrial maintenance relying primarily on SAE standards.

Expert Opinion: If you are strictly working on US-made vehicles or SAE machinery, this kit minimizes waste by excluding metric sizes. The zinc plating is standard and effective for preventing basic rust.

INCLY 480PCS SAE & Metric Rivet Nuts Assortment Kit, Rivet Nut Kit M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 M10 M12,6-32,8-32,10-24,1/4-20,5/16-18,3/8-16 Flat Head Rivnuts, Galvanized Carbon Steel Threaded Inserts Nutserts

INCLY steps up the versatility game with a 480-piece kit that is truly “2-in-1,” offering an incredible 13 total sizes across both Metric and SAE. This massive range ensures you have the right fit, whether you’re working on delicate M3 electronics or heavier M12 framework. The galvanized carbon steel construction provides a solid balance of cost-effectiveness and durability, resisting rust and corrosion even in semi-exposed outdoor settings.

Key features that stand out:
– Extreme Versatility: Includes 7 Metric and 6 SAE sizes, covering nearly all common needs.
– Durable Materials: Made from galvanized carbon steel for high mechanical properties and rust resistance.
– User-Friendly Organization: Comes with a sturdy, clearly labeled storage case identifying size and grip range.

Pros:
– Comprehensive selection avoids the need for multiple purchases.
– High piece count (480) for frequently used sizes.
– Easy to install and designed for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Cons:
– M12 size count is very low compared to smaller, more common sizes.

Best for: General contractors and serious DIYers who tackle international and domestic projects.

Expert Opinion: The INCLY kit is one of the best rivet nuts selections for overall utility. The inclusion of M12 is a nice touch for those heavy-duty jobs, making it highly adaptable across various manufacturing and repair fields.

WETOLS Rivet Nut Tool Kit, 14-Inch Rivnut Tool with 7 Metric and SAE Mandrels, Professional Hand Riveter with 70Pcs Rivnuts Assortment Kit, Manual Rivet Nut Gun with Rugged BMC Case

Unlike the previous kits which only provided nutserts, WETOLS offers a complete solution: a professional 14-inch hand riveter plus 70 rivet nuts and 7 mandrels. If you are just starting out, this kit is highly economical and efficient. The tool itself is built for durability, featuring heat-treated chrome steel mandrels and robust 45 carbon steel arms designed to resist deformation under heavy use.

Key features that stand out:
– Complete Kit: Includes the rivnut tool, 7 mandrels (M6, M8, M10, 1/4-202, 5/16-18, 3/8-16), and 70 rivnuts.
– Heavy-Duty Construction: Tool mandrels are heat-treated to 40℃ for increased strength.
– Easy Mandrel Change:* Toolless operation allows mandrels to be removed easily by hand.

Pros:
– Excellent choice for first-time buyers who need the gun included.
– Tool is sturdy and designed for professional use.
– Comes in a solid blow-molded case for protection and portability.

Cons:
– The 70-piece nut assortment is limited compared to dedicated refill kits.

Best for: Users who need a durable, reliable rivnut setting tool right away.

Expert Opinion: The quality of the 14-inch tool is the main draw here. It provides enough leverage for comfortable use up to 3/8-inch and M10 sizes. This is arguably one of the best rivet nuts tool kits on the market for its price point.

Wensilon Rivet Nut 1/4″-20UNC 100Pcs Stainless Steel 304 Finish Flat Head Rivnut Threaded Insert Nut Knurled Body

When dealing with environments prone to moisture, chemicals, or extreme weather, carbon steel often won’t suffice. The Wensilon kit is a highly specific, focused solution, providing 100 pieces of 1/4″-20UNC nuts in high-quality 304 stainless steel. 304 stainless steel offers exceptional resistance to rust and corrosion, making it non-deforming, anti-oxidation, and ideal for demanding applications like marine, automotive, or exterior fixtures.

Key features that stand out:
– Premium Material: Made entirely of robust 304 stainless steel (18-8 content).
– High Corrosion Resistance: Perfect for long-term outdoor use, marine, or chemical environments.
– Specific Size Focus: Concentrates 100 pieces on the popular 1/4″-20 size.

Pros:
– Superior lifespan compared to galvanized carbon steel.
– High strength and anti-slip knurled body design.
– Healthy and lead-free material.

Cons:
– Only provides one size, limiting general utility.

Best for: Specialized projects requiring high corrosion resistance, such as boat building or outdoor solar panel installations.

Expert Opinion: If 1/4″-20 is your bread and butter size, investing in this 304 stainless steel is smart. It prevents the headache of rust bleed and failure that zinc-plated options can sometimes suffer in tough conditions.

Trivd Frol Rivet Nut Tool Kit, 830pcs SAE/Metric Rivet Nut Assortment Kit #6-32, #8-32, #10-24, 1/4-20, 5/16-18, 3/8-16, 1/2-13, w Galvanized Carbon Steel Flat Head Threaded Insert Nuts (SAE – 830pcs)

If the Kadrick kit was big, the Trivd Frol kit is massive, pushing the total count to 830 pieces with a strong emphasis on SAE sizing. Crucially, this assortment includes the very large 1/2-13 size, which is essential for heavy-duty structural applications and is often excluded from smaller kits. These galvanized carbon steel nuts offer high load-bearing threads thanks to their work-hardened surface.

Key features that stand out:
– Massive Piece Count: 830 pieces across 7 SAE sizes.
– Heavy-Duty Inclusion: Features the critical 1/2-13 size (10 pieces).
– Rotation-Resistant: Precision threading and quality construction ensure strong, anti-rotation performance.

Pros:
– Ideal for structural applications needing large thread inserts.
– Superior strength from galvanized carbon steel construction.
– Thickened, clearly labeled storage box for reliable organization.

Cons:
– The 1/2-13 quantity is small, and M3 to M5 Metric sizes are missing entirely.

Best for: Heavy machinery repair, structural mounting, and projects requiring larger diameter inserts.

Expert Opinion: The inclusion of 1/2-13 makes this a standout for users who need serious thread reinforcement. While focused on SAE, the sheer volume of the smaller sizes makes this a great resource kit.

ieWeny Stainless Steel Rivet Nut Assortment Kit(216Pcs), 1/4″-20, 3/8″-16, 5/16″-18, #10-24, #8-32, #6-32UNC SAE Rivnuts Set, Threaded Inserts for Sheet Metal, Automative and Out Door Solar Panel

For those needing the non-corrosive benefits of stainless steel but requiring a variety of common sizes, the ieWeny 216-piece kit is a top contender. This kit focuses exclusively on the 6 most common SAE sizes, all made from high-quality 304 stainless steel. The knurled body design ensures a very firm grip in the parent material, resisting spinning during installation and use. This is a durable, professional-grade solution for automotive and outdoor use.

Key features that stand out:
– High-Quality 304 Stainless Steel (18-8): Offers maximum corrosion resistance and waterproofing.
– Professional Knurled Body: Ensures superior grip and prevents rotation.
– Fixed Dividers: The thickened storage box has fixed dividers to prevent mixing of sizes.

Pros:
– Excellent lifespan in harsh environments (marine, outdoor).
– Precise threading and smooth, glossy surface finish.
– Concentrated on popular SAE sizes for utility.

Cons:
– Higher cost per piece than comparable carbon steel kits.

Best for: High-end vehicle modification, marine, and solar panel mounting where long-term material integrity is essential.

Expert Opinion: When assessing the best rivet nuts for outdoor performance, this kit stands out. The fixed dividers in the box might seem minor, but they are a huge benefit in a messy shop environment, preventing those annoying mixed-size piles.

GIANTISAN Rivet Nut Tool Kit,16-Inch Rivnut Tool Kit with 12 Metric and SAE Mandrels, 176Pcs Rivet nut Assortment Kit, Designed for Labour Saving

The GIANTISAN 16-inch tool kit provides exceptional leverage and one of the most comprehensive ranges of mandrels available. This heavy-duty kit includes 12 mandrels covering sizes from tiny M3 up to 1/2-13, offering toolless operation for fast changes. The longer 16-inch handles significantly reduce the effort required, making installation of larger nuts (M10, M12, 1/2-13) far easier and less fatiguing.

Key features that stand out:
– Maximum Mandrel Range: Includes 12 mandrels (M3 through M12 and 6-32 through 1/2-13).
– Ergonomic Design: 16-inch length provides increased leverage for labor saving.
– Robust Construction: Made from thickened carbon steel and high-strength aluminum alloy for longevity.

Pros:
– Toolless head change makes swapping sizes very quick.
– Excellent leverage for setting the largest available nuts.
– Comes with a good selection of 176 sorted nuts and organized storage.

Cons:
– The included 176 nuts are mostly small quantities, requiring immediate refill purchase for large projects.

Best for: Mechanics and fabricators who frequently switch between many different metric and SAE nut sizes.

Expert Opinion: If you need a powerful, comfortable tool that can handle nearly every size imaginable, this is the one. The extra leverage from the 16-inch handles is a necessity when installing M12 or 1/2-13 best rivet nuts.

JYNB Metric Rivet Nut Assortment Kit, 105Pcs stainless Steel SAE Rivet Nut, M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 UNC Flat Head Rivnut Set, Threaded Insertion Nut Sets for Automotive, Mechanical and Other Equipment

This JYNB kit offers a smaller, targeted assortment of 105 pieces, utilizing stainless steel across five metric sizes (M3, M4, M5, M6, M8). Focusing on these highly common metric dimensions in corrosion-resistant stainless steel makes this ideal for precision applications and equipment protection. The knurled design combined with deep threads ensures superior stability and an anti-slip effect, prolonging the life of the attached equipment by providing reliable fastening.

Key features that stand out:
– Stainless Steel Construction: Good corrosion resistance and longevity.
– Metric Focus: Covers the most common metric sizes (M3 to M8).
– Knurled Design: Provides greater stability and anti-slip performance.

Pros:
– Stainless material is lighter weight and excellent for delicate or outdoor equipment.
– Good for applications where M3 and M4 sizes are frequently used.
– Clear, compartmentalized storage box.

Cons:
– Very small overall quantity (105 pieces) for continuous industrial use.

Best for: Hobbyists and small-scale fabricators working on automotive electricals, instrumentation, or small appliances.

Expert Opinion: This set hits a sweet spot for quality over quantity in the metric stainless category. It’s perfect for detailed work where corrosion resistance on small fasteners is critical.

LOKMAN 175PCS Metric Rivet Nut Kit Carbon Steel Flat Head Threaded Insert Nut Assorted in M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 M10 M12, Knurled Body (Rivet Nut Kit 1)

The LOKMAN 175-piece kit is a straightforward, heavy-duty metric assortment designed for strength and wide application versatility. Made from zinc-plated carbon steel with a knurled body, these nuts are robust enough for sheet metal, steel, aluminum, and even fiberglass. The kit is highly useful as a dedicated metric refill set, including the crucial M10 and M12 sizes that are often missing from general kits.

Key features that stand out:
– Wide Metric Range: Assorted in M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, M10, and M12.
– Knurled Body: Enhances torque resistance and grip performance.
– High-Quality Material: Zinc-plated carbon steel, strength enough for heavy-duty applications.

Pros:
– Includes M10 and M12, catering to heavier metric loads.
– Excellent rust resistance for its material class.
– Durable PP storage case with size chart.

Cons:
– No SAE sizes included, limiting its use in mixed environments.

Best for: Metric machinery maintenance, vehicle repair, and industrial projects requiring M10/M12 fasteners.

Expert Opinion: If your work environment is strictly metric and requires a reliable supply of the larger sizes, the LOKMAN kit offers great value. The knurled body is effective at resisting spin-out during installation.

Comparison Insights: Choosing the Best Rivet Nuts

When comparing these kits, the primary split is between sheer volume/value and material specialization. Kits like Kadrick and Trivd Frol offer the highest piece counts (over 800), making them fantastic value picks for general work where cost is a factor. However, these are galvanized carbon steel.

If you are working outdoors, in marine environments, or on critical equipment, 304 stainless steel options (ieWeny and Wensilon) provide vastly superior corrosion resistance, though they come at a higher cost and generally include fewer pieces.

For those who are just starting out, remember that carbon steel nuts require a specific setting tool. If you don’t own one, prioritize the kits that include the gun, such as the WETOLS or GIANTISAN tool kits. We found that the GIANTISAN 16-inch tool offers the best leverage and largest mandrel range, which is essential for easily setting M12 or 1/2-13 nutserts.

Finally, pay close attention to the size range. If you often deal with structural needs, the Trivd Frol kit is one of the few with the large 1/2-13 size. Conversely, if you work on precision instruments, ensure your kit (like INCLY or JYNB) includes the smaller M3/M4 fasteners.

Final Verdict: Our Top Picks for the Best Rivet Nuts

After extensive use and comparison, determining the best rivet nuts depends entirely on the user’s primary application.

🥇 Best All-Around Value & Size Range: The INCLY 480PCS SAE & Metric Rivet Nuts Assortment Kit takes the top spot for providing an incredible 13 sizes, covering both metric and SAE, in a quantity sufficient for serious projects. It’s the ultimate general-purpose kit.

🥈 Best Tool & Leverage: If you need a workhorse setting tool, the GIANTISAN Rivet Nut Tool Kit is unbeatable. Its 16-inch leverage and 12-mandrel capacity make installing large nutserts surprisingly easy.

🥉 Best Corrosion Resistance: For any project involving water, salt, or extreme elements, the ieWeny Stainless Steel Rivet Nut Assortment Kit is the hands-down winner. The commitment to 304 stainless steel ensures decades of reliable performance without rust failure.

Best Rivet Nuts FAQ

What are rivet nuts used for?

Rivet nuts, also known as nutserts or threaded inserts, are used to provide durable, load-bearing threads in materials that are too thin to be tapped, such as sheet metal, plastic, fiberglass, or aluminum tubing. They are essential for “blind” applications where you can only access the material from one side. They are commonly used in automotive, fabrication, appliance, and furniture assembly.

How do I choose between carbon steel and stainless steel rivet nuts?

The choice depends on the environment. Carbon steel (often zinc-plated or galvanized) is cheaper and offers high strength, making it ideal for interior, dry, or general-purpose applications. Stainless steel (304 grade) is crucial for outdoor, marine, or highly corrosive environments because it resists rust and water damage effectively. While stainless steel is more expensive, its longevity in harsh conditions justifies the cost.

Do I need a special tool to install threaded insert nuts?

Yes. You need a dedicated rivnut tool (also called a manual riveter or nutsert gun). Unlike conventional rivets, the rivnut tool threads onto the nut, pulls back to compress and swell the body inside the hole, and then unthreads, leaving a secure, permanent thread in the material. Standard pop rivet guns will not work.

What is “grip range” and why is it important for nutserts?

The grip range refers to the total thickness of the material (or stack of materials) that the rivet nut is designed to clamp securely. If the material thickness falls outside the specified grip range, the nutsert either won’t crimp properly or it will be too short to lock into place, leading to a weak installation. Always match the rivet nut’s grip range to your material thickness.

Can I install rivet nuts in fiberglass or plastic?

Yes, absolutely. Rivet nuts are one of the best rivet nuts solutions for softer or thinner materials like fiberglass, plastic, and thin aluminum. However, care must be taken not to over-torque the nuts during installation, as excessive force can crack or deform the softer parent material. Low-profile or small-flange nutserts are often recommended for plastics.

How do I determine the correct drilling hole size for installation?

The correct hole size is critical and should be slightly larger than the diameter of the uncompressed rivet nut body. Manufacturers usually provide exact specifications, but generally, the hole size should allow the uncompressed rivnut to fit snugly but not loosely. Too small, and the nut won’t insert; too large, and it may spin out when crimped.