Re: [VAL] Hanging "stuff" on aluminum walls

[<gillguy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Allen
Depends on manufacture as to it being a rivnut or riv-nut. Both are the 
same. You will need a special tool to install them unless you are very handy 
at  improvising tools. A good hand installation tool cost about $115.00 and 
up. For a 10-32 riv-nut (one which accepts a 10-32 screw) you drill a 1/4 
hole and it must have a little keyway (slot) on one side, you can make the 
slot with a small jewelers file.
For improvised installation tool the simplest is using to wedge shape metal 
blocks one with a hole that has a fastener installed in the riv-nut, the 
other has a slot across it so you can basically pull or squeeze the blocks 
under each other, this will allow the riv-nut shank to be crimped. Before 
installation you must align the small detent on the riv-nut with the slot 
you cut in your 1/4" hole, that's what keeps the riv-nut from spinning. 
Another way is to modify some bolts (preferably a left hand threaded one) 
with this you can use wrenches to tighten the riv-nut.
If you have trouble locating some riv-nuts let me know and I could probably 
send you a few.
Bobby
Valdosta, GA