Hex rivet nuts and instatrunk

[Ender451]

Short version: Are hex rivets supposed to sit loosely in the hole before your tighten the bolt?

Hey gang. I have a 2004 X which I keep the doors and top off all summer. I just got an Instatrunk (IT hereafter) to keep the back secure since there is only the glovebox and center console to lock things up when I leave it parked anywhere.

There are existing hex holes with rubber plugs in the sides of the area behind the rear seats that the IT is designed to utilize. The IT came with hex rivet nuts to insert into the existing holes into which the bolts will thread to hold the IT in place. It came with a tool that I think is used to pound the hex rivets into place. The hex rivets, however, slide easily into the existing holes (once I pulled out the rubber plugs) and sit there very loosely, falling out when I take my finger off them.

I have never used hex rivet nuts before and the instructions that came with it suck. The internet says the collapse when the bolt is tightened, kind of like a wall anchor you use in drywall.

My question is: are they supposed to be so loose or are the hex rivets too small?

Long explanation for a simple question, sorry.

 

[TJ4Jim]

Short version: Are hex rivets supposed to sit loosely in the hole before your tighten the bolt?

Hey gang. I have a 2004 X which I keep the doors and top off all summer. I just got an Instatrunk (IT hereafter) to keep the back secure since there is only the glovebox and center console to lock things up when I leave it parked anywhere.

There are existing hex holes with rubber plugs in the sides of the area behind the rear seats that the IT is designed to utilize. The IT came with hex rivet nuts to insert into the existing holes into which the bolts will thread to hold the IT in place. It came with a tool that I think is used to pound the hex rivets into place. The hex rivets, however, slide easily into the existing holes (once I pulled out the rubber plugs) and sit there very loosely, falling out when I take my finger off them.

I have never used hex rivet nuts before and the instructions that came with it suck. The internet says the collapse when the bolt is tightened, kind of like a wall anchor you use in drywall.

My question is: are they supposed to be so loose or are the hex rivets too small?

Long explanation for a simple question, sorry.

Sounds like the wrong size, I installed new mudgard hex rivnuts last week and they should fit snugly in the body opening hex and not fall thru prior to setting snugly.

 

[LONGJP2]

They do not need to be tight or even snug.
They do however have a limited range of hole size they can be used in.

Edit - I've never used 'HEX' rivnuts.

 

[MountaineerTom]

I used these half hex nutserts under the Jeep in the factory hex shaped holes for the bottom of the factory Rubicon sliders to mount to on my ‘06. I don’t remember them being overly loose, but they weren’t tight going in, if that makes sense. Once I collapsed them with the tool, they were tight and didn’t move around.

uxcell a15072400ux0414 20pcs M6x15mm Half Hex Body Flat Head Blind Rivet Nuts Nutserts Fasteners (Pack of 20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015A3H97S/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[C.J. Roberts]

You need a tool to tighten them up. Once they are installed they won't be loose. https://www.blindrivetsupply.com/Ho..., you will need,through the washer or bushing.

 

[mrblaine]

Short version: Are hex rivets supposed to sit loosely in the hole before your tighten the bolt?

Hey gang. I have a 2004 X which I keep the doors and top off all summer. I just got an Instatrunk (IT hereafter) to keep the back secure since there is only the glovebox and center console to lock things up when I leave it parked anywhere.

There are existing hex holes with rubber plugs in the sides of the area behind the rear seats that the IT is designed to utilize. The IT came with hex rivet nuts to insert into the existing holes into which the bolts will thread to hold the IT in place. It came with a tool that I think is used to pound the hex rivets into place. The hex rivets, however, slide easily into the existing holes (once I pulled out the rubber plugs) and sit there very loosely, falling out when I take my finger off them.

I have never used hex rivet nuts before and the instructions that came with it suck. The internet says the collapse when the bolt is tightened, kind of like a wall anchor you use in drywall.

My question is: are they supposed to be so loose or are the hex rivets too small?

Long explanation for a simple question, sorry.

The hex on the rivet nut is supposed to snugly engage the hex in the sheetmetal. The hex is an anti-rotation feature to prevent the rivet nut from spinning which can really complicate installation or removal. As stated, they need to be set similarly to how a pop rivet works to grip the sheet metal.

Just so you know, the only things you lock up in a Jeep in any configuration are the items you don't mind losing. It doesn't get any more simple than that.

 

[Ender451]

Thanks everyone for all the replies! Very helpful. The instatrunk installation kit came with a piece that might be the installation tool. It looks like a hex nut with a lip protruding around the hole on one side. I'd send a pic but not at home right now. Does this sound like what I need? If so, how do I use it? Thanks!

 

[mrblaine]

Thanks everyone for all the replies! Very helpful. The instatrunk installation kit came with a piece that might be the installation tool. It looks like a hex nut with a lip protruding around the hole on one side. I'd send a pic but not at home right now. Does this sound like what I need? If so, how do I use it? Thanks!

Thread the nutsert fully onto the tool. Insert nutsert into hex hole in tub. Hold the hex nut with a wrench, turn the bolt with a ratchet or similar until it is pretty snug and the nutsert isn't loose in the hole. Reverse the bolt out and do it 3 more times on the others.

 

[MikekiM]

I installed the IT using the factory provided nutserts in the recommended holes, using the 'tool' provided. Rock solid.

FYI.. the Bestop or Tuffy under seat concealed carry draw is a great addition. Between the draw and the IT I have to keep nothing in the center console nor the glove box. Both of the latter can be accessed in a blink and thieves would not care about breaking the console or dash.

 

[mrblaine]

I installed the IT using the factory provided nutserts in the recommended holes, using the 'tool' provided. Rock solid.

FYI.. the Bestop or Tuffy under seat concealed carry draw is a great addition. Between the draw and the IT I have to keep nothing in the center console nor the glove box. Both of the latter can be accessed in a blink and thieves would not care about breaking the console or dash.

You must have spent a lot of time in the ER as opposed as you are to using them.

 

[Ender451]

I installed the IT using the factory provided nutserts in the recommended holes, using the 'tool' provided. Rock solid.

FYI.. the Bestop or Tuffy under seat concealed carry draw is a great addition. Between the draw and the IT I have to keep nothing in the center console nor the glove box. Both of the latter can be accessed in a blink and thieves would not care about breaking the console or dash.

Thanks for the info on the under seat cc draw. Looking for options for that as well!

 

[MikekiM]

Thanks for the info on the under seat cc draw. Looking for options for that as well!

I had one in both of my JKs and used them all the time. Added one to the TJ immediately.. used it half a dozen times today alone. Tumble seat still works. My stereo head unit has a removable face that I keep in the draw along with a tire gauge, deflators, EZ Pass and lock for the RotoPax and still have room to put two cell phones, keys, wallet (minimalist for me) and a few other small things.

I also had the security trunk from Tuffy in one of my JKs. Much nicer and more robust than the Bestop version. I don't think they make one for the TJ.

 

[matkal]

WTF is a draw?

 

[Ender451]

I had one in both of my JKs and used them all the time. Added one to the TJ immediately.. used it half a dozen times today alone. Tumble seat still works. My stereo head unit has a removable face that I keep in the draw along with a tire gauge, deflators, EZ Pass and lock for the RotoPax and still have room to put two cell phones, keys, wallet (minimalist for me) and a few other small things.

I also had the security trunk from Tuffy in one of my JKs. Much nicer and more robust than the Bestop version. I don't think they make one for the TJ.

WTF is a draw?

A draw is what a southerner pulls out of a bureau or dresser, or in this case, a secure lockbox, you uncultured swine.

 

[matkal]

A draw is what a southerner pulls out of a bureau or dresser, or in this case, a secure lockbox, you uncultured swine.

At least you didn’t call me a carpet bagger!