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Differences between through-hole and closed end rivet nuts

Nov. 13, 2023

Through Hole Rivet Nut vs Closed End Rivet Nut: How to Choose the Right Fastening Solution?

Engineering Guide for Selecting Open End and Closed End Blind Rivet Nuts

In sheet metal assembly and industrial manufacturing, selecting the correct threaded insert is essential for achieving reliable fastening performance.

Two common types of rivet nuts used in industrial applications are Through Hole Rivet Nuts and Closed End Rivet Nuts. Although both provide strong threaded connections in thin materials, their designs and application environments are different.

JUXIN FASTENERS specializes in manufacturing blind rivet nuts, through hole rivet nuts, closed end rivet nuts, and customized fastening solutions for global OEM customers in automotive, machinery, electronics, railway, and sheet metal industries.

Understanding the difference between open end rivet nuts and closed end blind rivet nuts helps engineers select the most suitable fastening solution for their products.


Differences between through-hole and closed end rivet nutsDifferences between through-hole and closed end rivet nuts

What Is a Through Hole Rivet Nut?

A Through Hole Rivet Nut, also known as an Open End Rivet Nut, is a threaded insert designed with an open passage through the entire body.

During installation, the rivet nut is inserted into a pre-drilled hole and expanded using a rivet nut installation tool. The deformation creates a strong mechanical lock between the rivet nut and the base material.

The open-end design allows screws or bolts to pass completely through the rivet nut, making it suitable for applications requiring:

  • Repeated assembly and disassembly

  • Through-bolt connections

  • Easy maintenance

  • Flexible fastening solutions

Key Advantages of Through Hole Rivet Nuts

1. Suitable for Repeated Assembly

The open structure allows fasteners to be installed and removed multiple times without damaging the internal thread.

This makes through hole rivet nuts ideal for:

  • Machinery maintenance

  • Equipment panels

  • Vehicle structures

  • Industrial assemblies

2. Easy Installation and Replacement

Through hole rivet nuts provide simple installation and convenient replacement.

Benefits include:

  • Fast installation process

  • Easy inspection

  • Reduced maintenance time

  • Suitable for high-efficiency production

3. Wide Application Range

Because there is no sealed bottom structure, through hole rivet nuts can be used in various materials, including:

  • Steel sheets

  • Aluminum panels

  • Stainless steel structures

  • Tubular components

What Is a Closed End Rivet Nut?

A Closed End Rivet Nut, also called a Sealed Blind Rivet Nut or Waterproof Rivet Nut, features a closed bottom design.

Unlike open end rivet nuts, the closed-end structure prevents the bolt from passing through the entire insert and provides additional protection against:

  • Water

  • Dust

  • Oil

  • External contamination

During installation, the closed end rivet nut is inserted into the prepared hole and expanded behind the material using a rivet nut tool.

Key Advantages of Closed End Blind Rivet Nuts

1. Improved Sealing Protection

The closed bottom design helps prevent environmental contamination.

Applications include:

  • Automotive components

  • Electrical enclosures

  • Outdoor equipment

  • Marine applications

2. Suitable for Limited Access Areas

Closed end rivet nuts are ideal when:

  • The backside of the workpiece cannot be accessed

  • The structure is enclosed

  • Installation space is limited

Examples:

  • Tubes

  • Hollow profiles

  • Electronic housings

  • Equipment covers

3. Clean and Professional Installation

The sealed design provides:

  • Better appearance

  • Reduced contamination risk

  • Improved product reliability

Difference Between Through Hole Rivet Nut and Closed End Rivet Nut

FeatureThrough Hole Rivet NutClosed End Rivet Nut
Bottom DesignOpenClosed
Bolt PassageBolt can pass throughSealed bottom prevents passing through
Sealing PerformanceStandardBetter protection
MaintenanceExcellentGood
Suitable EnvironmentGeneral assembliesWet, dusty, enclosed structures
Typical ApplicationsMachinery, vehicles, equipmentElectronics, automotive, outdoor products

How to Select the Right Rivet Nut?

Choosing between a through hole rivet nut and a closed end rivet nut depends on several engineering factors.

1. Consider the Installation Environment

Choose a through hole rivet nut when:

  • Both sides are accessible

  • Frequent disassembly is required

  • General fastening is needed

Choose a closed end rivet nut when:

  • Only one side is accessible

  • Sealing protection is required

  • The structure is enclosed

2. Consider Product Maintenance Requirements

For equipment requiring regular maintenance:

A through hole rivet nut is usually preferred because screws can be removed and reinstalled easily.

For sealed products:

A closed end blind rivet nut provides better protection.

3. Consider Material Thickness

Both types are suitable for thin materials where traditional tapping is not practical.

Applications include:

  • Thin sheet metal

  • Aluminum profiles

  • Tubes

  • Lightweight structures

Applications of Through Hole Rivet Nuts

Automotive Manufacturing

Through hole rivet nuts are widely used in:

  • Vehicle interior components

  • Brackets

  • Body panels

  • Structural supports

Their reusable thread design makes them suitable for automotive assembly and maintenance.

Railway and Transportation Equipment

Applications:

  • Interior panels

  • Equipment mounting

  • Structural components

The lightweight and easy installation characteristics improve manufacturing efficiency.

Machinery and Industrial Equipment

Used for:

  • Machine covers

  • Frames

  • Protective panels

  • Automation equipment

Applications of Closed End Rivet Nuts

Electronics and Electrical Equipment

Closed end rivet nuts are commonly used in:

  • Electrical cabinets

  • Control systems

  • Communication equipment

The sealed structure helps protect internal components.

Automotive and New Energy Vehicles

Applications:

  • Battery housings

  • Waterproof enclosures

  • Interior assemblies

Marine and Outdoor Equipment

Closed end rivet nuts provide additional protection in environments exposed to:

  • Moisture

  • Salt spray

  • Outdoor conditions

Materials and Surface Treatments

JUXIN FASTENERS manufactures both through hole rivet nuts and closed end rivet nuts in different materials.

Carbon Steel Rivet Nuts

Advantages:

  • High strength

  • Cost-effective

  • Suitable for general industrial applications

Surface options:

  • Zinc plating

  • Zinc nickel plating

  • Black oxide

Stainless Steel Rivet Nuts

Available materials:

  • Stainless Steel 304

  • Stainless Steel 316

Applications:

  • Corrosive environments

  • Outdoor equipment

  • Marine systems

Aluminum Rivet Nuts

Advantages:

  • Lightweight

  • Corrosion resistant

Applications:

  • Aerospace

  • Transportation

  • Lightweight structures

Rivet Nut Specifications

JUXIN FASTENERS supplies standard and customized rivet nuts.

Common thread sizes:

  • M3

  • M4

  • M5

  • M6

  • M8

  • M10

  • M12

Available designs:

  • Flat head rivet nuts

  • Countersunk rivet nuts

  • Hex rivet nuts

  • Closed end rivet nuts

  • Small head rivet nuts

Why Choose JUXIN FASTENERS as Your Rivet Nut Supplier?

JUXIN FASTENERS is a professional blind rivet nut manufacturer and OEM fastening solution provider.

We provide:

  • Custom rivet nut production

  • Engineering support

  • Material selection assistance

  • Surface treatment solutions

  • Prototype development

  • Mass production capability

Our rivet nut solutions are widely used in:

  • Automotive

  • EV manufacturing

  • Railway equipment

  • Industrial machinery

  • Electronics

  • Sheet metal fabrication

Custom Rivet Nut Solutions from JUXIN FASTENERS

Whether you require through hole rivet nuts, closed end blind rivet nuts, hex rivet nuts, or customized threaded inserts, JUXIN FASTENERS can provide reliable fastening solutions based on your drawings and application requirements.

Our engineering team supports customers from product selection to final production.

Contact JUXIN FASTENERS for Rivet Nut Solutions

Looking for a reliable rivet nut manufacturer or custom blind rivet nut supplier?

Contact us for technical support and customized fastening solutions.

Email: info@juxinfasteners.com
Website: www.juxinfasteners.com

JUXIN FASTENERS — Professional OEM Fastening Solutions for Global Manufacturing.


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