depends on the puller - if you use the small one shaped like a top that uses
the Allen key, you get a feel for it when the allen gets a smidgen harder to
turn. The more righteous pullers are the long ones with the pull handle
that quick threads the rivnut onto the tool before insertion. Those have an
adjustable tip so you can pretty much calibrate the amount of pull on the
rivnut. They are quite a bit faster too especilly if you have several to
pull

I think US Tool sells both types of pullers

Mike

"WhiteKnukles" wrote in message
...
Hi All,

I've tried using rivnuts, but have ruined the threads on the tool
piece
each time. How does one know when enough force is used and not too much?
Jim Burns
"mike" wrote in message
news:ZOfkb.812319$Ho3.221284@sccrnsc03...
Rivnuts when installed correctly, will draw up and expand only on the
portion protruding thru the opposite side of the material. Works great
for
installation into most hard or rigid materials and like rivets, come in
varying lengths to accomodate material thickness. Anti rotation device
is
a
provided by a notch in the hole that "keys" the fastener.

Nutserts (not nut plates) are not as commmonly used on the other hand
expand
along the entirel ength of the sert, and is more conducive to
aplications
in
soft materials such as honeycomb, fiberboard, etc. I have seen them
simply
epoxy potted in place on honeycomb and other laminated material. Anti
rotation device is provided by a serrations around the circumference
edge
which makes hole size and depth critical

I dont believe EITHER of these is considered to be a structural fastener
and
both are problematic when they become loose.

Hope this helps
Mike in Dallas

"John Talbert" wrote in message
...
Can someone give a brief description of the differences of the two?
When
one would be used instead of the other?