I just finished installing a Brownchurch roof rack and a Mantec snorkel this weekend. I have a factory ladder I am going to insall but I can't figure out how the bolting system works. It has four inserts you put in the holes you drill out which you are supposed to thread the bolts into that hold the rack on. According to the instruction sheet you are supossed to use a tool shaped like a rivet gun to install these inserts. I have never seen a rivet gun like that. Anybody ever install one of these laders? If so, what tool did you use, or did you use different bolts all together? Thanks for any help!

 

While I have not used that one, have used a similar one that can put threaded inserts into aluminum frame store fronts (door, etc.) or large commercial freezers that are built on site like a small storage building. So maybe those kind of supply houses as a start?

 

These?



What I did, if I remember correctly, was drill a hole, put the insert in, take a matching bolt, put on a nut and washer, screw it all the way onto the bolt till it hits the head of the bolt, then, screw the bolt into the insert until you think the bolt would be sticking out the other side of the insert.

UNSCREW the nut and washer until the washer hits the insert head. Keep torquing the nut and the insert will start to compress. The area around the head of the insert will flare out and act like a tight seal.

You will have to hold the bolt still with another wrench.

Keep an eye out for the insert to start turning. If this happens, you might have to try some different configurations.


My method works. I put an entire roof rack together with these inserts and also put the ladder into the door with these inserts.

I like em so much, I might go buy the correct tool.

 

Thanks!

 

Just use sheet metal screws, I just installed my ladder and it was a breeze. The weight is supported by the top ladder hanging onto the door, bottom screws just keep the ladder in line.

 

they are a pain without a rivetnut tool but can be done with two nuts and a bolt, hold the bottom nut and tighten the bolt, the rivet nut should exspand then pull the bolt out.

 

You are looking for a nutcert tool from Wurth USA. You get one shot at installing these to get them to flare properly. It does take practice and you will get better at it. What happens when they are not snugged up, is they will spin " in place" when you are trying to tighten them.Especially when installing racks and ladders - its critical to get it done right. What will happen in a short time- is that you you will not be able to tighten or loosen the nut - it will just spin. Ideally, you will want to drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than nutcert size.Use a proper sharp metal bit and a fully charged battery drill.That will ensure a clean hole that stays perfectly round. Even if the hole is slightly out of round- the nutcert will pull through the sheet metal. In the case of a rack or latter installation- the mounts will vibrate under load and potentially damage the gutter paint or rear cargo door.
Best to practice on a piece of junk sheet metal - so you can inspect both the front and rear views of your installation. The quality of the nutcert kits varies greatly. The german kits have been the best I have used in the past. Pay attention to thread pitch and sizes available. Not parts you want to be buying at home depot.Wurth USA ( as mentioned above) would be the best.