Just got my new rear ladder from AB.. WTF!!
 

Wife got me my roof rack ladder from Atlantic British..what the he'll is up with the Rivnuts. Are you telling me I have to go spend more money just for a simple 4 bolt install!?!? I've read sheet metal screws, but I'm not a hack, and like to install parts as intended.. Any advice Ladies and Gents?

Merry Christmas to you guys.. Thanks for all the help, support, guidance and fellowship...

What's the problem with them?
I got mine from AB a couple year ago and installed it fine with what came in the box...

i think he doesnt have a pop rivet gun or something? is that the problem?

I have never used rivet nuts, can you install them with a standard pop-rivet gun?

Looks like you need a rivet nut tool or a work around.

http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/showthread.php?t=31855

http://mdmetric.com/tubtara/852tool.htm

yeah, they are a PITA if you don't have a rivnut tool...pop rivet tool will not work

I couldn't even find a tool with the right thread for the nuts that came with my ladder, so I just got a cheap (<$20) Rivnut tool at Harbor Freight and used the rivnuts that it came with...

And he's buying a stairway to heaven....

This will do it no?

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-1-...kit-94100.html

Close...the one I used was actually http://www.harborfreight.com/45-piec...-kit-1210.html

It comes with the rivnuts...I just took it over to Home Depot and got the right screws and I was good to go.

Drill the hole
Get a hardened bolt to fit the rivnut.
Get a hex nut just enough larger than the bolt that the bolt will slide through.
Get a star washer same size as the nut
Insert the rivnut in the hole, slide the nut on to bolt, slide the star washer on to the bolt, screw the bolt in to the rivnut. Hold the hex nut with a wrench and screw in the bolt with another wrench. That will expand the rivnut in place.