Wingnut "threadserts" where to buy?

[Gifford]

I bought the OEM Dodge tailgate cap,it comes with mounting hardware. During installation, one of the collapsible wing-nut type threadsert things failed to properly expand and it stripped. (It didnt help that the expanding tool they included was too short for the inserts) Anyway, I need a new one and the tool to install it, where can I buy that? I don't even know the proper name for the thing so I havent had much luck googling them. Any ideas?



TIA!

 

[Turbo1Ton]

You might try looking at McMaster-Carr (www.mcmaster.com). They have all sorts of stuff like that. I haven't seen them so I'm not sure what they look like but you might look for "captive fasteners" or "cage nuts".



Jeff

 

[nickleinonen]

You might try looking at McMaster-Carr (www.mcmaster.com). They have all sorts of stuff like that...

follow the link below.



http://www.mcmaster.com/param/asp/P...5262840962&ScreenWidth=1280&McMMainWidth=1073



mcmaster's got all kinds of neat stuff, but shipping to canada from them kinda sucks [it does get here quickly though but $$$]

 

[viper700]

Gifford

Try looking in the phone book for a company called "Lawson Products inc". They might have a sales agent in your area. What you are looking for are also called "nutserts". That have them in a number of different configurations. I think what you need is what they call the "Diamond Grip". I used to work for them for 21 years here in Alaska. I have used the heck out of them for years and used a bunch when I rebuilt my PA-12. These Diamond grip nutserts will withstand turning using a grade 5 fastener and the cap screw will fail first. He would also have a tool handy to use for demonstrations, I know I did as I sold a bunch of them. All you might have to buy is a box of nutserts and maybe use his tool. Its worth a shot anyway.



Joe B

 

[Spooled-up]

I needed a plastic "expansion screw" for the Dodge mudflaps. I went to the parts dept at the dealer and they took me to the body shop. He gave me a full set out of a set of drawers that contained a bunch of weird hardware. Might try there first.

They didn't charge me for them.

 

[Gifford]

Thanks for all the tips guys!



The Mcmaster site had a picture of exactly what I'm looking for they call it a "slotted body rivet nut" I think I'll go ask the dealer parts guy first as spooled up suggested, then if they don't have it I'll call McMaster. Although the McMaster site had a picture of the nut, when I clicked on it it just went to a blank page, no way to order/choose thread pitch/size etc. So I guess I'll have to call them.



BTW these slotted body rivet nuts are extremely difficult to install properly. The threaded insert tends to spin in the hole while you're holding two wrenches on the expansion tool. I had to employ a THIRD wrench (vise-grip) to hold the flange of the 'slottedbody rivet nut' while I held 2 other wrenches on the expansion tool. They require a 25/64ths hole to be drilled in the tailgate- 4 huge holes in the tailgate! Very poor choice of fastener by DC IMO.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

You know, now that you know what it is called, you might try an Ace Hardware or some other similar, smaller type hardware store. I know the Ace Hardware stores around here have a very good selection of weird fasteners like that. Just another suggestion.



I'm glad this came up because I just ordered one of those caps! I'll be installing it next weekend. I'll have to remember the troubles you had. Any other tips I'd appreciate hearing about?



Jeff