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Rivnut on Metalcloak

4K views 10 replies 10 participants last post by  14BWRubi 
#1 ·
Anyone running the Overland Fenders use a 1/2" drill bit instead of the recommended 17/32" bit? I've been to 3 stores looking and can't find a 17/32" anywhere. I assume with it being only 1/32" smaller I may get away with a little filing of the hole.
 
#5 ·
Well, I believe that personally, before I went to 3 stores, I'd have drilled with the 1/2 and tried the RivNut. If that didn't work, I'd have run a Dremel conical grinder bit in it and opened it up 1/32. Or a small rat tail file if I didn't have a Dremel. Not like you can't still stick a 17/32 bit in it if for some reason that doesn't work. It's not like the opposite case, where if you drill a 17/32 when you really need a 1/2, and it doesn't work, you're SOL.
 
#6 ·
When I did my lift, I went to Home Depot and just got a really big set of nice, almost impossible to break drill bits for about $85. A bit expensive, but the only way to get that size not online, and it has very much come in handy for lots of things since then.
 
#7 ·
I ordered the 17/32" bit from MC at the same time as the Overline System. I used a step bit up to 1/2" and finished it off with the 17/32". In an attempt to cut corners and save some time I attempted to fit the rivnut after the step bit without success. The rivnuts are a tight fit at 17/32". You could attempt to wallow out the hole with the 1/2", but I don't know if I would recommend it given the paper-thin sheet metal and the tendency for the bit to catch and tear.
 
#8 ·
Get the right drill bit even you you have to buy a set. While it may work for the install you will probably spin the rivnut if you ever attempt to remove it.
 
#10 ·
I step up gradually with smaller bits to a 1/2 inch and then finally use a step up bit and keep gradually opening the whole up in tiny increments until the riv nut just barely fits in there. I have MC fenders, rocker panels and PS rear corner crushers - never spun a nut sert yet! Also then used the 3/8 nut sert tool from Grainger which is awesome.
 
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