10 Seconds In To Installing My Utility Rails...

[qdude79]

I was skeptical of the mounting design on these bed rails but have seen other install them successfully. Very first hex nut I tried to install rounded out like the inner sheet metal was warm butter. Barely torqued with a 3/8 ratchet, didn't even begin to flare the nut. What did I do wrong?

 

[18CrewDually]

It looks like you tried to just screw a bolt in to set the thread-sert. If you don't have the correct tool, you can use a long bolt with a couple of lubed washers and a nut. You would hold the bolt still with a wrench then crank down on the nut to set the thread-sert. Most easy open tailgate kits for the 4th gens come with the bolt/washers/bearing/nut tool to do this.
I'll try to post a pic of what you need.

 

[18CrewDually]

Better yet, here's a video on how-to without the specific tool.

How to install rivnut, rivet nuts or nutserts, with no expensive tools

I give you a great cheap solution to install rivet nuts or threaded nuts without the use of expensive tools, also a great solution if you need to instal a nu...

youtu.be

 

[chopperman1]

You allowed the rivnut to turn during installation, that's a big no and causes exactly that. The rivnut must remain stationary. Using a rivnut tool is the proper way to do it. You "can" do it with a manual tool, double washer, bearing etc but you do risk spinning it exactly as you did. Nothing better than the correct tool for the job. Here's one similar to the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081GDRTXP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1