One of the most popular fasteners on the market, a rivet nut (also known as blind nuts, threaded inserts, rivnuts, or nutserts) is an internally threaded tubular insert that forms a permanent thread in thin sheet material. This is typically achieved by pulling the nut through an opening, or hole, in a material while causing the internal threads to deform and expand under the reverse side of the material.
Unlike a rivet, a rivet nut can be installed in a wide variety of materials and requires no welding to achieve its best results. The most obvious benefit of a rivet nut is its strength to weight ratio. It is also available in a number of shapes and sizes, including specialty ones that provide better pullout performance for soft materials like aluminum and plastics.

A Hand Nut Riveter is a great tool for the occasional repair. They are inexpensive and often come with changeable nose pieces that accommodate a variety of rivet nuts. Some models even feature battery powered power, which can make them a big time saver in the field or on the jobsite.
It's important to consider the type of application and how frequently you will use the tools to make an informed choice. A good distributor can help you select the right model for your needs, and will offer excellent customer service. They'll be with you throughout the process, and even post-purchase to provide assistance and support.