The Build Behind This Item
My interior-preparation notes put likely attachment points ahead of the framing and panels. I installed the remaining M6 inserts during that stage, while I could still reach the cargo-area metal.
The WETOLS purchase is a setting tool with mandrels and inserts in a case. It belongs to a different part of the hardware kit from the roof slot nuts: rivet nuts form threaded points in the prepared body holes, while slot nuts sit inside the extrusion channel.
Completing the Interior Inserts Before the Framing and Panels
- I installed the remaining M6 rivet nuts in the interior cargo area.
- I wanted the likely attachment holes prepared before the aluminum framing, floor and wall panels went in.
- My later roof work used a separate slot-nut system, with nuts positioned inside the extrusion channels.
Camper Van Project Applications
Rivet nuts provide a threaded mounting point when the fastener arrangement calls for an insert. The insert's thread, material and grip range are distinct from the tool's mandrel. Laying out several mounting points also involves checking access for the tool before surrounding cabinetry or panels are installed.
For a wider view of the build kit, see my van conversion tool checklist and budget versus professional tool comparisons.
Product Details And Van-Build Uses
| Specification | Source Detail |
|---|---|
| Operation | Two-handle manual rivet-nut setter |
| Thread Selection | Interchangeable threaded mandrels |
| Storage | Molded carrying case |
The Amazon listing shows a hand-operated rivet-nut tool with removable threaded mandrels and a carrying case. Rivet nuts provide a threaded fixing point in sheet material, and the mandrel must match the insert thread. For van work, that makes the tool relevant to interior mounting points and removable assemblies. Steven used his original tool in the cargo-area factory holes; it eventually broke, and his replacement-tool review records the later outcome.
My Experience with This Tool
I used this tool at the manufacturer-provided holes inside the van’s cargo area. The work was tedious and took a fair amount of elbow grease with this manual tool.
Eventually the tool broke and would no longer set the fasteners. I replaced it with another inexpensive tool from Amazon. I did not expect to use a rivet tool much after finishing the van, so I chose another low-cost tool instead of buying an expensive automatic riveter.
Watch My WETOLS Rivet-Nut Tool Review
My narrated review covers tedious manual setting, the original tool that broke and the HARDELL replacement I bought to finish the work.
Press Play To Start The Video.
Read The Video Transcript
Hi, I'm Steve Smith with Camper Van Freedom. This is my original WETOLS rivet-nut setting tool. I used it at the manufacturer-provided holes inside the van's cargo area. The manual work was tedious and took elbow grease. Eventually the tool broke and would no longer set the fasteners. Here is the original-tool story and the replacement that followed.
The matching product picture shows the long handles, threaded mandrels and insert assortment in a case. The mandrel must match the insert thread. The tool operates the setting process; the rivet nut remains as a threaded mounting point. Those are separate components to keep straight when comparing a tool kit with extra inserts.
My cargo-floor picture comes from interior preparation. I installed the remaining M six rivet nuts while the cargo-area metal was accessible. Framing, the floor and the wall panels would restrict that access later. The workshop footage illustrates general measuring and holding work.
The attachment sequence starts before the interior is covered. The diagram separates the body hole, the insert and the setting tool. A rivet nut creates a threaded point in a prepared hole. That differs from the slot nuts in my later roof work, which sit inside the extrusion channels.
My owner review includes the effort and the failure. Using this manual tool was tedious, and it took a fair amount of elbow grease. It eventually broke and stopped setting the fasteners. I did not expect to use a rivet tool much after the van was finished, so I chose another low-cost tool rather than an expensive automatic riveter.
The matching HARDELL picture shows the replacement I bought. It felt sturdier and better made, and it got me through the remaining rivet-nut work. My separate HARDELL review records that result. The two reviews follow the original purchase and the replacement through the same build experience.
My page compares two researched options. The Astro P R N one uses compressed air, adding an air supply to the setup. The WETOLS W E eight-nine-six is another long-handle manual kit. Their matching pictures show the different operating arrangements. My actual replacement in this story was the HARDELL.
Thanks for watching. I'm Steve Smith with Camper Van Freedom. My original WETOLS tool helped with the interior attachment work but eventually broke. The full review, HARDELL replacement account, build picture and current buying options are linked below. Until next time.
Watch This Review On YouTube · English Captions (VTT) · Download The Transcript
My Takeaway for Choosing the Kit
The manual-versus-pneumatic choice changes the equipment at the work area. The Astro tool uses compressed air; the other WETOLS option is another manual starter kit. I would first decide whether I need a setting tool, additional inserts or both, then compare the mandrels and insert assortment supplied.
