Following my previous post, I managed to remove the old stripped rivnuts. Now, to install new ones, I asked around some shops and the only one that has the tool refused to do the job because he says "there's a 60% chance of cracking the frame".
The frame is aluminum (with magnesium apparently?) from the early 2000s. Is it that bad? Is it even safe to ride this thing?
The only alternative I can think of are rubber wellnuts
by Bruce_kett
10 Comments
I don’t get why it’d risk cracking the frame. Rivnuts just squeeze against the tube around the hole. Use a proper rivnut tool, of course, but it should be just fine.
There’s plenty of rivnuts installed in super thin wall aluminum frames, carbon, etc.
Done it million times mate
I don’t see how it is risky. My guess is your mechanic has never installed a rivnut and doesn’t understand how they work.
Find a more experienced shop.
Totally fine. The only risk comes from drilling the hole in the first place. If it’s not deburred you can create stress points which can eventually crack. That looks fine from the picture though. Have at er
as long as its the correct diameter its a standard manufacturing techinique. If you want to get fussy spray some ACF-50 in and on the hole for corrosion protection
I’ll be the pendant.
It’s a magnesium frame.
Edit: remembered that the mods here will be on this QUICK. Sorry in advance.
you might develop galvanic corrosion if the rivnut is steel, but just put an aluminum one and should be good can’t think of anything going wrong
It’s “risky” in so much as old aluminum farther along its fatigue life. That said, it’s an extremely marginal increase in risk that wouldn’t even factor in for me.
If a mechanic says it is okay they are liable for any issues, which could be injury related. I’d say no just to prevent a possible lawsuit. It is more about liability than ability.