******
- Verified Buyer
As a machinist, quality tools not only function well, but also are a pleasure to hold with just the right heft, fit, and finish. How well the tool functions is what really matters, though, and this Astro Pneumatic ADN14 Rivet Nut Driver is top-shelf. For what it does, hold a rivet nut and compress the threaded end down onto the flanged end, the Astro exceeds even my obsession for the best tool at a fair price.Rather than using a makeshift rivet nut compression method like a nut, bolt, and washers I opted to get the tool. Always great to have a bonafide reason to get a new tool, amiright? I'm new to installing rivet nuts, although the process is rather straightforward and, with so many tools available on the market with varying reviews, it was a struggle to choose the 'right' one with quality/value balance.So, if you're interested in setting rivet nuts, the first decision hurdle is which compression method: manual (plier) or powered (drill-driven like this model ADN14). My priority was focused on having a small enough tool where clearance to set the rivet nut wouldn't be an issue. This was paramount, as so many applications are in tight spots with limited reach, which ruled-out compressing plier handles. Decided on the drill-driven model because of the clearance provisions. A consideration for plier/drill choice is can the user 'feel' torque or have an adequate drill clutch to control compression in order to 'set' the rivet correctly. I use a Milwaukee 12V 1/2" drive drill (my EDC) although the Milwaukee clutch won't hold the torque to full compression, but in the drill mode this little torque'r can sprain your wrist, so the issue was learning the 'feel' and knowing when to release the trigger. After a couple test sets, I was able to reliably set 1/4-20 steel rivet nuts.My first project is nuts in our Discovery engine hatch. The OEM hatch wasn't adequately designed, so a mod was in order. Setting 1/4-20 flat head stainless screws around a 3/4" marine grade hardwood plywood on 1/8" AL angle brackets. Setting 16 screws (think Airstream rivet pattern) over an oak flooring replacing carpet (eww).I'm not certain, but I do believe the plier-type may provide consistent, reliable compression with little needed operator 'feel' but again, at a loss of confined applications. So, if you're able to work with your hands and want a commercial grade, professional rivet nut setter, the ADN14 should more than meet your needs. I'm very impressed with the whole package - the wide selection of SAE and metric dies, collet wrench, all stored in a sturdy carry case. The set is compact, has the appropriate heft, and fit & finish which feels great in the hand, and screams quality. Value meets quality.I've also been using the Astro 3018 Digital Tire inflator for a couple years and am also very impressed. Astro Pneumatic tools are 'sleepers' and I for one am very glad I've found them. Will be looking for more of their tools.Over 200 1/4”x20 rivnuts installed on a cargo van racking system and this is holding up perfectlyVery very useful if you're setting multiple rivet nuts. Be prepared to lose some rivet nuts while you figure out the correct settings for the drill you're using with the type of rivet nut. Once you figure it out though it makes setting rivet nuts fast and reliable. The rest of the guys in the shop borrow it everytime they need to set some!No real instructions but luckily not too hard to figure out. This is so much easier than the the manual ones! So easy and made installing the nuts super fast. You do have to turn a bit with your hand at the end to remove but it is still so much faster than the other alternative. Great product well built.I had a project that needed ~320 rivet nuts installed. I've had Astro's trusty manual rivet nut tool for years now and it's done the job for onesies and twosies but I was up to 20 rivet nuts on this project before my puny arms gave out.I bought the pneumatic version of their tool and after I figured out how to use it, I ended up rivet nutting the rest of the 300 pieces within 3-4 hours. This is 3-4 hours with plenty of beer breaks. I used a Milwaukee 12v impact drill with the torque setting set to "2", using M6x1mm nuts. At that setting, I only over-torqued maybe 6-8 rivet nuts out of the 300 and had to start over with the piece.My only complaint is that the input shank is a wee bit too long so it doesn't click into the impact drill. I learned to maneuver around the issue but it would occasionally slip off the gun from time to time.Also, the only manual part about this tool is screwing the rivet on. At first, I wasn't able to reverse out of the nut after I had riveted it on but with a little practice, I was about to reverse it out in one shot.Good tool, I'm glad I picked it up!Very handy for working in tight spaces fast when in open space money well spent.Out of the box this is a very good tool. With a few DIY tweaks it can be a great tool. The tool as it comes works well but is not very smooth in operation. I decided to crack it open and check out the guts. Disassembly requires the removal of 1 Circlip (Outside) and 1 E-Clip (Inside). The internal components appear to be well made but the grease is horrible. It's the typical yellow chinesium fare that is marginal when new and gets waxy over time. I cleaned out all the stock grease and used liberal amounts of Lucas X-TRA Heavy Duty Grease: http://a.co/8wmRJvs Reassembled everything and it’s a night and day difference. Operation thru the entire range of movement is smooth as can be.The other tweak is to the driveshaft. The tool worked good using a Ryobi 18v cordless drill. I wanted to see how it would it work with a Ryobi 18v cordless impact driver. I was impressed with the difference. The impact drive having a shorter snout makes things less awkward. It also requires less hand strength and cinches the rivnuts down better. There is one issue with using the impact driver. The drive shaft will not lock into place as the machined groove is bit too far down the shaft. I used a Dremel with a cut-off wheel to short the end of shaft (See pics). Now with the tool locked into place it totally rocks and makes installing rivnuts a cinch.If you're installing a couple rivnuts here and there either drive tool works fine. If you're installing dozens of rivnuts the impact drive is the way to go. It’s faster, installs the rivnuts tighter and is much easier on your hand.Works fine . Just get the big one. It will run down all of the rivnuts…..this one is for the softer metal nuts.
