Basic Installation Process
As with most things, there are a lot of ways to install a rivet nut. There are rivet-nut specific tools available online. There are also quite a few ways to do this without any special tools. One common method is by using the stack of hardware (not included) shown here.
Using this method, you would assemble the hardware stack as shown to the right, thread the bolt into the rivet nut, and then insert the entire assembly into the hole in the Jeep fender.
Next, you would use a box end wrench to hold the 8mm nut. Then, tighten the bolt to crush the rivet nut. If you have access to a small impact driver, this is a good time to use it.
Once the nut is crushed, you can remove the bolt and remaining hardware stack, leaving the rivet nut installed in the fender.
Chris C. (verified owner) –
I purchased the front and rear kits along with High-Line braces and all I can say I can say is that it is shocking the difference that the kit’s “washers” provide with respect to how much better supported the fenders feel. Great use of additive manufacturing!
Don Montalvo (verified owner) –
Perfect nutsert size for 2020 JL, and perfect (3D printed?) clip replacements. It was a breeze to install, and are so good that even Rugged Ridge Max-Terrain fender flares, which are flimsy, actually are less flimsy. Brilliant design, kudos to AAL. I’m blogging and posting to Facebook about these bad boys!
britm –
Thanks, Don! Appreciate the kind words. Send us a link and we’ll repost your blog post.
Todd (verified owner) –
Just installed mine. What a difference. Sure wish I installed them sooner. Would have saved me having to buy replacement High-Line light. I have the Lower light mount add on and one nut fell out after wheeling in Moab. Headed into a 40 + mile an hour headwind and going 60 the light began to pivot. The force of that was just right that all the lower plastic poppers popped out and if not for the 2 bolts from the High-line bracket, the entire fender would have flown off. It was just flapping in the wind. Got lucky with minimal damage to fiberglass, but the force of the tweaking did break my high-line light. Anyway installed these with the replacement light and that fender is not coming off in those conditions again for sure!!!!!
britm –
Thanks, Todd! Yeah, most people don’t realize that if they shouldn’t reuse the white plastic clips. They’re only good for the one-time install at the factory. When you pull the flare off, it bends the ears of the clips backwards, reducing their ability to retain the flares. Glad the damage wasn’t too bad. You should be good now, with the install of the FRH kit.
Justin Shanley (verified owner) –
These are the perfect addition to stabilize the Jeep fenders. I live in Arizona and my plastic clips were starting to loosen (my guess is from the sun). I swapped the clips out with this kit (both front and rear) and love the finished product! No more vibrating fenders driving down the freeway. My biggest complaint is my set didn’t come with any directions or information on how to install…which, they are very self explanatory once you get going, but youtube had several install videos detailing the proper process. Also, do yourself a favor and pickup a rivnut install tool — it will make this install SO MUCH easier as opposed to using the homemade method mentioned in the description. (Harbor Freight – $40, not bad). Either way, big fan, 10/10 recommend for the JL
britm –
Thanks, Justin! Glad you like them. The label in the bag should have had instructions printed on the inside of it. I apologize for the oversight of that not being printed correctly. We’ll make sure and double check those.
Bogdan P. (verified owner) –
Inarguably the best fender retention hardware. I installed this along with the high line fender braces, and the result is a solid fender that won’t flop even at greater than highway speeds. A rivet nut tool makes installation a breeze and saves time, highly recommended. This is a must-have if you’re splitting your fenders.
David F. (verified owner) –
I just completed a fender chop on a 2021 Jeep Gladiator Willys. The AAL Inner Fenders are stellar. I’m also very glad I purchased the Retention Hardware. That said I’m not sure if this is because my Gladiator is 2021 but I need to drill out all of the fender holes as well as the one frame hole so the rivet-nuts would fit. A 3/8 inch drill bit was perfect.