So I’m updating my interior a bit and discovered a issue with the back overhead cabinet attachments. The threaded studs in the frame have broken loose and are spinning with the bolts. So has anyone had this happened and how have you’ve fixed?
Hmmm, scratching my head on this one!
- Thread starter Billygoat
- Start date
Much tougher if the cabinets are still in place, and I don't have a good answer for you.
If the cabinets weren't in place, like they spontaneously deconstructed upon removal, you could drill small holes on 2 or 3 sides of the rivnut flange and insert steel pins to stake the rivnut in place so you can remove the bolt. Applying ATF/acetone a few times over a couple or three days before attempting to break the bolt loose always helps, as does judicious application of heat.
If you can get the bolt out you can tighten up the rivnut with the stake pins in place using a grade 8 bolt and nut.
I did get the cabinet down and unfortunately brilliantly put the bolts up there so I wouldn’t loose them. So I’m trying to figure out how to keep the threaded stud from turning so I can get the bolts out. Anyhow, I laugh at the stuff I deal with on this thing.
So you just turned the bolts in by hand and without using a wrench? If the rivnuts were that loose I'm surprised you could undo the bolts to get the cabinet down.
Tap the bolt head with a hammer a couple or three times with moderate force. Use a cold chisel (or crappy screwdriver) and a hammer to push some of the rivnut's flange perimeter metal into the aluminum framing, giving it some teeth. A couple of good swats with the hammer at the quarter points around the perimeter will probably do the trick and keep the rivnuts from spinning. Spray some WD up into the threads. Use a large slotted screwdriver with fairly sharp corners to push into the rivnut flange at an angle while you're trying to undo the bolt.
In getting the cabinet down I had to cut threw the old cleat and then make new ones on the cabinet. So I got the cabinet down but now have the spinning Rivnut to deal with to get the cabinet back up again.
I'm a bit destructive; if it won't cooperate, KILL IT!! As in, cut/grind out the rivnut and install a new one. Enlarge the hole if needed (you shouldn't need to), or move a bit to the side and create a new hole (in the cabinet too). That's just me. You do what works for you. 
Lol, you and I both. But cha ching, got them off. Once I got the ceiling down and had more access the vic grip and grinder method worked. So up to Westlakes to see what I can get to replace them. Here is what I’m considering to the original. That size doesn’t pertain to my application but that system looks like it can work.I'm a bit destructive; if it won't cooperate, KILL IT!! As in, cut/grind out the rivnut and install a new one. Enlarge the hole if needed (you shouldn't need to), or move a bit to the side and create a new hole (in the cabinet too). That's just me. You do what works for you.
Thanks all!
Tom
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