RMI Prairie Step 6 - Tender Divider Support
Printed From: Southern California Live Steamers
Category: Live Steam Miniature Railroading
Forum Name: Steam Locomotive Construction
Forum Discription: Discuss building live steam locomotives
URL: http://www.southerncalifornialivesteamers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=62
Printed Date: Apr 01 2023 at 1:37pm
Topic: RMI Prairie Step 6 - Tender Divider Support
Posted By: PhilC
Subject: RMI Prairie Step 6 - Tender Divider Support
Date Posted: Sep 29 2009 at 10:05pm
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In this step I will install the Rivnuts or Nutserts into the tender divider supports. There are 4 supports, 2 per divider. One divider is between the oil and water tanks and the other is between the oil tank and the front open section of the tender. The supports are welded into place after the Rivnuts have been installed.
The Rivnuts are size 1/4-20 and require a special tool to install them. They swage into the support so that the dividers can be screwed into the support with the supplied 1/4-20 bolts.
 The Rivnut screws onto the shaft of the tool and is then placed in the hole of the support. The tool is squeezed and the nut is pulled forward where the back side expands and locks in place.
When installing the Rivnuts, make sure to flip 2 of the supports so you have the flat side of the plate with Rivnuts facing forward on each side.
 Next thing to remember is not to buy cheap crap Taiwan tools on Ebay to work with steel 1/4-20 Rivnuts or you will be buying a replacement tool. The cheap Chinese tools are meant to work with aluminum Rivnuts, not steel.
After installing most of the Rivnuts, the tool gave up the ghost and snapped the pull shaft on the last Rivnut. Guess I don't know my own strength. Go for a good American made tool or you will be sorry. Now I have to purchase a replacement tool to finish up the job.
 Warning, if you see that little gold sticker on the tool it means "Don't Buy Me! I am a P.O.S.!" I have found some nice tools on Ebay and will see if I can get one at a reasonable price. More to follow.
------------- I used to be a rocket scientist, now I am just a space cadet. ------------------------------ You only need three tools in life - WD-40, Duct Tape, and a Hammer. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem. |
Replies:
Posted By: Steve C
Date Posted: Sep 30 2009 at 5:59pm
| Hey Phil don't go buy a new one. You can borrow mine if you like it's a pretty good little unit and made in the U.S.A. I made the same mistake years ago and bought one at horrible freight and it broke on the aluminium rivnuts. Of course cheap tools only fail on days when you have plenty of time but no stores open to replace the tool. |
Posted By: PhilC
Date Posted: Sep 30 2009 at 10:30pm
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Thanks Steve, if you are going to be at the club this weekend I will bring the plate down to finish up the rivnut installation. Joe V also needs to install a few in his container to hold up some shelving. Phil ------------- I used to be a rocket scientist, now I am just a space cadet. ------------------------------ You only need three tools in life - WD-40, Duct Tape, and a Hammer. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem. |
Posted By: Steve C
Date Posted: Oct 01 2009 at 4:06am
| No problem I will bring it. |