Nutserts for Fender Flares

[Spencer James]

Hi everyone! As I continue my TJ build I would like to replace all of the Nutserts for my fender flares. Does anyone know where I can get the right size? I know there are lots of places that sell these things, however, every place I have checked only lists them relative to the bolt that goes through them and not by the size hole they need to fit into. From the measurements I have taken I believe I need a hex shaped Nutsert that fits a ~1/4" (or 6mm) hole.

 

[Chris]

I am not sure of the size, but have you tried McMaster Carr? Guarantee they have more nutserts than you'll know what to do with.

 

[derekmac]

I used 1/4" nutserts (I had 1/4" bolts, lol), and drilled the holes out.

 

[Chris]

I used 1/4" nutserts (I had 1/4" bolts, lol), and drilled the holes out.

This is a good idea!

 

[derekmac]

This is a good idea!

Metric nutserts and bolts are not found as easily as standard. I'm in Canada, and we run on the metric system, so I can only assume they'd be less common elsewhere.

 

[Spencer James]

McMaster Carr! I had forgotten all about them. I haven't used them since the early '90s. I'll check them out. I know I could just drill out the holes and pretty much pick any size I want but I'd like to retain the hexagonal hole if possible. Has anyone drilled them out and them had them twist out? The hexagonal hole shape is supposed to help prevent this. If it is not as much of an issue as I am making it then maybe I'll just drill 'em.

 

[derekmac]

They don't need to be tightened very much, and if you use a little anti seize, they should never cause you grief.

 

[Spencer James]

I just got off the McMaster Carr site, They have a great selection and even greater drawings with full specs. Unfortunately, they do not have exactly what I am looking for (.296 in vs. .264 in) and I am afraid to force the nutserts for fear of denting the thin sheet metal. So, I think I'll take derekmac's advice and just drill the hole out and insert round ones. Upon closer inspection a lot of the hex holes are pretty close to round anyway, which is why I'm replacing them in the first place. Maybe I'll go with stainless steel to help prevent corrosion. Thanks for the help.