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Need to attach a piece of a 2x4 to a cargo van wall, but don't want to use self-drilling screws, everyone on the web recommends because I don't want to drill the walls. There's already plenty of existing factory holes in wall "beams". Is there a way to somehow put bolts in those existing holes, fix them in place, then drill a hole in the 2x4 and hold it with a nut?

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  • Why are you resistant to self tapping screws? Afraid they will not hold?
    – Moab
    Jun 21, 2017 at 23:50
  • Yes, not sure they will hold. But also, don't want to bother with figuring out proper length and if I get it wrong, I could puncture the outer shell.
    – Nikita R.
    Jun 22, 2017 at 2:23
  • Length should be easy to calculate but I understand your concern.
    – Moab
    Jun 22, 2017 at 23:50

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There is a product "rivnut" that you can put in the hole, do up, and it locks itself into place... Like a rivet, but it has a thread and is thicker / larger.

Then you can just "bolt through" - make sure that the bolt does not push on the outer skin when it is done up though !

There are many versions, this type may be interesting for you: enter image description here

Found here : https://www.rivetsonline.com/rivet-nuts-threaded-inserts-c-182.html

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  • Interesting, I've never seen those. Wish THD and Lowe's sold them so there's no need to wait and easier to return what's left.
    – Nikita R.
    Jun 22, 2017 at 2:24

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