Has anyone here had any experience with Rivnuts? Thinking about trying them on an older frame that does not have any water bottle bosses.
Thanks!

Rivnuts are very common on bikes. But there are a variety of clamp-on bottle cages that don't require drilling into the frame and the risk of "ooops"

Here are some alternatives to Rivnuts, in case you prefer a non-invasive approach:

https://recklesscognition.wordpress....ws-and-bosses/
Adding Water Bottle Cages to Bicycles without Braze

I just happened to be looking into this earlier this week. If you think that you might be installing more than just one or two, or if you use stainless steel rivnuts (ilo aluminum), the "Astro Pneumatic Tool 1427 Hand Rivet Nut Kit" is is the tool that was highly recommended:

Amazon.com: Astro Pneumatic Tool 1427 Hand Rivet Nut Kit: Automotive

Make sure that the rivnuts that you choose are appropriately sized for the relatively thin walls of bicycle tubes.

yes, I have used riv nuts .. one case a brazed in boss came loose, so rather than repaint i drilled out for the riv-nut

my Koga, in heat treated 7005, has them for all the threaded bosses..

NB if loose they can be tightened by further expanding them in place..


also , since its a water bottle you want Twofish Unlimited has strap ons ..

I've both set in new to the bike RivNutted cage mounts as well as repaired many factory set RivNuts. I find them to be no where near as rugged or long lasting as a properly brazed/welded in mount. The most common mode of problem (note I didn't say "failure") is that the RivNut starts to spin in the tube when trying to work with a cage bolt. Often because of corrosion between the RivNut and the bolt which wasn't addressed during assembly with a lubed bolt. The RN and bolt freeze up and the RN's traction in the tube is the lesser resistance. The thinner and harder the tube wall the more likely this will happen. A lesser common failure (note the now use of this word) is that the RN fractures just inside the tube, where it has compressed onto it's self.

I would suggest the clamp on alternatives before I'd go at a frame with a drill. And remember that I build frames (hobby) and drill tubes often. I would not recommend RN use in steel tubes due to the thin walls and hard material, meaning the RN will be compressed to the max and still not get a deep bite to the tube.

Having said that I use a simple hand setter tool which is a pop rivet pliers with specific fittings. Andy.

The guy who wrote that page is Sterphen Scarf aka SMS and various other aliases. He's a pathological liar who posts much erroneous stuff to various bicycle Usenet groups and/or forums. Take his advice at your peril.

Cheers

I've used Rivnuts to add bottle mounts. I done this since the early 1980s and have never had a problem with the Rivnut coming loose. Then again I lube my bottle mount bolts prior to installing them and I don't over tighten them.

Cheers