Astro Pneumatic ADN14 Rivet Nut Drill Adapter Kit - Convert Drills

In this review the Astro Pneumatic ADN14 rivet nut drill adapter kit is evaluated for tradespeople and serious DIYers who need a fast way to set rivet nuts without buying a dedicated tool. The kit's single biggest selling point is its unique pull-style action that sets rivet nuts by pulling instead of turning threads, which reduces wear and concentrates force where it belongs. The review focuses on build quality, included sizes, drill requirements, and real-world usability to help readers decide if it fits their workshop needs.

Key Features

• Pull-style setting: The adapter pulls the rivet nut rather than turning threads, which reduces premature wear on mandrels and nosepieces.
• Comprehensive size set: Includes eight mandrels and nosepieces in Metric and SAE sizes to cover common M3, M4, M5, M6 and 8-32 through 1/4-20 applications.
• Robust construction: CNC machined billet aluminum body and Cr-Mo mandrels offer a stronger, more rigid assembly than stamped or cast alternatives.
• High strength design: The innovative design is engineered to withstand roughly four times the force of other adapters, making it suitable for steel and aluminum rivet nuts when paired with the proper drill.
• Cordless drill compatibility: Works with 12V and up cordless drills for aluminum and steel rivet nuts and with higher-voltage drills for stainless, provided the drill has a torque limiting clutch.

Who It's For

The ADN14 is best for mechanics, fabricators, and serious DIYers who already own a torque-limited cordless or corded drill and want to speed up rivet nut installation across mixed materials. It is especially useful when access is tight or when using a rivet nut setter would be slower than converting an existing drill.

Those who should look elsewhere include casual users without a compatible drill with torque limiting clutch or anyone seeking a permanently mounted industrial rivet nut press; the adapter is intended as a portable conversion, not a shop bench replacement.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Works well with common cordless drills and makes installation faster than many manual methods.
• Quality build and materials give a solid feel and long-term service when used correctly.
• Includes a useful range of metric and SAE mandrels to handle most common rivet nut sizes.
• Pull-style action reduces wear compared with thread-turning adapters.

Cons

• Some users report durability issues with small pieces breaking on first use, so careful setup and correct clutch setting are essential.
• Requires a drill with a torque limiting clutch and appropriate voltage for stainless applications, which not all users have.

Specifications

Brand	AP Astro Pneumatic Tool Company
Model	ADN14 Rivet Nut Drill Adapter Kit
Included sizes	M3, M4, M5, M6, 8-32, 10-32, 10-24, 1/4-20
Body material	CNC machined billet aluminum
Mandrel material	Chromoly (Cr-Mo)
Compatibility	12V+ cordless drills for aluminum/steel; higher voltage for stainless; requires torque limiting clutch

Our Verdict

The ADN14 adapter kit is a practical, high-quality option for professionals and committed hobbyists who want to convert a drill into a reliable rivet nut setter. Its pull-style mechanism and CNC construction deliver better durability and faster installation in most metalwork tasks, making it good value for users with the correct drills and who follow clutch setup guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this with any cordless drill?
Yes, if the drill has a torque limiting clutch and meets the voltage guidance: 12V and up for aluminum and steel, higher voltage for stainless up to 1/4 in.

What sizes are included?
The kit includes eight mandrels and nosepieces: M3, M4, M5, M6, 8-32, 10-32, 10-24 and 1/4-20.

Is the adapter durable?
The CNC billet body and Cr-Mo mandrels improve strength, but some users report breakage of smaller pieces if the drill clutch is not set correctly, so careful setup is important.