A rivet nut (“rivnut”) installation method and a rivnut structural configuration are disclosed that can be implemented separately in conjunction with one another to serve as an anchor in and/or a workpiece at an installation location. The rivnut installation method involves inserting a rivnut onto an externally threaded mandrel, rotating the mandrel while a free end of the mandrel is in contact with the workpiece, and driving the free end of the mandrel and the rivnut through the workpiece while continuing to rotate the mandrel. The method is particularly useful when the workpiece includes one or more substrate layers composed of a low ductility material such as a polymer composite. The rivnut structural configuration includes the incorporation of an external threading onto at least a portion of a hollow shaft of the rivnut.