Abstract: A self contained captive bolt assembly which is riveted onto a plate for purposes of mounting the plate onto structure. The assembly forms a high strength joint with the use of common close tolerance holes through the plates being joined and is designed to mate with a common plate nut. A receptacle houses the assembly and traps the bolt between the bolt head and a retainer attached to the bolt. The captive bolt is provided with a spring between the retainer and an end cap which acts to hold the bolt in a retracted position prior to fastening.