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Hex Jam Nuts in Silicon Bronze
Marine Grade Thin Nuts For Locking Against Each Other
Jam nuts, also known aptly as thin nuts, are low profile hex nuts about 2/3rd the thickness of a standard hex finish nut. They are commonly used as a kind of locknut but may also be found in situations where a standard nut would not fit.
A jam nut is often used when a nut needs to be locked in place without clamping against another object. The jam nut essentially acts as the "other object," as the two nuts are tightened against each other. They can also be used to secure an item on a fastener without applying force to that object. This is achieved by first tightening one of the nuts onto the item. Then the other nut is screwed down on top of the first nut. The inner nut is then slackened back and tightened against the outer nut.
This locking action helps to avoid compression of the part being fastened while also locking it in place but still rotate freely, such as in bearings. The idea behind a jam nut is that a thin nut exerts less overall force than a fully torqued standard nut. They're the opposite of most heavy styles for nuts.
Silicon Bronze
Silicon bronze fasteners are made of copper, silicon, and various other alloys such as zinc, tin, iron, and manganese. The color of silicon bronze may vary based on the amount of copper in the fastener.
Silicon Bronze is superior in corrosion resistance to 316 stainless steel, though it is more expensive than most fasteners. It's used in marine environments, corrosive environments, and high heat environments. Silicon bronze is similar in color to copper and is sometimes used in finish applications for the color.
| Nut Sizes | Flats | Thickness |
| 1/4" | 7/16" | 5/32" |
| 5/16" | 1/2" | 3/16" |
| 3/8" | 9/16" | 7/32" |
| 7/16" | 11/16" | 1/4" |
| 1/2" | 3/4" | 5/16" |
| 5/8" | 15/16" | 3/8" |
| 3/4" | 1-1/8" | 27/64" |
FAQs
What is a jam nut used for?
Jam nuts are low profile nuts commonly used as a type of locknut, where it is "jammed" up against another nut. With both nuts being fastened towards each other, this effectively locks the assembly in place. You may also find these nuts used in applications where a standard nut won't fit.
What is the jam nut method?
The jam nut method, sometimes known as the "double nut" method, is a friction locking method that uses two separate nuts fastened towards and against each other. Thus, the two nuts are bearing in opposite directions on the threads creating the "jam" effect.
How do you loosen jam nuts?
To loosen jam nuts, you can either take the outer nut off first and remove it like any other nut, or put a wrench on each nut and turn them in opposite directions to unfasten them from the assembly.
Why are jam nuts thinner?
Jam nuts are thinner because it helps save space when locking a pair of nuts together. The thinner size also means the jam nut exerts less overall force when fully torqued, so the standard nut can exert more force on the jam nut when they are fastened together without potentially damaging the material you're fastening to.
What is silicon bronze used for?
Silicon bronze is used primarily in marine applications for its high corrosion resistance, non-magnetic properties, rich appearance, and ability to resist the corrosive action of water.
What is silicon bronze?
Silicon bronze is an alloy made of copper, silicon, and various other alloys such as zinc, tin, iron, and manganese. It's known for its appealing surface finish and superior corrosion resistant properties, even when submerged in saltwater.
