Square Nuts in 304 Stainless Steel
Four Sided Nuts
Square nuts can be used in a channel or welded to other steel products. A square nut is a four-sided finish nut. Compared to standard hex nuts, square nuts have greater surface contact with the part being fastened. Therefore, they have a greater resistance to loosening than standard hex nuts, but also greater resistance to tightening, making these nuts a little harder to install securely. They are also much less likely to become rounded-off after repeated loosening/tightening cycles.
Square nuts are typically mated with square-headed bolts. Square nuts are used along with flat washers to avoid damage from its sharp edges and increase the fastener's strength. They are installed on the opposite side of the materials being fastened. With the bolt head or machine screw head on the other side, they compress the materials together for a secure fit.
Square Nut Specifications - 304 Stainless Steel
| Size | Across Flats (Max-Min) | Thickness (Max-Min) | Square Shape |
| #4 | 0.250-0.241 | 0.098-0.087 | Flat |
| #6 | 0.312-0.302 | 0.114-0.102 | Flat & Beveled |
| #8 | 0.344-0.310 | 0.130-0.117 | Beveled |
| #10 | 0.375-0.362 | 0.130-0.117 | Beveled |
| 1/4" | 0.438-0.423 | 0.193-0.178 | Flat & Beveled |
| 5/16" | 0.562-0.545 | 0.225-0.208 | Beveled |
| 3/8" | 0.625-0.607 | 0.257-0.239 | Beveled |
| 1/2" | 0.812-0.788 | 0.458-0.418 | Beveled |
| 5/8" | 1.000-0.969 | 0.569-0.525 | Beveled |
| 3/4" | 1.125-1.088 | 0.680-0.632 | Beveled |
Stainless Steel
18-8 or 304 grades of Stainless steel are suitable for many general purpose applications, especially freshwater and non-salt water wet environments. Corrosion-resistant and durable, 18-8 stainless steel is equivalent to the A2 grade of stainless steel.
FAQs
Why are nuts hexagonal in shape?
Must nuts have a hexagonal shape because it's easier to grip. With six sides, you can turn a nut just one-sixth of the way to reach the next flat parallel. In contrast, you have to turn one-quarter of the way for square nuts.
How do you tighten a square nut?
Square nuts can be tightened with pliers or a wrench, making them ideal for use in blind locations. The pliers or wrench only need a sturdy grip to secure these nuts.
Why are square nuts not used as much as hex nuts?
Square nuts were common mostly because they were easy to manufacture, especially by hand. Hex nuts are more common now, thanks to the six sides granting more angles that a tool can fasten from, making it generally easier to fasten down.
What is stainless steel good for?
Stainless steel is good for general purpose applications, especially those involving water or freshwater. Suppose you need stainless steel for more corrosive environments, such as marine or salt-water applications. In that case, we recommend the 316 grade of stainless steel.
