A4 Stainless Steel Metric Serrated Flange Nuts
Quick Answer: What are A4 stainless metric serrated flange nuts?
A4 stainless steel metric serrated flange nuts are locking-style nuts made from A4 (316 equivalent) stainless steel with an integrated flange and serrations that help resist loosening. The flange acts like a built-in washer to spread load, and the serrations bite into the mating surface to increase resistance to vibration. They are commonly used in marine, coastal, outdoor, and chemical-exposed environments where corrosion resistance and vibration resistance are both important.
A4 stainless steel metric serrated flange nuts combine corrosion resistance with a locking action designed to help prevent loosening in dynamic assemblies. Made from A4 stainless steel, comparable to 316 stainless steel, these nuts are widely considered marine grade and are a strong choice for applications exposed to moisture, salt air, washdown conditions, and many chemicals where A2 (304, 18-8) hardware may stain or corrode over time.
The integrated flange distributes clamping load over a wider area, reducing the need for a separate washer in many assemblies. The serrations on the flange increase friction against the mating surface, helping resist loosening from vibration. With metric threading, these serrated flange nuts pair with metric bolts, studs, and threaded rod used in international and industrial equipment.
Why Choose A4 Stainless Steel Metric Serrated Flange Nuts?
- Superior corrosion resistance: Ideal for wet, salty, and harsh outdoor environments
- Marine-grade stainless: A4 (316 equivalent) performs well in coastal and marine conditions
- Built-in washer effect: Integrated flange helps spread load and can reduce washer requirements
- Serrated locking action: Serrations increase friction to help resist loosening from vibration
- Metric compatibility: Designed for metric bolts, studs, and assemblies
Common Applications
A4 stainless metric serrated flange nuts are frequently used where corrosion resistance and vibration resistance are needed, including:
- Marine hardware, docks, and boat equipment
- Outdoor and coastal construction assemblies
- Machinery, brackets, frames, and equipment subject to vibration
- Automotive and motorsport components exposed to moisture
- Industrial assemblies and enclosures in humid environments
- Food processing and washdown environments (surface requirements dependent)
Important Notes on Serrated Flange Nuts
Serrations are designed to bite into the mating surface, which can mark or scratch softer materials or finished surfaces. For delicate, painted, anodized, or cosmetic surfaces, consider using a standard flange nut without serrations or adding an appropriate washer, depending on your assembly.
A2 vs A4 Stainless Steel Flange Nuts
A2 stainless steel (304, 18-8 equivalent) is suitable for general indoor and light outdoor use. A4 stainless steel (316 equivalent) offers improved resistance to corrosion and pitting, making it the better choice for marine, coastal, chemical-exposed, and washdown environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a serrated flange nut?
A serrated flange nut is a nut with an integrated flange and serrations on the bearing surface. The flange helps distribute load, and the serrations increase friction against the mating surface to help resist loosening.
Do serrated flange nuts replace washers?
In many applications, yes. The integrated flange acts like a built-in washer to spread load. However, on soft or finished surfaces you may still want a washer to protect the surface or distribute load further.
What does A4 stainless steel mean?
A4 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless alloy comparable to 316 stainless steel, often considered marine grade due to its strong corrosion resistance in wet, salty, or chemical-exposed environments.
Are A4 stainless serrated flange nuts good for marine use?
Yes. A4 (316 equivalent) stainless steel is commonly used for marine and coastal applications because it performs well in salt air and wet conditions.
Will serrations damage the surface material?
Serrations are designed to bite into the mating surface, so they can mark painted, plated, anodized, or softer materials. If surface protection is important, consider a non-serrated flange nut or use a washer based on your application.