Nuts
What are nuts?
Nuts are internally threaded fasteners that mate with bolts, screws, or threaded rod to clamp parts together. Available in many shapes, drive styles, and materials, nuts provide adjustable clamping force and allow easy assembly, service, and replacement.
Types of nuts we offer
- Hex Nuts – standard six-sided profile for general fastening.
- Lock Nuts – nylon-insert, distorted thread, or all-metal styles to resist loosening.
- Flange Nuts – integral washer distributes load and speeds assembly.
- Cap (Acorn) Nuts – closed end protects threads and delivers a finished look.
- Coupling Nuts – extended body joins two pieces of threaded rod or bolts.
- Square Nuts – large flats for tools and a vintage/industrial aesthetic.
- T-Nuts – pronged barrel inserts for wood and panels.
- Weld Nuts – projections or tabs designed to be welded to a base metal.
- Wing & Thumb Nuts – hand-tightened for tool-free adjustments.
- Tamper-Resistant Security Nuts – one-way or proprietary drives to deter removal.
What materials and finishes do nuts come in?
- Stainless Steel 18-8 / 304 – great all-around corrosion resistance.
- Stainless Steel 316 – enhanced resistance for marine and chloride exposure.
- Carbon Steel, Zinc-Plated – economical indoor protection.
- Hot-Dip Galvanized – thick zinc coating for long-term outdoor service (match to HDG bolts).
- Brass / Silicon Bronze – decorative appearance and good corrosion resistance.
- Black Oxide – low-gloss, non-reflective finish for a clean look (light indoor protection).
Common applications for nuts
- Construction framing, decking hardware, and general carpentry
- Machinery, MRO, and industrial equipment
- Electrical, HVAC, and plumbing supports
- Marine, automotive, and trailer repair
- Fixtures, furniture, signage, and architectural metalwork
How do I size and specify nuts?
Match the nut to the bolt diameter, thread pitch (UNC/UNF/metric), and strength grade. For structural or high-load joints, select the correct grade/class (e.g., SAE Grade 5/8, ASTM A563, ISO property class) to match the mating fastener. Consider height (standard, heavy, jam), bearing face (flange, serrated), and the finish/material for the environment.
Installation tips for nuts
- Start threads by hand to avoid cross-threading; lubricate if the spec calls for it.
- Tighten to the specified torque and use the correct pattern when multiple fasteners share a joint.
- For vibration, use locking features (nylon insert, all-metal lock, serrated flange) or prevailing-torque methods.
- Match materials and coatings across bolts, nuts, and washers to reduce galvanic corrosion.
Nuts FAQs
Use the accordion below for quick answers about sizing, strength, materials, and best practices for nut hardware.
Choose the nut with the same nominal diameter and thread pitch as the bolt (e.g., 3/8-16 UNC, M8-1.25).
Use lock nuts for joints exposed to vibration or cyclic loading; nylon-insert is common, while all-metal lock nuts handle higher temps.
Coarse (UNC) installs faster and is better in softer materials; fine (UNF) offers more clamp load control and higher resistance to loosening in thin sections.
Mixing dissimilar metals can cause galvanic corrosion; it’s best to match materials and finishes, especially outdoors.
Usually not, the integral flange replaces a flat washer and spreads load. Use a separate washer only if the spec requires it.
Jam nuts lock against a standard nut in low-profile assemblies or where additional locking is needed without nylon inserts.
Cap nuts are typically decorative and protective; they’re not used for structural joints unless specifically rated.
Follow the torque spec for the fastener diameter, grade, and lubrication condition; over-torque can yield threads or crush materials.
Reuse is limited; the nylon deforms with use. Replace if prevailing torque feels reduced or if critical applications are involved.
Use a compatible high-strength nut per the governing spec (e.g., ASTM A563 Grade DH for Grade 8 bolts), or the metric property class equivalent.
The serrations bite into the mating surface for anti-rotation; avoid on finished or delicate surfaces unless load spreaders are used.
316 stainless steel provides the most robust corrosion resistance among standard options.
They’re designed to be welded; if you need a captive threaded insert without welding, consider rivet nuts or T-nuts instead.
To join threaded rod/bolts end-to-end, extend length, or add turnbuckle-like adjustment in bracing and hanging systems.