FASTENERS 101™

Nut FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Nuts

Nuts FAQs

Quick answers to common questions about nuts.

What are nuts?

Nuts are used with bolts to tighten the bolt against the installation material.

What fasteners are used with a nut?

Either a bolt or stud can be used with a nut.

How do nuts and bolts work?

A bolt is threaded through a hole and the nut tightens onto the bolt to hold the materials together.

Where are nuts and bolts used?

Nuts and bolts are used anywhere that a temporary joint needs to be made.

What is a flange nut?

A flange nut has a wider portion built in that acts as a washer.

What two measurements determine the size of a nut?

The inside diameter and the thread pitch. EX: 1/4-20

What are lock nuts?

Lock nuts are nuts with built-in mechanisms to resist backing-off, vibration, and removal.

How do I use a lock nut?

Most lock nuts screw onto a bolt the exact same way as a regular nut.

How do lock nuts work?

Many lock nuts have an added abrasive material that makes them more difficult to remove by adding friction. There are many types of lock nuts, each engineered to resist backing off in a different way.

What are the different types of nuts?

Common types include hex nuts, flange nuts, lock nuts, and wing nuts, each suited for specific applications based on load and accessibility.

Are nylon lock nuts reusable?

Nylon lock nuts can be reused a limited number of times, but their locking effectiveness decreases with each use, replace if performance is critical.

How do I remove a stuck nut?

Apply penetrating oil, use a wrench with steady force, and heat the nut if necessary to expand it and break the rust or thread lock.

What is the strongest nut material?

Steel nuts, especially those with high-grade coatings or alloys, are among the strongest, suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Can nuts be used without washers?

Yes, but washers distribute load and prevent damage, so they’re recommended for most applications.