Nuts

Nuts are threaded fasteners that clamp parts together with bolts, studs, and threaded rod, delivering strong joints across projects from machinery to home repairs. Choosing the right nut boosts reliability, speeds assembly, and reduces maintenance.

Popular types include hex nuts for everyday use, nylon insert lock nuts and all‑metal lock nuts for vibration resistance, jam nuts for low‑profile setups, flange nuts to spread load, square nuts for channel and hardware tracks, wing nuts for tool‑free changes, cap (acorn) nuts for protected finishes, coupling nuts for joining rod, T‑nuts for wood and fixtures, and knurled nuts for finger tightening.

Match threads first. Metric nuts (M3–M24, common pitches like M6 x 1) and inch nuts (UNC/UNF such as 1/4‑20 or 3/8‑24) must pair with the same size, pitch, and right‑ or left‑hand direction. Fine threads offer better adjustment; coarse threads resist cross‑threading and are faster to start.

Select material for the environment. Carbon steel nuts (Grades 2, 5, 8 or Class 8, 10) cover most builds. Stainless steel 18‑8/304 suits general corrosion resistance, while 316 excels outdoors and marine. Brass aids conductivity and aesthetics; nylon nuts cut weight and noise. Finishes like zinc, hot‑dip galvanized, black oxide, and mechanical coating add protection.

Installation tips that pay off:
- Use a torque wrench and follow bolt grade torque charts.
- Aim for 2–3 full thread engagements beyond the nut face.
- Add washers or choose flange nuts to reduce surface marring.
- Apply anti‑seize on stainless or galvanized pairs to prevent galling.
- Pick prevailing‑torque or nylon insert lock nuts to hold under vibration.

Look for ISO, DIN, and ASME compliance, lot traceability, and RoHS statements. Stock up with labelled assortments of hex nuts, metric nuts, stainless steel nuts, and lock nuts so you can tackle automotive, HVAC, construction, furniture jobs with confidence.