Self-Clinching Nuts
Self-clinching nuts provide an excellent solution for design engineers where a strong reusable thread is required in their metal assembly. Captive Fastener’s brand of self-clinching nuts provides a low-cost installation solution for providing strong threads in thin sheet metal. The clinch nuts are superior to tapping a thread in an extruded hole in thin sheet metal.The tapped threads made in the extruded hole do not have anywhere near the strength or durability of the threads in our self-clinching nuts.
Our inventory of high-quality self-clinching fasteners includes unified and metric options, in a wide range of thread sizes, material options, finishes, and diameters.
Find the Right Self-Clinching Nuts for Your Project
How Self-Clinching Fasteners Work
The way that the self-clinching fasteners work, is that when the fastener is pressed into the mating sheet metal, the ductile panel material flows around the clinch profile and forms a strong permanent bond in the assembly.
- The self-clinching fastener, which is harder than the metal into which it is installed, maintains its dimensional integrity and physical properties.
- When properly installed the fasteners have excellent torque out and push out values that meet or exceed industry standards. The performance values are readily available on our website.
- This unique yet simple process is different than other fasteners that deform around the sheet metal when they are installed such as rivets.
Clinch Nut Design and Installation
The design of the clinch nuts provides a simple means of installation. The self-clinching fastener is placed in the prescribed hole in the mating panel and when the fastener is pressed into the sheet it becomes an integral part of the chassis.
- This process eliminates loose hardware, which is especially important in electronic applications.
Self-Clinching Fastener Installation
The basic premise for the installation of our self-clinching fasteners is that the clinch fastener must be harder than the metal into which it is being installed. For example, if you are installing our C632-1, which is a heat-treated steel zinc plated part, into a .040" thick steel panel, the maximum recommended hardness of the parent metal is HRB 80
- The fasteners also need to be installed into ductile materials such as steel, aluminum, or copper panels.
- The maximum recommended hardness for our self-clinching fasteners is spelled out in our catalog.
Benefits of Self-Clinching Nuts
Self-clinching nuts offer a green solution that is cleaner than weld nuts. clinch nuts eliminate weld spatter and the subsequent need to chase the threads after the welding process. They also offer an aesthetic, cosmetic advantage over weld nuts.
- Self-clinching nuts we manufacture are RoHS and REACH compliant.
- If 2D or 3D prints are required, they can be downloaded from our website within the product pages.
Self-Clinching Nut Types
Self-Clinching Nuts
C and CS series self-clinching nuts. Available in unified and metric types, heat-treated steel, or 300 series stainless steel, and zinc-clear or passivated finishes.
Self-Clinching Flush Nuts
CFL series flush nuts. Metric and unified options available made of 300 series stainless steel.
Self-Clinching Blind Press Nuts
CFB and CFBS series blind press nuts. A variety of options including 300 series stainless steel or heat-treated steel.
Self-Clinching Miniature Self-Locking Fasteners
CFE, CFEO, CFEX, and CFEOX series miniature self-clinching fasteners. Ideal for applications where space is limited. Black dry film lubricant and passivated finish options. Made of 300 series stainless steel.
Self-Clinching Floating Fasteners
CFAS and CFAC series floating fasteners. 300 series stainless steel or heat-treated steel options available. Zinc-clear or passivated finishes.
Self-Clinching Locking Floating Fasteners
CFFS and CFFC series locking floating fasteners. Material options include stainless body nuts or steel body nuts.
Self-Clinching KAL-Nuts
KAL-nuts. Metric, heat-treated steel self-clinching nuts.
Self-Clinching Top Collar Lock Nuts
CPL and CPLC series top collar lock nuts. Metric and unified options, 300 series stainless steel or heat-treated steel material choices.
Self-Clinching Self-Locking Nuts
CRT, CRTS, and CRTA self-locking nuts. Available in 7076-T6 aluminum, 300 series stainless steel, or heat-treated steel material options.
Self-Clinching Aluminum Fasteners
CA series aluminum self-clinching fasteners. 2024-T4 aluminum fasteners. Unified or metric options are available.
Self-Clinching Steel Heavy-Duty Nuts
CFH and CFHN steel heavy-duty nuts. Non-heat-treated and heat-treated options with a zinc clear finish.
Captive Fastener’s Self-Clinching Nuts are Equivalent to PEM® Nuts
Captive Fastener’s inventory of self-clinching nuts offers the durability, quality, and value needed for a variety of applications and projects. Our line of self-clinching nuts is equivalent to PEM® nuts. Check out our PEM® cross-reference guide to find the self-clinching nut equivalents to PEM® series nuts.
Order High-Performance Clinch Nuts Today!
Request a quote for high-performance self-clinching nuts or call us at 201-337-6800 to discuss your project needs.