The Flange Nut is a fastener that has an oversized base flaring out from the bottom of it which acts like an integrated washer. This flange helps to distribute the pressure of the nut over a larger area, which can help prevent damage and loosening due to an uneven clamping surface. Flange nuts are commonly used to speed up assembly operations or in applications where their larger bearing surface can cover oversized holes or slots. They can be made from many different materials, and are most often fashioned from stainless steel.
Like all nuts, a flange nut works in conjunction with bolts. After inserting the bolt into the objects to be joined, the nut can be screwed onto the end of the bolt and tightened using a wrench or ratchet. This will compress the joined objects together, making them more firmly bonded. Nuts come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are used to connect wood, metal, plastic and other materials. They are usually threaded to accept a wide range of bolts.
A hex nut has six uniform sides which support a socket wrench. While hex nuts are used in most types of bolting applications, they may be replaced by a flange nut when more strength is required. This type of nut has an enlarged circular base flaring out from the bottom which is designed to act as an integrated washer.
These flange nuts can be designed with serrations that bite into the surface to which they are being installed. The angled serrations are designed to keep the nut from rotating in a direction that would cause it to loosen, much like a hex lock nut. They are typically manufactured from hardened steel, and often plated in zinc or other durable material. They are most commonly used in industrial, construction and manufacturing applications.
Flange nuts are reusable but should be tightly fastened and lubricated before being reused. They should not be used in environments where they will be exposed to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures. Hex flange nuts are often coated with zinc plating. This provides a layer of protection against corrosion, and is suitable for most indoor applications. Stainless steel flange nuts are also available and provide superior corrosion resistance in harsh environments.
A flange nut may also be made with a swivel flange which functions like a washer but remains stationary and engaged with the mounting surface when the nut is turned. This can allow the nut to be tightened with greater torque without risking damage or scoring the surface of the bolt. This type of flange nut is often used in automotive and other fastening applications.
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