Carbon Steel S Type Round Self Clinching Nut

Core Features

Self-Clinching Installation – Installed by placing the nut in a properly sized hole and applying a parallel squeezing force. The sheet metal cold flows into the undercut, creating a permanent, flush installation without requiring welding or tapping .

Serrated Clinching Ring – The underside incorporates a serrated ring that embeds into the sheet material during installation, providing resistance to rotation (torque-out) after the nut is secured .

Flush Backside Profile – The installed nut leaves the reverse side of the sheet completely flat, enabling use in applications where clearance or appearance on the backside is specified .

Heat-Treated Carbon Steel Construction – Manufactured from heat-treated carbon steel with material properties that support the clinching process while providing defined strength characteristics for the threaded connection .

Product Characteristics

The fastener is manufactured with a round body and undercut configuration. The circular shape eliminates orientation requirements during installation, enabling consistent performance regardless of rotational alignment. The serrated clinching ring is dimensioned to provide specified pushout and torque-out resistance values .

Material composition and heat treatment processes are regulated to meet specified strength requirements. Carbon steel grades with defined hardness are used for S Type nuts, with material selection affecting clinching performance and thread strength. The S Type is recommended for use in steel or aluminum sheets with a hardness of HRB 80 or less and HB 150 or less .

The zinc plated finish is applied through an electroplating process with coating thickness maintained within specified tolerances. Zinc plating per ASTM B633, SC1 (5µm), Type III, colorless is a standard finish . Optional finishes include yellow zinc plating, phosphate coating, and black oxide.

Application Scenarios

Sheet Metal Fabrication – Used in sheet metal assemblies where load-bearing threads are required in material too thin for tapping. The self-clinching design provides threaded attachment points without requiring access to the reverse side of the sheet.

Electronic Enclosures and Cabinets – Applied in electronic enclosures, server racks, and instrument housings where flush mounting is required and where the compact fastener size supports space-constrained assemblies.

Automotive Components – Used in automotive body panels, interior assemblies, and structural components where permanent threaded attachment points are required and where welding or tapping is not preferred.

Appliance and Equipment Manufacturing – Employed in appliance housings, HVAC equipment, and industrial machinery where the clinching nut provides reliable threads in thin-gauge materials.

Customization Options

Specifications and configurations can be adjusted based on application requirements. Thread sizes include metric dimensions from M2 to M12 and unified sizes from #2 to 1/2 inch. Shank codes (0, 1, 2, 3) are selectable based on sheet thickness. Material grades include carbon steel for general applications, 300 Series stainless steel for corrosion-resistant requirements, and A286 stainless steel for high-temperature applications. Surface treatments are selectable according to environmental exposure conditions, including zinc plating with colorless or yellow chromate, nickel plating, and phosphate coating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between Type S and Type CLS self-clinching nuts?
A: Type S is manufactured from heat-treated carbon steel, while Type CLS is manufactured from 300 Series stainless steel. Material selection is based on corrosion resistance requirements and application-specific environmental exposure conditions.

Q: What is the recommended sheet hardness for Type S nuts?
A: Type S self-clinching nuts are recommended for use in steel or aluminum sheets with a hardness of HRB (Rockwell "B" scale) 80 or less and HB (Hardness Brinell) 150 or less.

Q: Can these nuts be installed in stainless steel sheets?
A: Type S nuts are not recommended for stainless steel sheets. For stainless steel applications, Type SP nuts are recommended, which are designed for use in stainless steel sheets with a hardness of HRB 90 or less .

Q: What is the minimum sheet thickness for installation?
A: The minimum sheet thickness depends on the nut size and shank code. For shank code 0 nuts, the minimum sheet thickness is 0.75mm. For shank code 1 and 2 nuts, the minimum sheet thickness is 1.0mm to 1.5mm . Exact values should be confirmed with the specific product specification.

Q: Are these nuts removable after installation?
A: The clinching nut is intended for permanent installation. Removal typically requires drilling out the nut or destructive methods. The design creates an integral connection between the nut and sheet material, making non-destructive removal impractical.

Q: What is the recommended hole size for installation?
A: The recommended hole size is specified for each nut size and should be maintained within tolerance (+0.003 / -0.000 inches or +0.08mm). Sheet holes should generally be punched, and the nut should be installed from the "break" side of the sheet .

Installation Considerations

The hole diameter should be dimensioned to the specified size with tolerance control. Hole preparation should be performed through punching or drilling to the recommended diameter. The nut should be inserted into the hole from the installation side and pressed using a parallel squeezing force with a press. Impact installation methods should be avoided.

The minimum distance from hole centerline to sheet edge should be maintained at the specified value to minimize sheet distortion and maximize product performance. For carbon steel nuts, surface treatment is typically applied after heat treatment. For zinc plated nuts, the coating thickness should be within specified tolerances to maintain thread fit and clinching performance. Thread condition should be inspected before installation; damaged or contaminated threads may affect assembly integrity and torque performance.