Carbon Steel Single Locating Tab Flanged Blind Closed End Nut

Core Features

Single Locating Tab – A locating tab is formed on the flange to provide alignment during installation and resist rotation after assembly. The tab engages with a corresponding feature in the workpiece to maintain nut orientation under load.

Closed-End Sealed Design – The blind bottom encloses the internal thread, creating a sealed connection that prevents water, dirt, oil, or debris ingress . The closed end also prevents the use of screws that are too long for the application .

Flanged Head Configuration – The flange provides a bearing surface that distributes clamping load across the workpiece and holds the nut against the material during installation . The flange reinforces the hole and provides resistance to push-out forces .

Blind Installation Capability – Installs from one side of the material without requiring access to the reverse side, making it suitable for tube sections, box sections, and closed assemblies .

Product Characteristics

The fastener is manufactured with a flanged head and a closed-end barrel, with a single locating tab extending from the flange. The flange diameter and thickness are dimensioned to provide load distribution and seating surface. The locating tab is positioned to engage with a corresponding slot or hole in the workpiece for consistent alignment.

The internal thread is produced with dimensions and tolerances following standard metric thread profiles. The closed-end barrel provides a sealed internal cavity that prevents fluid ingress through the threaded body . During installation, the barrel deforms and compresses against the reverse side of the material, forming a permanent threaded insert .

Material composition is controlled to meet specified strength requirements. Carbon steel grades are available for general applications . Surface treatment options include zinc plating with various chromate finishes and phosphate coating. The locating tab prevents rotation of the nut during tightening, maintaining thread alignment for consistent assembly.

Application Scenarios

Electrical Enclosures and Control Panels – Used in electrical equipment where enclosures must maintain sealing to protect circuits from water and dust ingress. The closed-end design prevents fluid ingress that could damage electrical circuitry .

Automotive Body Assembly – Applied in vehicle body panels and structural components where watertight threaded attachment points are required and where blind-side installation is needed.

Sheet Metal Fabrication – Used where load-bearing threads are required in sheet metal that is too thin for tapping . The nut provides a permanent threaded insert installed from one side only.

Container, Tank, and HVAC Applications – Employed in applications requiring water- or air-sealed connections, such as tanks, containers, and air conditioning systems . The closed-end design provides a 100% watertight connection .

Customization Options

Specifications and configurations can be adjusted based on application requirements. Thread sizes include metric dimensions. Material grades include carbon steel for general applications and stainless steel for corrosion-resistant requirements. Surface treatments are selectable according to environmental exposure conditions, including zinc plating with various chromate finishes and phosphate coating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of the single locating tab on this nut?
A: The locating tab provides alignment during installation and prevents rotation of the nut during tightening. The tab engages with a corresponding feature in the workpiece to maintain nut orientation and resist torque.

Q: How does the closed-end design provide waterproof sealing?
A: The closed-end barrel encloses the internal thread cavity, preventing liquids, dust, and contaminants from passing through the nut . This creates a sealed connection that maintains IP-rated protection in appropriate applications.

Q: Can these nuts be installed without access to the reverse side?
A: Yes. The nut is designed for blind installation from one side of the material . Installation requires a setting tool that engages the internal threads and deforms the barrel against the reverse side.

Q: What is the difference between a locating tab nut and a standard blind nut?
A: The locating tab provides orientation and anti-rotation features not present on standard blind nuts. The tab engages with the workpiece to prevent the nut from rotating during tightening, ensuring consistent assembly.

Q: Are these nuts removable after installation?
A: The nut is intended for permanent installation. Removal typically requires destructive methods such as drilling. The deformed barrel creates a non-removable threaded insert in the material.

Installation Considerations

The nut should be installed in a properly sized hole using a rivet nut tool or setting tool . The locating tab should be aligned with the corresponding feature in the workpiece before installation. During installation, the tool pulls the threaded mandrel, causing the barrel to collapse and form a backside flange . The locating tab engages with the workpiece to prevent rotation during tightening.

Hole preparation should be performed through drilling or punching to the specified diameter. The tab geometry should match the corresponding slot or hole in the workpiece for proper alignment. Thread condition should be inspected before installation; damaged threads may affect assembly integrity and sealing performance. For plated nuts, coating thickness should be within specified tolerances to maintain thread fit. When used in applications requiring specific torque values, specifications should be obtained from engineering standards or calculation methods defined in fastener design guidelines.