Self Clinching Nuts

Clinch Nuts CLS, S, CLA

Self-clinching nuts are installed by placing them in properly sized holes in sheets and applying a parallel squeezing force to the head of the nut.

The sheet metal surrounding the head cold flows into an undercut thereby making the fastener an integral part of the sheet.

Clinch Nuts can also be used instead of tapped holes for a more durable and stronger connection. Nuts, standoffs and studs can be used where it is not practical, or possible, to insert a fastener on both sides of a case.

For example, in an instance where there is a nut installed on the inside of an enclosure, you wouldn’t be able to hold a wrench to attach the cover, since the cover would interfere.

For the best dimensional accuracy we recommend that all holes in the sheet metal application be punched.  To install the fastener into the punched Hole a profiled punch is required.  It is essential that the recommended Hole tolerances be observed.

Self-Clinching Nuts provide strong reusable female threads in panels that are too thin to be conventionally tapped. Utilising a special proven clinch feature, this fastener has excellent torque-out and push-out characteristics whilst providing a flush finish on the underside of the panel.

Like all self clinching fasteners they are installed using a parallel squeezing force so require access to both sides of the panel.

Available in the following options.

Mild Steel Zinc Plated

Mild Steel Zinc Plated Metric S A2C39 – Download Product Datasheet

Mild Steel Zinc Plated Unified Coarse S A2uC39 – Download Product Datasheet

Mild Steel Zinc Plated Unified Fine S A2vC39 – Download Product Datasheet

Aluminium

Aluminium AL Metric CLA E5C39 – Download Product Datasheet

Aluminium AL Unified Coarse and Fine CLA E5uC39 – Download Product Datasheet

Stainless Steel SS-304

Stainless Steel SS-304 Metric CLS B4C39 – Download Product Datasheet

Stainless Steel SS-304 Unified Coarse CLS B4uC39 – Download Product Datasheet

Stainless Steel SS-304 Unified Fine CLS B4vC39 – Download Product Datasheet

Stainless Steel SPL

Stainless Steel SPL for Stainless Steel Sheets SP B7C39 – Download Product Datasheet

Stainless Steel SPL for Stainless Steel Sheets Unified SP B7uC39 – Download Product Datasheet

Sizes: M2 to M10. 4-40UNC to 1/4-20UNC.

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Self-Locking Clinch Nuts LKS

These self-locking, self-clinching fasteners retain their repeated use and effective prevailing locking torque.

The locking feature is achieved by altering the shape of the nut by distorting the threads which then grip the mating part during tightening. This feature produces friction between threads of mated components thereby increasing the torque required to tighten and loosen the screw.
Shoulder provides increased performance.
Flexing action permits repeated use and effective locking torque.
Flange provides positive stop during installation.

This fastener has excellent torque-out and push-out characteristics whilst providing a flush finish on the underside of the panel.

Unlike chemical locking methods or patches, locknuts do not require extra production steps and/or materials during the assembly process, saving time and money along the way.

Note on selection of size (sheet code).

It is very important to note that the selection of clinch nut depends upon the thickness of the sheet into which the fastener will be installed into. Because the clinching happens within the sheet thickness, care must be taken that the shank of the nut does not project out from the back of the sheet. Therefore, select the size (sheet code -0, -1, -2, -3) such that your sheet thickeness is more than the minimum recommended in the datasheet. There is no maximum limit to the thickness of sheet that the clinching fastener can be installed into.

Installation Notes

• Determine the location hole using the catalogue/product data sheets
• Do not countersink or deburr punched and drilled holes, the burr makes the press-in process easier.
• In the case of punched holes, the entry side of the punch is preferable for mounting
• Press in the self-clinching fastener (do not hit the fastener with a hammer!)
  
• In order to avoid deformation of the sheet edge, observe minimum edge distances according to catalogue/product data sheets.

DON’T over-squeeze. It will crush the head, distort threads, and buckle the sheet. Be certain to determine optimum installation force by test prior to production runs.

Do NOT attempt to insert fastener with a hammer blow under any circumstances. A hammer blow won’t permit the sheet metal to flow into the back tapered shank.

• The self-clinching fastener must always be harder than the component to be fastened. Please observe the information in the product datasheets.
• When using aluminium sheets, make sure to install the steel and stainless steel press-fit fasteners only after anodising the sheet

Do not install screw in the head side of the fastener. Install from opposite side so that the fastener load is toward the sheet.

Do not install the nut on pre-painted side of sheet.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR INSTALLING INTO STAINLESS STEEL SHEETS
One of the very basics of self-clinching is that the nut must be harder than the host sheet. Only then will the fastener perform as intended.

This is particularly challenging when installing fasteners into stainless steel sheet metal.
If your application requires that the nut clinches into stainless steel, be sure you use nuts specifically designed for this purpose.