What are the different types of Flange Nut available on the market?
Serrated Hex Flange Nut: Similar to the serrated
flange nut, this type has serrations or grooves on the bearing surface of the flange. The serrations provide anti-loosening properties by creating a locking action against the mating surface.
Non-Serrated Hex Flange Nut: This type of flange nut has a plain, smooth bearing surface on the flange. It is used in applications where vibration resistance is not a primary concern.
Collar Flange Nut: A collar flange nut has a larger flange diameter than standard flange nuts, providing a broader bearing surface. This design offers increased load distribution and improved stability.
K-Lock Flange Nut: K-lock flange nuts have a small, conical-shaped locking feature on the flange side. When tightened, the conical feature deforms and creates a self-locking action, preventing the nut from loosening.
Square Flange Nut: Square flange nuts have a square-shaped flange with a flat bearing surface. They are often used in applications where a square shape is preferred for a secure fit.
Weld Nut with Flange: Weld nuts with flanges have a flange on one side and a welded base on the other. They are designed to be welded directly to a metal workpiece, providing a threaded hole for a bolt or stud.
Nylon Patch Flange Nut: Nylon patch flange nuts have a nylon patch applied to the threads of the nut. When the nut is tightened onto the bolt, the nylon material creates a locking action, preventing self-loosening due to vibrations.
Nylon Pellet Flange Nut: Nylon pellet flange nuts have a nylon insert in the flange side, providing similar self-locking properties as nylon patch nuts.
Top Lock Flange Nut: Top lock flange nuts have a nylon insert in the top side of the nut (opposite the flange). This nylon insert creates a locking action when tightened against the bolt or threaded rod.
Prevailing Torque Flange Nut: Prevailing torque flange nuts have a non-metallic insert (such as nylon) that provides a prevailing torque feature, preventing the nut from rotating due to vibrations or torque.
How do Flange Nut work? What is the mechanism behind their self-drilling feature?
Flange nuts are standard nuts with a built-in flange that acts as a washer, providing a larger surface area for load distribution and preventing the nut from loosening due to vibration.
As for the "self-drilling feature," flange nuts do not possess such a capability. The term "self-drilling" typically refers to a type of screw that can drill its own pilot hole when being driven into a material, without the need for pre-drilling. This feature is common in self-drilling screws, not in flange nuts.
Flange nuts work like regular nuts. They are used in combination with bolts, screws, or threaded rods to create a secure connection between two or more objects. The flange on the nut provides additional benefits:
Increased Stability: The flange provides a larger surface area, distributing the load over a broader region. This helps prevent damage to the material and enhances the stability of the connection.
Vibration Resistance: The larger flange area creates more friction against the mating surface, reducing the likelihood of the nut loosening due to vibrations or movement.
No Washer Required: The built-in flange eliminates the need for a separate washer, saving time and reducing the number of components required for the assembly.
Easy Installation: Flange nuts can be easily installed and removed using standard tools like wrenches or sockets.
To use a flange nut, simply place it on the bolt or threaded rod and tighten it against the material being fastened. The flange should be facing the surface that requires additional support and load distribution.