Description
Self-Clinching Lock Nut Sizes & Dimensions
View M3, M4, and M5 thread sizes, available lengths, mounting hole sizes, minimum sheet thicknesses, and key dimensions.
Self-Clinching Lock Nuts
TSC5 self-clinching lock nuts provide strong, permanent threads in thin sheet metal while keeping the reverse side flush. Available in M3, M4, and M5 sizes with multiple body lengths.
- Material: Zinc-Plated Steel, Stainless Steel
- Thread Size: M3 × 0.5, M4 × 0.7, M5 × 0.8
- Available Lengths: 4–20 mm, depending on thread size
- Series: TSC5
- Country of Origin: Taiwan
Self-Clinching Lock Nut Sizes & Dimensions
View M3, M4, and M5 thread sizes, available lengths, mounting hole sizes, minimum sheet thicknesses, and key dimensions.
What Is a Self-Clinching Lock Nut?
A self-clinching lock nut is a press-fit threaded fastener designed to create a strong, permanent internal thread in thin sheet metal. Once installed, the nut locks securely into the panel and becomes an integral part of the assembly.
The nut is pressed into a properly sized mounting hole using a parallel squeezing force. During installation, the surrounding sheet material flows into the nut’s clinching features, providing high resistance to push-out and rotation.
Also known as a clinch lock nut, press-fit lock nut, self-locking clinch nut, or PEM-style lock nut, it eliminates the need for welding or repeated tapping while keeping the reverse side of the sheet flush.
TSC5 self-clinching lock nuts are available in multiple body lengths for assemblies that require a strong threaded mounting point or separation between surface and interior panels.
Available Thread Sizes and Lengths
TSC5 self-clinching lock nuts are available in standard metric thread sizes with multiple body lengths.
M3 × 0.5 Self-Clinching Lock Nuts
Available lengths:
- 4 mm
- 6 mm
- 8 mm
- 10 mm
- 12 mm
- 14 mm
- 16 mm
- 18 mm
- 20 mm
M4 × 0.7 Self-Clinching Lock Nuts
Available lengths:
- 6 mm
- 8 mm
- 10 mm
- 12 mm
- 14 mm
- 16 mm
- 18 mm
- 20 mm
M5 × 0.8 Self-Clinching Lock Nuts
Available lengths:
- 8 mm
- 10 mm
- 12 mm
- 14 mm
- 16 mm
- 18 mm
- 20 mm
Mounting hole size, thread depth, body diameter, overall height, and minimum sheet thickness vary by thread size and length. Refer to the specification chart above for exact dimensions.
Materials & Finishes
TSC5 self-clinching lock nuts are available in zinc-plated steel and stainless steel.
Zinc-plated steel provides strength, corrosion protection, and economical performance for general sheet metal and industrial applications. Stainless steel is available for applications requiring greater corrosion resistance or material compatibility.
Other materials, finishes, thread sizes, and dimensional specifications may be available for custom production requirements.
Self-Clinching Lock Nut Installation
Self-clinching lock nuts are installed into a properly sized mounting hole using a press that applies a controlled, parallel squeezing force.
Insert the nut into the mounting hole and support it with the correct installation anvil. Keep the punch and anvil surfaces parallel, then apply enough squeezing force to fully embed the clinching features and seat the nut securely in the sheet.
For proper installation:
- Use the recommended mounting hole size.
- Confirm the minimum sheet thickness.
- Use the correct punch and anvil.
- Keep the installation surfaces parallel.
- Apply squeezing force rather than impact force.
- Confirm that the sheet material is softer than the fastener.
No chamfering, countersinking, or special hole preparation is normally required. Self-clinching lock nuts should not be installed using a hammer.
Typical Applications
TSC5 self-clinching lock nuts are suitable for assemblies requiring strong internal threads, multiple body lengths, and a flush reverse sheet surface.
Typical applications include:
- Electronic equipment
- Electrical cabinets and enclosures
- Control panels
- Sheet metal assemblies
- Appliances
- Telecommunications equipment
- Industrial machinery and components
Factory-Direct Supply & Custom Options
Imperial Rivets & Fasteners supplies factory-direct TSC5 self-clinching lock nuts in M3, M4, and M5 metric thread sizes.
Standard products are available in multiple lengths with zinc-plated steel and stainless steel material options. Custom thread sizes, lengths, materials, finishes, and dimensional specifications may also be available depending on application and production requirements.
Select a standard size and length from the specification chart above and add it to your RFQ. For a size or specification not listed, contact our sales team to discuss custom production options.
Questions or Custom Requirements?
Contact our sales team at sales@imperialrivet.com or (630) 964-0208.
