Description
Self-Clinching Nut Sizes & Dimensions
View standard inch and metric sizes from #2-56 to 3/8-24 and M2 to M8, including mounting hole sizes, minimum sheet thicknesses, and key dimensions.
What Is a Self-Clinching Nut?
A self-clinching nut is a press-fit threaded fastener designed to create a strong, permanent, and reusable internal thread in sheet metal that may be too thin for conventional tapping.
The nut is pressed into a properly sized mounting hole using a controlled squeezing force. During installation, the surrounding sheet material flows into the nut’s undercut and clinching features, securing it permanently in place and helping prevent rotation and push-out.
Also known as a clinch nut, press-fit nut, captive nut, self-clinching threaded nut, or PEM-style nut, it provides load-bearing threads without welding or loose hardware while keeping the reverse side of the sheet flush.
Available Thread Sizes
TSC4 self-clinching nuts are available in standard inch and metric thread sizes.
Inch Thread Sizes
- #2-56 Self-Clinching Nut
- #3-48 Self-Clinching Nut
- #4-40 Self-Clinching Nut
- #6-32 Self-Clinching Nut
- #8-32 Self-Clinching Nut
- #10-24 Self-Clinching Nut
- #10-32 Self-Clinching Nut
- #12-24 Self-Clinching Nut
- 1/4-20 Self-Clinching Nut
- 1/4-28 Self-Clinching Nut
- 5/16-18 Self-Clinching Nut
- 5/16-24 Self-Clinching Nut
- 3/8-16 Self-Clinching Nut
- 3/8-24 Self-Clinching Nut
Metric Thread Sizes
- M2 × 0.4 Self-Clinching Nut
- M2.5 × 0.45 Self-Clinching Nut
- M3 × 0.5 Self-Clinching Nut
- M3.5 × 0.6 Self-Clinching Nut
- M4 × 0.7 Self-Clinching Nut
- M5 × 0.8 Self-Clinching Nut
- M6 × 1.0 Self-Clinching Nut
- M8 × 1.25 Self-Clinching Nut
Mounting hole size, shank length, minimum sheet thickness, outside dimensions, and minimum distance from the mounting hole to the sheet edge vary by thread size and part number. Refer to the specification charts above for exact measurements.
Materials & Finishes
TSC4 self-clinching 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.
The panel must be sufficiently ductile and softer than the fastener for proper clinching. Material and finish availability may vary depending on thread size, panel material, and production requirements.
Self-Clinching Nut Installation
Self-clinching nuts are installed into a properly sized mounting hole using a press that applies a controlled, parallel squeezing force.
Place the nut into the mounting hole and support it with the correct installation anvil. Keep the punch and anvil surfaces parallel, then apply enough force to fully embed the clinching ring and seat the nut securely in the sheet.
For proper installation:
- Use the recommended mounting hole size.
- Select the correct shank length for the sheet thickness.
- Confirm the minimum sheet thickness.
- Use the correct punch and anvil.
- Keep the installation surfaces parallel.
- Confirm that the panel material is softer than the fastener.
- Apply squeezing force rather than impact force.
Do not install self-clinching nuts using a hammer. Chamfering, countersinking, and deburring are normally not required when the mounting hole is prepared to the specified dimensions.
Typical Applications
Self-clinching nuts are commonly used where strong, reusable threads are required in thin sheet metal.
Typical applications include:
- Sheet metal fabrication
- Electrical cabinets and enclosures
- Electronic equipment
- Automotive panels and components
- HVAC equipment
- Appliances
- Machinery and industrial assemblies
Factory-Direct Supply & Custom Options
Imperial Rivets & Fasteners supplies factory-direct TSC4 self-clinching nuts in inch and metric thread sizes.
Standard products are available in zinc-plated steel and stainless steel. Different thread sizes, shank lengths, materials, finishes, and custom specifications may also be available depending on application and production requirements.
Select the required thread size and part number from the specification chart above and add it to your RFQ. For a size or specification not listed, contact our sales team to discuss additional production options.
Questions or Custom Requirements?
Contact our sales team at sales@imperialrivet.com or (630) 964-0208.
