Description
Self-Clinching Stud Sizes & Dimensions
View standard inch and metric thread sizes, available stud lengths, mounting hole sizes, minimum sheet thicknesses, and key dimensions.
What Is a Self-Clinching Stud?
A self-clinching stud is a press-fit fastener designed to provide a permanent externally threaded mounting point in thin sheet metal.
The stud is pressed into a properly sized mounting hole using a controlled squeezing force. During installation, the surrounding sheet material flows into the stud’s undercut and clinching features, securing it permanently in the panel and helping resist rotation and push-out.
Also known as a clinch stud, press-fit stud, captive threaded stud, or PEM-style stud, it eliminates welding and loose mounting hardware while keeping the head flush with the reverse side of the sheet.
After installation, components can be positioned over the exposed threaded stud and secured with a mating nut.
Available Thread Sizes
TSC6 self-clinching studs are available in standard inch and metric thread sizes with multiple stud lengths.
Inch Thread Sizes
- #4-40 Self-Clinching Stud
- #6-32 Self-Clinching Stud
- #8-32 Self-Clinching Stud
- #10-24 Self-Clinching Stud
- #10-32 Self-Clinching Stud
- 1/4-20 Self-Clinching Stud
- 5/16-18 Self-Clinching Stud
Metric Thread Sizes
- M2.5 × 0.45 Self-Clinching Stud
- M3 × 0.5 Self-Clinching Stud
- M4 × 0.7 Self-Clinching Stud
- M5 × 0.8 Self-Clinching Stud
- M6 × 1.0 Self-Clinching Stud
- M8 × 1.25 Self-Clinching Stud
Available stud length, mounting hole size, head dimensions, minimum sheet thickness, 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
TSC6 self-clinching studs are available in zinc-plated carbon steel and stainless steel.
Zinc-plated carbon 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 stud for proper clinching. Material and finish availability may vary depending on thread size, stud length, panel material, and production requirements.
Self-Clinching Stud Installation
Self-clinching studs are installed into a properly sized mounting hole using a press that applies a controlled, parallel squeezing force.
Insert the threaded end of the stud through the mounting hole and support it with an anvil that provides clearance for the stud length. Keep the punch and anvil surfaces parallel, then apply enough force to fully embed the stud head and clinching features into the sheet.
For proper installation:
- Use the recommended mounting hole size.
- Confirm the minimum sheet thickness.
- Use an anvil with sufficient clearance for the stud.
- Keep the punch and anvil surfaces parallel.
- Confirm that the panel material is softer than the fastener.
- Apply squeezing force rather than impact force.
Do not install self-clinching studs 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 studs are commonly used where a permanent external thread is required in thin sheet metal.
Typical applications include:
- Electrical cabinets and enclosures
- Sheet metal fabrication
- Electronic equipment
- Automotive panels and components
- HVAC equipment
- Appliances
- Control panels
- Machinery and industrial assemblies
Factory-Direct Supply & Custom Options
Imperial Rivets & Fasteners supplies factory-direct TSC6 self-clinching and press-fit studs in inch and metric thread sizes.
Standard products are available in zinc-plated carbon steel and stainless steel with multiple stud lengths. Custom thread sizes, lengths, materials, finishes, and dimensional specifications may also be available depending on application and production requirements.
Select the required thread size and stud 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 additional production options.
Questions or Custom Requirements?
Contact our sales team at sales@imperialrivet.com or (630) 964-0208.
