Nuts are manufactured in countless materials, shapes, sizes, and thread patterns. While the thread type and size of the bolt largely guide the selection process for the associated nut, there is still some flexibility in terms of material choice and nut head shape. This page will explore the many different options available for specialty nuts.

Types of Specialty Nuts

EFC International supplies a wide variety of specialty nuts and nut and bolt sets for commercial and industrial use. Our stock of specialty nuts includes:

• Automation self-retaining nuts. These nuts offer an ideal solution for panel alignment in fast-moving assembly systems. The nuts stack with each other and snap together and get installed using a pneumatic bench-mounted tool or hand tool.
• Blind threaded inserts. Blind-threaded insert nuts feature a low-profile head and small diameter bodies, making them well-suited for mitigating spinout in close-to-edge or small hole applications.
• Bondable nuts for insert molding. Our BigHead® Hex Nut attaches to stainless steel or galvanized steel heads and is available in a variety of standard head sizes and shapes to suit the needs of different applications.
• Cap nuts. Cap nuts resist wear caused by misalignment and vibration. Technicians can install our push-on caps over rod ends, shaft ends, and stud ends to hold components in place.
• J-Type retaining nuts. EFC’s J-Type U-Nuts press easily into place over the edges of panels or in center-panel applications.
• Mid-panel retaining nuts. Our self-locking Mid-Panel Multi-Thread M6 Expansion Nuts feature single-piece construction and can be used in mid-panel assemblies without the risk of loosening due to vibration.
• Pierce and captive retaining nuts. Floating clinch nuts use a self-clinching fastener in conjunction with a floating nut to compensate for misalignments up to 0.030". They also comply with MIL-N-250-27 specifications for prevailing torque.
• U-Nuts. U-Shaped Speed Nuts® make it easy to assemble mating panels. These pieces of hardware are self-retaining and default to the screw-receiving position.        
• Rivet nuts. Our rivet nuts are designed for easy installation. They also allow operators to easily control the bulge forms during installation for consistency across wide assembly orders.
• Weld nuts. We provide weld nuts that can be spot welded in blind locations. Each nut is fully threaded and self-retaining.
• Flange nuts. Flange nuts have a base with a wider surface area to lower tension and pinch against the assembly surface, similar to how a washer functions. Flange nuts provide tight, reliable connections.

Specialty Threaded Nuts and Bolts From EFC International

Along with our selection of specialty nuts, we also provide nut and bolt sets for a wide range of applications. Our inventory includes these products:

Advanced Compensation Nut (ACN)

ACNs help users to address gaps and tolerance problems in assemblies. ACNs snap into the panel and auto-adjust during installation. After placement, the ACN adjusts to any gaps in the system to reduce weak points as the bolt gets tightened.

Aluminum Threaded Inserts for Plastics

These inserts get inserted into mold cavities before the molten plastic flows and hardens around them. This locks the hardware into place and ensures a high level of torque. They are ideal for use in thermoset and engineered plastic products that have a lot of filler and need reliable fastener performance.

BBA Spacer

These nut and bolt hardware sets offer speed and simplified installation without any welding requirements. They also provide additional strength to the structure and will tolerate vibrations.

Cage Nuts

Cage nuts provide an ideal solution for assemblies with panels 0.025-0.25 inches thick. They will hold soft metal constructions in place during assembly and are easy to install, easy to remove for maintenance, and require no special tools.

Panel Edge Nuts (U-Nuts)

As fairly universal pieces of hardware, panel edge nuts can take the place of most screws or bolts. The strength of the joint varies based on the screw size and impression types. Panel edge nuts from EFC feature a new ergonomic thumb tab that simplifies manual installations.

Rivet Nuts

Rivet nuts facilitate blind placement and don't require welding. They allow installation on and removal from pre-painted materials without the risk of damage. Customers can choose from different head styles, materials, body styles, and sizes ranging from 3/4-10 and M16.

Specialty Nuts From EFC International

At EFC International, we provide a broad portfolio of specialty fasteners ranging from specialty nuts and bolts to clamps. We're a leading provider in the assembly sector, offering electrical components, plastic or metal fasteners, and more. Contact us today to see how we can support your project. 

Panel fasteners are used to secure panels to a support framework in a range of applications and industries. Plastic fasteners are durable, economical, efficient, and aesthetically appealing. They are also resistant to corrosion, shock, and vibration. 

Notably, plastic panel fasteners are available in a range of sizes and shapes, and each one is designed for a specific purpose. EFC International provides panel fasteners that are uniquely designed and can withstand a range of environmental conditions.

Industries

Plastic fasteners are used in several industries for blanking small holes and securing multiple panels. Some nylon snap-rivet varieties come as pre-assembled products ready to push into holes manually. 

Some of the specific markets that these panel-fixing products serve include

• Automobile

• Marine

• Industrial equipment production

• Appliances

• Assembly

• HVAC

• White goods

• Heavy truck

• Robotics

Applications

Plastic panel fasteners are best suited for fastening several varieties of panels, billboards, and doors in wood, metal, padded fabrics, rubber, and many others. These fasteners can also be custom-designed with technical specifications to meet diverse applications such as panel wall clips, car trim clips, car body panel fixings, board clips, and car door retainers. Other typical applications include wheel arch/fender clips, weatherstrip retainers, tailgate light clips, the panel under-bonnet rivets, assembling industrial equipment, fastening rubber side doors, home appliances, electrical devices, and more.

Plastic Products by EFC International

At EFC International, we are committed to providing high-quality plastic panel fasteners that meet the requirements and specifications of each of our customers. All our plastic products meet stringent industry quality standards that guarantee you get defect-free products to optimize your processes, drive efficiency, and boost productivity. 

The following are some of the panel fasteners in our product list:

• Plastic Bondable Panel Fasteners 

• Plastic Access Panel Fasteners 

• Plastic Christmas Tree Clips

• Plastic Bumpers 

• Plastic Motion Control 

• Plastic Quarter-Turn Fasteners 

• Plastic Dart-Type Panel Clips 

• Plastic Latches 

• Plastic Quick Release Fasteners 

• Plastic Tree Fasteners 

• Plastic Rivet-Type Panel Fasteners 

• Plastic W Clips 

• Plastic Trim Clips

• Tools & Kits for Panel Fasteners

• Plastic Ratchet-Type Rivets

• Standard Cable Ties

EFC International Fasteners

EFC International is the leading provider of specialty-engineered fastener parts, including panel fasteners, specialty nuts, clamps, and more. We have a proven track record and SAP-CRM & fully automated warehousing processes that assure exceptional product quality and custom solutions designed to fit your specific applications and budget. We offer the most comprehensive line of specialty metal, plastic, and electrical components to meet your fastening needs. Our solutions are well suited for applications in a wide range of industries, from agriculture and automotive to power generation and robotics. To learn more about our products and services, if you have further questions, or need to request a quote, please contact us today.