Horizon Inc.

Self Clinching Nut Technical Datasheet

Product Overview

Self clinching nuts are permanently installed threaded fasteners designed to provide strong, reusable internal threads in thin sheet metal. Installed by applying a squeezing force, the knurled clinching ring displaces the surrounding sheet material, creating a high-strength mechanical interlock without welding or secondary fastening operations.

Self clinching nuts are widely used in electrical panels, telecommunications equipment, server racks, automotive components, industrial enclosures, appliances, and sheet metal fabrications where reliable threads are required in thin materials. They are manufactured in accordance with internationally recognized standards and are available in steel, stainless steel, and aluminum materials with metric and imperial thread sizes.

ITEM CODE: 5011

Self Clinching Fasteners Nuts

Standards

Primary Standard: PEM® Type S, CLS equivalent

Dimensions

SizeShank CodeA (Shank) Max.Min Sheet ThicknessHole Size In Sheet +0.08C Max.E ±0.25T ±0.25Min. Dist. HoleTo Edge
M2x 0.400.770.84.224.26.351.54.8
10.971
21.381.4
32.212.29
M2.5 x 0.4500.770.84.224.26.351.54.8
10.971
21.381.4
32.212.29
M3 x 0.500.770.84.224.26.351.54.8
10.971
21.381.4
32.212.29
M3.5 x 0.600.770.84.754.737.111.55.6
10.971
21.381.4
32.212.29
M4x0.700.770.85.415.387.8726.9
10.971
21.381.4
32.212.29
M5 x 0.800.770.86.356.338.6427.1
10.971
21.381.4
32.212.29
M6x101.151.28.758.7311.184.088.6
11.381.4
22.212.29
33.053.18
M8 x 1.2511.381.410.510.4712.75.479.7
22.212.29
33.053.2
M10 x 1.512.212.291413.9717.357.4813.5
23.053.18
366.4
M12x1.7513.053.181716.9520.578.516
266.4

all dimensions in mm

Download Datasheets

Self Clinching Nut – S – Steel Zn

Self Clinching Nut – CLS – Stainless Steel

Material Characteristics and Recommended Applications

Self clinching nuts are available in several material combinations to meet different strength, corrosion resistance, and application requirements.

MaterialCharacteristicsTypical Applications
Carbon Steel, Zinc PlatedHigh strength, economical, corrosion protectedElectrical panels, industrial equipment
Stainless Steel 304Excellent corrosion resistanceOutdoor enclosures, food processing equipment
Stainless Steel 316Superior corrosion resistanceMarine and chemical industries
Aluminum AlloyLightweight and corrosion resistantElectronics, aerospace, lightweight assemblies

Technical Specifications

ParameterSpecification
Product TypeSelf Clinching Nut
Installation MethodPress-in / Clinching
Thread StandardsMetric (M), UNC, UNF
Thread SizesM2 to M12 (typical)
Material OptionsCarbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum
Surface FinishZinc plated, Passivated, Plain
Sheet MaterialSteel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum
Minimum Sheet ThicknessFrom 0.5 mm (depending on size)
Installation EquipmentArbor Press, Pneumatic Press, Hydraulic Press
Operating PrincipleCold flow displacement of sheet material
ReusabilityPermanent installation with reusable thread
ComplianceManufacturer standards

Applications

  • Electrical control panels
  • Sheet metal enclosures
  • Server racks and cabinets
  • Telecommunications equipment
  • Data center infrastructure
  • Medical equipment
  • Automotive components
  • Aerospace assemblies
  • Industrial machinery
  • Consumer appliances
  • EV charging stations
  • Railway and transportation equipment

Advantages

  • Provides strong threads in thin sheet materials
  • Eliminates welding operations
  • Permanent installation
  • High torque-out and push-out resistance
  • Allows repeated assembly and disassembly
  • Suitable for automated production
  • Minimal backside protrusion
  • Available in metric and imperial threads
  • Compatible with steel, stainless steel, and aluminum sheets
  • Reduces manufacturing cost and assembly time

Related Products

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a self clinching nut?

A Closed End Blind Rivet is a sealed blind rivet with a fully enclosed body that prevents the passage of liquids, dust and air through the rivet after installation.

How does a self clinching nut work?

During installation, the surrounding sheet metal cold-flows into the clinching groove of the fastener, creating a permanent mechanical interlock.

What materials are self clinching nuts available in?

They are commonly available in carbon steel, stainless steel (304/316), and aluminum.

Can self clinching nuts be installed in stainless steel sheets?

Yes. However, the hardness of the self clinching nut must be greater than the hardness of the sheet material.

What is the minimum sheet thickness required?

Minimum sheet thickness varies by thread size and manufacturer, typically starting from 0.5 mm.

Are self clinching nuts stronger than rivet nuts?

For thin sheet metal applications, self clinching nuts generally provide higher torque resistance and require access to only one side during installation.

Can self clinching nuts be removed?

They are designed as permanent fasteners and are generally not intended for removal without damaging the host sheet.

What industries use self clinching nuts?

They are widely used in electrical enclosures, telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, electronics, and sheet metal fabrication industries.

Technical Disclaimer

The technical information, specifications, dimensions, mechanical properties, drawings, and performance data provided on this website are intended for general reference and engineering guidance only. Values shown are representative of products manufactured under normal production conditions and may vary depending on material grade, manufacturing tolerances, installation method, application, and operating environment.

While Horizon Inc. makes every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, we make no warranties, express or implied, regarding its completeness, accuracy, or suitability for any particular purpose. Customers are responsible for verifying that the selected product is appropriate for their specific application and operating conditions. Where safety, structural integrity, or regulatory compliance is critical, independent engineering evaluation and product testing should be performed.

Horizon Inc. reserves the right to modify product specifications, dimensions, materials, and technical data without prior notice.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Horizon Inc. shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising from the use of, or reliance upon, the information contained on this website.

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