Kalei Press Nuts Technical Datasheet
Product Overview
KALEI® Press Nuts, are permanent internally threaded fasteners designed for creating strong, reusable threads in thin sheet metal. Installed using a standard pneumatic or hydraulic press, the fastener is pressed into a round punched hole, where the serrated cylindrical collar displaces and cold-forms the surrounding sheet material into the clinching groove.
Unlike weld nuts, KALEI® press nuts require no welding, heat treatment or secondary finishing. The resulting installation provides excellent resistance to rotation and push-out while maintaining a clean, flush appearance on the installation side. These fasteners are widely used in electrical enclosures, telecom cabinets, automotive components, industrial machinery, medical equipment and general sheet metal fabrication.
Table of Contents
ITEM CODE: 5013
Standards
Primary Standard: PEM® Type F, F4 equivalent
Installation
The KALEI® Press Nut is installed by first accurately centering it over a drilled or punched round hole. For proper installation, the hole should be manufactured to H11 tolerance, with the hole diameter matching the smaller diameter of the press nut collar. Using a press, the nut is inserted until the entire height of the serrated collar is fully seated within the sheet material. The inclined serrations on the collar provide a secure initial mechanical grip, holding the fastener firmly in place. The final anchoring occurs when a mating screw is inserted from the collar side and tightened. As the screw is tightened, the serrated collar is drawn more securely into the sheet material, creating a permanent, high-strength attachment with excellent resistance to rotation and push-out.
Dimensions
| d1 | h1 | hole Ø | d2 | Min Sheet thickness | h2 | s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M2 | 0.9 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 1 | 3 | 5.5 |
| M2.5 | 0.9 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 1 | 3 | 5.5 |
| M3 | 0.9 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 1 | 3 | 5.5 |
| M4 | 0.9 | 5.5 | 5.7 | 1 | 3.2 | 7 |
| M5 | 0.9 | 6.5 | 6.75 | 1 | 4 | 8 |
| M6 | 0.9 | 8 | 8.25 | 1 | 5 | 10 |
| M8 | 1.8 | 10 | 10.35 | 2 | 6.5 | 13 |
| M10 | 1.8 | 12.5 | 12.85 | 2 | 8 | 15 |
| M12 | 2.8 | 14.5 | 14.85 | 3 | 10 | 17 |
| M16 | 2.4 | 18.5 | 18.85 | 3 | 13 | 22 |
| M20 | 3.9 | 23 | 23.4 | 4 | 16 | 27 |
all dimensions in mm
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Kalei Press Nut – Stainless Steel
Kalei Press Nut – Steel
Material Characteristics and Recommended Applications
| Material | Characteristics | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel, Zinc Plated | High strength and economical | Electrical panels, industrial equipment, machinery |
| Stainless Steel 303/304 | Corrosion resistant | Food processing, medical devices, outdoor equipment, automotive |
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Hexagonal Self-Clinching Press Nut |
| Installation Method | Press Installation |
| Hole Type | Round punched or drilled hole |
| Installation Equipment | Pneumatic or Hydraulic Press |
| Thread Standard | ISO Metric (UNC/UNF on request) |
| Typical Thread Range | M2 to M20 |
| Minimum Sheet Thickness | Depends on thread size (typically from 1.0 mm) |
| Parent Materials | Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminium |
| Installation Access | Both sides required during pressing |
| Anti-Rotation Feature | Serrated / knurled clinching collar |
| Pull-Out Resistance | High |
| Torque Resistance | High |
| Reusable Thread | Yes |
| Surface Finish | Zinc Plated or Plain Stainless Steel |
Applications
- Electrical enclosures
- Control panels
- Telecommunications cabinets
- Server racks
- Data centre equipment
- Sheet metal fabrication
- Automotive components
- Medical devices
- Industrial machinery
- Electronic equipment
- Aerospace interior assemblies
- Battery enclosures
- EV charging stations
- Instrument panels
- Access doors and removable covers
Advantages
- Produces permanent internal threads in thin sheet metal.
- Installed in a round punched hole, simplifying panel preparation.
- No welding, brazing or adhesives required.
- High resistance to rotation due to the serrated clinching collar.
- Excellent push-out resistance.
- Allows repeated assembly and disassembly of mating screws.
- Suitable for automated production lines.
- Clean, flush installation with minimal sheet distortion.
- Available in carbon steel and stainless steel.
- Suitable for coated, stainless steel and aluminium sheets (within hardness limits).
- Available in a wide range of metric thread sizes.
- Reduces manufacturing time compared to welded fasteners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a KALEI® Press Nut?
A KALEI® Press Nut is a hexagonal self-clinching fastener that provides permanent internal threads in thin sheet metal. It is installed by pressing it into a round punched hole, where the serrated collar mechanically locks into the sheet.
Does it require a round hole or a hexagonal hole?
A round hole is required. During installation, the knurled collar beneath the hex flange cold-forms into the sheet material to create a permanent mechanical joint.
Why is the body hexagonal?
The external hexagon provides wrench flats for tightening the mating screw and contributes to the fastener’s resistance to rotational loads after installation. The clinching action itself is achieved by the serrated cylindrical collar.
Can it replace a weld nut?
In many thin sheet metal applications, yes. A KALEI® Press Nut eliminates welding operations, avoids heat distortion and provides a permanent reusable thread while reducing manufacturing time. Final selection should be based on the required mechanical performance
What materials can it be installed into?
They are commonly installed into mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium sheet, provided the base material hardness is within the manufacturer’s recommended limits.
What thread sizes are available?
Most manufacturers offer metric sizes from M2 to M20, although the available range may vary depending on material and series.
What industries commonly use Kalei press nuts?
Electronics, telecommunications, aerospace, medical equipment, defence, industrial automation, electrical enclosures, and precision sheet metal manufacturing.
Need Technical Assistance or a Quote?
Looking for pricing, samples, CAD drawings, or help selecting the right fastener? Our team can help you choose the correct product for your application.
📧 sales@horizonincindia.com | 📞 +91 80 4117 9152 | 💬 +91 99167 77262
Related Products
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- Captive Panel Screws
- Nut Inserts
- Weld Studs
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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.
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