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


Standards
Primary Standard: PEM® Type S, CLS equivalent
Dimensions
| Size | Shank Code | A (Shank) Max. | Min Sheet Thickness | Hole Size In Sheet +0.08 | C Max. | E ±0.25 | T ±0.25 | Min. Dist. HoleTo Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M2x 0.4 | 0 | 0.77 | 0.8 | 4.22 | 4.2 | 6.35 | 1.5 | 4.8 |
| 1 | 0.97 | 1 | ||||||
| 2 | 1.38 | 1.4 | ||||||
| 3 | 2.21 | 2.29 | ||||||
| M2.5 x 0.45 | 0 | 0.77 | 0.8 | 4.22 | 4.2 | 6.35 | 1.5 | 4.8 |
| 1 | 0.97 | 1 | ||||||
| 2 | 1.38 | 1.4 | ||||||
| 3 | 2.21 | 2.29 | ||||||
| M3 x 0.5 | 0 | 0.77 | 0.8 | 4.22 | 4.2 | 6.35 | 1.5 | 4.8 |
| 1 | 0.97 | 1 | ||||||
| 2 | 1.38 | 1.4 | ||||||
| 3 | 2.21 | 2.29 | ||||||
| M3.5 x 0.6 | 0 | 0.77 | 0.8 | 4.75 | 4.73 | 7.11 | 1.5 | 5.6 |
| 1 | 0.97 | 1 | ||||||
| 2 | 1.38 | 1.4 | ||||||
| 3 | 2.21 | 2.29 | ||||||
| M4x0.7 | 0 | 0.77 | 0.8 | 5.41 | 5.38 | 7.87 | 2 | 6.9 |
| 1 | 0.97 | 1 | ||||||
| 2 | 1.38 | 1.4 | ||||||
| 3 | 2.21 | 2.29 | ||||||
| M5 x 0.8 | 0 | 0.77 | 0.8 | 6.35 | 6.33 | 8.64 | 2 | 7.1 |
| 1 | 0.97 | 1 | ||||||
| 2 | 1.38 | 1.4 | ||||||
| 3 | 2.21 | 2.29 | ||||||
| M6x1 | 0 | 1.15 | 1.2 | 8.75 | 8.73 | 11.18 | 4.08 | 8.6 |
| 1 | 1.38 | 1.4 | ||||||
| 2 | 2.21 | 2.29 | ||||||
| 3 | 3.05 | 3.18 | ||||||
| M8 x 1.25 | 1 | 1.38 | 1.4 | 10.5 | 10.47 | 12.7 | 5.47 | 9.7 |
| 2 | 2.21 | 2.29 | ||||||
| 3 | 3.05 | 3.2 | ||||||
| M10 x 1.5 | 1 | 2.21 | 2.29 | 14 | 13.97 | 17.35 | 7.48 | 13.5 |
| 2 | 3.05 | 3.18 | ||||||
| 3 | 6 | 6.4 | ||||||
| M12x1.75 | 1 | 3.05 | 3.18 | 17 | 16.95 | 20.57 | 8.5 | 16 |
| 2 | 6 | 6.4 |
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.
| Material | Characteristics | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel, Zinc Plated | High strength, economical, corrosion protected | Electrical panels, industrial equipment |
| Stainless Steel 304 | Excellent corrosion resistance | Outdoor enclosures, food processing equipment |
| Stainless Steel 316 | Superior corrosion resistance | Marine and chemical industries |
| Aluminum Alloy | Lightweight and corrosion resistant | Electronics, aerospace, lightweight assemblies |
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Self Clinching Nut |
| Installation Method | Press-in / Clinching |
| Thread Standards | Metric (M), UNC, UNF |
| Thread Sizes | M2 to M12 (typical) |
| Material Options | Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum |
| Surface Finish | Zinc plated, Passivated, Plain |
| Sheet Material | Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum |
| Minimum Sheet Thickness | From 0.5 mm (depending on size) |
| Installation Equipment | Arbor Press, Pneumatic Press, Hydraulic Press |
| Operating Principle | Cold flow displacement of sheet material |
| Reusability | Permanent installation with reusable thread |
| Compliance | Manufacturer 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
- Self Clinching Studs
- Self Clinching Standoffs
- Self Clinching Nuts
- Self Clinching Blind Fasteners
- Captive Panel Screws
- Nut Inserts
- Weld Studs
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.
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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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