Self-Clinching Flush Nuts Technical Datasheet
Product Overview
Self-Clinching Flush Nuts provide strong, permanent internal threads in thin sheet metal while maintaining a completely flush surface on both sides of the sheet after installation. Unlike conventional self-clinching nuts that protrude above the sheet surface, flush nuts are specifically designed for applications where clearance, aesthetics, or component mounting requires a perfectly flat surface.
These fasteners are pressed into a properly sized round hole using a parallel squeezing force. During installation, the surrounding sheet material cold flows into the undercut of the fastener, creating a permanent mechanical lock that provides excellent resistance to push-out and torque-out loads.
The F Series is intended for installation into mild steel or aluminium sheets, while the F4 Series is manufactured from hardened stainless steel for installation into stainless steel sheets. Both series are widely used in electronics enclosures, telecommunications equipment, medical devices, aerospace assemblies, and precision sheet metal fabrication where flush mounting is essential. Flush nuts can be installed before bending or forming operations, allowing threaded locations in otherwise inaccessible areas.
Table of Contents
ITEM CODE: 5013
Standards
Primary Standard: PEM® Type F, F4 equivalent
Installation
- Prepare properly sized round mounting hole in
sheet. - Do not perform any secondary operations
such as deburring. - Place fastener onto the anvil and place the mounting hole (preferably the punch side) over the shank of the fastener as shown in the drawing.
- With installation punch and anvil surfaces parallel, apply sufficient squeezing force only to embed hexagonal head flush in sheet. The metal displaced by the head flows evenly and smoothly around the back-tapered shank of the fastener, securely locking it into place with high pullout resistance while at the same time, the embedded hexagonal head provides high torque resistance.
Dimensions
| Shank Code | A Shank Max | Sheet thickness | Hole Size | C max | H nom | Min Distance Hole to Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M2 | 1 | 1.53 | 1.53-2.32 | 4.37 | 4.35 | 4.8 | 6 |
| 2 | 2.3 | 2.32 min | |||||
| M2.5 | 1 | 1.53 | 1.53-2.32 | 4.37 | 4.35 | 4.8 | 6 |
| 2 | 2.3 | 2.32 min | |||||
| M3 | 1 | 1.53 | 1.53-2.32 | 4.37 | 4.35 | 4.8 | 6 |
| 2 | 2.3 | 2.32 min | |||||
| M4 | 1 | 1.53 | 1.53-2.32 | 7.37 | 7.35 | 7.9 | 7.2 |
| 2 | 2.3 | 2.32 min | |||||
| M5 | 1 | 1.53 | 1.53-2.32 | 7.92 | 7.9 | 8.7 | 8 |
| 2 | 2.3 | 2.32 min | |||||
| M6 | 3 | 3.05 | 3.18-3.96 | 8.74 | 8.72 | 9.5 | 8.8 |
| 4 | 3.84 | 3.96-4.75 | |||||
| 5 | 4.63 | 4.75 min |
all dimensions in mm
Download Datasheets
Self Clinching Flush Nuts – F – Stainless Steel 300 series
Self Clinching Flush Nuts – F4- Stainless steel 400 series
Material Characteristics and Recommended Applications
| Material | Characteristics | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel 300 Series | Good corrosion resistance, non-magnetic, suitable for stainless steel and corrosive environments | Telecom cabinets, food processing equipment, medical devices, outdoor enclosures |
| Stainless Steel 400 Series | Heat treatable, high hardness, magnetic, specifically designed for installation in stainless steel sheets | Stainless steel enclosures, data centers, telecom equipment, industrial sheet metal fabrication |
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Self-Clinching Flush Nut |
| Installation Method | Press Installation |
| Thread Type | Internal Metric / Unified |
| Mounting | Permanent Mechanical Clinch |
| Head Style | Flush |
| Hole Type | Round Hole |
| Installation Force | Parallel squeezing force |
| Sheet Material | Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminium (depending on variant) |
| Minimum Sheet Thickness | From approximately 1.5 mm depending on size |
| Surface Finish After Installation | Flush on both sides |
| Reusability | Permanent installation |
| Installation Equipment | Hydraulic, Pneumatic or Arbor Press |
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
- Completely flush installation on both sides of the sheet
- No protrusion above or below the sheet surface
- High torque-out resistance
- Excellent push-out performance
- Stronger threads than tapped thin sheet
- Suitable for very thin sheet metal
- Permanent installation
- No welding required
- Allows installation before bending or forming
- Clean cosmetic appearance
- Ideal where component clearance is critical
- Fast and repeatable installation
- Suitable for automated assembly
- Available in Metric and Unified thread sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a self-clinching flush nut?
A self-clinching flush nut is a permanent press-fit fastener that provides strong internal threads while leaving both sides of the sheet completely flush after installation.
What is the difference between an F and an F4 flush nut?
The F Series is intended for installation into steel or aluminium sheets, whereas the F4 Series is manufactured from hardened 400-series stainless steel and is specifically designed for installation into stainless steel sheets.
Why use a flush nut instead of a standard clinching nut?
Flush nuts are selected when there must be no protrusion on either side of the sheet, allowing components, covers, or mating parts to sit flat against the surface.
Do flush nuts require welding?
No. They are installed using a press and become permanently locked by the cold flow of the sheet material.
What is the minimum sheet thickness?
Minimum sheet thickness depends on the thread size, with many sizes suitable for sheets from approximately 1.5 mm thick.
Are flush nuts reusable?
The installed pilot pin remains permanently fixed to the sheet, while the mating component can be removed and reinstalled repeatedly.
What industries commonly use self-clinching flush 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
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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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