Metric flange nuts are designed to fit metric bolts or threaded rods, providing even pressure distribution and resistance to loosening due to vibration, shock, and thermal stress. Hex heads are common, and swivel and spherical flange nuts offer additional benefits. They are identified by letter and number, with M3 to M20 being the most popular. Various materials can be used, and they may include level markings for strength.
Metric Flange Nuts are designed to fit metric size bolts or threaded rods. The large circular base on a flanged nut provides even pressure distribution and creates a firm grip. More torque is required to loosen the nut. Metric measurement systems are common throughout much of the world, while the United States uses a mix of metric and standard or English measurements.
The flange portion of the nut may have slight grooves or indentations on the underside that are designed to provide additional resistance to the locking force of the fastener. A metric flange nut is more resistant to loosening due to vibration, shock and thermal stress. This makes them desirable for use in aviation and other high demand applications.
Hex heads are common on a metric flange nut. This shape provides a solid gripping surface for sockets and open-ended or box spanners. Square heads can also be used, but do not offer the same gripping force for tools. Flange bolts also normally have a hex head.
Swivel and spherical flange nuts offer additional benefits for specific applications. The swivel variant, for example, offers the same locking power as a serrated base, without damaging the surface it comes into contact with. Flange bolts have the same feature of a larger contact area under the bolt head. These bolts may also have serrations on the contact surface.
A metric flange nut is identified by letter and number, the most popular being M3 to M20. The letter M simply identifies the part as a metric. An M5, for example, has an outside diameter of 0.46 inch (11.8 mm) and a height, or thickness, of 0.20 inch (5 mm). The flat-to-flat distance of the hexagon is 0.315 inch (8 mm) and point-to-point is 0.346 inch (8.79 mm). The number 5 designation is the internal thread diameter of 5 mm or 0.20 inch.
Various materials can be used to produce a metric flange nut. The most common construction is hardened steel with a zinc coating. The classification on the steel is an indicator of the alloys it contains, the mechanical properties and the resistance to corrosion. Some of the common grades of steel include 316, 18-8, and A2 stainless steel.
Bolts and nuts may also include level markings for strength. A Grade 5 equals 120,000 pounds per square inch (psi), which indicates the amount of durability and strength. Metric flange nuts are often graded as 8.8, 10.9 or 12.9. Markings on metric nuts are usually found on the top of the nut for easy identification of the force.
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