Self-clinching nuts & rivet nuts
With self-clinching nuts and rivet nuts we make sheet metal ready for assembly: dependable threads, even in thin material.
About this operation
- Stainless steel
- Aluminium
- Steel
- Enclosures
- Panels
- Assembly-ready sheet metal
The difference between the two lies in how the joint is created. A self-clinching nut is pressed cold into a pre-cut hole and locks itself in place as displaced sheet material flows back into a groove. A rivet nut is deformed from one side and clamps behind the sheet.
Sheet thickness largely determines what is possible, and the distance to the edge and to surrounding cut-outs matters too. We assess that on the drawing beforehand, so that it is not a surprise on the first batch.
Self-clinching and rivet nuts are part of a larger whole: the hole comes from the laser, the edges are deburred and the part is often press braked before the nut goes in. That sequence is not arbitrary — a nut fitted too early gets in the way during bending or is deformed in the press. We fix that sequence during production engineering.
From drawing to delivery
Preparation
Cutting holes to size on the laser, deburring the edges and, where needed, bending first — a nut fitted too early gets in the way.
Clinching
By machine and square to the sheet, with a press force matched to sheet thickness and nut type.
Inspection
Flatness around the nut and the seating of the thread, so the joint stays firm even after repeated disassembly and reassembly.
Specifications
Indicative values — to be confirmed per project- Self-clinching nut
- pressed cold into a pre-cut hole; the knurl displaces material that flows back into a groove
- Rivet nut (blind rivet nut)
- deformed from one side, clamps behind the sheet
- Strongest and flattest joint
- self-clinching nut
- Reverse side not accessible
- rivet nut — also when the reverse side must not be deformed
- Sheet material
- has to be softer than the nut, otherwise it will not flow into the groove
- Critical combination
- hard material with a fine thread
- Edge distance
- too close to the edge and the material bulges
- In stainless steel sheet
- stainless steel nuts, to avoid galvanic corrosion
- In aluminium
- stainless steel or zinc-plated steel, depending on the environment
- After powder coating
- mask or re-work the thread, otherwise the coating runs into it
What to send us
Request a quote- Drawing with the hole positions
- Sheet thickness and material
- The required thread size
- Whether the nut sits on the visible or the reverse side
- The finishing
- If you are not sure which nut fits: what the joint has to carry and how often it needs to come apart
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a self-clinching nut and a rivet nut?
A self-clinching nut is pressed cold into the sheet; the knurl displaces material that flows back into a groove, locking the nut against pull-out and rotation. A rivet nut is deformed from one side and clamps behind the sheet. The self-clinching nut gives the strongest and flattest joint; the rivet nut is the choice when the reverse side is not accessible.
From what sheet thickness can you fit a self-clinching nut?
That depends on the nut type, the sheet material and the thread size. The sheet has to be softer than the nut, so hard material or a fine thread in thin sheet can be a reason to choose a different size or a rivet nut instead. We assess that combination on the drawing for each request.
In which materials do you fit self-clinching and rivet nuts?
In stainless steel, aluminium and steel. We match the nut material to the sheet: stainless steel nuts in stainless steel sheet metal to avoid galvanic corrosion, and in aluminium either stainless steel or zinc-plated steel depending on the environment.
Does the thread stay put under repeated dismantling?
Yes, provided the nut has been fitted square and with the correct press force. A properly inserted nut resists both pull-out and rotation, which makes it suitable for parts that have to be opened regularly in service. After insertion we check flatness and the seating of the thread.
Can the part still be powder coated once the nuts are in?
Yes, but the thread then has to be masked or re-worked after coating, otherwise the coating runs into the thread. Tell us which finishing the part receives and we will set the sequence accordingly.
Discuss your drawing,
part or assembly.
Response within one working day · 074-2912235 · info@assinkschipholt.nl