Nut (hardware) facts for kids

A nut threaded onto an Allen key socket head screw

A nut is a type of fastener with a threaded hole. Nuts are almost always used with a mating bolt to fasten parts together. Thus "nut and bolt" or "nuts and bolts" are term which recognise their pairing.

Like bolt heads, their shape is usually hexagonal, because this is best for gripping with tools. Nuts are graded with strength ratings like their respective bolts. For example, an ISO property class 10 nut can support the bolt proof strength load of an ISO property class 10.9 bolt without stripping its thread (the inside spiral groove).

Types

Left to right: Wing, hex, hex flange, and slab weld nuts.

Left to right: Slotted, square (upper) , T-nut (lower) , cap (or acorn), nylon locking (top and side views), and castellated nuts.

Hexagon nuts.

Name	Image	Description
Acorn nut (cap nut)
Barrel nut
Cage nut
Clip-on nut (J-nut or U-nut)
Coupling nut
Cross dowel
Flange nut (collar nut)
Insert nut
Knurled nut (Knurled nut or Thumb nut)
Sex bolt
Split nut
Sleeve nut
Square nut
Staked/welded nut (for plastic)
Swage nut
T-nut
T-slot nut (T-groove or T-slot nut)
Weld nut
Well nut
Wing nut

Images for kids

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  Nuts come in many sizes. This one is part of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

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  Nut quotation

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  Nut blanking

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  Nut threading

See also

In Spanish: Tuerca para niños