Threaded inserts offer a convenient alternative to traditional nuts. They consist of a shank or body with internal threading. Rather than securing a bolt with a nut, you can use a threaded insert. It will serve as a receptacle, allowing you to twist the bolt into the internal threads. Rubber nut threaded inserts, however, feature a unique rubber outer body. Here are five benefits of rubber nut threaded inserts.
#1) Vibration Dampening
Rubber nut threaded inserts offer vibration dampening. They are commonly used in heavy machinery for this reason. Traditional nuts create rigid joints that transmit vibrations across the connected components. Over time, exposure to these vibrations can shorten the components’ usable life. Rubber nut threaded inserts offer a solution. Thanks to their rubber outer body, they are able to absorb vibrations so that less mechanical energy is transferred from component to component.
#2) Sound Dampening
Vibrations and noise go hand in hand. When components vibrate aggressively, they will produce noise. Rubber nut threaded inserts can suppress this noise by isolating the components. The rubber outer body dampens vibrations and, thus, sound to promote a quieter working environment.
#3) Protects Mounting Materials
Another benefit of rubber nut threaded inserts is that they protect mounting materials from damage. Metal fasteners, including all-metal threaded inserts, concentrate mechanical forces around the mounting hole. Depending on the material from which the mounting structure is made, these mechanical forces may cause damage. Rubber nut threaded inserts have a soft outer body that protects the mounting structure from damage.
#4) Seals the Mounting Hole
Rubber nut threaded inserts can seal the mounting hole in which they are placed. Metals and alloys, of course, are typically rigid. You can place an all-metal threaded insert in a mounting hole, but it typically won’t seal the hole. Rubber nut threaded inserts are more flexible. They will expand slightly when forced into an appropriately sized hole, thereby sealing it.
#5) Prevents Metal-on-Metal Contact
You may want to use a rubber nut threaded insert to prevent metal-on-metal contact. Rubber nut threaded inserts themselves have a rubber outer body, but they are still used in conjunction with a metal fastener. If they were made entirely of metal, this metal-on-metal contact could cause galvanic corrosion under certain conditions. This isn’t an issue because rubber nut threaded inserts are characterized by a rubber outer body.