Tee nuts offer a simple and effective way to add internal threads to soft materials. Also known as blind nuts, they feature a cylindrical barrel with internal threads. At the base of this barrel is a flanged collar with prongs. You can install a tee nut by inserting it into a precut hole. As you tighten a bolt in the barrel, the prongs will dig into the material until the tee nut is flush.
Thread Size
Like all nuts, tee nuts are available in different thread sizes. The thread size of a tee nut is typically represented by two numbers: gauge size and pitch. A tee nut with a thread size of #10-24, for instance, has a thread gauge size of 0.190 inches and a thread pitch of 24.
Common thread sizes for tee nuts include the following:
- #6-32
- #8-32
- #10-24
- #10-32
- 1/4″-20
- 5/16″-18
- 3/8″-16
- 1/4″-20
- 5/16″-18
- 3/8″-16
Barrel Length
Tee nuts are available in different barrel sizes as well. Some of them have long barrels, whereas others have short barrels. If the barrel is too short, the bolt may not reach it. If the barrel is too long, on the other hand, it may protrude out of the workpiece. Therefore, you should choose a tee nut with a barrel length that matches the workpiece with which you intend to use it.
Flange Diameter
You should consider the diameter of the flange when choosing a tee nut. All tee nuts have a flanged collar; it’s what distinguishes them from traditional nuts. The size of this flanged collar, though, varies. Tee nuts with a wide flanged collar typically provide more gripping strength than those with a narrow flanged collar, but it comes at the cost of more space. The wider the flanged collar, the more space the tee nut will consume in the workpiece.
Prong Count
How many prongs does the tee nut have? Prongs allow tee nuts to dig into soft materials like wood or plastic. Most tee nuts have three prongs integrated into the flanged collar, but some of them have four prongs.
Corrosion Resistant
If you’re planning to use it outdoors, you should choose a corrosion-resistant tee nut. Tee nuts are typically made of metal. When exposed to oxygen and moisture, they can oxidize, resulting in corrosion. But there are corrosion-resistant tee nuts available. They are typically made of stainless steel or aluminum, and they are further treated with a protective finish like zinc. Even when exposed to humid or moist environments, they won’t corrode.