Nuts play an important role in many assemblies. They are installed on the ends of threaded fasteners to create a clamping force. A threaded fastener, such as a bolt, is inserted through two or more objects. A nut is then twisted onto the end of the threaded fastener to secure the assembly with a clamping force. While hex nuts are the most common, however, there are also cage nuts.
What Are Hex Nuts?
Hex nuts are standard nuts with a hexagonal body and internal threading. As their name suggests, they have six sides, resulting in a hexagonal shape.
All hex nuts have internal threading, allowing them to connect to fasteners with exterior threading. When you twist a hex nut onto the end of a threaded fastener, it will press against the fastener to create a clamping force. This clamping force will hold the fastener in place, preventing it from falling out of the objects in which it’s inserted.
What Are Cage Nuts?
Cage nuts are specialized nuts consisting of a square-shaped body with internal threading. They receive their namesake from their cage-like body. The cage contains the nut’s internal threading.
Like hex nuts, cage nuts create a clamping force. They feature internal threading that mates with the exterior threading of a bolt or similar fastener. Tightening a bolt onto a cage nut will create a clamping force to secure the assembly.
Differences Between Hex and Cage Nuts
While they are both used in conjunction with threaded fasteners to create a clamping force, hex nuts and cage nuts aren’t the same.
Aside from being shaped differently, hex nut and cage nuts are installed differently. Hex nuts are twisted onto the end of a threaded fastener, whereas a threaded fastener is typically twisted into cage nuts.
When inspecting cage nuts, you may notice that they have tab-like wings. These wings are used to install them in rails. Pinching the wings will compress them, allowing you to slide the cage nut into a rail. Releasing the wings will expand them back to their original size, thereby
Cage nuts are typically used for blind installations. Once installed in a rail, they will accommodate a threaded fastener. You don’t need to access the rail or the nut itself to install the fastener. Assuming the nut is properly aligned with the fastener, the two pieces will connect.
Hex nuts offer a greater level of freedom for torque adjustments. You can use a wrench or socket to tighten or loosen them. Placing the tool around a hex nut and turning it will adjust the nut’s torque. Cage nuts, on the other hand, don’t support these tools. They are square-shaped, so you can’t use a wrench or socket on them. Instead, you’ll have to adjust the fastener with which the cage nut is used.
In Conclusion
Hex nuts remain the go-to choice for general fastening jobs where both sides of the assembly are easily accessible and precise torque adjustments are needed. Cage nuts, on the other hand, are ideal for rails, racks and other enclosed installations where access is limited.