When using bolts to connect two or more objects, you should consider the material from which the objects are made. Bolts are versatile and can be used with a variety of materials, including wood, aluminum, steel and titanium. Soft or brittle materials, however, may not work. Driving a bolt directly through a soft or brittle object may cause the object to break. Fortunately, Jack-Nut threaded inserts offer a solution.
What Are Jack-Nut Threaded Inserts?
Jack-Nut threaded inserts are blind fasteners with a threaded interior. Also known simply as Jack Nuts, they are designed for use with bolts, which securely connect to their threaded interior. Jack-Nut Threaded Inserts have a threaded ring — just like traditional nuts. This threaded section allows them to connect to fasteners with external threading.
Rather than driving a bolt directly into a soft or brittle object, you can install a Jack-Nut threaded insert. You can install a bolt in the Jack-Nut threaded insert without compromising the object’s integrity.
Jack-Nut threaded inserts are commonly used in the following industries:
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Electronics
- Heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC)
- And more
How Jack-Nut Threaded Inserts Work
Jack-Nut threaded inserts work by collapsing when the bolt is tightened. Before using a Jack-Nut threaded insert, you’ll need to drill a hole in the object. You can then place the Jack-Nut threaded insert inside of the hole.
With the Jack-Nut threaded insert in place, you can proceed with the bolt. Place the bolt over the insert, and using a special tool, tighten the bolt. Tightening the bolt will cause the sides of the Jack-Nut threaded insert to collapse, thereby securing it to the object.
Reasons to Use Jack-Nut Threaded Inserts
Why should you use Jack-Nut threaded inserts exactly? For starters, they reduce stress on the objects with which they are used. As the sides of a Jack-Nut threaded insert collapse during installation, “legs” are created. These legs distribute the bolt’s load across a wide area so that the object is protected from stress-induced damage.
Jack-nut threaded inserts are blind fasteners. Like other blind fasteners, they only require access to one side of the object. Even if you can’t access the back of an object, for instance, you can still install a Jack-Nut threaded insert in it.
Another reason to use Jack-Nut threaded inserts is to protect against vibration-related loosening. Other types of fasteners may loosen when exposed to vibrations. The expanded legs of Jack-Nut threaded inserts, though, offer a more stable anchor point that resists vibrations.