T-nut

A T-nut, T nut, or tee nut (also known as a blind nut,[1] which can however also refer to a rivet nut or an insert nut, and likewise drive-in nut[2]) is a type of nut used to fasten a wood, particle or composite materials workpiece, leaving a flush surface.

For the hold down type of fastener used for work-holding in machine tools, see T-slot nut.
T-nuts. The left one has been inserted in the wood and a bolt has been screwed in from the other side.

It has a long, thin body and a flange at one end, resembling a T in profile. The flanges of T-nuts often have hooks or serrations on the prongs that dig into a wooden work piece as the bolt is tightened from the opposite side of the piece, providing better retention.

In 1969, the first four-prong T-nut with an eight-sided base was patented. Unlike standard round base T-nuts, eight-sided T-nuts can be fed efficiently and reliably via machine. The eight-sided T-nut base has become the standard configuration for T-nuts inserted by machine.[3][4][5]

See also
  • T-slot nuts, which are used in work-holding in machine tools. T-slot nuts fit in T-section slots in the machine work-table and are used in conjunction with studs and clamps to provide flexible means of holding workpieces in place.
  • Weld nuts, which are similar in appearance to t-nuts. They lack the prongs which penetrate into wood. Weld nuts are usually spot-welded into place on metal.

References
  1. Airfield Models - Threaded Fasteners used in Model Airplanes
  2. 4 PRONG DRIVE IN NUT FOR WOOD (T-NUT) ZINC PLATED Kays Fasteners, accessed 2019-09-09.
  3. US 3480061, Leistner, Walter Hermann, "Fastener member", issued 1969-11-25.
  4. Our history, archived from the original on 2009-01-05, retrieved 2009-10-21.
  5. About Sigma, retrieved 2009-10-21.
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