Cage nuts are handy when you need a secure way to fasten threaded equipment to a surface with threaded holes. Whether you’re securing your device’s mounting bracket or need to mount a server rack, various cage nuts that cater to specific needs are available in the market. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different types of cage nuts available in the market and their applications.
Cage Nuts – Types, Uses and Application
Standard Cage Nuts:
As the name suggests, standard cage nuts are the most common type available in the market. They are typically made from stamped metal like steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. These cage nuts are designed to be inserted into a square or round hole in a sheet metal surface, where they will then expand and lock in place. They are particularly useful when a secure and easy-to-install connection is required.
Round Cage Nuts:
Round cage nuts are all-purpose nuts that support lightweight equipment like electronic enclosures, server racks, and instrument enclosures. Round cage nuts’ versatility makes them popular in various industries, making them widely available in hardware stores. Round cage nuts have spring-loaded tabs that snap into place, allowing for quick installation and easy removal without any tools.
Serrated Cage Nuts:
Serrated cage nuts are similar to standard cage nuts in their function and design, with one key difference: they feature serrated teeth around the edges that help increase their grip and hold them more firmly in place. These cage nuts are perfect for applications where vibration is a concern or where there is a need for extra stability.
Square Cage Nuts:
Square cage nuts are suitable for use in applications with rectangular holes. Square cage nuts are typically used where lightweight equipment and electrical devices must be fastened securely. In addition to providing a tight, firm grip in these rectangular mounting holes, square cage nuts can accommodate various accessories and brackets. Square nuts are particularly ideal for racks, panels, and servers that require high stability.
Weld Nut Cage Nuts:
Weld nut cage nuts are a type of cage nut welded to a metal surface. This type of cage nut provides a permanent and secure connection that is ideal for situations where a strong and reliable joint is essential. Weld nut cage nuts are particularly useful for large, heavy-duty applications like machinery and industrial equipment.
Top Hat Cage Nuts:
Top Hat Cage Nuts are perfect for heavier applications requiring stronger nuts to keep the equipment and devices in place. Top Hat Cage Nuts have a split cage design, providing superior resistance to the standard round or square cage nuts. Top hat cage nuts allow equipment to be fastened securely, which makes them a popular choice in high-vibration environments, such as engines and other moving machinery—usually, top hat nuts with an improved split cage design come with an anti-vibration coating.
Floating Cage Nuts:
Floating cage nuts have self-aligning threads that allow easy installation and alignment, preventing damage from marring the threads. The floating design allows for better tolerance with positional offsets and limits the mounting surfaces’ stress. These cage nuts provide maximum clamping force and are ideal for applications with high vibration and stress.
Strut Cage Nuts:
Strut cage nuts are ideal for use in heavy-duty applications where the combined weight of the equipment requires a more robust clamping force. Strut nuts provide a more robust torque, allowing greater stability when securing the equipment. They are typically used with strut channels and extrusions, providing high clamp loads suitable for several industrial equipment and electrical applications.
Spring Steel Cage Nuts:
Spring steel cage nuts are a newer type of cage nut that has recently risen in popularity. These cage nuts are usually composed of a spring steel material that can easily be compressed and inserted into the designated hole. This type of cage nut is famous for its excellent holding power and can be removed and reused multiple times.
Conclusion:
Cage nuts are a versatile and useful tool in various industrial and electrical applications. As you can see, different cage nuts cater to different needs, and depending on the job, you may need to choose between round cage nuts, square cage nuts, top hat cage nuts, floating cage nuts, or strut cage nuts. Understanding the different types and applications allows you to select the ideal cage nut that best suits your needs.
Sakshee is a talented blogger, with a particular focus on the Business and Metal Industry. She is passionate about sharing her insights on various metal products and helping professionals to make a better decisions.
