Cap Nuts
Cap nuts, sometimes known as acorn nuts, are useful types of hardware that serve a great purpose in many different types of projects. However, the uses and benefits of these products are often taken for granted. Let's take a closer look at the many uses and advantages of this type of nut.
What is a Cap Nut?
Acorn cap nuts have a domed head, giving a finished appearance and covering exposed threads. This not only provides a clean look but also gives a level of protection. Acorn nuts look like a normal nut with a rounded dome affixed to its top, which is where they get the name of acorn nuts.
What are Cap Nuts Used For?
Acorn cap nuts are incredibly versatile and have a wide range of uses. Some of these may include the following:
- Decorative functions - In cases where aesthetics matter, cap nuts often play an essential role. They're more presentable than standard nuts or wing nuts.
- Outdoor constructions - Cap nuts often play a part in outdoor constructions like handrails when a visually appealing finish is needed.
- Light fixtures - Acorn nuts are often used in light fixtures where they play a part in affixing the light and creating a rounded appearance.
- Furniture assembly -. Thanks to their sleek, rounded appearance, acorn nuts are often used in the construction of furniture.
Benefits of a Cap Nut
There are many advantages to using cap nuts in your projects, including the following:
- Cap nuts of stainless steel are highly resistant to corrosion and offer a polished appearance at the same time.
- They look a lot nicer than normal nuts or wing nuts.
- They offer protection to the exposed threads of bolts, thread rods, and other threaded fasteners.
- You can find them in many sizes in which bolts are available.
Cap Nut Considerations
When you're trying to select cap nuts and bolts, there are a few things you should bear in mind, including the following:
- Since acorn nuts have a closed end, the mating fastener's exposed threads must be short enough to allow the nut to be fully tightened.
- The hex portion under the cap allows for installation with sockets, wrenches, and nut drivers.
- The domed portion is internally threaded and protects the external threads of the mating fastener.
- Cap nuts can be used with screws and bolts or any other externally threaded items that have a machined thread.