Difference Between Nuts and Nutplates

Posted on September 16, 2022 Jerold Perkins Aviation

Across many industries, fasteners are used to secure parts of machinery and other components in place during operation. From screws to nuts, bolts, and so much more, there are countless types of fasteners available on the market, all of which function differently. Deciding which fasteners to use for your applications can be tricky, so it is helpful to understand the general designs and functions of some of the more popular fastener types. For your better knowledge, this blog will explore both nuts and nutplates, two separate types of internally threaded fasteners. With similar names but different advantages, it is useful to be able to distinguish between the two when deciding which to procure for your operations. 

Nuts are internally threaded fasteners that are designed to be used in tandem with an internally threaded fastener like a bolt. Together, these fasteners will secure whichever components they are used with in place. The nut will be inserted through a hole in the material and through the bolt on the other side, where it locks into place as the threading of each line up. To fully secure the two, the nut should be twisted onto its mating fastener. When fully tightened, the nut will press against the back of the materials, while the head of the bolt or other fastener will press against the front of the materials.

Similar, but not identical in function, nutplates are also designed to be used in tandem with an internally threaded fastener; however, a nutplate consists of a built-in nut and a mountable frame. Typically made from stamped metal, the nut of the nutplate is internally threaded and works well with bolts or other externally threaded fasteners. The plate or frame is then used for mounting purposes on the back of the secured materials or any given surface.

Given their slightly different designs, nuts and nutplates work slightly differently. Despite the fact that they both feature internal threading, a nut can be twisted directly onto the back of a threaded fastener, but nutplates must be mounted prior to inserting the threaded fastener. When mounting nutplates, one can use parts like rivets by inserting them through a set of two holes on either side of the threaded nut. Furthermore, you can procure different fastener types of nutplates, such as fixed nuts and floating nuts. Fixed anchor nuts feature a stationary nut that will not move after the nutplate has been mounted. On the other hand, floating anchor nuts feature a moveable nut that can move slightly for positioning purposes, even after the nutplate has been mounted.

Regardless of the specific nut, nutplate, or other fastener you require for your operations, Aerospace Exchange has you covered with unbeatable cost savings and rapid lead times. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we boast access to an unparalleled inventory of over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find part types from trusted manufacturers around the globe. To begin procuring any of the high-caliber item(s) we have in-stock and available for purchase, simply browse our website and submit a Request for Quote (RFQ) form for any parts that stand out.

Through our Instant Quote service, a member of our team of market experts will provide you with a custom quote for your comparisons, all within 15 minutes or less. We only ask that you please include all details relevant to your purchase, such as desired quantities, shipping deadlines, and target prices. With around-the-clock service, we are always available to answer your calls and emails, so contact us with any questions at any time, 24/7x365!

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