A2 Stainless Steel Self-Clinching Press-Fit Nuts are supplied to our own published dimensions — this is a trade-series article rather than one covered by a dimensional standard, so confirm the figures against the part you are replacing. The grade provides good general corrosion resistance and is largely non-magnetic; the practical service range is approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint.
Why Choose A2 Stainless Steel for Self-Clinching Press-Fit Nuts
The most common stainless group for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For self-clinching press-fit nuts, this matters when good general corrosion resistance is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | ISO 3506 group A2 (304 / 1.4301), commonly supplied A2-70 |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Largely non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint |
| Corrosion characteristic | Good general corrosion resistance |
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
Two important notes for stainless self-clinching press-fit nuts: (1) stainless can gall on stainless threads under load — use a thread lubricant or anti-galling compound, especially for M6 and below; (2) when joined to aluminum or galvanized steel, stainless can drive galvanic corrosion of the less-noble metal in wet service — isolate with a coating or sleeve where appropriate.
Comparable Grades
For Self-Clinching Press-Fit Nuts, the alternative stainless grade is A4 (316). Choose A2 (304) for general use and A4 (316) wherever chlorides are present; the molybdenum in A4 is the whole difference. Remember that stainless is the corrosion answer, not the strength answer — for load, look at class 8.8 or 10.9 instead.
Using Stainless Fasteners in Aluminum
Expect the aluminum to corrode, not the fastener — stainless sits higher in the galvanic series, so the aluminum is the one that gives up material. A small fastener in a thick section spreads the loss over a large area and is usually fine; a large fastener in thin sheet concentrates it and is not. Keep water out of the joint, or isolate the two metals with a nylon or coated washer and a sealant.
Sizes of Self-Clinching Press-Fit Nuts Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Thread size | Shank diameter (mm) | Length (mm) | Hole in sheet (mm) | Minimum sheet thickness (mm) | Maximum sheet hardness | Material | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 | 4.20 | 3.30 | 4.22 | 0.8 | HRB 80 | Case-hardened steel | Press, squeeze |
| M4 | 5.40 | 3.80 | 5.42 | 0.8 | HRB 80 | Case-hardened steel | Press, squeeze |
| M5 | 6.35 | 4.20 | 6.38 | 1.0 | HRB 80 | Case-hardened steel | Press, squeeze |
| M6 | 7.95 | 4.80 | 7.98 | 1.0 | HRB 80 | Case-hardened steel | Press, squeeze |
| M8 | 9.55 | 5.70 | 9.58 | 1.5 | HRB 80 | Case-hardened steel | Press, squeeze |
Dimensions are independent of the material: every size above is available in A2 Stainless Steel.
Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing
Need this nut in a grade that is not listed?
A2 Stainless Steel is one of the grades the catalog describes. Thread size is the obvious variable and rarely the interesting one — height for clearance, across-flats for the tool already in the cell, and the locking feature for the vibration actually present. Made by cold heading or tapping.
Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.
