What Is a Round Nut?
A round nut is a nut with a cylindrical shape.
It is usually made of metal and is characterized by its cylindrical appearance compared to the common hexagonal nut. It has an axial hole in the center, into which a screw or bolt is inserted, and the screw or bolt is tightened by turning the nut. Because of its cylindrical shape, it is considered more difficult to loosen than a hexagonal nut. This is because the joint of the nut helps distribute the force evenly.
Round nuts are sometimes chosen because stable fastening is required, especially when used in environments subject to vibration or shock. They also have a cylindrical shape and are considered beautiful in appearance. Therefore, they are sometimes used where decorative elements are required.
Round nuts are often used in the assembly of furniture and buildings. Due to their round shape, they are easy to grip and loosen by hand. They are useful for maintenance and repair work.
Uses of Round Nuts
Round nuts are used in a variety of industries and fields because of their beautiful appearance and hard-to-disassemble structure.
1. Furniture
Round nuts are used to fasten or assemble parts. Round nuts may be used especially in wooden and metal furniture.
2. Interior Art Works
Because of its decorative element, round nuts are sometimes used in interior design, artwork, and other situations where aesthetic elements are desired.
3. Automobiles
Round nuts are also used in the assembly and maintenance of automobiles. They are sometimes used to install engine parts, suspension, and other components. Round nuts are stable and do not easily come off, thus improving the safety of the vehicle.
Round nuts for welding are used on thin steel plates when it is difficult to tighten parts by threading. The nuts are pre-fitted by spot welding or other means.
Cross-inserted round nuts can be installed in cases where the connection is structurally difficult or the material is weak.
Principle of Round Nuts
Round nuts are used to fasten parts together and are used with bolts and screws. The round nut tightens the screw or bolt, generating a fastening force. Turning the nut causes the screw or bolt to move axially against the nut, increasing the contact area. This increases the frictional force and tightens the screw or bolt.
Frictional force is an important factor that prevents the screw or bolt from coming off. Round nuts have a cylindrical shape and are characterized by their ability to distribute force evenly. This ensures that the fastening force is evenly distributed around the screw or bolt, enabling stable fastening.
However, proper knowledge is required for fastening operations and usage. For safe use, it is important to observe proper torque and fastening procedures.
Types of Round Nuts
Various types of round nuts exist. It is important to select the appropriate size and material of round nut depending on the usage and requirements. The following are examples of round nut types.
1. General Round Nut
This is a round nut of general shape. It has a cylindrical appearance and a shaft hole in the center. It is used for fastening through screws or bolts.
2. Round Nut With a Flange
This round nut has a flange on the bottom of the cylindrical nut. The flange extends across the surface of the member to be fastened, providing a larger contact area and greater stability. It is also characterized by its resistance to vibration and impact. Because of this feature, it is also used for automobile engine parts.
3. Round Nut With a Horizontal Hole
This round nut has a cylindrical shape but has lateral holes on its side. The lateral holes allow for additional fastening of screws or bolts. By passing a pin or wire through the transverse hole, the screw or bolt can be prevented from loosening or rotating. This improves fastening stability.
Horizontal hole round nuts are sometimes used in automotive sports equipment such as motorcycles and bicycles. They are also widely used in furniture.