Product and application brief
A cage nut combines an internally threaded nut with a separate formed cage. In the square-hole sheet-metal form illustrated here, spring tabs retain the assembly at the panel opening. Specify the complete assembly and mating panel, not just a square nut or a thread diameter.
Product forms and reference names
| Choice or field | What to identify |
|---|---|
| Square-hole spring-cage assembly | Bossard BN 3307 provides an original catalogue example of a threaded nut retained by a formed cage. Its sheet-thickness selection is separate from thread size; the BN reference is not a universal standard. |
| Selected mounting interface | Use the exact cage drawing, engagement tabs and panel-hole shape. Do not assume that every product sold as a cage nut uses the same hole or fits the same sheet. |
| Nut and cage material | Identify the nut body and cage separately. A finish or material designation for one component does not automatically specify the other. |
Panel hole and sheet thickness
Provide the panel opening dimensions, corner details, sheet thickness and available clearance behind the panel. The cage tabs must match the selected interface. Bossard's catalogue includes sheet-thickness selection; no universal thickness range or hole size is asserted here.
Cage retention and thread alignment
Describe tab orientation, cage envelope, permitted nut movement and access for the selected installation route. Limited movement within a cage is not evidence of a specified floating travel or vibration-resistant connection. Any such requirement needs exact product documentation.
Separate similar-looking nut families
A plain square nut has no spring cage. A weld nut attaches through its specified weld features. A speed clip nut engages a different clip arrangement. A self-clinching nut is retained by its selected sheet installation interface; these families should not be substituted by appearance alone.
Catalogue identity and documentation
BN 3307 is a Bossard catalogue identity, not a DIN or ISO compliance claim. Supply the selected manufacturer's reference or controlled drawing and revision, with any mechanical or inspection requirements. Actual dimensions, installation instructions and assembly performance remain product-specific.
Specification fields
| Choice or field | What to identify |
|---|---|
| Thread | Metric diameter and pitch or inch designation; mating screw and required fit. |
| Panel | Hole shape and size, sheet thickness, edge/corner geometry and rear clearance. |
| Cage | Body envelope, retaining tabs, orientation and required nut movement. |
| Assembly | Complete nut-and-cage quantity; separate materials and finishes; included parts. |
| Documents | Selected reference/drawing revision, inspection requirements and unresolved fields. |
Common product questions
Is a cage nut simply a square nut?
No. The cage and panel-retention interface are part of the complete product.
Does one M6 cage nut fit every rack or panel?
No. Thread size does not establish panel-hole or sheet-thickness compatibility.
Does the cage establish a locking or load rating?
No. Such claims require the exact assembly and applicable product evidence.
Related product choices
Product references
References checked 9 October 2026 identify structures, not FastenerBridge stock, certification or brand affiliation. Final requirements follow the selected specification. No universal dimensions, load rating or tightening torque is stated.