Product and application brief
A panel-edge clip nut combines a formed clip with a screw-receiving feature. Its folded arms fit around a defined sheet edge and locate the screw interface over the panel hole. Choose the clip and mating screw together: a similar U-shaped outline does not establish thread compatibility or panel fit.
Product forms and reference names
| Choice or field | What to identify |
|---|---|
| Impression-type screw interface | ARaymond's U-shaped Speed Nut catalogue lists selected screw designations, including self-tapping forms. Identify the exact screw-receiving impression and corresponding screw; do not assume it is a fully tapped machine-screw barrel. |
| Tapped-barrel panel-edge nut | ARaymond separately describes a U-nut with a threaded barrel. The illustration on this page represents this general construction, not every speed nut. Threaded barrel and folded panel-retaining arms are separate selection features. |
| Metric and selected locking variants | Bossard BN 38797 identifies a catalogue example for metric screws. Other catalogue entries identify self-tapping or specifically described locking variants. BN and maker codes are product identities, not universal DIN/ISO standards or interchangeable equivalents. |
Panel thickness and edge access
Specify actual sheet thickness, coating condition, edge shape and available access for the selected clip. The spring opening must match the referenced part. A nominal screw size alone does not determine which sheet thickness it accepts.
Throat distance and hole alignment
Give the distance from the panel edge to the screw-hole centre, panel-hole size and clip envelope. Longer-throat and short-throat constructions are distinct order choices. Include surrounding interference and clearance through the lower arm; use the selected drawing's measurement convention.
Match the screw-receiving feature
State the mating screw designation, diameter, pitch or specified self-tapping form, screw point and engagement requirement. Keep metric machine screw, inch machine screw and self-tapping designations separate. A punched impression is not evidence that any screw of similar diameter will work.
Retention is not a universal locking claim
A clip retained at a panel edge is not automatically a vibration-resistant screw joint. A catalogue's stated locking behaviour belongs to that exact part and screw combination. No generic loosening torque, tightening torque, load capacity or reuse guarantee is given here.
Separate clip nuts from cage and clinch nuts
A cage nut retains a separate nut body in a cage and commonly uses a different panel opening. A self-clinching nut uses a specified installed sheet interface. A general spring clip may have no screw-receiving feature at all. Do not substitute these families by appearance.
Specify material and finish independently
Give the clip material and required finish using a controlled specification. Supplier material and coating examples do not prove our production scope, corrosion performance or stock. Include inspection and traceability requirements without turning a catalogue reference into a supply approval.
Specification fields
| Choice or field | What to identify |
|---|---|
| Part identity | Exact maker/part reference or drawing and revision; impression type, tapped barrel or another identified screw interface. |
| Screw | Metric/inch or self-tapping designation, diameter and pitch, point and required engagement; selected mating screw reference. |
| Panel | Sheet thickness and finish, edge geometry, panel-hole dimensions, hole-centre distance from edge and installation access. |
| Clip geometry | Throat depth, length, width, arm clearance, barrel or impression position; units and controlled tolerances. |
| Order and records | Required material/finish, quantity in clip nuts, included screws if needed and inspection documents. |
Common product questions
Can the same clip nut accept machine and self-tapping screws?
Do not assume so. Identify the selected screw interface and the exact mating screw.
Is a clip nut the same as a cage nut?
No. A folded panel-edge clip with a screw feature differs from a separate nut held in a panel-mounted cage.
Does the spring clip make every joint self-locking?
No universal locking claim follows from clip shape. Any required locking performance needs product-specific 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.