What Are Wing Nuts and Their Common Types?

Wing nuts follow specifications such as ASME B18.17 or DIN 315, and they generally all feature the same metallic wings that give them their name. For the threaded part of the fastener, a hexagonal shape is most common, and they are designed to twist around the end of a bolt or screw for tightening. As such, they create the same reliable joint as many other nut and bolt assemblies, all while not requiring any special tools for installation. This is their main advantage and selling-point, allowing for a fastening solution to be created with low effort.
 
Depending on one’s needs, there are four main types of wing nuts,those of which are Type A, B, C, and D variations. Type A wing nuts are either cold forged or cold-formed, and they come in regular, heavy, and light dimensional types. Type B wing nuts, on the other hand, are hot forged, and they vary in the design of their wings. The Type C wing nut is die-cast, and they are available in regular and heavy dimensional types. As the final variation, Type D wing nuts are sheet metal stamped and follow Type B wing nuts with different wing styles being available.
 
Alongside manufacturing methods and styles, wing nuts may also vary in their construction materials, size, and other characteristics. The most common materials that are used for wing nut production include stainless steel, copper, plastic, aluminum, and other various ferrous alloys. If corrosion is a concern, then zinc plating may be used as well. With the sizing of wing nuts, the decision often comes down to nominal thread diameters. By following a standard list of diameters that range from M3 to M20, one can ensure that they procure a fastener that has the pitch, body height, wing width, and overall height that is necessary for the application in question.
 
With the properties and capabilities of wing nuts, coupled with their installation method, such fastener types are primarily used in applications that do not require a high amount of torque. They are also useful in assemblies where frequent disassembly and assembly may occur. As a result, common applications include fastening furniture, bicycles, car batteries, marine accessories, and more.
 
If you are in the market for top-quality aircraft fasteners, hardware fasteners, and other forms of hardware, we have you covered here on Simplified Purchasing. Currently, customers can peruse over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find parts that are ready for purchase at any time, and our RFQ service will ensure that you can receive customized quotes for your comparisons before you make a decision. As our team members are available around the clock, you can give us a call or email at any time, and we would be more than happy to assist you however we can!