What are plastic wing nuts used for?
Traditional nuts vs. wing nuts
All nuts are types of fasteners with threaded holes to secure bolts, and sometimes screws. Traditional nuts are hexagonal in shape, with six sides to make it easier to install and remove with a wrench. But what is a wing nut? How do wing nuts work?
This guide answers these questions, plus:
A wing nut is also known as a butterfly nut or butterfly wing nut due to the two tabs – or wings – on opposite sides of the nut. An example is shown here in the technical drawing, although there are different styles. Thanks to these wings, it’s even easier to use than a hexagonal nut, giving you a sure grip for tightening and loosening without the need for tools. Metal versions sometimes require a wing-nut spanner for high-torque applications. Otherwise, you can even install a steel wing nut by hand
Like traditional nuts, wing nuts hold two or more materials together using a bolt. Applying the wing nut is just a matter of screwing it on, like any other nut. You can learn more about nuts in our guide What are the different types of nuts and bolts?
Plastic wing-nut applications
Both plastic and metal butterfly nuts are ideal for low-torque applications. There are two opinions on whether or not wing nuts can be used where high vibration is present, as they can loosen. That said, plastic – particularly nylon – does a good job of standing up to vibration. In fact, plastic wing nuts have been proven to provide a secure joint when installed correctly, but you should always test any nut before making a decision.
An advantage to metal is that decorative wing nuts are available, typically in cast iron or brass to give an antique or vintage feel. This is certainly an option you should consider if the nut will be visible, and if the aesthetics of your application is important. If not, it’s hard to justify the extra cost.
Plastic is ideal when you need insulation or lightweight properties. They’re used when quick and frequent access is needed to adjust bolt tightness, and resist corrosion. Common examples of applications for plastic wing nuts and bolts include:
- Lids on machinery
- Office chairs and other furniture – easy for making adjustments
- Medical equipment
- Plumbing – allows for fast joining and separation of plastic pipes
- Marine – ideal for racing shells for rowing, particularly for fastening rigging
Plastic wing-nut styles
The unique features of these three styles include:
Nylon 6/6 wing nut
- Grooved wings provide extra grip for even faster tightening and loosening
- Molded-in locking thread for higher-torque applications or more secure assemblies
- Available in copolyester
Copolyester wing nut
- Wings positioned to allow ease of use in restricted spaces, giving a lower footprint overall
- Quick application and release – press sides to easily slide the wing nut on and off
- Transparent
Nylon 6/6 wing nut
- Large wing-nut tabs for easy grip
- Easily tightened and loosened without the need for tools
Sizes
It’s the nominal thread diameter that determines the size of a wing nut. Common imperial sizes typically range from around #6 to 3/4". Sizes less than 1/4" are listed as a number size, such as #4. Sizes 1/4" and larger are specified in inches, such as a 3/8" wing nut.
Wing nut sizes vary, and not all types are available in each size. The biggest difference between metric and standard is in how threads are specified. Standard fasteners are either Unified National Coarse Thread (UNC) or Unified National Fine Thread (UNT).
Metric threads are specified by pitch in millimeters (mm). This is the distance measured between the peaks of two adjacent threads. Common metric sizes include an M4 wing nut, M5 wing nut, M6 wing nut, and an M8 wing nut. You can even find an M12 wing nut.
Imperial fastener standards measure threads by TPI: threads per inch. You simply count the number of threads that cover a one-inch distance. You can learn more about measuring fasteners in our guide What’s the difference between metric and standard fasteners?
Essentra plastic wing nuts are available in these sizes:
Style 1: plastic wing-nut dimensions: imperial
|
Thread size |
UNC |
Wing span |
Height |
||
|
|
|
In. |
mm |
In. |
mm. |
|
#4 |
40 |
0.625 |
15.9 |
0.313 |
7.9 |
|
#6 |
32 |
0.625 |
15.9 |
0.313 |
7.9 |
|
#8 |
32 |
0.625 |
15.9 |
0.313 |
7.9 |
|
#10 |
24 |
0.875 |
22.2 |
0.438 |
11.1 |
|
#10 |
32 |
0.875 |
22.2 |
0.438 |
11.1 |
|
1/4" |
20 |
1.172 |
29.7 |
0.531 |
13.5 |
|
5/16" |
18 |
1.563 |
39.7 |
0.453 |
11.5 |
|
3/8" |
16 |
1.563 |
39.7 |
0.453 |
11.5 |
|
3/8" |
24 |
1.563 |
39.7 |
0.453 |
11.5 |
Style 1: plastic wing-nut dimensions: metric
|
Thread size |
Wing span |
Height |
||
|
mm. |
in. |
mm. |
in. |
|
|
M4 |
16.0 |
0.63 |
8.0 |
0.315 |
|
M5 |
22.0 |
0.874 |
11.1 |
0.437 |
|
M6 |
29.7 |
0.528 |
13.4 |
1.169 |
Style 2: plastic wing-nut dimensions: imperial
|
Thread size |
UNC |
Wing span |
Height |
||
|
|
|
in. |
mm. |
in. |
mm. |
|
#8 |
32 |
0.625 |
15.9 |
0.453 |
11.5 |
|
#10 |
24 |
0.625 |
15.9 |
0.453 |
11.5 |
|
#10 |
32 |
0.625 |
15.9 |
0.453 |
11.5 |
|
1/4" |
20 |
0.625 |
15.9 |
0.453 |
11.5 |
Style 3: plastic wing-nut dimensions: imperial
|
Thread size |
UNC |
Wing span |
Height |
||
|
|
|
In. |
mm |
In. |
mm. |
|
#4 |
40 |
0.900 |
22.9 |
0.480 |
12.2 |
|
#6 |
32 |
0.900 |
22.9 |
0.480 |
12.2 |
|
#8 |
32 |
0.900 |
22.9 |
0.480 |
12.2 |
|
#10 |
24 |
0.900 |
22.9 |
0.480 |
12.2 |
|
#10 |
32 |
0.900 |
22.9 |
0.480 |
12.2 |
|
#10 |
24 |
1.090 |
27.7 |
0.630 |
16.3 |
|
#10 |
32 |
1.090 |
27.7 |
0.630 |
16.3 |
|
1/4" |
20 |
1.090 |
27.7 |
0.630 |
16.3 |
|
1/4" |
28 |
1.090 |
27.7 |
0.630 |
16.3 |
|
1/4" |
20 |
1.360 |
34.5 |
0.710 |
18.0 |
|
1/4" |
28 |
1.360 |
34.5 |
0.710 |
18.0 |
|
5/16" |
18 |
1.370 |
34.8 |
0.720 |
18.3 |
|
3/8" |
24 |
1.370 |
34.8 |
0.720 |
18.3 |
|
7/16" |
14 |
1.760 |
44.7 |
0.900 |
22.9 |
|
1/2" |
13 |
1.760 |
44.7 |
0.900 |
22.9 |
|
9/16" |
12 |
1.760 |
44.7 |
0.900 |
22.9 |
Style 3: plastic wing-nut dimensions: metric
|
Thread size |
Wing span |
Height |
||
|
mm. |
in. |
mm. |
in. |
|
|
M4 |
22.8 |
0.874 |
12.2 |
0.48 |
|
M5 |
22.8 |
0.874 |
12.2 |
0.48 |
|
M6 |
27.7 |
1.091 |
16.0 |
0.63 |
|
M8 |
34.8 |
1.370 |
18.3 |
0.72 |
|
M10 |
34.8 |
1.370 |
18.3 |
0.72 |
|
M12 |
44.7 |
1.760 |
22.7 |
0.894 |
Download free CADs and try before you buy
Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also request free samples to make sure you’ve chosen exactly what you need. If you’re not quite sure which solution will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.
Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast despatch. Request your free samples or download free CADs now.
Questions?
Email us at sales@essentracomponents.com or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 800-847-0486.