four claw nut

I. Core Structural Feature: Four Uniformly Distributed Elastic Claws Extending from the Bottom of the Nut Body
The most distinctive feature of a four-claw nut (also known as a four-claw riveted nut) is that four uniformly distributed elastic claws extend from the bottom of the nut body (the claws are in an inclined or hook-like structure). Different from the smooth bottom of ordinary hexagonal nuts and riveted nuts, this structure directly determines its fixing principle and application scenarios:
Claw Shape: Most four-claw nuts have "outwardly expanding inclined claws" or "inwardly buckled barbed claws". During installation, the claws undergo plastic deformation, embed into the surface or interior of the connected part, and form a mechanical interlock.
Body Structure: The main body of the nut is usually hexagonal (for easy tightening with a wrench) or circular, with a standard internal thread (such as M3, M4, M5, etc.) drilled in the center. Some models are designed with anti-slip lines on the top of the main body to reduce slippage during tightening.
II. Installation Characteristics: No Tapping Required, Quick Fixing
The installation logic of four-claw nuts is "replacing threaded connection with mechanical interlock of claws". Therefore, no pre-tapping is needed on the connected part during installation, the procedure is simple, and the requirements for the base material are low:
No Preprocessing Needed: The connected part only needs to be drilled with a "through hole matching the nut body" (no thread required), which eliminates processes such as tapping and thread cutting. It is especially suitable for thin plates (such as cold-rolled steel plates and aluminum alloy plates) with a thickness of < 2mm.
Flexible Installation Methods: Fixing can be completed by "press riveting" (using a press to press the claws into the base material) or "tap riveting" (lightly tapping the main body with a hammer to deform and embed the claws). Some small-sized four-claw nuts can even be installed manually.
High Stability After Installation: After the claws deform, they form an "irreversible mechanical interlock" with the base material. The nut will not rotate with the tightening of the bolt, which solves the problem that ordinary nuts are prone to slipping and loosening on thin plates.
III. Performance Characteristics: Suitable for Thin-Walled/Soft Materials, Excellent Anti-Loosening Performance
The performance design of four-claw nuts is optimized around the "fastening needs of thin-walled parts", and its core advantages are reflected in adaptability and stability:
Wide Compatibility with Base Materials: It is not only suitable for thin metal plates (steel, aluminum, copper) but also for non-metallic materials with low hardness (such as ABS plastic and phenolic resin plates). The elastic deformation of the claws can avoid cracking of soft base materials, while providing sufficient fixing force through interlocking.
Outstanding Anti-Loosening Performance: Traditional nuts rely on thread friction for anti-loosening, while four-claw nuts achieve double fixing through "mechanical interlock of claws + thread fastening". In vibrating environments (such as household appliances and auto parts), their anti-loosening effect is better than that of ordinary nuts.
Moderate Load-Bearing Capacity: Due to the limited interlocking area of the claws, their tensile and shear strength are lower than those of welded nuts or heavy-duty riveted nuts. They are more suitable for light-load fastening scenarios (such as fixing panels, decorative parts, and small electronic components) and are not recommended for load-bearing structures.