Captive Nuts

Captive Nuts — Weld Nuts, Cage Nuts & Rivet Nuts

Captive nuts install a fixed or floating threaded insert into sheet metal, panels, and structural sections — providing a threaded fastening point where through-nut access is not available or where nut retention during assembly is required. AIMS Industrial sells captive nuts including weld nuts, rivet nuts (nutserts), cage nuts, and floating panel nuts for sheet metal fabrication, rack mounting, and enclosure assembly.

Captive Nut Types We Stock

• Weld Nuts (Spot Weld Nuts): Weld nuts are resistance-spot-welded to the back of sheet metal panels — providing a strong, fixed threaded boss without nut access from the rear. Available in M4 to M12 metric and hexagonal base configurations. Used in automotive, sheet metal enclosures, and structural fabrication.
• Rivet Nuts (Nutserts): Rivet nuts install a threaded insert into a pre-drilled hole from one side only — the body collapses behind the sheet as the mandrel is drawn, clamping the nut in position.
• Cage Nuts: Cage nuts clip into square holes in rack-mount framing and server enclosures — the captive cage holds the nut in position for one-handed bolt insertion. Industry standard for 19" rack mounting in server rooms, switchboards, and data centre infrastructure.
• Spring Cage Floating Nuts: Floating cage nuts allow minor positional adjustment — the nut floats within the cage, accommodating hole misalignment between mating panels and components. Important in high-volume assembly where panel hole alignment variation is expected.

Captive Nut Selection Guide

• Installation Method: Weld nuts require resistance welding equipment. Rivet nuts require a rivet nut tool (threaded mandrel puller). Cage nuts clip in without tools. Select the captive nut type based on available installation equipment and production process.
• Sheet Thickness Range: Rivet nuts and weld nuts have a specified sheet thickness range — the clamping or weld must be effective within the material gauge being used. Confirm the sheet thickness is within the nut's specified grip range before selection.
• Material Compatibility: Use aluminium rivet nuts in aluminium sheet to prevent galvanic corrosion. Steel rivet nuts and weld nuts in mild steel. Stainless steel captive nut variants are available for corrosive environments.

Australian Business, Local Supply: As a proudly Australian business since 1988, we stock locally and work with trusted local Australian manufacturers and distributors to ensure fast, reliable supply.

Expert Support: Need help buying the right product for your application? Contact our team for application-specific advice or request a quote.

See our full fasteners range including hex nuts, flanged nuts, lock washers, Nuts and Bolts.