CAGE NUTS

Cage Nuts | Cage Nut / Lock | Cage Nuts / Stainless Steel

Available Sizes: M3 – M12

Materials:

• Cage – Carbon Spring Steel Nut – Low Carbon Mild Steel
• Also available in Stainless Steel and other specifications upon request

Finishes: Zinc (standard) and other finishes available to customer requirements

Overview

Cage nuts, also referred to as captive nuts, are a two-part fastening solution consisting of a square nut encased within a spring steel cage. The cage incorporates two compressible lugs, allowing the assembly to be easily inserted into a pre-punched square hole. Once in place, the lugs expand to secure the nut behind the panel, providing a stable and replaceable threaded insert.

This design makes cage nuts particularly suitable for use in materials that are too thin or soft to be threaded, offering enhanced versatility across a range of applications.

Key Features

• Size Flexibility: M3 to M12 available, with other sizes and specifications available to order.
• Alignment Tolerance: The nut sits slightly loose within the cage, permitting minor positional adjustments to reduce thread misalignment during installation.
• Replaceable Thread: In case of thread damage or over-tightening, the nut can be replaced without compromising the mounting panel.
• Material Versatility: Suitable for steel, stainless steel, or custom materials and finishes to suit technical requirements.

Applications

Cage nuts are widely used in:

• Server Racks and Enclosures: Commonly mounted into square-holed mounting rails to support IT and electrical hardware.
• Cabinets and Front Panels: For fast, secure assembly with allowance for future reconfiguration.
• Electrical and Electronic Equipment: Where rapid installation and component servicing are required.
• General Industrial Assemblies: Offering a clean, reliable fastening method in applications where standard nuts and threads are not viable.

Customisation & Special Options

Nufast offers cage nuts in a range of finishes and alternative materials, including full stainless steel variants for enhanced corrosion resistance. Custom sizes, thread types, and finishes are available upon request to meet specific project or industry standards.

We also offer support for:

• Volume call-off agreements
• Just-in-time (JIT) delivery
• Long-term scheduling aligned to your production forecasts

Custom Fastener Solutions

Beyond standard components, Nufast specialises in engineered fastening solutions tailored to complex design criteria. Our expertise includes:

• Non-standard thread profiles and tolerances
• Bespoke geometries and projections (studs, flanges, drive features)
• Specialist coatings, plating, and corrosion protection
• Batch-level traceability, with full inspection and quality documentation

From prototype development through to full-scale production, our in-house engineering team works closely with customers to ensure functional integrity, manufacturability, and supply continuity.

Contact Technical Support

For technical enquiries, stock checks, or custom solution discussions, please contact the Nufast technical team:

T: +44 (0)1543 270 700
E: info@nufast.com

Alternatively, submit your enquiry using the form below, and a member of our team will respond shortly.