Clip-On Nuts
129 ProductsClip-On Nuts
LILY Bearing stocks 129 clip-on nuts — in Inch (106 SKUs) and Metric (23 SKUs) — across 10 styles that clip onto the edge of sheet metal or panels without drilling, tapping, or welding. Use the filters below, or the comparison table, to narrow down by style, panel thickness, or material.
Compare Clip-On Nut Styles
| Style | How It Works | Best For | Watch Out For | For Use With |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-Slip Clip-On Nuts (Hex or Square) | A hex- or square-shaped barrel can be gripped with a wrench while the screw is tightened, with multiple threads for deeper engagement | General clip-on use where you need to hold the nut steady by hand or wrench | Taller barrel needs more clearance than a low-profile style | Machine screws |
| Low-Profile Clip-On Nuts | Sits flush or nearly flush with the panel surface | Light-duty, low-clearance applications | Less thread engagement than barrel or hex styles | Machine screws |
| No-Slip Clip-On Barrel Nuts (U-Style) | A deep barrel body provides more thread engagement than other clip-on styles | Connections needing a stronger hold than a standard clip-on nut | Bulkier profile than low-profile or enclosed styles | Machine screws |
| No-Slip Clip-On Enclosed Hex Nuts (S-Style) | The hex nut is fully enclosed in the housing for a cleaner look and more strength than other no-slip styles | Visible applications, such as automotive interiors or electronic enclosures | Enclosed housing adds bulk versus an open hex or square barrel | Machine screws |
| Clip-On Nuts for Flanged Edges (G-Style) | Slides onto a flanged or raised panel edge and is positioned by hand, no tools needed | Panels with a flanged or raised edge rather than a flat edge | Requires a flanged edge to grip — won't seat correctly on a flat panel edge | Machine screws |
| Clip-On Nuts for Tapping Screws | Has no pre-cut thread — the tapping screw forms its own thread as it's driven in | Electronic consoles and other assemblies fastened with tapping screws | Sized to a specific screw number, not a standard thread size | Tapping screws |
Match the Nut to Your Panel Thickness
Every clip-on nut is sized to a specific panel thickness range — for example, one common size fits panels from 0.045" to 0.062" thick, while barrel-style nuts can span a wider range, such as 0.05" to 0.2". Selecting a nut outside your panel's actual thickness will result in a loose, unreliable clip. Check the "For Panel Thickness" spec on each listing before ordering, and note that Clip-On Nuts for Tapping Screws are sized by screw number (such as No. 8) rather than a standard thread size, since the screw cuts its own thread on installation.
Need a Custom Clip-On Nut or a Part Cross-Reference?
Working from an existing McMaster-Carr or manufacturer part number? Our team can cross-reference it to an equivalent LILY Bearing clip-on nut, or quote a custom panel thickness, thread size, or finish. Request a Quote or Contact Us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a clip-on nut and a standard nut?
A standard nut threads onto a bolt with matching external threads. A clip-on nut instead snaps directly onto the edge of thin sheet metal or a panel — no drilling, tapping, or welding required — and holds itself in place with spring tension while a screw is driven into it.
How do I know which panel thickness a clip-on nut fits?
Check the "For Panel Thickness" specification listed on each product. Clip-on nuts are sized to a specific thickness range, and using one outside that range will result in a loose or unstable fit.
What's the difference between clip-on nuts for machine screws and for tapping screws?
Clip-on nuts for machine screws have a pre-cut internal thread that matches a standard thread size. Clip-on nuts for tapping screws have no pre-cut thread — the tapping screw forms its own thread as it's driven in, so these are sized by screw number rather than thread size.
Which clip-on nut style holds the strongest?
No-Slip Clip-On Barrel Nuts (U-style) offer more thread engagement than other clip-on styles thanks to their deep barrel body. For a cleaner, fully enclosed alternative with added strength, No-Slip Clip-On Enclosed Hex Nuts (S-style) are a good option for visible assemblies.
