Press-Fit Nuts
246 Products
LILY Bearing stocks 246 press-fit nuts in steel and stainless steel, Inch and Metric threads, across standard, flush-mount, aligning, and locking styles for sheet metal, soft metal, and plastic. Use the filters below, or the comparison table, to narrow down by style, substrate, or material.
Compare Press-Fit Nut Styles
| Style | How It Works | Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Press-Fit Nuts for Sheet Metal | A clinch-style nut is pressed into a pre-drilled or pre-punched hole with an arbor press or similar tool | Permanent, captive threads in sheet metal panels and enclosures | Match the drill bit size and minimum panel thickness listed for each nut |
| Flush-Mount Press-Fit Nuts for Sheet Metal | A flat head sits flush against the panel surface instead of protruding | Low-clearance applications where a protruding head would interfere | Flush design still needs the panel to meet the minimum thickness rating |
| Aligning Press-Fit Nuts for Sheet Metal | Designed to help the nut align with a mating hole during assembly | Assemblies where alignment precision between mating parts matters | Confirm the alignment feature suits your specific mating-hole tolerance |
| Press-Fit Nuts for Soft Metal and Plastic | Presses into softer base materials that can't support a standard sheet-metal press-fit design | Aluminum, plastic, and other substrates softer than steel sheet | Not rated for the same pull-out strength as a sheet-metal press-fit nut in steel |
| Nylon-Insert Press-Fit Locknuts for Sheet Metal | Combines a press-fit body with a nylon insert that grips the mating screw's threads | Captive threads that also need to resist loosening from vibration | Insert is rated to about 250°F — not for higher-temperature service |
Installation Basics
Press-fit nuts are set into a pre-drilled or pre-punched hole using an arbor press or dedicated installation tool — they aren't hand-threaded like a standard nut. Each listing specifies the drill bit size (and decimal equivalent) needed for the hole, along with the minimum panel thickness the design requires to seat and hold properly. Confirm both specs against your material before ordering.
Need a Custom Press-Fit Nut or a Part Cross-Reference?
Working from an existing PEM®, McMaster-Carr, or manufacturer part number? Our team can cross-reference it to an equivalent LILY Bearing press-fit nut, or quote a custom material, panel thickness, or finish. Request a Quote or Contact Us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a press-fit nut installed?
It's pressed into a pre-drilled or pre-punched hole using an arbor press or similar pressure tool, rather than threaded on by hand. Each listing specifies the required drill bit size and minimum panel thickness for a proper, permanent fit.
What's the difference between a standard and a flush-mount press-fit nut?
A standard press-fit nut has a head that sits above the panel surface. A flush-mount version has a flat head designed to sit even with the surface, for applications where a protruding head would get in the way.
Can I use a sheet-metal press-fit nut in plastic or aluminum?
Not reliably. Press-fit nuts designed for soft metal and plastic use a different design suited to softer, more deformable base materials. A nut designed for steel sheet metal may not seat or hold properly in a softer substrate.
Do you offer press-fit nuts with a locking feature?
Yes. Our nylon-insert press-fit locknuts combine a press-fit body with a nylon ring that grips the mating screw's threads, resisting loosening from vibration in addition to providing a captive, permanent thread.
