T-nuts, also known as tee nuts or blind nuts, are fasteners used in woodworking and metalworking. They are named for their T-shaped body, which has flanges or prongs that extend from the base of the T. T-nuts are typically inserted into a pre-drilled hole and then secured by tightening a bolt or screw into the threaded center of the T-nut.
The design of T-nuts allows them to be embedded in materials like wood or metal, providing a threaded anchor point for bolts or screws. This can be useful in situations where a strong, reliable connection is needed, and it may be challenging to access the backside of the material.
There are various types of T-nuts, including:
- Pronged T-nuts: These have prongs or spikes that dig into the material to prevent the T-nut from turning when the bolt is tightened.
- Four-Pronged T-nuts: These have four prongs for additional stability.
- Barbed T-nuts: These have barbs on the prongs to enhance their grip in the material.
T-nuts are commonly used in furniture assembly, cabinetry, and other applications where a threaded fastening point is required. They come in different sizes and materials, such as steel, stainless steel, or brass, to suit various applications and environments.