Electro Hardware ES-0518-3 Round Head Clinch Nut 5/16-18

Product Description

The ELECTRO HARDWARE ES-0518-3 is a round head clinch captive nut designed for permanent installation into sheet metal panels and fabricated enclosures. The 5/16-18 thread accepts standard 5/16-18 fasteners and provides a reliable threaded anchor point in panels too thin for conventional tapping. Installation requires a minimum panel thickness of 0.125 inches. The 0.5-inch head diameter and 0.413-inch mounting hole diameter allow the clinch body to be pressed into the panel, deforming the material around the knurl to create a flush, vibration-resistant thread insert. The head height measures 0.23 inches. Construction is zinc plated steel for corrosion resistance in light-duty indoor applications.

This clinch nut suits residential and commercial enclosure assembly, electrical panel fabrication, HVAC equipment cabinets, and light structural sub-assemblies where a captive threaded fastener is required on one side of a panel. It is typically installed during sheet metal fabrication or field modification of enclosure panels. Each package contains 10 nuts, and the minimum order quantity is 1 package. Installers working in electrical or HVAC panel applications will find this nut compatible with standard 5/16-18 machine screws and bolts used throughout trade equipment assemblies.

Key Features

• 5/16-18 thread size accepts standard 5/16-18 fasteners
• Clinch installation creates a permanent, vibration-resistant threaded insert without welding
• Round head profile with 0.5-inch head diameter and 0.23-inch head height
• Minimum panel thickness of 0.125 inches suits thin-gauge sheet metal panels
• Zinc plated steel construction provides corrosion resistance for indoor applications
• Mounting hole diameter of 0.413 inches for precise panel punch or drill sizing

Compatibility

Designed as an OEM-style replacement or production-use clinch captive nut for sheet metal panels requiring 5/16-18 threaded inserts with a minimum panel thickness of 0.125 inches.

Installation Notes

Clinch captive nuts are installed by metalworkers, sheet metal fabricators, or HVAC and electrical technicians using a press, arbor press, or clinch installation tool. The panel must be punched or drilled to the specified 0.413-inch mounting hole diameter before installation. Power down and de-energize any panel or enclosure before installing fasteners in live equipment. Do not attempt to install with impact tools or hammers, as improper installation can distort the panel or damage the clinch knurl.