Electro Hardware ESS-032-3 Round Head Clinch Captive Nut 10-32

Product Description

The ELECTRO HARDWARE ESS-032-3 is a round head clinch captive nut designed for permanent installation into sheet metal panels and enclosures. The clinch design presses into a pre-punched mounting hole, creating a fixed, threaded insert that accepts a standard 10-32 fastener without backing hardware. The head diameter measures 0.34 inches and the head height is 0.09 inches, keeping the installed profile low. Minimum panel thickness for proper clinch retention is 0.0909 inches. The body is steel with a zinc plated finish, providing corrosion resistance in typical indoor service conditions. HVAC technicians, electricians, and sheet metal fabricators install these in panel assemblies, control enclosures, and equipment chassis where a reliable, captive thread is required.

This clinch captive nut is suited for light-gauge sheet metal applications in residential and commercial equipment. Typical installations include HVAC control board mounting panels, electrical enclosure sub-panels, and equipment chassis requiring a permanent threaded insert. The 10-32 thread size is common across low-voltage control hardware, fan blade hubs, and small equipment covers. The 0.25-inch mounting hole diameter requirement must be matched at the panel before installation. Sold in packages of 25 units, making this practical for production runs and service-shop stock.

Key Features

• 10-32 internal thread accepts standard machine screws without additional hardware
• Round head profile with 0.34-inch head diameter and 0.09-inch head height for low-clearance installations
• Requires 0.25-inch mounting hole diameter for clinch installation
• Minimum panel thickness of 0.0909 inches ensures proper clinch retention in light-gauge sheet metal
• Zinc plated steel construction provides corrosion resistance for indoor enclosure environments
• Packaged in quantities of 25 to support production and service stock

Compatibility

Designed as an OEM-style clinch captive nut for light-gauge steel panels requiring a permanent 10-32 threaded insert with a 0.25-inch pre-punched mounting hole.

Installation Notes

Clinch captive nuts are installed by pressing or staking into a pre-punched panel hole using a press tool or arbor press - hand tools alone are not sufficient for reliable retention. The panel must meet the minimum thickness of 0.0909 inches to achieve proper clinch engagement. Power down and de-energize any enclosure or panel before drilling, punching, or inserting hardware. Verify thread engagement and clinch seating before closing the assembly.