Value Collection 136830002 U Nut Retainer 5/16-18

Product Description

The VALUE COLLECTION 136830002 is a U nut retainer designed for 5/16-18 threaded fasteners. It clips onto sheet metal or panel edges, providing a captive threaded receptacle that accepts a standard 5/16-18 screw without requiring a tapped hole. Made from spring steel with a zinc-plated finish, it holds reliably on material ranging from 0.096 to 0.141 inches thick. The center-to-edge distance measures 0.5 inches. These retainers are commonly installed by assemblers, maintenance technicians, and tradespeople working on enclosures, panels, HVAC equipment, and light structural assemblies where a pre-installed nut is needed for repeated access.

U nut retainers like the 136830002 are used wherever a floating or fixed threaded fastening point is needed on sheet metal panels. Typical applications include electrical enclosure covers, HVAC equipment access panels, appliance housings, and automotive-style assemblies. The spring steel construction allows the retainer to snap onto panel edges securely, keeping it in position during assembly. The zinc-plated coating provides basic corrosion resistance suitable for indoor or protected environments.

Key Features

• Accepts 5/16-18 threaded screws without a tapped hole in the base material
• Compatible with material thickness from 0.096 to 0.141 inches
• Spring steel construction provides firm clip retention on panel edges
• Zinc-plated finish offers basic corrosion resistance for indoor applications
• 0.5-inch center-to-edge dimension suits standard panel flange installations

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose U nut retainer for sheet metal panels and enclosures accepting 5/16-18 fasteners with a material thickness between 0.096 and 0.141 inches.

Installation Notes

Snap the retainer onto the panel edge so the threaded opening aligns with the intended screw hole before assembly begins. Confirm the panel material thickness falls within the rated range to ensure proper grip and prevent the retainer from backing off under vibration. No special tools are required for installation, but verify the fastener torque specification in the applicable equipment service manual, as this retainer is not rated for high-torque structural connections.