Value Collection 3353 Spring Steel U Nut 3/8-16

Product Description

The VALUE COLLECTION 3353 is a spring steel U nut designed to accept a 3/8-16 threaded fastener and clip onto sheet metal or panel edges without requiring a pre-tapped hole. The U nut slides over a panel edge and locks in place, allowing a bolt or screw to be driven in from the front side during assembly or service. It accommodates material thicknesses from 0.05 to 0.2 inches, making it suitable for light-gauge sheet metal work common in HVAC cabinet assembly, electrical enclosures, and plumbing access panels. Electricians, HVAC technicians, and sheet metal fabricators use this style of fastener to speed up field assembly and reduce the need for welded or pressed nuts.

This U nut is well suited for residential and light commercial applications where removable panel access is required. Typical uses include HVAC unit cabinet panels, electrical box covers, and any sheet metal assembly where a floating or clip-on nut simplifies repeated service access. The center-to-edge dimension of 0.73 inches governs how far the clip seats onto the panel flange, so verify panel flange width before installation. Sold individually with a minimum order quantity of 25 units.

Key Features

• Accepts 3/8-16 threaded screws or bolts for secure fastening
• Spring steel construction provides consistent clamping force on panel edge
• Material thickness range of 0.05 to 0.2 inches suits light-gauge sheet metal panels
• 0.73 inch center-to-edge dimension for precise panel flange fitment
• No pre-tapped hole required — clips directly onto panel edge for fast installation
• Inch measurement system; compatible with standard SAE hardware

Compatibility

Designed as a clip-on replacement or new-install U nut for sheet metal panels and enclosures with a flange thickness between 0.05 and 0.2 inches and a 3/8-16 threaded fastener requirement.

Installation Notes

Installation requires no special tools — the U nut clips onto the panel flange by hand before the mating screw is driven. Always de-energize electrical panels or shut down HVAC equipment before removing or installing panel fasteners. Confirm panel flange width is compatible with the 0.73 inch center-to-edge dimension before ordering in bulk. Reuse of spring steel U nuts after repeated removal is not recommended, as the clamping spring may lose retention force over time.