A multiple-threaded nut enclosed in a spring-steel retainer, this fastener has both the high strength associated with multiple-threaded fasteners and the versatility and self-retaining features of spring-steel fasteners.
Caged nuts are particularly useful in blind fastening locations. Their self-retaining feature eliminates the need for welding, clinching, or staking the nut in place. They can be installed after painting or coating, making masking or retapping unnecessary.
In some nut retainers, the multiple-threaded nut floats in the spring-steel cage, allowing enough tolerance to offset normal assembly misalignment. In types where the nuts are staked to the retainer, misalignment is accommodated by oversizing the mounting hole.