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Self-Clinching Nuts

PSM SELF-CLINCHING NUTS are threaded fasteners which incorporate a knurled platform and a groove. This platform, when embedded in the sheet, causes the displaced material to flow evenly into the groove of the fastener to give a positive retention.

Advantages

Design Guide

Hole Size in Sheet

Holes may be punched or drilled and a tolerance of -.000″ +.003″ (-0.00mm +0.08mm). Where possible install from punched side. Holes should not be de-burred or countersunk.

Sheet Hardness

See individual product data sheet for maximum sheet hardness.

Installation

Must always be carried out using a squeeze action – NEVER a shock load.

Sheet Thickness

Self-Clinching fasteners are suitable for any thickness of material from the minimum specified for each individual product.

Shank Number

Always choose the longest shank possible for the sheet thickness. This will optimise performance and increase retention.

Direction of Load

We recommend that Self-Clinching Nuts should always be loaded from the pilot end. (See method of assembly diagrams)

Technical Data

P-S & P-CLS Self-Clinching Nuts (Metric)

MATERIAL CODES
P-S & P-SS* – Hardened Steel Plated
P-CLS & P-CLSS* – Stainless Steel
(P-SS* and P-CLSS* codes refer to M5 sizes only)

STANDARD PLATING FINISH
Zinc & Clear Trivalent Passivation (Z)

MAXIMUM SHEET HARDNESS
P-S & P-SS = Rb80
P-CLS & P-CLSS = Rb70

Metric

Thread Size / Code	Shank Code	For Min Sheet Thickness	A (Max)	Hole Size In Sheet +0.08 -0.00	Diameter Of Shank C (Max)	Diameter Of Body E +/-0.25	Depth Of Body T +/-0.25	Minimum Distance Centre Line Hole To Sheet Edge
M2	0	0.8 - 1.0	0.77	4.25	4.22	6.3	1.5	4.8
	1	1.0	0.97
	2	1.4	1.38
M2.5	0	0.8 - 1.0	0.77	4.25	4.22	6.3	1.5	4.8
	1	1.0	0.97
	2	1.4	1.38
M3	0	0.8 - 1.0	0.77	4.25	4.22	6.3	1.5	4.8
	1	1.0	0.97
	2	1.4	1.38
3.5M3	0	0.8 - 1.0	0.77	4.75	4.73	7.1	1.7	5.6
	1	1.0	0.97
	2	1.4	1.38
M3.5	0	0.8 - 1.0	0.77	4.75	4.73	7.1	1.5	5.6
	1	1.0	0.97
	2	1.4	1.38
M4	0	0.8 - 1.0	0.77	5.4	5.38	7.9	2.0	6.9
	1	1.0	0.97
	2	1.4	1.38
M5	0	0.8 - 1.0	0.77	6.4	6.38	8.7	2.0	7.1
	1	1.0	0.97
	2	1.4	1.38
M6	00	0.92	0.89	8.75	8.72	11.05	4.08	8.6
	0	1.2	1.15
	1	1.4	1.38
	2	2.3	2.21
M8	1	1.4	1.38	10.5	10.47	12.65	5.47	9.7
M8	2	2.3	2.21	10.5	10.47	12.65	5.47	9.7
M10	1	2.31	2.21	14.0	13.97	17.35	7.48	13.5
M10	2	3.18	3.05	14.0	13.97	17.35	7.48	13.5
M12	1	3.18	3.05	16.66	16.64	20.0	9.14	16.0
M12	2	6.00	5.97	16.66	16.64	20.0	9.14	16.0

How to Specify

P-S (Steel Standard Sizes)
PRODUCT CODE	P-S-M4-1-Z
THREAD CODE	P-S-M4-1-Z
SHANK CODE	P-S-M4-1-Z
PLATING CODE	P-S-M4-1-Z

P-CLS (Stainless Steel Standard Sizes)
PRODUCT CODE	P-CLS-M4-1
THREAD CODE	P-CLS-M4-1
SHANK CODE	P-CLS-M4-1

Technical Data

P-S & P-CLS Self-Clinching Nuts (Unified)

MATERIAL CODES
P-S & P-SS* – Hardened Steel Plated
P-CLS & P-CLSS* – Stainless Steel (Unplated)
(P-SS* and P-CLSS* codes refer 032 and 024 sizes only)

STANDARD PLATING FINISH
Zinc & Clear Trivalent Passivation (Z)

MAXIMUM SHEET HARDNESS
P-S & P-SS = Rb80
P-CLS & P-CLSS = Rb70

Unified

Thread Size / Code	Shank Code	For Min Sheet Thickness	A (Max)	Hole Size In Sheet +0.003 -0.000	Diameter Of Shank C (Max)	Diameter Of Body E +/-0.010	Depth Of Body T +/-0.10	Minimum Distance Centre Line Hole To Sheet Edge
256	0	0.030	0.030	0.166	0.165	0.250	0.070	0.190
	1	0.040	0.038
	2	0.056	0.054
440	0	0.030	0.030	0.166	0.165	0.250	0.070	0.190
	1	0.040	0.038
	2	0.056	0.054
	3	0.091	0.087
632	0	0.030	0.030	0.1875	0.187	0.280	0.070	0.220
	1	0.040	0.038
	2	0.056	0.054
	3	0.091	0.087
832	0	0.030	0.030	0.213	0.212	0.310	0.090	0.270
	1	0.040	0.038
	2	0.056	0.054
	3	0.091	0.087
032 024	0	0.030	0.030	0.250	0.249	0.340	0.090	0.280
	1	0.040	0.038
	2	0.056	0.054
	3	0.091	0.087
0420 0428	0	0.047	0.045	0.344	0.343	0.440	0.170	0.340
	1	0.056	0.054
	2	0.091	0.087
	3	0.125	0.120
0518 0524	1	0.056	0.054	0.413	0.412	0.500	0.230	0.380
	2	0.091	0.087
	3	0.125	0.120
0616 0624	1	0.091	0.235	0.500	0.499	0.560	0.270	0.440
	2	0.125	0.120
	3	0.250	0.235
0813 0820	1	0.125	0.120	0.656	0.655	0.810	0.360	0.630
0813 0820	2	0.250	0.235	0.656	0.655	0.810	0.360	0.630

All dimensions in millimetres.

How to Specify

P-S (Steel Standard Sizes)
PRODUCT CODE	P-S-832-1-Z
THREAD CODE	P-S-832-1-Z
SHANK CODE	P-S-832-1-Z
PLATING CODE	P-S-832-1-Z

P-CLS (Stainless Steel Standard Sizes)
PRODUCT CODE	P-CLS-832-1
THREAD CODE	P-CLS-832-1
SHANK CODE	P-CLS-832-1

Methods of Assembly

Punch a hole in the metal sheet to the size recommended in our technical data table. De-burring of the hole is not recommended.
Apply pressure to the head of the fastener sufficient to totally embed the clinching ring around the entire circumference and bring body in contact with the sheet.
Insert fixing screw or bolt from side opposite to the fastener body.

Performance Data

P-S & P-CLS Metric

Thread Code	Shank Code	Test Sheet Material
		Cold Rolled Steel			5052-H34 Aluminium
		Installation (kN)	Pushout (N)	Torque-out (Nm)	Installation (kN)	Pushout (N)	Torque-out (Nm)
M2 M2.5 M3	0	11.0 - 15.5	500	1.7	7.0 - 9.0	280	0.95
	1		600	1.9		420	1.15
	2		1000	2.1		700	1.40
3.5M3	0	14.0 - 22.0	550	2	11.0 - 14.0	350	1.70
	1		720	2.45		480	1.85
	2		1150	2.5		800	2.10
M3.5	0	14.0 - 22.0	550	2	11.0 - 14.0	350	1.70
	1		720	2.45		480	1.85
	2		1150	2.5		800	2.10
M4	0	17.0 - 27.0	600	2.95	12.0 - 15.0	400	2.20
	1		750	4.6		550	2.70
	2		1320	5.7		900	4.30
M5	0	19.0 - 33.0	670	4.1	13.0 - 17.0	460	3.20
	1		950	5.45		620	4.10
	2		1230	7.1		870	5.50
M6	0	25.0 - 36.0	1330	12.6	17.0 - 29.0	950	8.10
	1		1820	15.5		1480	10.1
	2		2140	16.8		1560	13.5
M8	1	27.0 - 39.0	2540	25.1	20.0 - 32.0	1890	15.6
M8	2	27.0 - 39.0	3100	29.5	20.0 - 32.0	2170	18.9
M10	1	35.0 - 50.0	3560	45	25.0 - 36.0	2650	35.0
M10	2	35.0 - 50.0	3560	45	25.0 - 36.0	2650	35.0

Note: The above values are averages when correct installation is performed. Variations in hole size, material and installation will affect these results. For specific advice we strongly recommend consultation with your PSM Technology Centre.

P-S & P-CLS Unified

Thread Code	Shank Code	Test Sheet Material
		Cold Rolled Steel			5052-H34 Aluminium
		Installation (Lbs)	Pushout (Lbs)	Torque-out (in. Lbs)	Installation (Lbs)	Pushout (Lbs)	Torque-out (in. Lbs)
256 440	0	2500 - 3500	112	15	1500 - 2000	63	9
	1		135	17		94	10
	2 & 3		225	19		157	12
632	0	3200 - 5000	124	18	2500 - 3200	79	15
	1		162	21		108	17
	2 & 3		258	22		180	19
832	0	3800 - 6000	135	26	2700 - 3400	90	20
	1		169	41		124	24
	2 & 3		297	50		202	38
032 024	0	4200 - 7500	151	36	2900 - 3800	103	28
	1		213	48		139	36
	2 & 3		276	63		196	49
0420 0428	0	5500 - 8000	299	112	3800 - 6500	213	72
	1		409	137		333	89
	2 & 3		481	149		351	120
0518 0524	1	6000 - 8500	570	222	4500 - 7200	425	138
0518 0524	2 & 3	6000 - 8500	687	261	4500 - 7200	488	167
0616 0624	1	8000 - 11000	800	398	5600 - 8000	596	310
0616 0624	2	8000 - 11000	800	398	5600 - 8000	596	310
0813 0820	1	10000 - 15000	1180	750	7000 - 9000	710	380
0813 0820	2	10000 - 15000	1180	750	7000 - 9000	710	380

Technical Data

P-CLA Self-Clinching Nuts

MATERIAL CODES
P-CLA – Aluminium

MAXIMUM SHEET HARDNESS
P-CLA = Rb 50

Metric

Thread Size / Code	Shank Code	For Min Sheet Thickness	A (Max)	Hole Size In Sheet +0.08 -0.00	Diameter Of Shank C (Max)	Diameter Of Body E +/-0.25	Depth Of Body T +/-0.25	Minimum Distance Centre Line Hole To Sheet Edge
M2	1	1.0	0.98	4.25	4.22	6.3	1.5	4.8
M2	2	1.4	1.38	4.25	4.22	6.3	1.5	4.8
M3	1	1.0	0.98	4.75	4.73	6.3	2.0	5.6
M3	2	1.4	1.38	4.75	4.73	6.3	2.0	5.6
M3.5	1	1.0	0.98	5.4	5.38	7.1	2.0	6.9
M3.5	2	1.4	1.38	5.4	5.38	7.1	2.0	6.9
M4	1	1.0	0.98	6.0	5.97	7.9	3.0	7.1
M4	2	1.4	1.38	6.0	5.97	7.9	3.0	7.1
M5	1	1.0	0.98	7.5	7.47	9.5	3.8	7.9
M5	2	1.4	1.38	7.5	7.47	9.5	3.8	7.9
M6	1	1.4	1.38	8.75	8.72	11.05	4.08	8.6
M6	2	2.3	2.21	8.75	8.72	11.05	4.08	8.6

All dimensions in millimetres.

Unified

Thread Size / Code	Shank Code	For Min Sheet Thickness	A (Max)	Hole Size In Sheet +0.08 -0.00	Diameter Of Shank C (Max)	Diameter Of Body E +/-0.25	Depth Of Body T +/-0.25	Minimum Distance Centre Line Hole To Sheet Edge
256	1	0.040	0.038	.166	.165	.250	.070	.190
256	2	0.056	0.054	.166	.165	.250	.070	.190
440	1	0.040	0.038	.1875	.187	.250	.090	.220
440	2	0.056	0.054	.1875	.187	.250	.090	.220
632	1	0.040	0.038	.213	.212	.280	.090	.270
632	2	0.056	0.054	.213	.212	.280	.090	.270
832	1	0.040	0.038	.234	.233	.310	.130	.280
832	2	0.056	0.054	.234	.233	.310	.130	.280
032 024	1	0.040	0.038	.296	.295	.370	.160	.310
032 024	2	0.056	0.054	.296	.295	.370	.160	.310
0420	1	0.056	0.054	.344	.343	.440	.170	.340
	2	0.091	0.087
	3	0.125	0.12

All dimensions in inches.

How to Specify

P-CLS (Stainless Steel Standard Sizes)
PRODUCT CODE	P-CLA - M4 - 1
THREAD CODE	P-CLA - M4 - 1
SHANK CODE	P-CLA - M4 - 1

Technical Data

P-SMPS Self-Clinching Nuts

MATERIAL CODES
P-SMPS – Stainless Steel

STANDARD PLATING FINISH

Zinc & Clear Trivalent Passivation (Z)

MAXIMUM SHEET HARDNESS
P-SMPS = Rb70

Metric

THREAD SIZE / CODE	FOR MIN SHEET THICKNESS	A (MAX)	HOLE SIZE IN SHEET +0.08 - 0.00	DIAMETER OF SHANK C (MAX)	DIAMETER OF BODY E +/- 0.25	DEPTH OF BODY T +/- 0.25	MINIMUM DISTANCE CENTRE LINE HOLE TO SHEET EDGE
M2.5	0.64	0.61	3.80	3.79	5.6	1.4	3.7
M3	0.64	0.61	4.24	4.22	5.6	1.4	4.3
M3.5	0.64	0.61	4.75	4.73	6.4	1.4	5.1

All dimensions in millimetres.

Unified

THREAD SIZE / CODE	FOR MIN SHEET THICKNESS	A (MAX)	HOLE SIZE IN SHEET +.003 -.000	DIAMETER OF SHANK C (MAX)	DIAMETER OF BODY E +/- .010	DEPTH OF BODY T +/- .010	MINIMUM DISTANCE CENTRE LINE HOLE TO SHEET EDGE
256	.025	.024	.136	.135	.220	.065	.145
440	.025	.024	.166	.165	.220	.065	.170
632	.025	.024	.187	.186	.252	.065	.200

All dimensions in inches.

P-SMPS Metric

P-SMPS Unified

THREAD CODE	COLD ROLLED STEEL
THREAD CODE	INSTALLATION (KN)	PUSHOUT (N)	TORQUE-OUT (Nm)
M2.5	7-8	165	1.2
M3	8-9	280	1.4
M3.5	9-10	300	1.6

P-SMPS Unified

THREAD CODE	COLD ROLLED STEEL
THREAD CODE	INSTALLATION (Lbs)	PUSHOUT (Lbs)	TORQUE-OUT (In. Lbs)
256	1350-2000	45	10
440	1600-2200	60	13
632	2000-2700	72	15

How to Specify

P-SMPS
PRODUCT CODE	P-SMPS - M4
THREAD CODE	P-SMPS - M4

Technical Data

P-SP Self-Clinching Nuts

The P-SP SELF-CLINCHING NUT is a threaded fastener which incorporates a knurled platform under the head, which when embedded in the sheet, displaces material into the clinch ring securing the fastener firmly in place.

MATERIAL CODES
P-SP – Hardened Stainless Steel

MAXIMUM SHEET HARDNESS
P-SP = Rb 90

Metric

THREAD SIZE / CODE	SHANK CODE	FOR MIN SHEET THICKNESS	A (MAX)	HOLE SIZE IN SHEET +.003 -.000	DIAMETER OF SHANK C (MAX)	DIAMETER OF BODY E +/- .010	DEPTH OF BODY T +/- .010	MINIMUM DISTANCE CENTRE LINE HOLE TO SHEET EDGE
440	0	0.030	0.030	.166	.165	.250	.070	.190
	1	0.040	0.038
	2	0.056	0.054
632	0	0.030	0.030	.1875	.187	.280	.070	.220
	1	0.040	0.038
	2	0.056	0.054
832	0	0.030	0.030	.213	.212	.310	.090	.270
	1	0.040	0.038
	2	0.056	0.054
032	0	0.030	0.030	.250	.249	.340	.090	.280
	1	0.040	0.038
	2	0.056	0.054
0420	1	0.056	0.054	.344	.343	.440	.170	.340

All dimensions in millimetres.

Unified

THREAD SIZE / CODE	SHANK CODE	FOR MIN SHEET THICKNESS	A (MAX)	HOLE SIZE IN SHEET +0.08 -0.00	DIAMETER OF SHANK C (MAX)	DIAMETER OF BODY E +/- 0.25	DEPTH OF BODY T +/- 0.25	MINIMUM DISTANCE CENTRE LINE HOLE TO SHEET EDGE
256	1	0.040	0.038	.166	.165	.250	.070	.190
256	2	0.056	0.054	.166	.165	.250	.070	.190
440	1	0.040	0.038	.1875	.187	.250	.090	.220
440	2	0.056	0.054	.1875	.187	.250	.090	.220
632	1	0.040	0.038	.213	.212	.280	.090	.270
632	2	0.056	0.054	.213	.212	.280	.090	.270
832	1	0.040	0.038	.234	.233	.310	.130	.280
832	2	0.056	0.054	.234	.233	.310	.130	.280
032 024	1	0.040	0.038	.296	.295	.370	.160	.310
032 024	2	0.056	0.054	.296	.295	.370	.160	.310
0420	1	0.056	0.054	.344	.343	.440	.170	.340
	2	0.091	0.087
	3	0.125	0.12

All dimensions in inches.

How to Specify

P-SP
PRODUCT CODE	P-SP - M4 - 1
THREAD CODE	P-SP - M4 - 1
SHANK CODE	P-SP - M4 - 1

Methods of Assembly

Tooling option 1:

Install using profiled punch to achieve optimum performance. Apply sufficient load to bring body in contact with sheet around full circumference.

Tooling option 2:

Using flat punch and anvil. Apply pressure to the body of the fastener sufficient to totally embed the clinching ring and bring body in contact with the sheet.

Insert fixing screw or bolt from side opposite to the fastener body.

Performance Data

THREAD CODE	SHANK CODE	TEST SHEET MATERIAL
		304 STAINLESS STEEL
		INSTALLATION (KN)	PUSHOUT (N)	TORQUE-OUT (Nm)
M3	0	14 -23	600	1.7
	1		780	2.0
	2		1200	2.2
M4	0	20 - 33	740	3.6
	1		890	4.3
	2		1470	5.4
M5	0	27 - 41	800	4.1
	1		1100	5.3
	2		1650	6.9
M6	1	39 - 50	2130	16.4

THREAD CODE	SHANK CODE	TEST SHEET MATERIAL
		304 STAINLESS STEEL
		INSTALLATION (Lbs)	PUSHOUT (Lbs)	TORQUE-OUT (In. Lbs)
440	0	3000 -5000	135	15
	1		175	18
	2		265	20
632	0	3500 - 6500	150	18
	1		190	21
	2		315	27
832	0	4000 - 7500	165	32
	1		200	38
	2		330	48
032	0	6000 - 9000	180	36
	1		245	47
	2		370	61
0420	1	9000 - 11000	480	145

Enhance Your Assembly with Our Precision Self-Clinching Nuts

Start browsing our products or request a quote today to find the ideal fastening solution for your application.

Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Clinching Nuts

What is a Self-clinching Nut?

A self-clinching nut is a permanently installed fastener that creates a strong, reusable internal thread in thin sheet metal without welding, adhesives, or access to the back of the panel. It works by being pressed into a pre-punched hole — the squeezing force causes the nut’s serrated clinch ring to displace the surrounding sheet metal into an annular groove, locking the nut flush and permanently in place. PSM’s self-clinching nut range covers four series — P-S, P-CLS, PSMPS, and P-SP — each suited to specific sheet thickness ranges, material types, and installation requirements.

What is the difference between the P-S, P-CLS, PSMPS, and P-SP series?

All four are self-clinching nuts from PSM but differ in their clinch geometry, panel side profile, and application focus:

P-S — the standard self-clinching nut with a small clinch footprint, suited to general sheet metal assembly in mild steel and aluminium
P-CLS — a concealed-head (countersunk) variant where the nut body sits flush on the clinch side, providing a smooth panel surface after installation
PSMPS — a heavy-duty, large-flange variant designed for higher push-out loads and thinner sheet where extra bearing area improves retention
P-SP — a thin-sheet variant engineered for very thin gauge sheet metal where the standard P-S would not develop sufficient clinch retention

Selecting the correct series depends on your sheet material, thickness, and whether flush surface or higher load capacity is the priority. Contact PSM’s technical team for selection guidance.

What sheet materials and thickness range are compatible with Self-clinching Nuts?

Self-clinching nuts require the host sheet to be softer than the nut body so the sheet metal can flow into the clinch groove under press force. They are compatible with:

Low-carbon (mild) steel sheet — the most common host material; reliable clinching across a wide thickness range
Aluminium alloy sheet — works well with softer alloy tempers; harder tempers may require testing
Copper and brass sheet — compatible with most standard self-clinching nut series

The sheet thickness range varies by nut series and size. As a general guide, PSM’s P-S series suits sheet from approximately 0.5 mm upwards, while the P-SP thin-sheet series extends this capability to thinner gauges. Always verify against PSM’s published datasheet for each specific part number. Self-clinching nuts are not suitable for hardened steel or stainless steel sheet — use Anchor Rivet Bushes (ARB) for harder materials.

What press force is required to install a Self-clinching Nut?

The required installation force depends on the nut series, thread size, and host sheet material and thickness — but typically ranges from around 2 kN for small M3 nuts in thin aluminium up to 20+ kN for larger sizes in thicker steel. A standard bench press, C-frame hydraulic press, or dedicated self-clinching installation tool is required. Hand tools are not suitable — insufficient or uneven force produces an incomplete clinch that dramatically reduces push-out and torque-out retention. PSM’s technical datasheets list the recommended installation force for each part number; always use the correct tooling setup with a flat-faced punch and a smooth flat anvil.

What are the main advantages of Self-clinching Nuts over weld nuts or loose nuts?

Self-clinching nuts offer several practical advantages over welding or using loose hardware:

No heat distortion — unlike weld nuts, no heat-affected zone means no panel warping, paint burn, or weakening of thin sheet
No secondary operations — installation is a single press step with no grinding, cleaning, or coating touchup required after fitting
Permanently captive — the nut cannot be lost or misaligned during assembly, unlike loose nuts that require a second operator or fixture to hold in position
Flush profile — the installed nut sits at or below the sheet surface, leaving a clean panel face
Reusable thread — the internal thread accepts repeated screw assembly and disassembly without wear to the panel
No back-side access needed — critical for closed or formed panels where reaching behind is impossible

Self-Clinching Nuts

Advantages

Design Guide

Hole Size in Sheet

Sheet Hardness

Installation

Sheet Thickness

Shank Number

Direction of Load

Technical Data

P-S & P-CLS Self-Clinching Nuts (Metric)

Metric

How to Specify

Technical Data

P-S & P-CLS Self-Clinching Nuts (Unified)

Unified

How to Specify

Methods of Assembly

Performance Data

P-S & P-CLS Metric

P-S & P-CLS Unified

Technical Data

P-CLA Self-Clinching Nuts

Metric

Unified

How to Specify

Technical Data

P-SMPS Self-Clinching Nuts

Metric

Unified

P-SMPS Metric

P-SMPS Unified

P-SMPS Unified

How to Specify

Technical Data

P-SP Self-Clinching Nuts

Metric

Unified

How to Specify

Methods of Assembly

Performance Data

Enhance Your Assembly with Our Precision Self-Clinching Nuts

Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Clinching Nuts

What is a Self-clinching Nut?

What is the difference between the P-S, P-CLS, PSMPS, and P-SP series?

What sheet materials and thickness range are compatible with Self-clinching Nuts?

What press force is required to install a Self-clinching Nut?

What are the main advantages of Self-clinching Nuts over weld nuts or loose nuts?

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