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PFH Self-Clinching Stud
The PSM PFHS/PFH SELF-CLINCHING STUD 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.
Advantages
- Easy to assemble with any squeeze press
- High torque resistance
- No damage to decorative finishes on panels
- Visual proof of security
- Always perpendicular to panel
- Head installs flush with surface of sheet
PFH Self-Clinching Stud Design Guide
Hole Preparation
It is recommended that the holes are formed using a punch operation, although drilled holes may be used. Holes should not be countersunk or de-burred.
Hole Size
Holes must be held to a tolerance of -0.00mm + 0.08mm (-.000” +.003”).
Minimum Sheet Thickness
See product data sheets and method of assembly.
Maximum Sheet Hardness
Rb80 for Steel Studs (P-FH)
Rb70 for Stainless Steel Studs (P-FHS)
Installation
Apply squeezing pressure sufficient only to embed the head of the stud flush with surface of the sheet. Avoid excessive pressures. Installation forces vary with sheet hardness and thickness. See PERFORMANCE DATA for recommended forces.
Tooling Note
Studs are installed using a flat top punch and flat bottom anvil with a clearance hole to accept the threaded section of the stud. Where the sheet material is thin, a special thin sheet bottom anvil is required which includes a countersink at the top to create space for clinch ring and displaced sheet material. See METHODS OF ASSEMBLY page for details.
Technical Data
P-FH & P-FHS Types (Metric)
MATERIAL CODES
P-FH – Hardened Steel Zinc Plated
P-FHS – Stainless Steel
STANDARD PLATING FINISH
Zinc & Clear Trivalent Passivation (Z)
General Dimensions
| Thread Size / Code | Min Sheet Thickness | Hole Size in Sheet -0.08 -0.00 | Max Hole in Mating Component | S Max | Head Diameter E +/- 0.4 | Minimum Distance Centre Line Hole to Sheet Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M2.5 | 1.0 | 2.5 | 3.1 | 1.95 | 4.1 | 5.4 |
| M3 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 3.6 | 2.10 | 4.6 | 5.6 |
| M3.5 | 1.0 | 3.5 | 4.1 | 2.25 | 5.3 | 6.4 |
| M4 | 1.0 | 4.0 | 4.6 | 2.40 | 5.9 | 7.2 |
| M5 | 1.0 | 5.0 | 5.6 | 2.70 | 6.5 | 7.2 |
| M6 | 1.5 | 6.0 | 6.6 | 3.00 | 8.2 | 7.9 |
| M8 | 2.4 | 8.0 | 8.6 | 3.70 | 9.6 | 9.6 |
All dimensions in millimeters.
Thread & Length Data
| Thread Size / Code | Type | Length Code "L" +/- .04 (Length Code in Millimetres) | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Stainless Steel | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | |
| M2.5 | P-FH | P-FHS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| M3 | P-FH | P-FHS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 25 | N/A | N/A |
| M3.5 | P-FH | P-FHS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 25 | 30 | N/A |
| M4 | P-FH | P-FHS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 |
| M5 | P-FH | P-FHS | N/A | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 |
| M6 | P-FH | P-FHS | N/A | N/A | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 |
| M8 | P-FH | P-FHS | N/A | N/A | N/A | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 |
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How to Specify PFHS/PFH Self-Clinching Stud
| P-FH (Steel Standard Sizes) | |
|---|---|
| PRODUCT CODE | P-FH - M4 - 10 - Z |
| THREAD CODE | P-FH - M4 - 10 - Z |
| LENGTH CODE | P-FH - M4 - 10 - Z |
| PLATING CODE | P-FH - M4 - 10 - Z |
| P-FHS (Stainless Steel Standard Sizes) | |
|---|---|
| PRODUCT CODE | P-FHS - M4 - 10 |
| THREAD CODE | P-FHS - M4 - 10 |
| LENGTH CODE | P-FHS - M4 - 10 |
Technical Data
P-FH & P-FHS Types (Unified)
MATERIAL CODES
P-FH – Hardened Steel Zinc Plated
P-FHS – Stainless Steel
STANDARD PLATING FINISH
Zinc & Clear Trivalent Passivation (Z)
General Dimensions
| Thread Size / Code | Min Sheet Thickness | Hole Size in Sheet +.003 -.000 | Max. Hole in Mating Component | S Max | Head Diameter E +/- 0.015 | Minimum Distance Centre Line Hole to Sheet Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 256 | .040 | .085 | .105 | .075 | .144 | .187 |
| 440 | .040 | .111 | .135 | .085 | .176 | .219 |
| 632 | .040 | .137 | .160 | .090 | .206 | .250 |
| 832 | .040 | .163 | .185 | .090 | .237 | .281 |
| 032 / 024 | .040 | .189 | .210 | .100 | .256 | .281 |
| 0420 / 0428 | .062 | .249 | .270 | .135 | .337 | .312 |
| 0518 / 0524 | .093 | .311 | .333 | .160 | .376 | .375 |
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All dimensions in inches.
Thread & Length Data
| Thread Size / Code | Type | Length Code "L" +/- .04 (Length Code in Millimetres) | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Stainless Steel | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | |
| M2.5 | P-FH | P-FHS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| M3 | P-FH | P-FHS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 25 | N/A | N/A |
| M3.5 | P-FH | P-FHS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 25 | 30 | N/A |
| M4 | P-FH | P-FHS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 |
| M5 | P-FH | P-FHS | N/A | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 |
| M6 | P-FH | P-FHS | N/A | N/A | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 |
| M8 | P-FH | P-FHS | N/A | N/A | N/A | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 |
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All dimensions in inches.
How to Specify
| P-FH (Steel Standard Sizes) | |
|---|---|
| PRODUCT CODE | P-FH - M4 - 10 - Z |
| THREAD CODE | P-FH - M4 - 10 - Z |
| LENGTH CODE | P-FH - M4 - 10 - Z |
| PLATING CODE | P-FH - M4 - 10 - Z |
P-FHS (Stainless Steel Standard Sizes)
PRODUCT CODE
P-FHS
- M4 - 10
THREAD CODE
P-FHS -
M4
- 10
LENGTH CODE
P-FHS - M4 -
10
Methods of Assembly
P-FH / P-FHS SELF-CLINCHING STUDS are easy to install because no special tooling is necessary. However, it is very important to note that they must always be installed by a squeeze action press rather than a hammer blow. Punched holes are recommended.
- Punch a hole in the metal sheet to the size recommended in our technical data table. De-burring of the hole is not recommended.
- Insert the stud through the hole in sheet and into the appropriate anvil as detailed below.
- Apply squeezing pressure sufficient to install the head flush with top face of sheet.
| THREAD SIZE METRIC | ANVIL | |
|---|---|---|
| A mm | C mm | |
| 2.5 | 3.10 - 3.20 | 2.53 - 2.61 |
| 3 | 3.61 - 3.71 | 3.02 - 3.10 |
| 3.5 | 4.12 - 4.22 | 3.53 - 3.61 |
| 4 | 4.60 - 4.70 | 4.01 - 4.07 |
| 5 | 5.66 - 5.77 | 5.03 - 5.11 |
| 6 | 7.14 - 7.26 | 6.01 - 6.07 |
| 8 | 9.14 - 9.26 | 8.01 - 8.08 |
| THREAD SIZE UNIFIED | ANVIL | |
|---|---|---|
| A inch | C inch | |
| 256 | .110 - .114 | .087 - .090 |
| 440 | .136 - .140 | .113 - .116 |
| 632 | .162 - .166 | .139 - .142 |
| 832 | .188 - .192 | .165 - .168 |
| 032 | .216 - .220 | .191 - .194 |
| 420 | .295 - .300 | .250 - .253 |
| 518 | .334 - .338 | .313 - .316 |
Thin Sheet Anvil Use
M2.5 – M5 for sheet 1.0 – 1.49
M6 for sheet 1.5 – 2.4
M8 for sheet 2.0 – 2.4
256 – 032 for sheet .040″ – .060″
0420 for sheet .062″ – .092″
0518 for sheet .078″ – .092″
Performance Data
Metric
| THREAD CODE | STUD TYPE | MAX NUT TIGHTENING TORQUE (Nm) | TEST SHEET MATERIAL | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COLD ROLLED STEEL | ALUMINIUM | |||||||
| INSTALLATION (kN) | PUSHOUT (N) | TORQUE-OUT (Nm) | INSTALLATION (kN) | PUSHOUT (N) | TORQUE-OUT (Nm) | |||
| M2.5 | Steel | 0.41 | 14 | 800 | 1.2 | 12 | 500 | 1.0 |
| Stainless Steel | ||||||||
| M3 | Steel | 0.85 | 17 | 900 | 1.9 | 14 | 600 | 1.7 |
| Stainless Steel | ||||||||
| M3.5 | Steel | 1.15 | 23 | 1400 | 2.8 | 16 | 850 | 2.0 |
| Stainless Steel | ||||||||
| M4 | Steel | 1.9 | 26 | 1800 | 4.0 | 20 | 1050 | 3.0 |
| Stainless Steel | ||||||||
| M5 | Steel | 3.8 | 30 | 2300 | 7.0 | 25 | 1300 | 4.0 |
| Stainless Steel | ||||||||
| M6 | Steel | 8.0 | 40 | 2800 | 12.0 | 30 | 1700 | 7.0 |
| Stainless Steel | ||||||||
| M8 | Steel | 14.0 | 50 | 3200 | 22.0 | 35 | 7950 | 12.0 |
| Stainless Steel | ||||||||
Unified
| THREAD CODE | STUD TYPE | MAX NUT TIGHTENING TORQUE (in/lbs) | TEST SHEET MATERIAL | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COLD ROLLED STEEL | ALUMINIUM | |||||||
| INSTALLATION (lbs) | PUSHOUT (lbs) | TORQUE-OUT (in/lbs) | INSTALLATION (lbs) | PUSHOUT (lbs) | TORQUE-OUT (in/lbs) | |||
| 256 | Steel | 2.5 | 2800 | 160 | 7.0 | 2000 | 100 | 6.0 |
| Stainless Steel | ||||||||
| 440 | Steel | 5.0 | 3800 | 240 | 12.0 | 3000 | 150 | 12.0 |
| Stainless Steel | ||||||||
| 632 | Steel | 9.0 | 5000 | 315 | 23.0 | 3600 | 190 | 18.0 |
| Stainless Steel | ||||||||
| 832 | Steel | 18.0 | 6300 | 400 | 38.0 | 4800 | 250 | 22.0 |
| Stainless Steel | ||||||||
| 032 | Steel | 32 | 7000 | 500 | 60.0 | 5500 | 290 | 35.0 |
| Stainless Steel | ||||||||
| 0420 | Steel | 70.0 | 9000 | 630 | 105.0 | 6700 | 380 | 65.0 |
| Stainless Steel | ||||||||
| 0518 | Steel | 130.0 | 11200 | 720 | 190.0 | 7800 | 440 | 105.0 |
| Stainless Steel | ||||||||
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.
Technical Data
P-HFH / P-HFHS SELF-CLINCHING STUD
MATERIAL CODES
P-HFH – Hardened Steel Zinc Plated
P-HFHS – Stainless Steel
STANDARD PLATING FINISH
Zinc & Clear Trivalent Passivation (Z)
General Dimensions
← Swipe left / right to view more →
| Thread size / code | Min sheet thickness | Recommended hole size | Max hole in mating component | Head diameter E ±0.10 | Max head height T | Max unthreaded length S | Min distance centre line hole to sheet edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M5 | 0.9 | 5.0 | 6.5 | 7.8 | 1.14 | 2.7 | 10.7 |
| M6 | 1.0 | 6.0 | 7.5 | 9.4 | 1.27 | 2.8 | 11.5 |
| M8 | 1.5 | 8.0 | 9.5 | 12.5 | 1.78 | 3.5 | 13.7 |
| M10 | 2.3 | 10.0 | 11.5 | 15.7 | 2.29 | 4.1 | 13.7 |
All dimensions in inches.
Thread & Length Data
← Swipe left / right to view more →
| Thread size | Type | Length code 'L' (length in mm) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Stainless steel | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | |
| M5 | P-FHF | P-FHFS | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 |
| M6 | P-FHF | P-FHFS | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 |
| M8 | P-FHF | P-FHFS | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 |
| M10 | P-FHF | P-FHFS | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 |
All dimensions in inches.
How to Specify
P-FHFS (Stainless Steel Standard Sizes)
Product codeP-FHFS
Thread codeM6
Length code20
P-FHF (Steel Standard Sizes)
Product codeP-FHF
Thread codeM6
Length code20
Plating codeZ
General Dimensions — Unified (inches)
← Swipe left / right to view more →
| Thread size / code | Min sheet thickness | Rec hole size +.005/−.000 | Max hole in mating component | Head diameter E +.010/−.000 | Max head height T | Max unthreaded length S | Min distance centre line hole to sheet edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 032 / 024 | .050 | .190 | .250 | .300 | .040 | .100 | .415 |
| 0420 / 0428 | .060 | .250 | .312 | .380 | .050 | .125 | .460 |
| 0518 / 0524 | .075 | .312 | .375 | .480 | .070 | .140 | .500 |
| 0616 / 0624 | .090 | .375 | .437 | .580 | .085 | .165 | .530 |
Thread & Length Data
Thread & Length Data — Unified
← Swipe left / right to view more →
| Thread size / code | Type | Length code 'L' — in 1/16ths of an inch | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Stainless | 1/2 (500) | 3/4 (750) | 1 (1000) | 1 1/4 (125) | 1 1/2 (150) | 1 3/4 (175) | 2 (200) | |
| 032 / 024 | P-HFH | P-HFHS | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 |
| 0420 / 0428 | P-HFH | P-HFHS | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 |
| 0518 / 0524 | P-HFH | P-HFHS | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 |
| 0616 / 0624 | P-HFH | P-HFHS | N/A | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 |
How to Specify
P-HFHS (Stainless Steel Standard Sizes)
Product codeP-HFHS
Thread code0420
Length code20
P-HFH (Steel Standard Sizes)
Product codeP-HFH
Thread code0420
Length code20
Plating codeZ
Performance Data
Metric
← Swipe left / right to view more →
| Thread code | Stud type | Max nut tightening torque (Nm) | Cold rolled steel | Aluminium | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installation (kN) | Pushout (N) | Torque-out (Nm) | Installation (kN) | Pushout (N) | Torque-out (Nm) | |||
| M5 | Steel | 14.5 | 25 | 1400 | 9 | 15 | 1000 | 6 |
| Stainless steel | 7 | 13 | ||||||
| M6 | Steel | 10 | 30 | 2200 | 15 | 20 | 1500 | 11 |
| Stainless steel | 11 | 28 | ||||||
| M8 | Steel | 22 | 45 | 3500 | 36 | 30 | 2000 | 20 |
| Stainless steel | 20 | 35 | ||||||
| M10 | Steel | 37 | 55 | 5000 | 55 | 40 | 3000 | 35 |
| Stainless steel | 35 | 40 | ||||||
Unified
← Swipe left / right to view more →
| Thread code | Stud type | Max nut tightening torque (in/lbs) | Cold rolled steel | Aluminium | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installation (lbs) | Pushout (lbs) | Torque-out (in/lbs) | Installation (lbs) | Pushout (lbs) | Torque-out (in/lbs) | |||
| 10 | Steel | 3.5 | 5500 | 350 | 6 | 3300 | 200 | 4 |
| Stainless steel | 4 | 10 | ||||||
| 1/4 | Steel | 10 | 7000 | 520 | 11 | 4500 | 320 | 10 |
| Stainless steel | 8 | 22 | ||||||
| 5/16 | Steel | 17 | 10000 | 700 | 23 | 7000 | 450 | 22 |
| Stainless steel | 14 | 14 | ||||||
| 3/8 | Steel | 26 | 12000 | 900 | 35 | 8300 | 600 | 25 |
| Stainless steel | 24 | 24 | ||||||
Performance Data
Metric
← Swipe left / right to view more →
| Thread size (metric) | Punch | Anvil — thin sheet | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recess width D (mm) | Recess width F (mm) | Minimum length L | Bore diameter C (mm) | C/sink diameter A (mm) | Sheet thickness (mm) | |
| M5 | 8.2–8.4 | 0.99–1.04 | L | 5.1–5.15 | 5.8–5.9 | 0.90–1.29 |
| M6 | 9.8–10.0 | 1.12–1.17 | L | 6.1–6.15 | 7.0–7.1 | 1.00–1.49 |
| M8 | 12.9–13.1 | 1.63–1.68 | L | 8.1–8.15 | 9.0–9.1 | 1.50–1.99 |
| M10 | 16.1–16.3 | 2.10–2.12 | L | 10.1–10.15 | — | — |
Unified
← Swipe left / right to view more →
| Thread size (inch) | Punch | Anvil — thin sheet | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recess width D (in) | Recess width F (in) | Minimum length L | Bore diameter C (in) | C/sink diameter A (in) | Sheet thickness (in) | |
| 10 | .315–.325 | .035–.036 | L | .191–.194 | .216–.220 | .036–.049 |
| 1/4 | .395–.405 | .045–.046 | L | .250–.253 | .286–.296 | .046–.059 |
| 5/16 | .495–.505 | .063–.064 | L | .313–.316 | .350–.354 | .060–.074 |
| 3/8 | .595–.605 | .077–.078 | L | .376–.379 | — | — |
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Frequently Asked Questions About PFH Self-Clinching Stud
What is a PFH Self-Clinching Stud?
The PSM PFH Self-Clinching Stud (P-FH/P-FHS/P-HFH) is an externally threaded fastener permanently pressed into ductile sheet metal to provide a fixed threaded post. Once installed, it allows a nut or other threaded component to be fastened from the opposite side of the panel, eliminating the need for welding, riveting, or accessing both sides during final assembly.
What is the difference between P-FH, P-FHS, and P-HFH studs?
P-FH, P-FHS, and P-HFH are variants of PSM’s self-clinching stud family, differing primarily in head style, length options, and material/finish combinations. All three provide the same core function — a permanently clinched external thread in sheet metal — with the specific variant chosen based on head clearance, available panel thickness, and corrosion resistance requirements. PSM’s dimensional data tables list the exact specifications for each variant.
What materials are PFH Self-Clinching Studs available in?
PSM PFH Self-Clinching Studs are available in hardened steel with a zinc-plated finish, and in stainless steel for applications requiring higher corrosion resistance. The zinc-plated hardened steel option suits general industrial and indoor applications, while stainless steel is recommended for outdoor, washdown, marine, or corrosive environments where rust resistance is critical.
What sheet metal materials are compatible with PFH Self-Clinching Studs?
PFH Self-Clinching Studs are designed for ductile sheet metals — primarily mild steel, cold-rolled steel, and stainless steel sheet — that are softer than the hardened stud itself, allowing the material to flow into the locking groove during installation. The host sheet must meet a minimum thickness requirement specific to the stud size; refer to PSM’s dimensional data tables for exact figures.
What is the benefit of using a self-clinching stud instead of a weld stud?
Self-clinching studs avoid the heat distortion, weld spatter, and surface damage associated with weld studs. They can be installed after surface coating or painting without affecting the finish, and require only a controlled press force rather than welding equipment. This makes self-clinching studs a faster, cleaner, and more consistent option for high-volume sheet metal production.