Nylon Fasteners

Nylon Fasteners

The Nutty Company stocks Type 6/6 molded nylon fasteners: hex nuts, acorn nuts, wing nuts, hex head cap screws, slotted machine screws, threaded rod, washers and UV black cable ties. Nylon fasteners are lightweight, non-conductive, non-magnetic and corrosion-proof, which makes them a natural fit for electrical and electronic work, marine and wet locations, and anywhere a metal fastener could rust, short out or scratch a finish.

Nylon 6/6 Properties

  • Electrical insulator: non-conductive, with high dielectric strength
  • Corrosion-proof: won't rust, and resists most solvents, petroleum oils and greases
  • Non-magnetic and non-sparking
  • Lightweight: about 1/7 the weight of steel
  • Vibration damping: resists loosening and abrasion, and won't mar finished surfaces
  • Typical tensile strength: about 11,000–12,000 psi
  • Service temperature: up to about 185°F (85°C) continuous

Common Uses

  • Electrical panels, circuit boards, terminal blocks and electronic enclosures
  • Marine, boat and dock hardware where metal would corrode
  • Insulating dissimilar metals to prevent galvanic corrosion
  • Signs, displays, plastics and finished surfaces that must not be scratched
  • Medical, laboratory and MRI-area equipment that needs non-magnetic parts
  • Bundling and securing wire, cable, hose and tubing with cable ties
  • Light-duty assemblies where low weight matters

FAQ

Why use nylon fasteners instead of metal?
Nylon fasteners don't conduct electricity, don't rust, aren't magnetic and weigh about 1/7 as much as steel. They also won't scratch or mar finished surfaces and they help damp vibration. They're the right choice where insulation, corrosion resistance or light weight matter more than high strength.

How strong are nylon 6/6 fasteners?
Nylon 6/6 has a typical tensile strength of about 11,000 to 12,000 psi, a fraction of a steel bolt. Use them for light to moderate loads and tighten them by hand or with light torque. For structural or high-load joints, use steel or stainless steel fasteners.

What temperature can nylon fasteners handle?
Nylon 6/6 is generally rated for continuous use up to about 185°F (85°C). It softens well before it melts, so it should not be used near engines, heaters or other hot surfaces.

Can nylon fasteners be used outdoors?
Yes, for many outdoor jobs, since nylon won't rust or corrode. Long-term direct sunlight can make natural nylon brittle over time, so for permanent outdoor exposure check the parts periodically or choose stainless steel. Our nylon cable ties are UV black, made to stand up to sunlight.

Do nylon fasteners absorb moisture?
Yes. Nylon 6/6 absorbs some moisture from the air, which can change its size and stiffness slightly. This is normal and does not affect most uses, but keep it in mind for tight-tolerance assemblies.