Flange Nuts vs. Wing Nuts
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
The Flange Nut (standardized under DIN 6923 and ISO 4161) is a hexagonal nut featuring an integrated wide, circular washer-like flange base. Available in smooth and serrated locking variants, it distributes clamping pressure over a larger surface area and eliminates the need for separate flat washers in high-speed automotive and industrial assembly.
The Wing Nut (Butterfly Nut, standardized under DIN 315 and ASME B18.6.9) features two large ergonomic metallic side projections ("wings") extending vertically from the central threaded boss. Designed for rapid, tool-free tightening and loosening by hand, it is the standard fastener on stage lighting C-clamps, drum set cymbal stands, and battery terminals.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standard Specifications
|
DIN 6923 / ISO 4161 / ASME B18.16.4 | DIN 315 (Type D ductile cast / Type F forged) / ASME B18.6.9 (Type A/B/C) |
|
Primary Applications
|
Automotive exhaust and chassis, bicycle axle nuts, solar panel racking, sheet metal framing | Drum kits (cymbal stands), stage theatrical lighting clamps, air filter covers, marine battery terminals |
|
Flange Diameter Ratio
|
Flange Base Diameter ≈ 2.0× to 2.2× Thread Diameter | — |
|
Bearing Surface Variants
|
Smooth Flange (load spreading) or Serrated Flange (mechanical anti-backoff teeth) | — |
|
Serration Angle
|
Angled teeth that allow clockwise tightening but bite into metal during counter-clockwise loosening | — |
|
Property Classes
|
Class 8, Class 10 (ISO 898-2) / Grade 5, Grade 8 (Imperial) | — |
|
Wing Geometry
|
— | Two opposing curved radial wings for manual two-finger leverage |
|
Tightening Method
|
— | 100% Tool-free manual finger tightening |
|
Common Materials
|
— | Stainless steel (A2/A4), zinc-plated malleable iron, brass, nylon plastic |
|
Clamping Torque Limitation
|
— | Low manual torque (~1.5 to 5 N·m depending on finger grip strength) |