Full Nuts

About Full Nuts

Full nuts, also known as hexagon full nuts or hex nuts, are fundamental fastening components used across construction, engineering, automotive work, and general assembly applications. Unlike thinner lock nuts or half nuts, full nuts feature a standard height typically equal to their thread diameter, providing maximum thread engagement and superior load distribution for reliable, long-lasting connections. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade full nuts from trusted brands including Sirius, Sealey, and Timco, manufactured to DIN 934 and ISO 4032 standards.

Our range includes stainless steel A2 304 and A4 316 grades for corrosion-resistant applications, bright zinc plated steel for general purpose use, and hot-dip galvanised variants for outdoor installations. Available in metric thread sizes from M3 through to M24 and beyond, these hexagon nuts accommodate everything from delicate assemblies to heavy-duty structural steelwork, with efficient tightening using standard spanners, socket sets, or powered impact tools.

Applications

Full nuts are essential fastening components used by tradespeople and professionals across numerous sectors:

• General Builders and Construction Workers: Structural connections, framework assembly, and securing building components
• Mechanical Engineers and Fitters: Machine assembly, equipment installation, and maintenance work
• Steel Erectors and Fabricators: Structural steelwork connections and metalwork fabrication
• Automotive Mechanics: Vehicle repairs, modifications, and restoration projects
• Electricians: Securing electrical enclosures, cable tray installations, and conduit systems
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Pipe bracket installations and equipment mounting
• Maintenance Engineers: Equipment repairs and plant maintenance across all sectors
• DIY Enthusiasts: General repairs, garden projects, and home improvement tasks

Choosing The Right Full Nuts

Material and Finish: Select based on environmental conditions. Stainless steel A2 (304) suits most indoor and general outdoor applications, whilst A4 (316) is preferred for coastal areas and chemical environments. Bright zinc plated steel offers economical protection for dry indoor use, whereas hot-dip galvanised nuts provide superior corrosion resistance for external structural work.

Thread Size and Pitch: Match the nut thread precisely to your bolt or threaded rod. Metric threads are standard in the UK, with M6, M8, M10, and M12 being most common for general applications. Always verify thread pitch—coarse pitch is standard, though some applications require fine pitch threads.

Property Class Compatibility: Ensure nuts match or exceed the property class of bolts in load-bearing applications. An 8.8 property class bolt requires a minimum grade 8 nut, whilst 10.9 high-tensile bolts need corresponding grade 10 nuts for proper load transfer.

Standards Compliance: For structural and critical applications, specify nuts manufactured to recognised standards such as DIN 934 or ISO 4032, guaranteeing dimensional accuracy and mechanical properties essential for safe, reliable fastening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a full nut and a lock nut?

A full nut has a height approximately equal to its thread diameter, providing maximum thread engagement and load distribution. Lock nuts are typically thinner with features like nylon inserts to resist loosening from vibration. Full nuts are stronger for static loads, whilst lock nuts excel in vibration-prone applications.

Can I use stainless steel nuts with zinc plated bolts?

Whilst mechanically compatible, mixing stainless steel nuts with zinc plated bolts can cause galvanic corrosion when moisture is present. For best results, use matched materials—stainless with stainless, or zinc plated with zinc plated. If mixing is unavoidable, apply anti-seize compound and use in dry environments only.

Are galvanised nuts suitable for use with treated timber?

Hot-dip galvanised fasteners are ideal for use with timber, including pressure-treated varieties. The thick zinc coating resists corrosion from preservative chemicals and moisture, making galvanised full nuts from MyToolShed.co.uk perfect for decking, fencing, pergolas, and garden structures.