How to Choose the Right Size of T Nuts: Standard Sizes Explained
T nuts (also known as tee nuts or pronged nuts) are essential fasteners widely used in furniture, woodworking, gym equipment, and metal structures. Selecting the right size is critical to ensure a secure fit, long-term durability, and ease of assembly.
As a professional t nut manufacturer, Xinchi is happy to share how to choose the proper T nut size based on thread type, dimensions, and application needs.
Basic Structure of a T Nut
A typical T nut consists of:
Threaded barrel (inserted into the base material)
Base flange (flat disc providing support)
Prongs (barbs that grip the material and prevent spinning)
Some variants, like the Hopper Feed T Nut, are designed for automated feeding in assembly lines.
Common Metric & Inch Thread Sizes of T nut
| Thread Size | Pitch (mm) | Common Applications |
| M4 | 0.7 | Light-duty furniture, drawer rails |
| M5 | 0.8 | Wooden chairs, cabinet frames |
| M6 | 1.0 | Office furniture, gym gear |
| M8 | 1.25 | Bed frames, recliners, sofa legs |
| M10 | 1.5 | Heavy equipment, industrial mounts |
For imperial markets, common sizes include:
1/4″-20 UNC
5/16″-18 UNC
3/8″-16 UNC
Key Dimensions of T nut to Consider
Besides the thread, you should also evaluate the following dimensions:
| Parameter | Description |
| Barrel length | Should match or slightly exceed material thickness |
| Flange diameter | Affects load distribution and anchoring strength |
| Prong length | Longer prongs grip better in softer wood |
| Overall height | Important in embedded or concealed installations |
Pro Tip: Always pre-drill a hole that closely matches the barrel diameter to avoid loosening.
Choosing the Right Size Based on Use
| Application | Recommended Size |
| Particle board shelves | M4 – M5 |
| Dining chair legs | M6 |
| Reclining sofas | M6 – M8 |
| Bed frames | M8 – M10 |
| Gym machines/brackets | M8 – M10 |
For automated assembly lines, ask your supplier about Hopper Feed-compatible sizes and tolerances.
Regional Standards of T nut
DIN 1624 (Germany): The most widely followed T nut standard
ANSI/ASME B18.16.4 (USA): This covers inch-based T nuts
ISO equivalents: Used in international B2B trade
Always confirm with your supplier whether you require standard or custom T nuts, especially for automated insertion systems.
Choosing the correct T nut size ensures:
Strong and stable connections
Reduced risk of loosening or failure
Smoother production efficiency
XINCHI is a trustworthy fastener company, especially in furniture nuts. We have a factory, founded in 2007. We are the designated fastener supplier to“STAPLE”. As a trusted fastener supplier, XINCHI can offer a wide range of high-quality fasteners, including nuts, screws, bolts, rivets, washers, etc. If you want to know more about fasteners or want to wholesale fasteners, please feel free to contact us. Our experienced and expert service team will reply to you as soon as possible.