What Are Cage Nuts Used For? Common Applications Across Industries

Cage nuts are widely used fastening components, especially in situations where metal panels are too thin to be threaded directly. By combining a square nut with a spring steel cage, they provide a practical and replaceable threaded solution for square holes.

Cage nuts are often found in server racks, electrical cabinets, industrial equipment, and modular metal structures. Their popularity comes from one key advantage: they make installation and maintenance much easier without sacrificing strength. As one of the reliable fastener manufacturers in China, Xinchi is glad to introduce the applications of cage nuts.

Cage Nuts Used in Server Racks and Data Centers

Server racks are probably the most familiar place where cage nuts are used. Most 19-inch racks are designed with square holes, which means bolts cannot be installed directly. Cage nuts are clipped into these holes to create a secure threaded point.

In real-world data center work, equipment is installed, removed, and adjusted frequently. Cage nuts allow technicians to do this without damaging the rack itself. The slight floating movement of the nut also helps when holes are not perfectly aligned, which is common in large rack systems.

Because of this convenience, cage nuts remain a standard choice for mounting servers, switches, and network devices.

Cage Nuts in Electrical Cabinets and Control Panels

Electrical cabinets are usually made from thin sheet metal, making direct tapping unreliable. Cage nuts solve this problem by providing a strong thread without increasing panel thickness.

They are commonly used to fix components such as breakers, control modules, and power units inside cabinets. Another advantage is flexibility. If a cabinet needs to support different thread standards, cage nuts can be changed easily without redesigning the enclosure.

For these applications, zinc-plated cage nuts are often sufficient for indoor environments, while stainless steel cage nuts are preferred where moisture or corrosion is a concern.

Cage Nuts for Industrial Equipment and Machinery

In industrial machinery, fasteners must withstand vibration and repeated use. Cage nuts are frequently used in machine frames, protective covers, and modular structures where access to the back side of the panel is limited.

The spring cage holds the nut securely while allowing small movement, which helps reduce stress caused by vibration. This makes cage nuts suitable for automation equipment, production lines, and industrial housings that require regular maintenance.

Their replaceable design also means damaged threads can be fixed quickly without scrapping the entire part.

Cage Nuts in Furniture Frames and Modular Systems

Cage nuts are not limited to heavy industry. They are also used in metal furniture frames, office furniture, shelving systems, and other modular products.

Furniture designed for repeated assembly and disassembly benefits from cage nuts because the threads remain stable over time. In office environments, this is especially useful for workstations, racks, and adjustable frames that may be moved or reconfigured.

For manufacturers, cage nuts offer a simple way to standardize hole designs while supporting different bolt sizes.

Automotive and Transportation Applications of Cage Nuts

In automotive and transportation manufacturing, cage nuts are used in areas where welding is not practical or where components need to be serviced later. They are often installed in body panels, frames, and interior assemblies.

These cage nuts are designed to handle vibration, temperature changes, and mechanical stress. Their ability to stay in place while allowing easy bolt installation helps improve assembly efficiency and long-term reliability.

How to Choose the Right Cage Nuts

Choosing the right cage nuts depends on several practical factors, including square hole size, panel thickness, load requirements, and the working environment.

Common thread sizes include M4, M5, M6, and M8. Zinc-plated cage nuts are widely used for general indoor applications, while stainless steel cage nuts are better suited for outdoor or humid conditions.

Matching the cage nut to the actual application ensures stable fastening and reduces maintenance issues later on.

Xinchi Fastener: Cage Nut Manufacturer with Stable Production Capacity

Xinchi Fastener supplies cage nuts for server racks, electrical cabinets, industrial equipment, and furniture applications. We have a factory that was founded in 2007. The factory operates 102 cold heading machines with a daily output of over 10 million fasteners, ensuring consistent quality and reliable lead times.

With a new production base covering 30,000 square meters and two six-story buildings, Xinchi Fastener supports both standard cage nut supply and customized requirements for global customers.

Xinchi is a trustworthy fastener company.  We are the designated fastener supplier to“STAPLE”. As a trusted fastener supplier, we offer a wide range of high-quality fasteners, including nuts, screws, bolts, rivets, and washers. Our products are widely used in automotive, machinery, construction, electronics, and furniture industries, trusted by global customers for stability, precision, and durability.