Barrel Nuts&Sex Bolts

What is Barrel Nuts?

Barrel nuts, also known as female screws, inter screws or dowel nuts, are cylindrical nuts designed to be inserted into a drilled hole in one component and used with a bolt or screw from a perpendicular direction. They have a threaded hole through the middle, which allows the bolt to screw into them. Barrel nuts are commonly used in furniture assembly, metal constructions, and other applications where a strong perpendicular connection is needed. They provide a secure and tight connection, especially when space for traditional nuts is limited.

How does sex bolts and barrel nuts used in furniture?

Sex Bolts(also called Chicago Screws  or inter screws) are used in outdoor furniture, sports equipment, skates, and other environments with complex conditions. Using interscrews can effectively connect and secure various parts of outdoor furniture, such as attaching chair frames to seat surfaces, or table legs to tabletops. They provide reliable fastening, preventing parts from loosening or falling off, and ensure the stability of the furniture.

Steps for installation:

1. Preparation: Ensure the installation area is clean and flat. Prepare the required inter screws.
2. Position the plates: Place the clamping plates or other components in the desired position.
3. Insert the bolt: Pass the bolt through the hole in the clamping plate from one side.
4. Install the nut: Thread the interlocking nut onto the other end of the bolt. Do not tighten it fully at first—leave a little room.
5. Adjust position: Adjust the clamping plate’s position as needed.
6. Tighten the nut: Gradually tighten the nut using the appropriate tool to securely fix the clamping plate, but be careful not to overtighten and cause damage.
7. Check stability: After installation, check if the clamping plate is firmly fixed.

What materials used for interscrews and sex bolts?

The choice of material for inter screws and sex bolts will depend on the specific needs of the project, including strength, corrosion resistance, weight, and appearance requirements.

1.Steel: Strong and durable, often zinc-coated to resist rust, used in heavy-duty applications.

2.Stainless Steel: Rust-resistant and ideal for outdoor or wet environments, like marine use.

3.Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, used where reducing weight is important.

4.Brass: Decorative, corrosion-resistant, and easy to machine, often used in low-stress applications.

5.Titanium: Lightweight, chemical-resistant, normally used for bike or motorbike’s handle bar.

6.Copper: Known for conductivity, mainly used in electrical applications.