Wing bolts and nuts are useful in the automobile industry, marine, hobby and many devices or components—and with good reason. The two wings of the nut allows easy turning with the forefinger and thumb. This leveraging maintains tight fits and quick removal.

Wing nut sizing is by nominal size, basic thread diameter, threads per inch, wing spread, height thickness, distance between wings, boss diameter and boss height. Many companies simplify the matter. For example, a 6-32 wing nut means its nominal size equals 6 (diameter of thread 0.1380) and 32 equals the number of threads per inch. On the other hand, 1/4-20 designates a diameter of 0.2500 with 20 threads per inch. Wing bolts typically measure by length and threads. When buying wing nut fasteners consider the following:

1. Look closely at the wing nut fastener’s size specifications because some companies provide more information than others do.

2. Choose different metals or nylon based on environmental or aesthetic factors.

3. Select wing bolts for specific applications.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find stamped wing nuts with tiered discounts

These companies fill small and large orders for popular wing nuts.

I recommend: For zinc stamped wing nuts go to Fairway Fasteners, Inc., which offers prices per 100 count. Go to MetalGrip, LLC to order zinc stamped wing nuts in quantities of 500 to 2,000 per carton with tiered discounts. Scroll down the page to view the specification chart for stamped wing nuts then select “Click here to Request a quote” to fill out a short form at American Fastener Technologies Corp.

Select automotive wing bolts for easy changing

Applications for these wing nut bolts include valve covers and air intake systems.

I recommend: For chrome T-bar steel wing bolts measuring 3 1/2 inches long, 1/4 inch -20 threads, go to PerformanceParts.com. Choose “Chrome valve cover T-bar style bolts” or “Chrome valve cover wingbolts Y top” then order directly from the “Catalog Order Form” on the sidebar at Mr. Gasket Co. Go to Northern Auto Parts for valve cover wing bolts. For air intake systems see SFX Performance, LTD, for a 1/4-20 air cleaner bolt and wing nut set.

Locate nylon wing bolts for flexibility

Hobbyists often need a nylon wing bolt. It is lightweight and its non-corrosiveness ranks high for many applications.

I recommend: Go to OmniModels for Dubro, Goldberg, Great Planes and Hayes brand name nylon wing bolts. Scroll down the page to “Nylon Wing Bolt” for available sizes then click “Where To Buy” at Great Planes Model Manufacturing Co. For 2 inch 10-32 replacement wing bolts go to Hobby Outlet.

Choose a wing fastener by composition

Select from a wide variety of wing nut sizes in brass, forged steel, zinc and nylon.

I recommend: To buy brass wing nuts individually, by box or in bulk go to Bolt Depot. Select the size and color you need for nylon wing nuts at Accurate Screw Machine Corp. Choose forged plated wing nuts at McFeely’s, a division of Lab Safety Supply, Inc. For cold forged steel zinc plated, stamped, brass or wash-based zinc click the item required at Mutual Screw & Supply.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Stainless steel wing nut bolts remain popular for exterior applications, especially marine, due to its corrosive resistance. Zinc provides reasonable protection against rust.