With their protruding rim, flanged nuts are exposed to a larger surface area than traditional nuts. When you install a nut, it will press against one of the objects. Flange nuts will press against a larger surface area of the object than traditional nuts because of their protruding rim.

To join multiple objects together with a bolt and nut, you’ll have to drill a hole through the objects. With that said, some objects may have an oversized hole. In other words, the hole may be too large to accommodate a traditional nut. Twisting a nut over the end of the bolt may cause it to slip into the oversized hole. In cases such as this, a flange nut may offer a solution.

Flange nuts are often used in fastening applications involving oversized holes. They have a protruding rim that covers more surface area. Even if the hole is too big for a traditional nut, it may support the use of a flanged nut. At the same time, the flanged nut will distribute the load more evenly thanks to its protruding rim.