{{Short description|Nut used in woodworking}} {{For|the hold down type of fastener used for work-holding in machine tools|T-slot nut}} thumb|T-nuts. The left one has been inserted in the wood and a bolt has been screwed in from the other side.
A '''T-nut''', '''T nut''', or '''tee nut''' (also known as a '''blind nut''',<ref>[http://www.airfieldmodels.com/information_source/model_aircraft_hardware/threaded_fasteners.htm Airfield Models - Threaded Fasteners used in Model Airplanes]</ref> which can however also refer to a rivet nut or an insert nut, and likewise '''drive-in nut'''<ref>[https://www.kayfast.co.uk/view-product/4-PRONG-DRIVE-IN-NUT-FOR-WOOD-T-NUT-ZINC-PLATED 4 PRONG DRIVE IN NUT FOR WOOD (T-NUT) ZINC PLATED] Kays Fasteners, accessed 2019-09-09.</ref>) is a type of nut used to fasten a wood, particle or composite materials workpiece, leaving a flush surface.
It has a long, thin body and a flange at one end, resembling a T in profile. The flanges of T-nuts often have hooks or serrations on the prongs that dig into a wooden work piece as the bolt is tightened from the opposite side of the piece, providing better retention.
In 1969, the first four-prong T-nut with an eight-sided base was patented. Unlike standard round base T-nuts, eight-sided T-nuts can be fed efficiently and reliably via machine. The eight-sided T-nut base has become the standard configuration for T-nuts inserted by machine.<ref>{{cite patent | inventor-last = Leistner | inventor-first = Walter Hermann | issue-date = 1969-11-25 | title = Fastener member | country-code = US | patent-number = 3480061 | postscript =.}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | title = Our history | url = http://www.specialtyfasteners.net/history.htm | accessdate = 2009-10-21 | postscript = . | url-status = dead | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20090105191714/http://www.specialtyfasteners.net/history.htm | archivedate = 2009-01-05 }}</ref><ref>{{Citation | title = About Sigma | url = http://www.sigmatool.com/information/about | accessdate = 2009-10-21 | postscript =.}}</ref>
== See also == * T-slot nuts, which are used in work-holding in machine tools. T-slot nuts fit in T-section slots in the machine work-table and are used in conjunction with studs and clamps to provide flexible means of holding workpieces in place. * Weld nuts, which are similar in appearance to t-nuts. They lack the prongs which penetrate into wood. Weld nuts are usually spot-welded into place on metal.
==References== {{Commons category|Tee nuts}} {{reflist}}
{{Nuts (hardware)}}
Category:Nuts (hardware)
de:Mutter (Technik)#Einschlagmutter
{{Woodworking-stub}}