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Wing Nuts
When particular types of fasteners need to be tightened or loosened frequently
without the use of tools, wing nuts are the perfect solutions. Characterized by their
"wing" shaped protrusions, wing nuts allow someone to turn and tighten these
fasteners by hand. There are concerns associated with wing nuts, however, that one
should be aware of.

Wing Nuts: Convenience Versus Strength
Wing nuts are generally used in marine oriented applications, such as on boats or
other sea going vessels. The need for wing nuts has evolved from the need for the
speed and convenience tightening and loosening a wing nut by hand affords. On the
open water, it is harder to use tools in any kind of intricate fashion. For ship board
components that may need to be dealt with while on the choppy sea, wing nuts are
essential.

Wing nuts are generally considered by most to be a weaker type of nut, but this is
not necessarily the case. The wing shaped protrusions are thought to be easy to
break off, and the extra size makes them more vulnerable to corrosion. This is why
you will find that most wing nuts have a hex head on them just like a normal nut. This
is just in case the wings break off and the nut needs to be removed or tightened with
a wrench.

Higher quality wing nuts, like Zinc plated steel and stainless steel 18-8 are very
sturdy and are resistant to corrosion in marine conditions. Stainless steel 18-8 is, in
particular, an extremely high quality of metal and is the most popular choice for
boats. Our knowledgeable staff here at NutsandBolts.com is happy to help and
advise you with any questions you may have about the right type of wing nuts to use.
Contact us anytime.