Since 1974, Captive Fastener Corporation has been solely dedicated to manufacturing the finest quality self-clinching fasteners for a variety of industrial and electronics equipment produced by major OEM’s. Typical applications include the manufacture of computers, business machines, communication equipment, industrial controls, vending machines, automotive and other precision fabricated metal products.
Captive fasteners are self-clinching fasteners designed to remain attached to a panel after installation. Unlike standard threaded fasteners (bolts, screws, nuts) that are separate loose components, captive fasteners are pressed or clinched into a pre-punched hole in sheet metal, displacing the surrounding material to lock them in place. This helps prevent loose hardware from becoming separated during assembly or maintenance, making them commonly used in electronic enclosures, computer chassis, industrial controls, and fabricated metal assemblies.
A self-clinching standoff is a threaded tubular fastener that installs into sheet metal panels to provide a threaded mounting point above the panel surface. Male standoffs provide an external thread that accepts a mating nut or through-hole component, while female standoffs accept a mating screw.
TCH offers captive fasteners in both imperial and metric thread sizes. Available thread sizes, lengths, and installation requirements vary by part number. Refer to the individual product page for specifications.
Minimum sheet requirements vary by fastener style, material, and part number. Installing captive fasteners into sheets thinner than the minimum specification can result in improper clinching, pull-out failure, or damage to the panel. Always review the installation specifications provided for the selected fastener before installation.
Minimum sheet requirements vary by fastener style, material, and part number. Installing captive fasteners into sheets thinner than the minimum specification can result in improper clinching, pull-out failure, or damage to the panel. Always review the installation specifications provided for the selected fastener before installation.
A self-clinching stud is a fastener with an external male thread on one end that installs permanently into a sheet metal panel, leaving a protruding threaded stud for mating components (such as nuts or spacers). Unlike standoffs, which are hollow and provide internal female threads or male-to-male connections for spacing two panels, studs are solid and create a single attachment point, often used for mounting brackets, PCBs, or bus bars directly onto panels.
Self-clinching fasteners are installed using a squeezing force — typically applied by a hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical press (arbor press or C-frame press).
The process involves:
Punching or drilling a properly sized mounting hole in the host sheet metal panel.
Placing the fastener into the hole.
Applying the required installation force using an appropriate press.
The clinching feature of the fastener displaces the surrounding panel material, locking the fastener permanently in place.
Self-clinching fasteners are installed without welding or adhesives. The result is a flush, torque-resistant fastener installed directly into the panel.
Self-clinching fasteners are typically installed into ductile sheet materials such as steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Material type and minimum sheet thickness requirements vary by fastener design.
TCH offers captive fasteners in a variety of materials, including steel and stainless steel options. Available materials vary by product family and part number/ Refer to the individual product page for material specifications.
Many captive fasteners on TCH's website are listed as "Quote Only" rather than carrying a fixed list price. This is common for industrial fasteners where pricing depends on order volume, material lead times, and project specifications. To get pricing:
Online RFQ: Visit us.tchweb.com/pages/request-for-quote and submit your part numbers, quantities, and delivery requirements.
Product Page Quote Button: Each product page has a "Request Quote" button that you can use to initiate a quote for that specific SKU.
Phone: Call TCH at 1-800-465-6281 during business hours.
Email: Send your requirements to info@tchweb.com.
Volume pricing may be available depending on order quantity and product selection.
