Nuts and bolts are an essential part of a toolkit whether you've been practicing DIY or working professionally for years or if you are just starting. Like screws, another critical component in the pocket of every handyperson, nuts and bolts are fasteners that make a variety of objects and projects possible. They attach and fix various materials together, either permanently or temporarily, and work with wood, metal, plastic, and more.

Nuts are almost always applied in conjunction with bolts to fasten multiple pieces together. The two tend to go hand in hand and remain together by the friction of their threads and the compression of the held parts.

Now, there are all kinds of fasteners perfectly equipped to facilitate a range of jobs. Barrel nuts are a popular nut choice because of their strength and flush finish that remains pleasing to the eye. If you're building home furniture, you're probably going to need barrel nuts. 

In this article, we cover barrel nuts in detail. Keep reading as we bring you everything you need to know about the barrel nut, from their design and how they work to how to install them yourself. 

What Is a Barrel Nut? 

A barrel nut (also referred to as cross dowel nuts, dowel nuts, or furniture nuts) is a particular type of fastener designed to coincide with strong bolts and used to join pieces that carry heavy loads. 

They provide exceptionally strong joints and are commonly used in the aerospace industry in applications from landing gear to wings. They are also used in conjunction with furniture connector bolts in ready-to-assemble furniture that requires the joining of two pieces of wood, delivering a solid connection between wooden panels or beams. You might, for example, see barrel nuts positioned in bed frames. 

In terms of design, the barrel nut is typically cylindrically shaped with a perpendicular threaded hole through the centre. It functions without leaving an exposed nut on one of the sides of the workpiece, making it a good option for creations where details matter and where you might require an aesthetically-pleasing finish, such as in your home furnishings. 

These fasteners come in a variety of diameters, lengths, threads, and heads to suit the needs of the job.

How Do Barrel Nuts Work?

The barrel nut has a circular or semi-circular head with threads perpendicular to the nut length. The nut is placed into a hole inside the material or forging during installation. Then, a standard bolt is threaded into the nut from the outside. The bolt must be appropriate for the barrel nut to allow it to sit in place and remain secure.

How to Install Barrel Nuts 

To make installation as easy as possible, here are some steps you can follow to benefit from these fasteners that provide a quick and sturdy way to build objects. For the purpose of this guide, let's look at how to install barrel nuts for assembling wood furniture.

Step One

Before attempting to install the barrel nut, take a moment to thread the bolts in and out of the nuts to ensure they fit well to deliver a smooth installation process. It's possible that the zinc plating of barrel nuts can build up within the threads. Think of this as part of the preparation stage. A little oil can help if necessary. 

Step Two

Next, align the two pieces of wood that you wish to join and drill a bolt hole through one and into the other. Then you can drill a dowel hole crossways over the bolt hole, where you can then insert the barrel nut. 

Step Three

Use an appropriate screwdriver to drive the nut into the bolt hole until the threads of both components align. Then, you can insert a furniture connector bolt into the bolt hole, ensuring the two wood parts are attached and secured tightly. 

You can expect the components to thread together relatively easily, but be careful when threading the bolt into the nut. Pay attention and take note of whether you feel resistance. If you do, it's a good idea to pause and assess the situation to prevent the risk of damage. 

Things to Consider When Choosing Barrel Nuts

So, you know that barrel nuts are the accessory required, but which product should you go for? When you shop the market for nuts and bolts, you will come across different categories and an incredible spectrum of stock at different prices. 

We've narrowed down two key considerations to help you select with confidence and add suitable barrel nuts to your shopping cart.

The Material Strength 

No matter the project, the type of nuts required often depends on the strength of the material. You need to select barrel nuts with adequate strength to ensure the security of your attached pieces. For instance, if you're using barrel nuts to assemble furniture that you will sit or lie on, the quality must be high to prevent safety risks.

The most robust and most reliable barrel nuts typically come in carbon steel, a material with excellent binding power. 

The Sizing

The size and diameter of nuts are critical in providing the best results for your DIY undertaking. It's good practice to measure and review the nut size you require before ordering a delivery. The fasteners need to fit correctly to ensure long-lasting results, whatever the job is, so always check the length and thread sizes. 

Conclusion

Now we've covered barrel nuts, you can start thinking about how you might like to use them. They're favoured in the furniture industry for a reason; they have a particularly smooth appearance in the finished product, providing an aesthetic that fits with your interiors. Plus, you can count on their strength to hold thick structural joints. 

Remember to think carefully about the task at hand before beginning your search for the correct barrel nuts. If you're unable to find something, have a product enquiry, or want to request a quote for minimum order quantities on certain items, visit our Trade Warehouse contact page and drop us a message. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a barrel nut used for?

A barrel nut is most commonly used in the aerospace industry and furniture making. The specialised nut bolts individual material pieces together and works well with both sheet metal and wood. You will often see barrel nuts in wooden bed frames and other ready-to-assemble furniture.

What are the features of a barrel nut? 

Barrel nuts are typically cylindrical or semi-cylindrical in shape. They feature a perpendicular threaded hole through the centre where the appropriate bolt can be driven into the hole and fixed securely in place.

What size are barrel nuts? 

Barrel nuts range in size. You can find barrel nuts in different lengths, materials, finishes and thread sizes. It's critical to assess the type and size of barrel nuts that you require for your project to enable the best possible results and ensure the sturdiness of furniture and other appliances.