Panel Nut for Aircraft Switch - hard to find

[aknuts]

I am looking for a panel nut with specific dimensions of 3/8-32 thread, 1/2 inch across flats, and 3/32 inch thick to mount a switch in an aircraft's engine compartment. The catch seems to be that I am looking for stainless steel nuts, however the only ones I have come across are either nickel or zinc plated steel. The nuts will require two holes for lock wire, which I can add (I have not found any with the size specifications I listed), however a plated nut is out of the question because of the need to drill the lock wire holes. I thought that this size panel nut in stainless steel would be common (and I would rather not spend for custom made), but am finding that not to be the case.

Does anyone know why it is so hard to find this size of panel nuts in a stainless steel? Even better, can anyone direct me to a supplier? Thanks!

 

[VEBill]

Try these links:

http://www.google.com/shopping/product/6437069544827343075?q=3/8-32+stainless+steel+nut

http://www.monsterscooterparts.com/38-32-ss-jamnut.html

http://www.zoro.com/value-brand-panel-nut-38-32-hex-stainless-pk2-z0220/i/G3502466/

Just the results from a quick search.

If the switch has a keyway, there might be specialized locking washers that can fold up to secure the nut. But that might not meet the Airworthiness regulations.

 

[aknuts]

Thanks for the links, VE1BLL. Unfortunately, the outer diameter across the flats is too big for each. 1/2" across the flats for the given thread and thickness I need is very hard to find in stainless steel for some reason. Strange. I'm searching using "jamnut" as a keyword now also.

 

[VEBill]

Those are 5/8" and already look pretty thin.

1/2" is going to be wafer-thin.

Good luck.

 

[3DDave]

Drill and tap your own piece of sheet metal?

 

[tbuelna]

The nut you want is basically an MS25082 part number with a "C" suffix for cres. However, these panel switch nuts were designed to be used with tabbed lock washers, so they don't have lock wire holes.