Need a captive nut in a tapered flange

[IFRs]

I need to put several thousand captive nuts in the flange of some steel channels. The flange is tapered, the hole thicknees varies from 0.268" to 0.356". I need to use 3/8"-NC fasteners.

The basic reason for this is to make it possible to assemble equipment to the channels from one side. The channels have to be galvanized after fabrication so threading welding nuts does not work as well as using blind or captive nuts.

See

http://www.bollhoff-rivnut.com/

as an example.

The problem is, Rivnut has trouble with tapered flanges and the grip range.

Any other ideas out there?

 

[MadMango]

PEM offers a floating (caged) self-clinching insert.

http://www.pennfast.com/fastening_products/pdf/aladata.pdf

MadMango
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[IFRs]

I appreciate the suggestion, MadMango, however I need a flush or nearly flush top surface.

 

[aviat]

I believe what your after is called a gang channel. If you go to site and enter "gang channel" in search it will provide some information. Alcoa also has a commerical division to suit your needs.

http://www.alcoa.com/