12-Point-Drive Flange Nuts
The star-shaped head has more points of contact than a hex head nut, so you can achieve a better grip and a tighter fit without flattening the sides of the nut. Great for cramped spaces without a lot of clearance, these nuts twist on from any angle with a standard wrench. They have a flange that distributes pressure evenly across the mounting surface without the need for a separate washer. Also known as collar nuts.
Steel
Black-Oxide Steel—Typically chosen for their appearance, these nuts have a dark, matte coating that creates a finished look. They offer minimal corrosion resistance, so they're best for dry environments.
Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel
High-Temperature A286 Stainless Steel—Stronger than 316 stainless steel and withstand high temperatures up to 1500° F. These nuts resist corrosion from chemicals, such as bleach and chlorine, but they won't hold up to salt water as well as 316 stainless steel.