What is a channel nut?

• A. A series of nuts mounted loosely in a channel riveted to the aircraft structure. You can install screws in a channel nut without having to hold the nut with a wrench.
• B. A single fixed nut welded to the structure.
• C. A nut in a channel that requires wrench to install.
• D. A nut used only for engine mounts.

Answer: (A)

Channel nuts are a strip or series of nuts set inside a small channel that is riveted to the aircraft structure. This makes the nuts captive, so you can start and drive a screw into one of the threaded holes without needing to hold the nut with a wrench. The channel keeps the nuts in place and gives you multiple threaded positions along the length, which is handy for attaching panels, brackets, or hardware where access is limited. It’s different from a single fixed nut welded to the structure, and it isn’t limited to engine mounts.