Spring Nuts (Unistrut Fasteners)

Both finishes use zinc to protect the underlying steel from corrosion. The main difference is how the zinc is applied and the thickness of the resulting protective coating.

Zinc Plated spring nuts receive a thin, smooth and consistent zinc coating through an electroplating process. This gives the hardware a clean finish and practical corrosion protection at an economical price. It is a great choice for indoor projects, enclosed equipment, sheltered installations and other locations without regular exposure to moisture.

Hot Dip Galvanized spring nuts are immersed in molten zinc. The zinc reacts with the steel to create bonded zinc-alloy layers beneath a heavier outer zinc layer. This thicker coating provides additional durability and longer-lasting protection in outdoor, damp and exposed environments.

Both are useful options. Zinc Plated offers excellent value where the installation is protected, while Hot Dip Galvanized is our preferred choice when the hardware will remain outdoors or regularly encounter moisture.

Yes, particularly when the installation is sheltered, enclosed or protected from regular rain and standing moisture. Zinc plated hardware will last outdoors, but may begin to show signs of rusting/corrosion sooner than the hot dipped options.

For a permanent installation that will be fully exposed to weather, frequent condensation or ongoing moisture, Hot Dip Galvanized is the better long-term choice. Its heavier zinc coating provides additional corrosion protection without changing how the spring nut installs or functions.

It is also worth considering the rest of the assembly. If your channel, brackets and bolts are zinc plated, a Zinc Plated spring nut may be a practical match. If the surrounding structure is Hot Dip Galvanized and intended for long-term outdoor service, matching it with Hot Dip Galvanized spring nuts is generally recommended.

Hot dip galvanizing creates a heavier zinc coating that stands up better to repeated moisture, rain and changing outdoor conditions. The bonded zinc layers protect the underlying steel and also provide sacrificial protection around minor scratches or exposed areas.

This makes Hot Dip Galvanized a dependable choice for solar supports, outdoor equipment frames and other installations where the hardware may remain exposed for years. It adds corrosion protection without requiring special installation methods or ongoing coating maintenance.

Zinc Plated hardware generally has a brighter, smoother and more uniform appearance because its protective coating is relatively thin and evenly applied.

Hot Dip Galvanized hardware may appear duller, slightly rougher or less uniform because it receives a much heavier zinc coating. Small variations in colour and surface texture are normal results of the galvanizing process and do not indicate a defect. For exposed installations, the heavier protective coating is the important advantage.

Yes. The regular-length spring fits common 1-5/8″ deep strut channel and holds the nut against the channel opening while the bolt or accessory is installed. It is also suitable for 1-3/8″ deep channel.

Simply trim the spring, if needed, for shallower channel profiles.

Yes. If the spring feels overly compressed in a shallower channel, it can be easily shortened with side cutters. Trim only enough to let the nut sit properly while retaining sufficient spring tension to hold it against the channel opening.

Choose the size that matches the bolt or threaded accessory being installed. The 1/4″ size is convenient for lighter brackets, clamps and accessories, while 3/8″ hardware is commonly selected for heavier supports and equipment mounting.

The complete assembly—including the channel, spring nut, bolt, bracket and attachment point—should be sized for the expected load and installation conditions.

No. The spring is an installation aid that holds the nut in position inside the channel. Once the bolt is tightened, the strut nut engages the inside edges of the channel and the completed bolted connection carries the load.