Cage Nut vs. Rivet Nut
Both give you a thread where the back is inaccessible — one clips into square holes, the other swages into round holes.
| Feature | Cage Nut | Rivet Nut |
|---|---|---|
| Hole | Square (rack rails) | Round (any panel) |
| Installation | Snap-in, no tool | Rivet tool required |
| Floating thread | Yes — self-aligning | No — fixed |
| Removable | Yes, replaceable | No, permanent |
| Best for | Server racks | Thin sheet metal |
Verdict
Use cage nuts for square-hole equipment rails. Use rivet nuts for a permanent, tool-set thread in thin sheet metal anywhere.