A picture of a T-nut?

[PixelCloud]

does anyone have one? i would like to know what they loook like and how to install them

thanks

[Witchboard]

Google Image Search

[Mameotron]

Here is a picture and a table of some sizes they come in.

You'll notice that there are 2 numbers listed for size.  the first number (8-32) is the size bolt that will screw into it.  The second number (1/4) is the size hole you have to drill to stick the thing into.

The t-nut goes on the bottom of your wood, with the points facing up.  Your bolt goes down into it from the top.  So when you tighten the bolt, it pulls the points of the t-nut up into the wood.

[JAMMA Guy]

 .... or in the case of the control panel ... they are recessed, pointed facing down, and the bolts go in from the underneath through the joystick into the t-nut pulling it down into the material



#10-24 T-Nut this is what you'll be needing   (along with a 10-24 (3/4") machine screw ... that's assuming your using 3/4" building material)

[Robopede]

Do T-nuts work o.k. with hardwood, like oak? Or are they just for MDF and softer woods?

I just happen to be trying to figure out how to attach the joysticks to the CP too... I wanted to use elevator bolts, but they don't seem to be manufactured small enough. T-nuts look like a possible alternative.

[JAMMA Guy]

They work with hardwoods.

Hmmm ... if you're going for a natural wood look ... then I don't recommend them at all.

The installation of them would total ruin the overall look of your cabinet ... the control panel would look like crap.

If your laminating or painting ... then I say go for it.

As for installation into oak ... you'll probably need to pound them into your 3/4" recessed hole using a punch and hammer ... unlike MDF of Particle Board ... there not going to sink in easily just by tightening up the screw.

[Robopede]

Cool. I plan to cover the hardware with artwork.

[WTFPWND]

I used these to bottom mount everything on my CP.  Nothing has cracked or come loose yet.