wingnuts

Wingnut, also called a butterfly nut, is a type of fastener designed to be tightened and loosened by hand. It consists of a threaded shaft that matches a bolt or screw and two wing-like projections on opposing sides, which provide leverage for finger tightening. Unlike standard hex nuts, no wrench or pliers are required, making wingnuts convenient for applications that require frequent assembly or adjustment.

Materials and variants: Wingnuts are commonly made of steel with zinc or chrome plating, stainless steel, or brass; there are nylon or other polymer versions for chemical resistance or non-marring properties. Some designs incorporate knurled or rounded wings to improve grip; there are also locking variants that resist vibration lessening (though not as secure as lock nuts). They come in standard metric and imperial thread sizes.

Applications: Wingnuts are used in furniture, lighting fixtures, equipment that must be frequently assembled, temporary installations, camping gear, and hobby projects, where tool-free fastening is advantageous or space is limited.

Limitations: Wingnuts generally offer lower clamping strength than conventional nuts and can loosen under vibration or impact if not secured. They are mainly suited for light-duty or non-critical connections.

Slang: The term wingnut also appears in informal speech as a label for a person regarded as irrational or eccentric, especially someone perceived as acting in a ridiculous or extreme manner. This usage is figurative rather than technical.