A grasping and positioning tool is provided that can be used to position a channel insert within channel framing. The tool includes an expandable member that can frictionally engage the channel insert in one position of the tool and release the channel insert in another position of the tool. The tool can be used to permit single handed placement of a channel nut or similar insert into channel framing.

A fixing is provided for securing a spare wheel to a structure, for example a part of a vehicle, the fixing including a connector having a lug arranged such that rotation of the fixing relative to the structure moves the lug into a recess of the structure to secure the fixing to the structure; and wherein the connector further includes a resilient articulated arm arranged to act between the fixing and the structure to urge the lug into the recess when the fixing is connected to the structure.

A fastening unit for fastening an object to a profile element includes a first layer of vibration isolating material arranged on an underside of a washer element and a second layer of vibration isolating material arranged on an upper side of an oblong anchoring element. The oblong anchoring element and the second layer of vibration isolating material each have a width that allows them, preferably in unity, to be aligned with a longitudinal slot of the profiled element inserted therein, and then turned to receive flanges of the profile element between the first layer of vibration isolating material and the second layer of vibration isolating material, so as to provide, at least in a fastened state of the fastening unit, a barrier for vibrations between the washer element and the flanges and between the oblong anchoring element and the flanges.

An appliance mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket with first and second distal arms that flare outward in opposing directions from an attachment body and couple to a panel. The mounting bracket includes a pair of coupling members that extend from the attachment body toward the panel surface and distal ends that curve inward toward one another. A self-clinching nut has an undercut, serrated clinching ring, and base. The undercut and the serrated clinching ring are disposed within an aperture defined by the attachment body. A ladder rack has first and second sides coupled via an attachment wall. The first and second sides define protrusions that engage the pair of coupling members in an interference fit. The attachment wall defines a receiving hole that aligns with the aperture. A threaded fastener extends through the receiving hole and engages the self-clinching nut to fasten the ladder rack to the mounting bracket.

An end bracket for a wall system includes a body member having attachment structure to join a horizontal strut to a vertical strut. The end bracket further includes attachment structure in which the horizontal strut is slidably attached for moving and positioning the horizontal strut relative to the vertical strut in forming the wall system.

A method of installing a cage nut fastener against a frame member without the aid of tools includes: providing a cage nut fastener having a spring cage and a nut prevented from rotation within the spring cage, wherein the spring cage includes first and second lever arms arranged at opposite sides thereof, each lever arm extending in a rearward direction behind a back wall of the spring cage; applying a compression force upon at least one of the lever arms, without the aid of tools, to manipulate the spring cage to a compressed state; positioning a distal end of each of the lever arms through an aperture of the frame member; and releasing the compression force so that a portion of each of the lever arms presses against an edge of the aperture, thereby securing the cage nut fastener against the frame member.

A channel fastener for fastening to an elongate channel element including a washer element, an oblong anchoring element and a connecting element which connects the anchoring element to the washer element, while allowing the anchoring element to rotate with respect to the washer element. The fastener includes a torque-inducing element fixed to the anchoring element and includes at least one resiliently deformable limb arranged substantially offset from the rotational axis of the anchoring element and adapted for a sliding engagement with a flange of the channel element. When the anchoring element is inserted through the longitudinal slot into the channel element, the limb deforms while sliding along the flange towards the interior of the channel element, whereby a torque on the anchoring element is induced, which rotates the anchoring element towards a locking position in which it cannot be retracted through the longitudinal slot of the channel element.

A barrel nut for a fastener is disclosed. The barrel nut is configured to prevent axial movement of the fastener relative to a structure on which the fastener is installed. The barrel nut comprises a first part and a second part pivotable relative to the first part.

An assembly is provided that includes a barrel nut, a barrel nut retainer and a fastener. The barrel nut includes a threaded aperture. The barrel nut retainer includes a one-way installation guide. The fastener is configured to thread into the threaded aperture. The fastener is further configured to pass through the threaded aperture and project into the one-way installation guide when the fastener is inserted into the barrel nut retainer along a first direction.

Installation system for a box profile (100) for a motor vehicle, wherein the installation system (1) has: —at least one carrier strip (10), which can be pushed into the box profile (100), —at least one nut element (20) for prepositioning on the carrier strip (10), wherein the nut element (20) is designed to be prepositioned in a releasable manner on the carrier strip (10), and the installation system (1) has a positioning strip (30), which can be displaced relative to the carrier strip (10) and is designed to arrange the at least one nut element (20), in the state in which the latter has been prepositioned on the carrier strip (10), on an opening (102) of the box profile (100). Installation method. Nut element.