Stainless steel glass nails (also known as glass screws and glass decorative nails) are a kind of fasteners specially used to fix glass panels, advertising signs, display racks and other glass products. It achieves firm fixation without destroying the overall strength of the glass through mechanical clamping and pressure dispersion.
I. Structure and composition
Stainless steel glass nails are usually composed of the following parts:
1. Nail cap (decorative head)
- Exquisite appearance (round, square, shaped, etc.), which plays a decorative and covering role.
- 304/316 stainless steel is usually used, which is rust-proof and corrosion-resistant.
2. Gasket (pressure dispersion layer)
- Rubber/silicone gasket: cushion pressure to prevent the glass from breaking under partial force.
- Metal gasket (optional): enhance structural strength.
3. Screw (nail rod with thread)
- Through the glass and back plate, the thread provides fastening force.
4. Nut or locking device
- It is usually an anti-loosening nut or expansion structure to ensure long-term stability.
II. Core working principle
1. Mechanical clamping and fixing
- Steps:
1. Drill holes on the glass (professional glass drill bit is required, the hole diameter is slightly larger than the screw diameter).
2. The screw passes through the glass hole and is locked with a nut on the back.
3. The gasket cushions the pressure to prevent the glass from cracking due to local force.
4. Tighten the nut so that the glass is stably clamped between the nail cap and the nut.
- Key points:
- Threaded structure: axial pressure is generated by rotating the nut, so that the glass fits closely with the back plate (such as metal frame and wall).
- Pressure dispersion: The rubber gasket distributes the pressure evenly to prevent the glass edge stress from being concentrated and causing cracking.
2. Anti-foosing design
- Some glass nails use nylon locking nuts or spring washers to prevent loosening due to vibration.
- High-end models may use expansion sleeves (similar to expansion screws) to enhance the grip in the glass hole.
III. Applicable scenarios
1. Glass advertising signs (such as display boards on the glass wall of shopping malls).
2. Glass partition, fixed screen (used with metal frame).
3. Glass furniture assembly (such as glass tables and display cabinets).
4. Curtain wall glass decoration (such as glass rain shed, exterior wall decorative nails).
IV. Notes on installation
1. Glass drilling must be operated professionally.
- Use diamond glass drills to drill at low speed to avoid glass crups.
- The hole diameter is usually 1~2mm larger than the screw, preventing thermal expansion and cold shrinkage from causing glass cracking.
2. Gaskets are indispensable.
- Soft gaskets (rubber/silicone) must be used, and metal hard contact with glass cannot be used directly.
3. Avoid excessive locking
- Glass is a brittle material, and excessive locking may lead to microcracks and eventually crack.
4. Anti-rust treatment (outdoor use)
- Choose 316 stainless steel, or apply anti-rust grease at the thread.
V. Special type
1. Invisible glass nail
- The nail cap is smaller or embedded, and the visual is more concise.
2. Magnetic suction glass nail
- Suitable for temporary fixation (such as exhibition glass exhibition board), no drilling required.
3. Expandable glass nails
- Internal expansion structure, suitable for thicker glass (≥10mm).
Sum up
Stainless steel glass nails fix the glass by threaded mechanical locking + pressure cushioning, which not only ensures strength but also prevents glass shattering. The key point is professional drilling, the use of gaskets, and avoid excessive tightness. It is suitable for advertising, construction, furniture and other fields.