Barrel nuts provide self-wrenching, self-locking attachment points within thick structural joints. This reduces the cost and weight of drilling through the entire structure and using a longer bolt.

Barrel nuts are designed for use with high tensile strength bolts to join load carrying members. Landing gear to fuselage, engine pods to wings, and nacelle and fuel tank attachments are typical of the many places barrel nuts are used.

Fabricated in advanced aerospace alloys, designs include floating or nonfloating, metallic lock or nonmetallic ring, tandem nuts with spreaders, spreaders that articulate, and barrel nuts with attached retainers or lanyards.