Retro Refit

I have received many inquiries about the “oval, oblong, butterfly, flat, etc.” that is used to secure several Omni items to the Omni Pole.  A more appropriate label for this piece is T-Nut as it resembles a T in profile.  It’s threading is a standard #8-32, but that’s where the standard ends.

In MANY hours of researching, I’ve found that the original sized Omni T-Nuts do not exist, and none will fit into the pole slot without modification or trickery.

The Omni poles themselves are also of non-standard size, being 1 1/4″ wide vs. the 1″ and 1 1/2″ industry standard today.

When I need a T-nut, I grind a slightly larger standard T-nut down to size against a sanding disk.

I have also avoided sanding by sliding the slightly over-sized new T-Nut into the pole slot from the top of the pole.  This works when reassembling your wall unit, but not very well for adding a cabinet or light with several shelves installed above.

If you can’t insert the T-Nut from the top of the pole, you will have to do a little sanding to size to be able to insert them into the Omni pole slot.  Be sure to watch your fingers while sanding!

In comparing specs, the closest and most cost-effective T-Nut I’ve found so far is from 80/20 Inc., their part #3275.  You can find the part on Amazon.com (search for 80/20 3275) at 16 cents each, or on eBay (search for 80 20 inc 3275).  The T-Nut can be used with either a #8-32 Socket Cap Screw or a #8-32 x 7/8” slotted oval head machine screw. that can be found at your local hardware store.

One more tip – the threaded pilot projection (small raised collar on the T-Nut) should be facing toward the inside center of the pole, and not facing outward toward your screw.