Shop slang for a screw, nut or rivet nut that rotates freely instead of building torque or backing out. Typical causes are a stripped tapped hole, a spun rivet nut, a weld nut broken off its panel or a cage nut popped out of its retainer. Getting one out means holding the back side, prying up on the head while turning, or cutting it free.
Third bolt on the bumper is a spinner, the weld nut broke loose inside the rail, we'll have to cut an access hole.
Also heard as
- spun
- free spinner
Related terms
Rivnut
A blind threaded insert crushed into a hole in sheet or tube so a screw can be fitted from one side.
Thread stripping
Failure where the threads of a nut, tapped hole or bolt shear off instead of the bolt breaking.
Twisted off
Describes a bolt or screw that snapped in torsion while being tightened or removed, leaving the stub behind.