A standoff is a threaded separator (a spacer is unthreaded) used to raise one part in an assembly above another to prevent contact. They are usually round or hex (for wrench tightening), and come in male-female or female-female forms. Threads are typically internal (female), but some may have external (male) threads as well.

Standoffs can vary in size and be either standard or metric measurements. They can be made from steel, plastic, nylon, brass, stainless, or aluminum. 

They come both round and hex typically, though any shape can be made. Some may have knurling. The hex are typically more popular when a wrench is needed to tighten it.

These self-clinching standoffs come with a hex base. These are commonly part of the electronics hardware group.

Talk to Hardware Everywhere’s knowledgeable customer service team for help choosing the fasteners that match your application. Call us at 1-800-432-8979 or contact us online.