Tornado Jack Nut 10-24 Pop X9870

Genuine Tornado OEM jack nut, 10-24 pop type (part# X9870), for self-contained carpet extractors. A jack nut — also called a rivet nut — is a threaded insert that is set into a hole in sheet metal and then provides a machine thread where the panel itself is too thin to be tapped. On these machines it is what the brush-plate screws thread into on the back side of the brush housing.

How it works and why it fails

The body of the jack nut is drawn up as it is set, clamping the panel between a flange and a collapsed shoulder, which leaves a captive thread behind sheet steel. Two things go wrong with them. The thread strips, usually from over-torquing a screw into it, and then a screw will spin without ever tightening. Or the whole insert spins in its hole, which happens once the set shoulder has relaxed or the hole has been enlarged by corrosion. Either way the fastener has to come out and a new one be set.

How to tell this is your problem

The telltale is a screw that turns indefinitely without drawing the panel up, or one that feels tight and then suddenly goes slack. If you back the screw out and the insert comes with it, or you can feel it turning behind the panel, replace the jack nut rather than the screw. On the brush assembly these work with #10-24 x 3/4 in. machine screws (part# 18339) — three of each on the back side of the brush housing — so it is worth having both numbers on hand when you open that joint.

Setting a replacement

A jack nut needs a setting tool to draw it up properly; it cannot be installed by tightening a screw into it against the panel, which is the usual improvisation and the usual reason the next one spins. Clean the hole, check it has not been enlarged, and set the insert square to the panel.

Compatible Models

• Tornado 98166 20″ Marathon 800 (8 Gallon, 115V) — Series F
• Tornado 98168 20″ Marathon 1200 (12 Gallon, 115V) — Series P

Not sure if this fits your machine? Call us at 763-535-0770 with your model and serial number and we will confirm compatibility before you order.

Twin City Vacuum has been selling and servicing Tornado equipment since 1956. Browse the rest of the Tornado 98166 brush assembly parts, or see the current range at tornadovac.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 10-24 jack nut (part# X9870) do?

It is a threaded insert set into sheet metal to provide a machine thread where the panel is too thin to tap. On the brush assembly it is what the brush-plate screws thread into on the back side of the brush housing.

How do I know if the jack nut (part# X9870) has failed?

A screw that turns indefinitely without drawing the panel up, or one that feels tight and then goes slack. If the insert comes out with the screw, or you can feel it spinning behind the panel, the jack nut has failed rather than the screw.

What models is the 10-24 jack nut (part# X9870) compatible with?

It fits the Tornado 98166 20 inch Marathon 800 (8 gallon, 115V) in Series F and the Tornado 98168 20 inch Marathon 1200 (12 gallon, 115V) in Series P.

How do I order the 10-24 jack nut (part# X9870) or get help?

You can add the 10-24 jack nut (part# X9870) directly to your cart on this page, or call us at 763-535-0770. Our staff at 5415 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428 has been servicing Tornado equipment since 1956 and can help confirm the right part for your machine.

Questions? Call us at 763-535-0770 or visit us at 5415 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428.