Size of nut on side markers?

Amorget · Oct 20, 2021

Anyone know the size of the nut for the side markers? The only reference I've found on-line was to buy the Dorman assorted thread cutting nuts, which would be fine except I can't find it in Mexico. The local bolt places are willing to order that style nut, however knowing the size is rather important. Parts Manual just lists it as "nut" as it's not a serviceable part.

mrblaine · Oct 20, 2021

Amorget said:
Anyone know the size of the nut for the side markers? The only reference I've found on-line was to buy the Dorman assorted thread cutting nuts, which would be fine except I can't find it in Mexico. The local bolt places are willing to order that style nut, however knowing the size is rather important. Parts Manual just lists it as "nut" as it's not a serviceable part.

It is a Pal Nut and the closest I've found is 12-24. That isn't correct because the hex size is 10mm which means it should be a metric thread. 5mm is too small and 6mm is too large for the ones I've been able to find.

Zorba · Oct 20, 2021

mrblaine said:
It is a Pal Nut and the closest I've found is 12-24. That isn't correct because the hex size is 10mm which means it should be a metric thread. 5mm is too small and 6mm is too large for the ones I've been able to find.

Maybe its Whitworth!

I went looking for 5.5mm hardware, didn't find anything.

mrblaine · Oct 20, 2021

Zorba said:
Maybe its Whitworth! I went looking for 5.5mm hardware, didn't find anything.

It it was Whitworth, that would make it easier because the wrench would tell us what size the plastic post is.

Windrac · Oct 20, 2021

I ran into a similar problem when I lost one of mine.

I ended up using outdoor rated hot glue and that has worked great since.

Hacky solution I know, but it's held up really well.

Amorget · Oct 20, 2021

mrblaine said:
It is a Pal Nut and the closest I've found is 12-24. That isn't correct because the hex size is 10mm which means it should be a metric thread. 5mm is too small and 6mm is too large for the ones I've been able to find.

Awesome, thanks! The specs on a 12-24 pal nut actually match with the one piece of information I found on them which was they used the one that fit a 3/8" socket. Not that I don't trust the Forum Asshole, it's always nice to having collaborating evidence.

Amorget · Oct 20, 2021

Windrac said:
I ran into a similar problem when I lost one of mine.

I ended up using outdoor rated hot glue and that has worked great since.

Hacky solution I know, but it's held up really well.

Currently it's being held in by a wood screw that was installed at the bottom of the marker light to basically wedge the marker lights in there. Outdoor rated hot glue would be an upgrade on the hackiness level.

Please note, I did not install the wood screw... here in Mexico people can get really creative.

mrblaine · Oct 20, 2021

Amorget said:
Please note, I did not install the wood screw... here in Mexico people can get really creative.

Trust me, it isn't just Mexico. I know of someone who used sheet metal screws to hold JK fender marker lights in from the outside.

Brianj5600 · Oct 20, 2021

I use a piece of windshield washer hose. I broke 2 marker lights on back to back rides. The first one I broke the plastic stud, but there was enough to use hose to secure it. I started removing them on rides and the washer hose needs no tools and they stay put when street driving.

Amorget · Oct 20, 2021

Brianj5600 said:
I use a piece of windshield washer hose. I broke 2 marker lights on back to back rides. The first one I broke the plastic stud, but there was enough to use hose to secure it. I started removing them on rides and the washer hose needs no tools and they stay put when street driving.

Good thought, I'll try it if I can't get the nuts. Unfortunately "street driving" here is about the same as "Off Roading" in some places so I worry they'll vibrate off.

outlawtomcat · Feb 21, 2025

Amorget said:
Good thought, I'll try it if I can't get the nuts. Unfortunately "street driving" here is about the same as "Off Roading" in some places so I worry they'll vibrate off.

did you ever figure out which nut it was?

LONGJP2 · Feb 21, 2025

outlawtomcat said:
did you ever figure out which nut it was?

Places like Ace hardware should have them.
Take the light with you and match it up.

Wrangler89 · Aug 13, 2025

Amorget said:
Awesome, thanks! The specs on a 12-24 pal nut actually match with the one piece of information I found on them which was they used the one that fit a 3/8" socket. Not that I don't trust the Forum Asshole, it's always nice to having collaborating evidence.

It’s always the simplest little part that can drive u nuts, pardon the pun. I have a 2002 TJ and have also lost the side marker retaining nuts. I used the orange colour electrical marettes. They thread on beautifully and hold well. A lot neater than some other methods

Wrangler89 · Aug 13, 2025

I’ve also lost my side marker retainer nuts on my 2002 tj. Replaced them with the orange colour electrical marette connectors. They thread on nice and hold firm

Zorba · Aug 13, 2025

Wrangler89 said:
It’s always the simplest little part that can drive u nuts, pardon the pun. I have a 2002 TJ and have also lost the side marker retaining nuts. I used the orange colour electrical marettes. They thread on beautifully and hold well. A lot neater than some other methods

I learned something new today - never heard the term "marette" before.

Brianj5600 · Jan 12, 2026

A neighbor from the north slipping some French.

outlawtomcat · Jan 12, 2026

I found out that m6 flange nuts work great

dcoop · Jan 12, 2026

I've always used vacuum caps for a carburetor. They work in a pinch and last a few years then dry rot. But I like the idea of marette (wire nuts).

speeding_infraction · Jan 12, 2026

Sorry if I come off like a dick, I might be a bit sensitive right now lol

Wire nuts/marrettes do not belong on vehicles, unless it's a temporary fix.

Or, after reading the thread, if you're not using them for electrical I guess it's ok lol

dcoop · Jan 12, 2026

speeding_infraction said:
Sorry if I come off like a dick, I might be a bit sensitive right now lol

Wire nuts/marrettes do not belong on vehicles, unless it's a temporary fix.

Or, after reading the thread, if you're not using them for electrical.

No electrical use. Just trying to hold in side marker lights.

Size of nut on side markers?

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