yeah, the problem isn't what type of nuts to use, the problem was finding any kind of nuts that would fit. 1/4-20 would be too large I think.
The studs have a small lead without threads. 10-32 and 10-24 will fit over this lead but then bind on the threads.
I was looking for the pan nuts, I think by that you mean the stamped formed nuts. My local Ace didn't have them.
I found some nylon spacers that had an ID that seemed to be about right. The nylon will allow the stud to cut its own thread without damage. I agree, you do not want to mess them up.
