Panel assembly retainer and method of use

A retainer for a panel assembly having a pair of panels that are joined via a weld stud, wherein one of the panels defines a hole, the retainer comprising:

• a base that includes:
• an annular cap that defines a slot;
• and
• a cylindrical guide feature having an outer diameter that is less than a diameter of the hole, and an inner diameter that is larger than a diameter of the weld stud;
• and
• a nut that includes a pair of radial fins, wherein one of the radial fins has a beveled surface;
• wherein:
• the radial fin having the beveled surface is received within a slot defined by the annular cap to thereby secure the nut to the base;
• and
• the other radial fin is positioned adjacent to a surface of the annular cap.

A method of using a retainer in a panel assembly, the method comprising:

• providing the retainer, wherein the provided retainer includes a base that defines an annular cap and a cylindrical guide feature, and a nut that includes a radial fin with a flat surface and a radial fin with a beveled surface;
• positioning the cylindrical guide feature within a hole defined by a panel of the panel assembly;
• inserting the radial fin having the flat surface adjacent to a surface of the annular cap;
• and
• inserting the radial fin having the beveled undersurface into a slot defined by the cap to thereby secure the nut to the base.