Quick application/release nut with engagement indicator

A composite nut which can be quickly applied to or removed from a threaded member from either end of said nut, comprising

• a nut having an internal recess, end closures, and openings in said end closures of a size permitting entrance of said threaded member on which said nut is to be applied,
• a plurality of segments positioned in said recess movable between an inward, peripherally substantially abutting position and an outward, peripherally spaced position,
• said segments having threaded internal surfaces positioned to form a continuous internal thread in said inward position and to be discontinuous in said outward position,
• first spring means cooperating with said segments to urge them toward said outward position,
• longitudinally movable means operable to engage and move said segments toward said inward position on engagement with a surface against which said nut is to be moved,
• second spring means engaging said longitudinally movable means to urge them toward engagement with said segments,
• said nut being installable from either side and slidably movable along a threaded member for installation thereon when said segments are in said outward position, and
• said longitudinally movable means are engageable with a surface against which said nut is to be positioned to force said segments to said inward position to positvely engage said continuous internal thread on said threaded member to permit continued installation of said nut by a torque-applying tool.