Where can you find good U-Bolts in just the right size? I have done a bunch of things to make or fabricate them over the years because I just could not find a good source. Well, that just changed. I have a new favorite source to get nearly any size U-Bolt, and I am going to share it with you.
The humble U-Bolt. We use them in so many places in industry and for DIY projects. They are on most trailer axles, and often on cranes and other tools as well. There is just no substitute when you want to fasten something on a round pipe or bar. They are so simple, yet so useful.
Oh yes, I have spent too much money on the chincy U-Bolts at the local hardware store. Mostly Grade 2 (or maybe lower). Double them up, because I can’t get them in a sufficient size or strength to do what I really want. I have also fabricated them from Threaded Rod – though that is always a little suspect.
I Found The U-Bolt Store
Seriously, there is a place on the web called the “U-Bolt Store”. I bumped into them the other day when looking for someone to make a 3/4″ Grade 8 U-Bolt for me. So awesome. Check them out at uboltstore.com
What is better than finding a great new source for something you need? But, only once in a while? Answer: Finding the place that explains what they do, and helps you measure to choose just what you need.
Yes, finding a source that appears to make the bolts custom just to the specs. Of course, they have specific choices for specs, but still, so flexible to choose what I need, with a lot of size choices.
The long thin graphic here on the page shows the various types of U-Bolts they make, along with the measurements they need to fab one. They make it easy.
Then, after you have the measurements and start to select the bolt, if you scroll down the page a little, they also list the specifications. The material, the thread, and the torque specification. Just exactly what I need. Here is a screen grab of the U-Bolt specifications.
So what is the actual product like?
My U-Bolts Order
My order was pretty simple. I need 1/2″ U-Bolts, to go over a 2.5″ square steel tube – allowing a little clearance. With the fastening, the bolts need a 5″ Leg length. Sounds easy enough, but I dare you to find a 2.75″ inside diameter, 1/2″ anything at a hardware store. That is not going to happen.
Last time I needed big U-Bolts, I sweet talked the guy at the local semi-truck suspension place into making me 3. He was good, but ordering these custom-ish bolts online is a whole lot easier.
The U-Bolts I received are really nice. The finish is good, the threads are clean, the nuts spin smooth, and the dimensions are great. They seem to be good quality, so I am happy with the purchase. Actually, excited enough about it to write this article – and they are not a sponsor, nor do they even know I am writing it.
Perhaps they should become a sponsor? Well, honestly, U-Bolts have been enough of a pain for me in the past that I am just happy to share this good news with all of you. Maybe I’m late to this party, or maybe you need this source too. Whatever. I am pretty happy about it.
At Mechanical Elements, we love fellow fabricators and DIYers. You are the motivation for all the things we write about.
Other Articles About Bolts
If you are new to Mechanical Elements, we have a few other articles about bolts too. This post is in a little more personal tone than most, but it seems appropriate for the subject.
For more good reading, start with our Bolts 101 article for good general info, then go to the follow up article (call it page 2) for how to go about selecting bolts for your project.
More specific articles include an article about special considerations with stainless steel bolts, because they have their own nuances. And, maybe the best article — about saving money when buying your fasteners. We love making projects more affordable.
Good Luck With Your Projects !! We hope this new U-Bolt source can help you too.
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