Where can we find good U-Bolts in just the right size? I have done a bunch of things to fabricate them over the years because I 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 here 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 no good substitute when you want to fasten something on a round pipe or bar, or want an adjustable connection. U-Bolts are so simple, yet so useful.
Oh yes, I have spent too much money on chincy U-Bolts at the local hardware store. Mostly Grade 2 (or maybe lower). Often, I double them up, because I cannot get them in a sufficient size or strength to do the job. I have also fabricated them from Threaded Rod – though that is always a little suspect.
I Found The U-Bolt Store
Now, there is a place on the web for direct purchase of semi-custom U-Bolts — 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 a find. 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 a place that explains what they do, and helps you measure to get exactly the item you need.
Yes, finding a source that appears to make the bolts custom to the measurements you specify. Of course, they have specific choices for specs, but still, the options are flexible enough to choose what I need, with a lot of size choices. Long or short, big or small, thick or thin.
I especially like being able to order big-ish bolts, a lot bigger and stronger than you can buy at a hardware store. Stronger, not only by size, but also with higher strength material. Awesome.
The long thin vertical graphic here on this page shows the various styles of U-Bolts they make. The images include the measurements they need to fabricate the U-Bolts for us. They make it easy to fill in the blanks, which I appreciate.
Then, after you have the measurements and start to select the bolt, if you scroll down the page a little, they also list the bolt 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?
I placed an order for new U-bolts to find out.
My U-Bolts Order
My first order was pretty simple. I need 1/2″ U-Bolts, to go over a 2.5″ square steel tube – allowing a little clearance side to side. For fastening, the bolts need a 3″ Leg length. Sounds easy enough, but I dare you to find a 2.75″ inside measure, 1/2″ anything at a hardware store. That is not going to happen. Especially in a U-Bolt with a higher strength material.
Last time I needed big-ish U-Bolts, I sweet talked the guy at the local semi-truck suspension place into making three for me. He was good, but ordering these custom-ish bolts online is a whole lot easier – and faster, and a lot cheaper.
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 very 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. – Perhaps I am late to this party, and you already know. Or maybe you need this source too? Whatever. Right now I am pretty happy to find it.
The bolts I received are great. They are not like the wimpy hardware store U-Bolts. While they do not have a nice zinc finish (one small benefit of hardware store bolts), yet I am happy with the purchase.
At Mechanical Elements, we love fellow fabricators and DIYers. You are the motivation for the things we write about, and the sources we share. Hopefully you will also find this resource useful. Let us know if you do. Thanks.
U-Bolts Update In October 2025
I have ordered U-Bolts a few times now. Each batch has the same good quality as the ones before. I have had no trouble with the bolts, and I have put them in service in a couple demanding applications for customers. To me, this resource is a good one, and I will continue to use them.
If I have just one very minor complaint – the bolts are often a bit too long. Yes, they are within the specification which is on their website, but it seems a little broad. Anyway, on one set, I had to trim the length to make the bolts fit properly. This is, however, MUCH better than having bolts that are too short!
Bolt length is not a big deal. We can simply cut them off and clean up the end threads if it is a problem. Again, this is such a minor complaint because most of the time a little long is a good thing. Overall, I am very happy with the excellent U-Bolts. Thank you.
Other Articles About Bolts
If you are new to the Mechanical Elements website, we have a few other articles about bolts too. This post is a little more personal tone than most, but it seems appropriate for the subject. — By the way, please let me know in the comments if you like this kind of personal use article. I would appreciate knowing. Thank you.
For more good reading, start with our Bolts 101 article for good general information, then go to the follow-on article (call it page 2) for how to go about selecting bolts for your next project.
More specific articles include an indepth look at the specific considerations with stainless steel bolts, because they have their own nuances. Stainless is just a little different animal – so necessary in some situations, but make sure you choose and use them right.
Maybe the best bolts article is about saving money when buying your fasteners. Cost can be a big deal for small DIY projects, so we love helping you make projects more affordable. This article goes into a great example with a project here.
Good Luck With Your Projects !! We hope this new U-Bolt resource can also help you along the way.
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