What's the best way to secure a bolt when I can't access the other side?

"TheOnelectronic" (theoneelectronic) 12/26/2013 at 19:06 • Filed to: None

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Basically, I'm trying to mount something to some round tubing. I don't want to have to run a bolt all the way through to the other side, but I can't get a nut onto the bolt inside the tube. Any suggestions?

xxstich666xx > TheOnelectronic 12/26/2013 at 19:09

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one of these

briannutter1 > TheOnelectronic 12/26/2013 at 19:14

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Ive welded a stick of welding stick to a nut a fished it down a narrow channel. It held the nut long enough to start the bolt and torque down to the point it wouldnt spin on its own. The rod can be yanked out after. Maybe i got lucky but i didnt have to drill an access hole behind it.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > TheOnelectronic 12/26/2013 at 19:15

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Run the bolt the other way, nut on the outside. I'm assuming you can't reach the bolt all the way in the tube so you might have to get clever with some sliding of the bolt down the tubing.

Or you could just go really simple and use self tapping screws.

Birddog > TheOnelectronic 12/26/2013 at 19:25

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Rivet nuts. It's a great blind fastener for stuff like this.
http://m.harborfreight.com/45-piece-threa…

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > TheOnelectronic 12/26/2013 at 19:29

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Clamp, like they use on fence posts?? Is the tube wall thick enough to tap some threads into? Weld a threaded stud onto the tube?

EDIT: Also, browse McMaster Carr. I tend to find myself trying to find uses for stuff on there. I'm sure it will jog your mind.

tromoly > Birddog 12/27/2013 at 00:31

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Was just about to post about rivet nuts. Well done.

Ansel > TheOnelectronic 12/28/2013 at 13:34

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There is a bolt type that has a hex in the tip of it.
You put a nut on the threads and then put an allen wrench on the same side as the nut. This enables you to tighten a bolt with only access to the nut side.

RallyRoach > TheOnelectronic 01/11/2014 at 22:12

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I work on Jeeps for a living, and we run I to this all the time. Solution we use most often:

Drill hole large enough to fit head of bolt into, but not large enough to allow the washer to go thru.

Grind down the washer so its flat on 2 sides and can slide into hole

Tie bolt and washer togethr with wire and fish into hole, use wire to hold until nut tightens enough to hold.

OR

drill hole large enough to fit nut. Put nut on end of bolt and use bolt to hold nut flush with surface while you weld nut

Both work, depending on your skill and tools at hand

TheOnelectronic > RallyRoach 01/12/2014 at 02:42

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The thing I'm going to try next is Rivnuts. They seem pretty useful.

Chris Connelly > TheOnelectronic 09/21/2015 at 08:25

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http://www.lindapter.com/Products/Decki…