Bolts for trailer bunks

[kabcpapc]

The original bolts in my trailer bunks that mounted the bunks to the trailer were carriage bolts. I have seen another style of bolt on some website that has a head that looks like a tee nut (it has prongs that punch into the wood to keep the nut from turning) but I can't remember what website. Can anybody tell me what the name of the bolt is and where to find it?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

i just use hex heads, makes it simple

 

[Seon]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

I used 3/8" galvanized carriage bolts.

 

[gstanton]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

You are correct that they are called Tee nuts. They are usually used in furniture, stools, and bi-fold doors. I've never seen ones big enough (1/2 - 3/4) to do the job you're looking at. Nor have I seen galvanized or stainless - but - none of that means they don't exist.
Galvanized carriage bolts are right for the job.

 

[kabcpapc]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

You are correct that they are called Tee nuts. They are usually used in furniture, stools, and bi-fold doors. I've never seen ones big enough (1/2 - 3/4) to do the job you're looking at. Nor have I seen galvanized or stainless - but - none of that means they don't exist.
Galvanized carriage bolts are right for the job.

The bolts I have seen have the head that looks like the tee nut. On the website I looked at, I thought I saw some that were 2 1/2" long. My mind may be playing tricks on me again. I wish I could find that website again. I'll keep trying.

Fastenal has the carriage bolts in stainless and galvanized. What are the pros and cons of the stainless versus galvanized?

 

[sturdavj]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

I too have seen larger size bolts. Sorry I can?t remember the application, maybe auotmotive.

Seems to me the ones I am thinking about were black iron, not coated or stainless.

Good luck with your search.

 

[CountryCruiser]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

My local Lowe's carries ss tee nuts, as well as carriage bolts, and lag screws. I think they had the tee nuts up to 3/8". If you use the tee nuts take your time to get the location right the first time becuase that is all you got until the hole is too big and the nut just spins.

 

[KLINDWW]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

Fastenal has the carriage bolts in stainless and galvanized. What are the pros and cons of the stainless versus galvanized?

Price! A good stainless bolt will run you 5 times the cost of galvanized. Also remember that all stainless is not created alike. You will want 316 stainless or an equivalent.

 

[luv2b0at]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

The type of bolt I think your writing about is called a timber bolt. Please see link below. THe spikes comong off the bottom side of the head are not very long. Just ednough to cause some friction and keep it from spinning as you install the nut on the other end.


http://www.portlandbolt.com/products/bolts/timberbolts.html



or another version

 

[Hobbes_24]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

I work for a fastener company (similar to Fastenal they are our competition) the largest tee nut that is available i know of without being infront of our system is 3/8-16 in stainless,

http://www.mcmaster.com/#90973a120/=hxkz9

and 1/2-13 in steel

http://www.mcmaster.com/#90975a033/=hxkui

Im sure i can check one of my other suppliers but i wont be able to until i get to work monday. McMaster Carr is an online supplier we use as a last resort supplier if we cant find our product anywhere else. They are very expensive and you have to pay for shipping on top of the price.

hope this helps, I'm new to the boat building forums but i have a bit of experience with fasteners. lol.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

I work for a fastener company (similar to Fastenal they are our competition) the largest tee nut that is available i know of without being infront of our system is 3/8-16 in stainless,

http://www.mcmaster.com/#90973a120/=hxkz9

[UNQUOTE]


Do you think those would work as a fastener in drywall?

 

[Hobbes_24]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

I have had alot of people ask what to use for drywall at work. and every time i tell them this product

http://www.toggler.com/products_hwh.html

but they never listen to me and they buy the little plastic screw in plugs instead.

Here is how they are installed. (link is from same page as last link)

http://www.toggler.com/products_hwh_installation.html

The weight ratings on these are insane. I have not personally tested them myself (My workshop is all block walls and pegboard) But if i ever need to replace anything in my house this is what i WILL buy.

-Chris

*EDIT*

sorry . to answer your question.. The Tee nuts may work in drywall but i don't know how much weight they will support. i suppose for a light application they would work fine. But the Toggler bolts were tested successful for a 250 pound load on 1/2 inch thick drywall and failed at over 350 pounds.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

Thanks Chris. I bookmarked both pages for future reference. I've used the Butterfly/ wings but wondered if there wasn't something better. We are in a new house 8 years ago and hanging heavy stuff into drywall can be a challenge.

 

[Baylinercapri1987]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

Galvanized carriage bolts, and countersink them into the wood, 5200 over the holes. That's how I just did it

 

[luv2b0at]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

It looks like no one is reading kabcpapc's initial question. He is not lookinf for t-nuts. He is looking for,

"I have seen another style of bolt on some website that has a head that looks like a tee nut (it has prongs that punch into the wood to keep the nut from turning)."

 

[Hobbes_24]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

http://www.mcmaster.com/#carriage-bolts/=i1glh

give it a second to load and it is the first option.

sorry to get off topic man..

I think there may be a cheaper soloution than this site. for (the smallest one) 5/8-11 x8 inch screw its $3.38/each....

but at least you can print off a pic to show your local suppliers.


-Chris

 

[kabcpapc]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

Can't use the timber screws (bolts). Minimum length is 8". The original carriage bolts were 2". I went to the local Fastenal place. They can special order the bolt I want in 2" but I have to order 100. I don't think I need 100!!!

 

[luv2b0at]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

Here is one method I have had to use in the past. I had to install some carriage bolts that had the head counter sunk and they would just spin no matter how much you turned the nut. It sounds a little odd at first, but it worked. It requires a bolt that is a bit longer than origianl, but you can cut the excess off after you are done if you need to.

Install the carriage bolt. Start on the nut you will use to hold the bolt in place. Install two additional nuts and use them as jam nuts to each other. Once they are jammed, hold the upper nut with one wrench while tightening the very first nut. Sometimes as the bolt is tightened, it will hold itslef and you can let go of the jam nuts. If not, the very first nut is tight, you can unjam the other two nuts and remove them. The threads remain in good condition and the nut and bolt can be removed in the future if need be.

If my attempt to explain this leaves you confused, let me know and I will try to make up some pics.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

Install the carrage bolt with some 3m 4200 marine selant (or 5 min epoxy if your in a real hurry.) It won't turn.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Bolts for trailer bunks

The original bolts in my trailer bunks that mounted the bunks to the trailer were carriage bolts. I have seen another style of bolt on some website that has a head that looks like a tee nut (it has prongs that punch into the wood to keep the nut from turning) but I can't remember what website. Can anybody tell me what the name of the bolt is and where to find it?

They are referred to as torque head bolts or timber bolts, I've seen various renditions of the same idea, some have actual spikes or points while others are just crimped slightly to form a spline or four sharp edges.
We used to use these in the building of boardwalks, docks and other marine wood projects to speed production. They came in all sizes, we had them up to at least 3/4" in diameter, all were galvanized.
There was one other style bolt we used, which had diagonal holes drilled across its head in three directions in which a spike or large nail was driven to secure the bolt and prevent turning or it dropping into the water during assembly. I don't recall where they came from, but they were real life savers when working over water.

I think what your looking for is something along these lines, although their probably not necessary, they do make removal a bit easier but a rusted, frozen bolt will still spin in the wood no matter how well it's anchored.

http://bacoenterprises.thomasnet.co...ipped-galvanized-for-dock-and-marine-builders

http://seaportmarine-e.com/catalog/index.php?cName=bolts-timber-bolts

http://www.follansbeedocks.com/Boat-Dock-Catalog/Boat-Dock-Fasteners-New.html

http://www.portlandbolt.com/products/bolts/timberbolts.html?gclid=CK_J8q-i45gCFQEoGgodXmajdw

http://www.vafasteners.com/timber_bolts.htm