Magic Bolts?

[Snailtrail]

Hi,

 

I've got a quite a few half couplers that have a recess for a "magic bolt" similar to this:

 

http://www.alistage.co.uk/images/4489.gif

 

I'm needing some more bolts for them but the only ones I have seen have a flat screwdriver type top which means that they are not easy to tighten up at all.

 

Does anyone know if a version is available with a head for a hex key or something similar? It would make our couplers a whole lot more useful.

 

Thanks,

 

Sam

[david.elsbury]

They definately exist- one place I work for has a whole lot of the things, 6mm (IIRC) allen key and a countersunk head. Have you tried engineering places?

 

David

[timsabre]

I would try calling Doughty, they make the things.

Engineering suppliers always look at me blankly whenever I ask them for something slightly unusual.

[madorangepanda]

If your couplers are Aliscaff ones as pictured then give them a call as they can send them out in the post.

 

They use a high tensile hex cap screw. It is important that you use the correct type as some cap screws are considerably weaker.

 

If it's not an Aliscaff coupler does it have any other markings or a name on it?

 

Edit: If they are the Aliscaff ones the depth of the counterbore needs to be known see here for details http://www.alistage.co.uk/aliscaff_couplers_and_fittings_coupler_fittings.shtml or call them on 01279 406270.

[TomHoward]

We've got a load of Global Truss couplers that have the same recessed bolt head, but ours came supplied with a countersunk hex bolt - you can see it here:

http://www.ac-et.com/images/products/large/MA91602005.jpg

 

Frankly they are a pain in the arse when compared to the Doughty / other couplers with a captive slot for the bolt head, as they don't hold the bolt captive for tightening up - if it's too loose you've got to take the coupler off to adjust it. (And find the allen key..)

 

I've wondered about whether there's any way to stop them turning - whether a spot weld or anything is plausible.

 

But in relation to your bolts - a google for M10 CSK brings up plenty of hex results, or ebay has plenty listed under M10 CSK as well.

[david.elsbury]

I find that once clamped to a pipe, the ones we use tighten up perfectly well with a spanner - the pipe clamps and holds the head of the bolt. No idea what brand though.

[boatman]

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I've wondered about whether there's any way to stop them turning - whether a spot weld or anything is plausible.

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Try Loctite 245 or for real muscle Loctite 270.

[TomHoward]

I find that once clamped to a pipe, the ones we use tighten up perfectly well with a spanner - the pipe clamps and holds the head of the bolt. No idea what brand though.

On ours, the head is recessed enough that it doesn't tough the pipe - I don't think it holds it.

 

I will try the Loctite and see how it works - I had wondered whether I would get away with adhesive like Araldite.

[boatman]

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I will try the Loctite and see how it works - I had wondered whether I would get away with adhesive like Araldite.

 

I've always found it works well, but then I used to get 245 "free" from the factory. You could try a spot or two of Superglue which is probably more widely available.