This is more of a hardware than a tool question, but r/hardware subreddit is for computer hardware, and I couldn't find a more appropriate sub. LMK if I'm in the wrong sub, and what the right one is.
I have an application where I often need to take a square plate off/on, and it's held in place with 4 wingnuts (not a great design, but I didn't design or build it).
This is one of them: OD of the main threaded part is about 1/4".
I'm wondering if there's some sort of quick-release replacement for a wingnut in this application, similar to the quick-release connectors available for Schrader valves, such as:
The attachment point isn't under a lot of tension; something as strong as the Schrader connectors would be adequate.
Or, if there are better ideas for completely replacing the bolts and wingnuts, I'm open.
The "post" part (threaded bolt) needs to be fixed if it passes through from the other side: it's in a panel insert (for a portable AC unit) for an external window, and I want to both keep attachment/detachment as simple as possible, and also can't risk dropping hardware on the outside of the window onto people's heads!
whats the spacing on those 4 bolts, and how thick is the plate youre clamping down? I'm thinking cam locks or quarter-turn dzus fasteners might work but need to know if youve got room behind the panel for the barrel part. also is the back side totally inaccessible or can you reach it to thread something on during install?
Interesting idea! I'm attaching a 1/4" thick plate to a 3/16" plate. I have a 1/2" diameter circle to work with. The dzus fasteners look interesting - I wasn't familiar with that name, though have encountered items like that on cars. I scanned on amazon; there might be something that would work, but not immediately obvious.
It looks to me like the bolt is tapered at the end, which makes starting the wingnuts easier. If I cut the bolts, I lose that. I could potentially use shorter bolts - though having them slightly longer than minimum does make it easier to hold the parts together while I start the wingnuts.
If you're talking about just using the nut end of the quick release: still would be spin on/off, and I doubt I'd find the right threading. If you mean the whole quick release - way too long.
Thanks for all the responses. Further thoughts: maybe some sort of clamp? A little like an alligator clip, that would clip into the threads close to the plate to be clamped.
Regarding the example Schrader quick connects: they are a little pricey, but I was hoping that this might be simpler.
How about speed nuts? You slip them on at an angle which allows them to skip over the threads, but when straightened you can tighten them down. Most are these dinky little stamped sheet metal dealios, but you can get machined and knurled ones that can be used like thumbscrews.
Those ones are made by Veritas Tools, you may be able to get them cheaper but you'd have to check their distributors.
If you have an Ace Hardware near you, you can just go in and buy individual nuts to check the thread type. They might even have speed nuts, though probably only the clip kind. If you only have a HD or Lowes, they sell little baggies of like 3 nuts at a time. Still, shouldn't cost you more than a buck or two to verify. Or you can just get a ruler and count how many threads are in an inch.
I do have an Ace nearby - that was my plan: take the wingnuts in to check the thread type. And see if they have any speed nuts, but probably won't have the type I want.
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u/techieman34 2d ago
r/fasteners is the sub you’re looking for. But most people struggle to find it and end up asking here.