Fasteners for vibration?

[SarcasticDwarf]

I *may* be overthinking this!

I am installing an air filter and some other stuff from the garage ceiling, mostly using threaded rod and strut. This means that the weight of the devices is being carried by the nuts, either directly or behind a washer.

Should I be doing anything to prevent the nuts from backing off due to vibration (I really don't want a 60 pound device dropping on me or the car)? If so, what? The extreme seems like it would be either a castle nut with cotter pin or locktite, while something simpler would be K-nuts.

 

[rlitman]

Pairs of nuts locked against each other would be good. Or nyloc nuts. Or drill and cotter pin (I don't think you'd need to actually use a castle nut for this). Or just blue loctite.

 

[MoonRise]

Lock nuts (aka Nylock or similar) or blue Loctite should be plenty and relatively simple/easy and not too expensive.

 

[shedfullatools]

Nylocks or double nut

 

[CraigStu]

double nut is a lot less expensive but may not be a big deal here.

 

[Keithinsc]

Every hanging install I have seen was double nuts on the threaded rods.

 

[lakeroadster]

You're application is no different than any other bolted joint.

What you use depends on the design of the joint. Spiral or tooth lock washers are what is typically used.

You could also use some Locktite thread locker.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Nylocks or double nut

I've also used some clear RTV on the nuts as well.

 

[SGKent]

double nut and loctite would give you that piece of mind. Make sure your rods are designed for that load and not some really cheap ones that might crack.

 

[vavet]

I'd prefer a double nut over an elastic-insert nut.
Is the nut near the end of the threaded rod or several turns in? If it's near the end, then a stover nut might be appropriate but you don't want to be turning that too far in or it will lose some of it's locking ability.

 

[BajaScout]

Weld them.


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[matt_i]

I have installed threaded rods in a plant with blue and red loctite. Both work well, but always good to jam the hex nut against a square washer and also have it theaded into a spring-nut/strut-nut.

 

[Fix Until Broke]

Double nut and mark them and put a bright contrasting colored line across the face of the nuts. Any time you glance at them, the line should be lined up. If they ever separate, you get some visual warning before gravity takes over.

 

[cadunkle]

Doublt nut, plus loctite or tack it. If you have something hanging that vibrates I would use rubber washers or similar to dampen vibration transmission and lessen chance of fatigue of hardware/hangers/etc.

 

[Lynden]

The best way to dampen vibration from a ceiling-mounted air cleaner is to install it using four lengths of chain.

http://www.plusaf.com/_my-workshop/jet-air-cleaner.jpg

 

[MFolks]

242 BLUE Loctite for joints you need to take apart.Only 222 RED Loctite for joints that are almost permanant,but will come apart after high heat is applied(sometimes 500F).

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

The best way to dampen vibration from a ceiling-mounted air cleaner is to install it using four lengths of chain.

http://www.plusaf.com/_my-workshop/jet-air-cleaner.jpg

Agreed, but I have very limited height to work with. Also, by using strut I can spread the load across three trusses (of unknown rating) instead of just two.

(also doing the same with garage door openers)

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

You're application is no different than any other bolted joint.

What you use depends on the design of the joint. Spiral or tooth lock washers are what is typically used.

You could also use some Locktite thread locker.

Actually this is usually different than most bolted joints. With just the weight hanging on rods there isn't any "bolt stretch" to hold torque. I'd put nuts on both sides of the strut and bracket Double nut the top and bottom. I'd even consider putting in spacers (1-2" tall) to allow "stretch" of the rod.

 

[wssix99]

I am installing an air filter and some other stuff from the garage ceiling, mostly using threaded rod and strut.

Do you have a safe way to attach the threaded rod to the ceiling?

I came home one day to find our HVAC contractor doing this and putting the threaded rod through the bottom chord of a wooden floor truss...

After much spirited debate and insults to my lineage, I was able to move them off to a cable system to suspend the strut from the top chord. (Fortunately, we were new construction and my truss designer was able to step in and inform the HVAC contractor that the vibrations and point loads would bring the floor down.)

 

[Diesel Dan]

Here is an option:

-Nord-lock washers

 

[HenryAZ]

I have found that double nutting holds much better if you put a flat washer between the two nuts.

 

[atenbilly]

I work in industry, we hang things using this method on a regular basis. Double nutting is the way to go, for both the security you seek and ease of application.

Can one ever really have "too many tools"

 

[Kevin54]

If you have the strength, double nut it and call it a day

 

[killer cougar]

Another vote for double nutting. It's what we use on commercial installs. Add some safety cables and it will be earthquake and ATFP compliant.


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[LS6 Tommy]

Every hanging install I have seen was double nuts on the threaded rods.

Me too, since 1985. If you're really worried about vibration, get some isolators.

https://www.grainger.com/product/GRAINGER-APPROVED-Hanger-Mount-Vibration-Isolator-48PW81

Tommy