Hot Dipped Galvanized 1/2" Locking Nut?

[jp_over]

Friends,

In the attached photo, I’m looking to use a 1/2” locking nut. The problem is that these are not readily available for hot dipped galvanized bolts.

The wood is western red cedar so hot dipped galvanized is the most economical fastener solution but I’ve been unable to find a standard nylon insert nut. In hot dipped galvanized, the main option looks to be a “top lock nut" but I'm not familiar with the effectiveness of these.

Anyone have advice or should I just go with a top lock nut or similar? This is for a swing set so I’d like to err on the safe side and not have a chance of these coming loose. For now, I’ve used toothed washers and have been keeping an eye on the nut tension but would like a more permanent solution.



Thanks!

 

[4xdog]

A jam nut, if you have the exposed threads to work with, is likely to be more reliable than a Nyloc.

You could also peen over the exposed threads -- ain't nuthin' comin' off that way.

 

[purplezr2]

Either double nut, or squeeze a nut to make it a metal locking nut

 

[bob15]

How about stainless? McMaster sells SS lock nuts.

 

[DFB]

Just double nut it

 

[nadogail]

How about stainless? McMaster sells SS lock nuts.

Yes, Stainless Elastic Stopnuts

or Drill the bolts and use Cotter Keys or Stainless Safety Wire.

 

[Shiftless]

Or use a HDG nut and peen over the end of the bolt. Even if it eventually loosens up, the nut won’t come off.

 

[jp_over]

Thanks all for the fast feedback.

Stainless would be great but then I'd have to replace the bolts as well.

I'm going with the double nut / jam nut solution so I can have the option of disassembly when it's time to take the swing set out of service.

Much appreciated.

 

[marinusdees]

Last I knew, 50 years ago, galvanized nuts were only used (fit) galvanized bolts and vice versa. Boo birds say me no.

 

[The Cobbler]

^^^ yes, galvanized is (was) always different size than regular plated

 

[rayra]

double / jamb nut.

 

[Dustball]

Jam, not jamb.

 

[4xdog]

Jam, not jamb.

Yes! Something in the corner of my brain was trying to tell my fingers that in my earlier post...

 

[matt_i]

One can make any nut a toplock-style nut.

Just create a couple center punches that fold in the top thread crest. Don't get crazy it doesn't need a ton of deformation to hold on.

There's always loctite blue or red. Both work but not preferred in life-or-limb apps.

 

[CraigStu]

I use double nuts more and more often it seems. I love nylocks but it's hard to beat running a nut on by finger and only needing a wrench for the last 2-3 turns. The harder the access the more important finger installation becomes.

 

[HenryAZ]

Just double nut it

Double nut with a flat washer between the two nuts holds even better. You've probably noticed the tendency for both nuts to turn together as you tighten a double nut. Holding the wrenches against this tendency allows a firm fit, but the tendency is still there, down the road. The flat washer in between gives you something to tighten each nut to, plus it makes it easier to get each wrench on its own separate nut.

 

[jp_over]

Update, on a long shot I e-mailed these folks and they offered to sell me a small batch of 1/2" hot dipped galvanized (13 thread) nylon insert lock nuts:

https://www.lok-mor.com/products/prevailing-torque/n-loc/

Minimum order was $25 so I just ordered a few extra and am all set.

 

[matt_i]

Update, on a long shot I e-mailed these folks and they offered to sell me a small batch of 1/2" hot dipped galvanized (13 thread) nylon insert lock nuts:

https://www.lok-mor.com/products/prevailing-torque/n-loc/

Minimum order was $25 so I just ordered a few extra and am all set.

What Grade did they sell you?

 

[jp_over]

What Grade did they sell you?

This is from the receipt. Not sure on all the details/abbreviations but I did verify that it would fit a standard HDG bolt.

1/2-13 NYLON INSERT HVY A194 GR.2H HDG
AF = 7/8 TH = .440 +/- .020

 

[Mr_fixit]

I would have run a 1/2" tap on the bolt and use a readily available zinc plated locking nut. Or a lock washer.

 

[brownbagg]

any hardware store will have them

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Just my $.02. The bolts are too long to begin with. There should not be more than 3 exposed threads past the nut and you should have an acorn nut on the end to help prevent impalement/gouge injuries. Ditch the carabiners for proper shackles, too. They're not rated to carry any real live load.

Tommy

 

[ard]

Ditch the carabiners for proper shackles, too. They're not rated to carry any real live load.

Tommy

Agree. I can see someone whipping the chains around and inadvertently popping out of that ‘keychain-rated’ carabiner...

Fells like a ‘forest for the trees’ kinda thing...

 

[jp_over]

LS6 & ard,

Thanks for the tips. The pictured carabiners are load rated/swing set versions (If I recall 1,000 lbs +). Are these generally considered bad practice? I could go with something like this if so (1/2" stainless quick link): https://www.e-rigging.com/half-inch-Stainless-Quick-Link?utm_term=&utm_campaign=Smart+Shopping&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=7830372009&hsa_cam=1626914295&hsa_grp=64507753080&hsa_ad=311036001766&hsa_src=u&hsa_tgt=pla-293946777986&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1-DQhou-6AIVY__jBx1ksw21EAQYASABEgK3PfD_BwE

Also, LS6 you mentioned "There should not be more than 3 exposed threads". Is there a specific reason for this outside of extra exposed bolt? When I purchased the bolts, I was trying to get everything up and running and was only able to locally source a close rather than exact fit. Just trying to get educated. I can cut the bolts shorter but then I'd loose the galvanized coating on the cut area.

Thanks!

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I'm a former Certified Playground Safety Inspector. The info I gave is based on the UL requirements for playground equipment. The male end of a fastener with more than 3 threads exposed past the nut can cause impalement/penetration or gouge injuries and should have an acorn nut if possible. On vertical or horizontal exposures they can cause entanglement/choking hazards from hood strings, etc. Carabiners are not allowed at all, load ratings or not.

Tommy

 

[MOwens]

Top locks are actually a better locking nut than nylocks. They actually seize onto the the bolt so they and the bolt are not reusable. The are mainly used on semi trucks for a somewhat permanent fastening solution.

 

[jp_over]

I'm a former Certified Playground Safety Inspector. The info I gave is based on the UL requirements for playground equipment. The male end of a fastener with more than 3 threads exposed past the nut can cause impalement/penetration or gouge injuries and should have an acorn nut if possible. On vertical or horizontal exposures they can cause entanglement/choking hazards from hood strings, etc. Carabiners are not allowed at all, load ratings or not.

Tommy

Great info; much appreciated.

MOwens - good to know, thanks