Quick question on T-track bolts

[oldpops]

Hello all! Everyone here has always been both knowledgeable and helpful in the past. So I am hoping you folks out there can help me answer my question on T-track bolts. I have a section of T-track, and some 1/4x20 hex head bolts that slide back-and-forth in the t-track just fine (and don't come out). I also have a mounting bracket for a custom tool that I would love to mount on the t-track, but the diameter of the (thread section) of the 1/4x20 bolts is too big. I really need to find some bolts or machine screws(SAE or Metric) where the thread section is smaller in diameter than the 1/4x20 bolt, but that also have a head that is big enough so that it will NOT come out of the t-track. Being disabled it is very difficult for me to drive to a big-box store to spend some time just fitting the different size bolts/screws to see what would work. However, since I can't do that, I am hoping someone here can offer some help or advice on what screws or bolts have a head big enough to sty inside the track, but also have a smaller diameter thread section (than the 1/4 by 20). I have even thought about using a smaller screw/bolt than a 1/4x20, along with a flat washer that will fit in the T-track section,so that the smaller bolt head won't come out of the track opening. Then use another flat washer and nut on top (to hold the smaller screw/bolt in the t-track). However, I don't know the sizes of the washers that would fit, or of the screws/bolts that would fit/work. Once I know that I can just get them online. As always, all help & advice is greatly appreciated!!!

 

[no704]

T-track? Like 8020? McMaster Carr has many sizes.

 

[mikegt4]

Are you talking T-track like this? If so woodworking places like Rockler and Woodcraft have it. Be aware that often there is sometimes a slight difference in dimension to prohibit co-mingling of brands just like in the aluminum extrusion (80/20 etc.) industry.

 

[seber]

Most t type tracks use special nuts. In any case, the manufacturer if the track is an important factor. We could help more if we knew that.

 

[GeoBruin]

What about going down to your desired bolt size and using a small washer on the bolt head to mimic the size of the 1/4-20 bolt head? Since the head of a smaller bolt will also be thinner, there should be room for the washer as well.

 

[jbfsr]

How about these.

Amazon.com

 

[rharman]

Have you considered using a fender washer and cutting/grinding flats on two edges?
Or, cut a small rectangle out of 1/8" aluminum bar stock and drill/tap it?

 

[LeeG]

How many do you need? If it is just a couple, it shouldn't be all that hard for someone with a lathe to make some out of some hex stock.

 

[oldpops]

Hi everybody, and thanks for the help. I should have mentioned the t-track that I have is POWERTEC 7119 Double cut universal t-track, (see link: https://www.walmart.com/ip/POWERTEC-71119 - Double-Cut-Profile-Universal-T-Track-with-Predrilled-Mounting-Holes-2-Pack-36/233630003 ). I think going down in bolt size and using a small washer (that will fit in the track) is probably the best idea. I just haven't been able to find a bolt and washer combo that will fit inside the t-track grove. I know that the max width of the t-track groove is 9/16th's of an inch wide, so I imagine a washer that is 1/2 inch in diameter will work. If anybody has used other, smaller bolts and washer combinations in their t-tracks, please let me know(what size bolts & washers) worked. Thanks

 

[seber]

Proper screws are available from Powertec. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5WC8BK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[alinc100]

How about a 10-24 flange bolt? https://www.boltdepot.com/Flange_bolts.aspx?nv=l You could file two parallel flats to fit/keep from rotating

 

[Git]

What size bolt will actually fit through?

There are T Bolts and there are also 'hammer head' bolts that may work for what you want. Example = M5 Hammer head, which is smaller than 1/4"-20, is about a 10-32.

With Amazon's 'free returns' all you have to do is drop it off at a UPS store or Kohls to send them back if they don't work (although they only cost $12 for an assortment)

M5 M6 Hammer Head Bolt T Screw and M5 M6 Hexagon Flange Nuts Set Carbon Steel Nickel Plated for 20 30 Series European Standard T-Slot Aluminum Profile(70 Pack): Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

M5 M6 Hammer Head Bolt T Screw and M5 M6 Hexagon Flange Nuts Set Carbon Steel Nickel Plated for 20 30 Series European Standard T-Slot Aluminum Profile(70 Pack): Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

 

[MoonRise]

Folks, he said (typed? ) that the 1/4-20 bolts fit just fine in his T-track.

His issue is that the 1/4" bolt diameter doesn't fit into the mounting holes on a bracket for something that he wants to mount TO the T-track.

So, my first thought would be to enlarge (drill out or maybe just use a "tapered reamer" if the bracket material is thin enough that the taper from the reamer isn't objectionable) to clear the 1/4" diameter.

Got any pictures of your mounting bracket?

Moving up in effort would be things like making an intermediate bracket that mounts to the T-track and your bracket then mounts to that intermediate bracket. Or making some sort of custom nut or bolt that can mount everything together.

 

[RTM]

Can you step down to a 10-32 bolt and fit thru your bracket? You might find 10-32 t bolts, but here is a T Nut, you could Loc-Tite a stud in it if needed.

(ET-010-10-32) 10-32 Economy T-Nut | TNUTZ

These T-Nuts are 100% equivalent to the following manufacturers: 80/20 #3276, T-SLOTS #651096, Frame-World #11-216

www.tnutz.com

 

[oldpops]

You folks have all been fantastic!! Both the M5 & M6 hammerhead bolt idea, and the 10-32 bolt/screw are interesting. I will check out these ideas and suggestions and report back. Thanks again to all who offered help and advice!!!

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I have T tracks on my boat that I use carriage bolts in. (I can't seem to find affordable T bolts that fit).
I modify the carriage bolts by grinding 2 sides of the head off. I see that other guys modified the track so teh head slides in.

 

[oldpops]

Thanks. Gonna have to look for my grinder