Welding nuts trick?

[Kaizen]

I am welding two one inch nuts and a one inch bolt to tube. The nuts are stationary and the bolt will raise and lower for an adjustable leg. Any trick to keeping the threads clean? Cover the exposed bolt threads with something? I do have the bolt in the nuts so I don’t have issues with alignment


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[The Cobbler]

ca n you slip a pc of copper pipe over the threads?

 

[laser3kw]

grease the bolt with Vaseline and screw it into the nut while welding.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

If coated (zinc, galvanized, etc.), sand it to bare metal. Weld it on as is with a few heavy tac welds. No need to weld the whole circumference. Regardless, a course thread nut/bolt of that size should still have a reasonable fit if you don't go overboard with the heat input.

 

[xela456]

Have an oxy/fuel torch? if you blacken it with the acetylene soot the weld spatter wont stick to it.

 

[Kev In]

You can also spray the bolt threads with “Pam” nonstick spray and weld splatter won’t stick to the threads.

 

[MoonRise]

Coat the threads (male and female ) with anti-spatter spray.

PAM cooking spray (or whatever brand cooking spray you have ) usually works too.

Or a nice generous coating of Never-seize on the threads.

Thread bolt into nut(s) and make sure that you don't 'jam' the nuts together.

Remove any coating (galvanizing or anti-spatter or PAM, etc) from the area on the nuts where you will weld.

DO NOT WELD CADMIUM PLATING/COATING !!!!!!!

 

[Farmall450]

MIG tip coating, or above.

 

[Kaizen]

Thanks all. Lots of great ideas. Have four to do so I’ll try them all and see what works. They are just normal steel bolts that I’m painting after it is installed.



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[danielbuck]

I just put a bolt or short section of all thread in the nut when welding it, haven't had problems doing it that way. I usually just grab an old bolt and use the same one for all of the threads, so I don't mess up new hardware. All thread you can cut a slice down the center of the end and use it like a large flat head screw, and you can screw it all the way down flush with the nut, if space while welding is limited.

Not only does that keep anything from getting into the threads, it also acts as a bit of a heat sink to hopefully not get the nut hot enough to warp.

If I have enough time and forethought, I soak the hardware being welded in vinegar for a day or so to strip the zinc. Keeps the fumes and spatter down.

Just in case you do get something in the threads or if the nut gets hot enough to warp (which it easily can) have a tap handy, or at least a thread chaser if the nut gets too snug.

 

[tarmy]

As others mentioned...center the nut with the bolt in...in the hole. Tack and check for clearances, weld up. This photo shows how I put handles on the bolts too...

 

[ItsNemo]

I just put a bolt or short section of all thread in the nut when welding it, haven't had problems doing it that way. I usually just grab an old bolt and use the same one for all of the threads, so I don't mess up new hardware. All thread you can cut a slice down the center of the end and use it like a large flat head screw, and you can screw it all the way down flush with the nut, if space while welding is limited.

Not only does that keep anything from getting into the threads, it also acts as a bit of a heat sink to hopefully not get the nut hot enough to warp.

If I have enough time and forethought, I soak the hardware being welded in vinegar for a day or so to strip the zinc. Keeps the fumes and spatter down.

Just in case you do get something in the threads or if the nut gets hot enough to warp (which it easily can) have a tap handy, or at least a thread chaser if the nut gets too snug.

Yup, this. Easiest just to throw a bolt into the nut.

 

[jjeffries]

That welding table is a work of art. Ultra cool. John/CT

As others mentioned...center the nut with the bolt in...in the hole. Tack and check for clearances, weld up. This photo shows how I put handles on the bolts too...

 

[Mr. T]

TIG it

 

[jimgood]

Worst case, if some BBs get into the threads or they distort a little, you can always run a tap through the nuts afterward.

 

[kerrynzl]

Coat a bolt with "Zinc" anti seize and screw it into the nut. I always use the bolt to centre it into a slightly oversized hole and then weld the nut.

Now I always have a correct sized socket set-up in my cordless impact wrench.
As soon as I've welded the nut, I quickly unscrew the bolt [before the nut "heat shrinks" and damages the thread]

 

[Kaizen]

As others mentioned...center the nut with the bolt in...in the hole. Tack and check for clearances, weld up. This photo shows how I put handles on the bolts too...

That is some nice looking welds sir. what do the handled bolts do? Does the top slide and that locks it in place?

 

[MoonRise]

I'm not tarmy , but those red-handled bolts are there to lock accessories into place in the receiver hitch tubing.

 

[DannoXYZ]

I use these to get threaded ends on tubing to make control-arms for race cars. Clean final-product and maximizes strength with lowest weight.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/shop/speedway-motors-weld-bung-fittings~8207-10191-5101-23-246-17691
https://www.barnes4wd.com/Threaded-Tube-Insert-For-34-16-TPI_c_179.html

 

[tarmy]

I'm not tarmy , but those red-handled bolts are there to lock accessories into place in the receiver hitch tubing.

Yep!

I have various implements that slide into the receivers...vice, table extensions, etc.

Here is some eye candy...