Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: darkloaf on December 17, 2008, 06:26:57 AM

Title: Locking a bolt in place
Post by: darkloaf on December 17, 2008, 06:26:57 AM: Hey,

Ive got a couple bolts i need to lock down (they unthread them selves when my motors running).

I once saw a product called bolt glue, but can't find it again. Ive also seen various washers and lock bolts that appear to be what i want.

Anyone have any recommendations?

Cheer!

Nick Deboar
Title: Re: Locking a bolt in place
Post by: Rebelgium on December 17, 2008, 07:39:32 AM: uhh... use double bolts...
Title: Re: Locking a bolt in place
Post by: waymental on December 17, 2008, 08:32:57 AM: double nuts or lock-tite
Title: Re: Locking a bolt in place
Post by: Gertlex on December 17, 2008, 09:03:27 AM: Lock-tite is the brand-name "thread glue" that you're looking for.

I recommend nylon lock-nuts. Basically they're nuts. With a ring of nylon in them that the threads cut into when the nut is put on. The nylon provides enough resistance that it stops the nuts from coming off by themselves... Search "nylon insert locknut" at mcmaster.com
Title: Re: Locking a bolt in place
Post by: darkloaf on December 17, 2008, 09:43:38 AM: Great, just what i needed.

Nick D
Title: Re: Locking a bolt in place
Post by: want2learn on December 17, 2008, 01:21:48 PM: If you use a thread locking compound (loctite), be sure to use it sparingly as nuts can be bloody hard to remove if you apply too much
Title: Re: Locking a bolt in place
Post by: silo_xtreme on December 17, 2008, 01:45:54 PM: What about self locking washers?
Title: Re: Locking a bolt in place
Post by: Rebelgium on December 17, 2008, 04:54:10 PM: Quote from: silo_xtreme on December 17, 2008, 01:45:54 PM
What about self locking washers?

They'd work too, but with some vibration and time they'll loosen...
Title: Re: Locking a bolt in place
Post by: HDL_CinC_Dragon on December 17, 2008, 04:57:44 PM: Dont suppose using set screws is an option?
Title: Re: Locking a bolt in place
Post by: Gertlex on December 18, 2008, 04:59:29 PM: Why would you set screw a bolt? o_O

Nylon lined nuts > self locking ones any day... except where weight's concerned. And that's miniscule.
Title: Re: Locking a bolt in place
Post by: darkloaf on December 20, 2008, 10:15:33 AM: Being a tight-ass (Australian for one who doesn't spend much money), ive fashioned some out out of hdpe. I just cut some squares, drilled a hole 1mm smaller than the intended thread, and fits like glove.

Nick
Title: Re: Locking a bolt in place
Post by: Gertlex on December 22, 2008, 09:38:40 AM: Quote from: darkloaf on December 20, 2008, 10:15:33 AM
Being a tight-ass (Australian for one who doesn't spend much money), ive fashioned some out out of hdpe. I just cut some squares, drilled a hole 1mm smaller than the intended thread, and fits like glove.

Nick

Good solution :)

Plastics and rubbers always make nice vibration-resistant fastners. Not as strong, but strength is rarely needed in small robots. I've used pieces of rubber hose in a similar way, myself.