Nut Keeper

I think the whole assembly is called a "captive nut", they are common in the aircraft industry. Another term might be "cage nuts", but haven't found where you can just buy a cage.... Joel in Florida

That term got me close enough to find retainer weld nuts in Mcmaster Carr page 3152. The largest they carry is for 1/2" x 13. I need larger - 3/4" x

Karl

Why not weld the nut itself?

That's plan "B" But having the nut able to rattle a round a bit really makes starting the bolt WAY easier. Then you could just put the impact wrench on and go for it.

Karl

Because there is less tolerance for initial misalignment.

Probably because it needs to float for final alignment.

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--OBTW have you seen this?

I've had good luck with fastener retainers made from a P or U bent from 1/4" gas welding rod and secured by a screw or two tapped into the metal a little ways away. P shaped ones retain the pivot pins on my front end loader.

You could weld the 3/4" nut across the center of the U (like an A) and then squeeze the ends to a close floating fit on the retaining screws. In my application the retaining screws are tightened but you could leave them loose and use Loctite or a locknut.

Jim Wilkins

On Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:01:22 -0500, with neither quill nor qualm, "Karl Townsend" quickly quoth:

Wrap a strip of plumber's tape around it and weld that on, Karl.

If you need a heavier type, make that yourself, eh? We all know that you're pretty Cleaver, Wally.

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