[TowerTalk] [Bulk] Long shank U-Bolts

[Steve Maki]

This is a very common problem in the commercial tower industry. One 
common solution, which I initially (decades ago) rejected as being crude 
but gradually came to accept as elegant, is to use bent (or curved) 
saddles and all thread rods (or bolts). Or, if you want a close fit 
because of worries about thin walled tubing deforming, use double 
muffler style clamps and all thread bolts.

-Steve K8LX

On 12/30/2014 6:35 PM, Grant Saviers wrote:

> I have a similar problem - McMaster 3/8 and 1/2" hot dip galvanized
> u-bolts regular length are too short and extended length are too long.
> Also, 3" tubing sizes are not stocked, only IPS sizes. However, if one
> goes with 1/2" rod, Portland Bolt will make whatever you want.  Haven't
> tried it, so I don't know pricing/lead times.
>
> DX Engineering sells the Cycle 24 muffler style (they call them economy
> saddle clamps), they are hot dip galvanized, and good lengths and
> diameters for elements to booms or booms to masts plates.
>
> The Fastenal & Grainger lines are weak, so it would be nice to find some
> sources with more choice.
>
> Grant KZ1W

>> Hello-
>>    I am having trouble finding some HDG 3/8" size long-shank U-Bolts.
>> I need ones with around 5" of straight 3/8" bolt, before the bend
>> starts. Does anyone know of a source?
>>           Thanks, Byron WA5THJ