I'm planning on fixing a metal frame to the floor of my van using nuts/bolts.
Is there a way to secure the bolt on the difficult to access side (underneath
the van) so it doesn't turn when fixing/unfixing that doesn't involve welding?

--
Cheers, Rob

RJH wrote:

> I'm planning on fixing a metal frame to the floor of my van using nuts/bolts.
> Is there a way to secure the bolt on the difficult to access side (underneath
> the van) so it doesn't turn when fixing/unfixing that doesn't involve welding?

Would rivnuts be heavy-duty enough?

On 20/04/2022 20:24, RJH wrote:
> I'm planning on fixing a metal frame to the floor of my van using nuts/bolts.
> Is there a way to secure the bolt on the difficult to access side (underneath
> the van) so it doesn't turn when fixing/unfixing that doesn't involve welding?
>

Hank bush (rivnut, rivet nuts, nutserts)?

You can buy them individually on Ebay

DIY fixing (watch both)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z73P_7OysR8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ4gF2tXRBE

--
mailto : news {at} admac {dot} myzen {dot} co {dot} uk

RJH <patchmoney@gmx.com> wrote:
> I'm planning on fixing a metal frame to the floor of my van using nuts/bolts.
> Is there a way to secure the bolt on the difficult to access side (underneath
> the van) so it doesn't turn when fixing/unfixing that doesn't involve welding?
>

This morning I had a similar problem- securing a bracket to one of those
metal lintels full of holes about 6 mm in dia. I had a rumage in my fixings
box - looking for some hollow fixings I was sure I had- no joy. I then
found a threaded L shaped rod, just the right diameter. I enlarged one of
the holes in the lintel slightly, hooked the unthreaded part of the L into
it, the bracket went over the thread part, followed by a washer and nut. I
used a bit of steel through another, existing, hole to stop the L in the
lintel turning as I tightened the nut.

For the job, one fixing was enough.

If your van floor is ribbed, fix on the top of the ribs and the L on the
underside will be trapped in the rib. If you can’t find suitable threaded L
s (mine was part of something I’d salvaged), bend some studding.

On 20/04/2022 20:24, RJH wrote:
> I'm planning on fixing a metal frame to the floor of my van using nuts/bolts.
> Is there a way to secure the bolt on the difficult to access side (underneath
> the van) so it doesn't turn when fixing/unfixing that doesn't involve welding?
>
Could you use stainless steel pop rivets instead? You might have to use
more.

On Thu, 21 Apr 2022 05:24:28 +1000, RJH <patchmoney@gmx.com> wrote:

> I'm planning on fixing a metal frame to the floor of my van using
> nuts/bolts.
> Is there a way to secure the bolt on the difficult to access side
> (underneath
> the van) so it doesn't turn when fixing/unfixing that doesn't involve
> welding?

Car body filler over the head

On 20 Apr 2022 at 20:51:21 BST, "alan_m" <junk@admac.myzen.co.uk> wrote:

> On 20/04/2022 20:24, RJH wrote:
>> I'm planning on fixing a metal frame to the floor of my van using nuts/bolts.
>> Is there a way to secure the bolt on the difficult to access side (underneath
>> the van) so it doesn't turn when fixing/unfixing that doesn't involve welding?
>>
>
>
> Hank bush (rivnut, rivet nuts, nutserts)?
>
>
> You can buy them individually on Ebay
>
> DIY fixing (watch both)
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z73P_7OysR8
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ4gF2tXRBE

Rivnuts look to be the thing - not heard of them before - thanks very much
everyone.

The frame needs to be reasonably secure, if for no other reason it weighs 30kg
so I don't want it flying around the cabin in an accident, and they look up to
the job.

--
Cheers, Rob

On 20 Apr 2022 at 22:15:17 BST, "Brian" <noinv@lid.org> wrote:

> RJH <patchmoney@gmx.com> wrote:
>> I'm planning on fixing a metal frame to the floor of my van using nuts/bolts.
>> Is there a way to secure the bolt on the difficult to access side (underneath
>> the van) so it doesn't turn when fixing/unfixing that doesn't involve welding?
>>
>
> This morning I had a similar problem- securing a bracket to one of those
> metal lintels full of holes about 6 mm in dia. I had a rumage in my fixings
> box - looking for some hollow fixings I was sure I had- no joy. I then
> found a threaded L shaped rod, just the right diameter. I enlarged one of
> the holes in the lintel slightly, hooked the unthreaded part of the L into
> it, the bracket went over the thread part, followed by a washer and nut. I
> used a bit of steel through another, existing, hole to stop the L in the
> lintel turning as I tightened the nut.
>
> For the job, one fixing was enough.
>
> If your van floor is ribbed, fix on the top of the ribs and the L on the
> underside will be trapped in the rib. If you can’t find suitable threaded L
> s (mine was part of something I’d salvaged), bend some studding.

Ah, ingenious! Rivnuts should be fine, and I don't want to overdo drilling
through the floor - but one to remember.
--
Cheers, Rob

On 20 Apr 2022 at 23:25:58 BST, "Michael Chare"
<mUNDERSCOREnews@chareDOTorg.uk> wrote:

> On 20/04/2022 20:24, RJH wrote:
>> I'm planning on fixing a metal frame to the floor of my van using nuts/bolts.
>> Is there a way to secure the bolt on the difficult to access side (underneath
>> the van) so it doesn't turn when fixing/unfixing that doesn't involve welding?
>>
> Could you use stainless steel pop rivets instead? You might have to use
> more.

That'd mean buying a gun, and I'm not fancying drilling too many holes through
what looks like 6mm steel. I'd imagine it'd be quite tricky to remove too - I
will rarely want to take it out if using the van as a van.

--
Cheers, Rob

RJH wrote:

> Michael Chare wrote:
>
>> Could you use stainless steel pop rivets instead?
>
> That'd mean buying a gun

rivnuts require a tool to "set" them too

On 21/04/2022 07:14, Andy Burns wrote:
> RJH wrote:
>
>> Michael Chare wrote:
>>
>>> Could you use stainless steel pop rivets instead?
>>
>> That'd mean buying a gun
>
> rivnuts require a tool to "set" them too
>

Not necessarily, the videos links I posted in the thread show how to
make your own with a nut. bolt and a small length of steel with a hole
in it - the steel could be a modified angle bracket/ corner brace etc.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/corner-braces-zinc-plated-52-x-52-x-16-35mm-10-pack/11013

--
mailto : news {at} admac {dot} myzen {dot} co {dot} uk

On 21/04/2022 06:26, RJH wrote:
> On 20 Apr 2022 at 20:51:21 BST, "alan_m" <junk@admac.myzen.co.uk> wrote:
>
>> On 20/04/2022 20:24, RJH wrote:
>>> I'm planning on fixing a metal frame to the floor of my van using nuts/bolts.
>>> Is there a way to secure the bolt on the difficult to access side (underneath
>>> the van) so it doesn't turn when fixing/unfixing that doesn't involve welding?
>>>
>>
>>
>> Hank bush (rivnut, rivet nuts, nutserts)?
>>
>>
>> You can buy them individually on Ebay
>>
>> DIY fixing (watch both)
>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z73P_7OysR8
>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ4gF2tXRBE
>
> Rivnuts look to be the thing - not heard of them before - thanks very much
> everyone.
>
> The frame needs to be reasonably secure, if for no other reason it weighs 30kg
> so I don't want it flying around the cabin in an accident, and they look up to
> the job.
>

Don't forget to grease up your fixing bolts to prevent corrosion if the
ends are now exposed under the van.

--
mailto : news {at} admac {dot} myzen {dot} co {dot} uk

alan_m wrote:

> Andy Burns wrote:
>
>> rivnuts require a tool to "set" them too
>
> Not necessarily, the videos links I posted in the thread show how to make your
> own with a nut. bolt and a small length of steel with a hole in it
That's a tool in my book :-)

On 21/04/2022 06:26, RJH wrote:
> On 20 Apr 2022 at 20:51:21 BST, "alan_m" <junk@admac.myzen.co.uk> wrote:
>
>> On 20/04/2022 20:24, RJH wrote:
>>> I'm planning on fixing a metal frame to the floor of my van using nuts/bolts.
>>> Is there a way to secure the bolt on the difficult to access side (underneath
>>> the van) so it doesn't turn when fixing/unfixing that doesn't involve welding?
>>>
>>
>>
>> Hank bush (rivnut, rivet nuts, nutserts)?
>>
>>
>> You can buy them individually on Ebay
>>
>> DIY fixing (watch both)
>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z73P_7OysR8
>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ4gF2tXRBE
>
> Rivnuts look to be the thing - not heard of them before - thanks very much
> everyone.
>
> The frame needs to be reasonably secure, if for no other reason it weighs 30kg
> so I don't want it flying around the cabin in an accident, and they look up to
> the job.
>
Note that they are available in both steel and aluminium. Steel is best
for your application both for strength and avoiding galvanic corrosion.

On 21/04/2022 06:30, RJH wrote:
> On 20 Apr 2022 at 23:25:58 BST, "Michael Chare"
> <mUNDERSCOREnews@chareDOTorg.uk> wrote:
>
>> On 20/04/2022 20:24, RJH wrote:
>>> I'm planning on fixing a metal frame to the floor of my van using nuts/bolts.
>>> Is there a way to secure the bolt on the difficult to access side (underneath
>>> the van) so it doesn't turn when fixing/unfixing that doesn't involve welding?
>>>
>> Could you use stainless steel pop rivets instead? You might have to use
>> more.
>
> That'd mean buying a gun, and I'm not fancying drilling too many holes through
> what looks like 6mm steel. I'd imagine it'd be quite tricky to remove too - I
> will rarely want to take it out if using the van as a van.
>
If it is really 6mm steel then why not just drill and tap? Rivnuts are
quick and easy though once you get the knack. I'd avoid budget tools
like the Silverline

https://www.sealantsandtoolsdirect.co.uk/threaded-rivnut-nutsert-rivet-nut-insert-tool-633942

Also, you can get them with both open and blind ends.

newshound wrote:

> I'd avoid budget tools like the Silverline
> https://www.sealantsandtoolsdirect.co.uk/threaded-rivnut-nutsert-rivet-nut-insert-tool-633942

I'd agree with that, it's fairly weak.

Andy Burns wrote:

> newshound wrote:
>
>> I'd avoid budget tools like the Silverline
>> https://www.sealantsandtoolsdirect.co.uk/threaded-rivnut-nutsert-rivet-nut-insert-tool-633942
>
> I'd agree with that, it's fairly weak.

[like many silverline tools]

On 21/04/2022 12:20, newshound wrote:

>> That'd mean buying a gun, and I'm not fancying drilling too many holes
>> through
>> what looks like 6mm steel. I'd imagine it'd be quite tricky to remove
>> too - I
>> will rarely want to take it out if using the van as a van.
>>
> If it is really 6mm steel

I'm surprised that the floor of a van would be anything like that thick.
Is this ex-military?

On 21 Apr 2022 at 13:57:26 BST, "GB" <NOTsomeone@microsoft.invalid> wrote:

> On 21/04/2022 12:20, newshound wrote:
>
>>> That'd mean buying a gun, and I'm not fancying drilling too many holes
>>> through
>>> what looks like 6mm steel. I'd imagine it'd be quite tricky to remove
>>> too - I
>>> will rarely want to take it out if using the van as a van.
>>>
>> If it is really 6mm steel
>
>
> I'm surprised that the floor of a van would be anything like that thick.
> Is this ex-military?

No - wheelchair adapted floor, a sort of ramp/tray welded into the floor, with
a '300kg' sticker on it. I've come across some 6mm plating elsewhere so it
wouldn't surprise me - bit OTT if it is, though, agreed. I've bought some
cobalt bits that seem up to the job - we'll see ;-)
--
Cheers, Rob

On 21 Apr 2022 at 07:53:54 BST, "alan_m" <junk@admac.myzen.co.uk> wrote:

> On 21/04/2022 06:26, RJH wrote:
>> On 20 Apr 2022 at 20:51:21 BST, "alan_m" <junk@admac.myzen.co.uk> wrote:
>>
>>> On 20/04/2022 20:24, RJH wrote:
>>>> I'm planning on fixing a metal frame to the floor of my van using nuts/bolts.
>>>> Is there a way to secure the bolt on the difficult to access side (underneath
>>>> the van) so it doesn't turn when fixing/unfixing that doesn't involve welding?
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Hank bush (rivnut, rivet nuts, nutserts)?
>>>
>>>
>>> You can buy them individually on Ebay
>>>
>>> DIY fixing (watch both)
>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z73P_7OysR8
>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ4gF2tXRBE
>>
>> Rivnuts look to be the thing - not heard of them before - thanks very much
>> everyone.
>>
>> The frame needs to be reasonably secure, if for no other reason it weighs 30kg
>> so I don't want it flying around the cabin in an accident, and they look up to
>> the job.
>>
>
>
> Don't forget to grease up your fixing bolts to prevent corrosion if the
> ends are now exposed under the van.

Yes, thanks - although I was also thinking of using some stainless steel bolts
too I have anyway. But I have in the back of my mind that they're not suitable
for this sort of application?

--
Cheers, Rob

On 21/04/2022 12:16, newshound wrote:
> On 21/04/2022 06:26, RJH wrote:
>> On 20 Apr 2022 at 20:51:21 BST, "alan_m" <junk@admac.myzen.co.uk> wrote:
>>
>>> On 20/04/2022 20:24, RJH wrote:
>>>> I'm planning on fixing a metal frame to the floor of my van using
>>>> nuts/bolts.
>>>> Is there a way to secure the bolt on the difficult to access side
>>>> (underneath
>>>> the van) so it doesn't turn when fixing/unfixing that doesn't
>>>> involve welding?
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Hank bush (rivnut, rivet nuts, nutserts)?
>>>
>>>
>>> You can buy them individually on Ebay
>>>
>>> DIY fixing (watch both)
>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z73P_7OysR8
>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ4gF2tXRBE
>>
>> Rivnuts look to be the thing - not heard of them before - thanks very
>> much
>> everyone.
>>
>> The frame needs to be reasonably secure, if for no other reason it
>> weighs 30kg
>> so I don't want it flying around the cabin in an accident, and they
>> look up to
>> the job.
>>
> Note that they are available in both steel and aluminium. Steel is best
> for your application both for strength and avoiding galvanic corrosion.

Available in aluminium, mild-steel and stainless-steel, but the
stainless ones are very stiff and difficult to deform into place with a
simple hand-tool.

In article <jccd3nF3s69U1@mid.individual.net>,
alan_m <junk@admac.myzen.co.uk> wrote:
> On 21/04/2022 07:14, Andy Burns wrote:
> > RJH wrote:
> >
> >> Michael Chare wrote:
> >>
> >>> Could you use stainless steel pop rivets instead?
> >>
> >> That'd mean buying a gun
> >
> > rivnuts require a tool to "set" them too
> >

> Not necessarily, the videos links I posted in the thread show how to
> make your own with a nut. bolt and a small length of steel with a hole
> in it - the steel could be a modified angle bracket/ corner brace etc.

> https://www.screwfix.com/p/corner-braces-zinc-plated-52-x-52-x-16-35mm-10-pack/11013

The proper gun uses high tensile screw threads. I've only used small ones
up to about 6mm, and you're very likely to shear an ordinary bolt, if
trying to do without the tool.

--
*Wood burns faster when you have to cut and chop it yourself.

Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.