Acorn-head bolts

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Benjamin Maggi
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Acorn-head bolts

Post by Benjamin Maggi »

The plans for my steamer call for making studs from steel rod, threaded on both ends, to secure the steam chest and steam chest cover to the cylinders. I don't like that approach for several reasons. I hate cutting threads, and doing it forty times (20 rods, double ended) is an awful lot of work. So, I plan on using bolts threaded down from the top. Perhaps I will use socket-head cap screws.

But, I thought I would ask if anyone is aware of acorn-head bolts that I could use. I have seen acorn nuts which would look nice on top of the steam chest cover but if I am using bolts they won't work. Has anyone done this before, or seen this?

Thanks.
"One cannot learn to swim without getting his feet wet." - Benjamin Maggi
- Building: 7.25" gauge "Sweet Pea" named "Catherine"
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cbrew
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Re: Acorn-head bolts

Post by cbrew »

I have used button head socket cap screws for this very reason. they have a low profile and allows the bronze cover to sit down nice over the chest lid
If it is not live steam. its not worth it.
little giant
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Re: Acorn-head bolts

Post by little giant »

I cut ss rod to length and threaded the rod into the cylinder and used model hex nuts and left the cover off, looks more prototypical
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Benjamin Maggi
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Re: Acorn-head bolts

Post by Benjamin Maggi »

cbrew wrote:I have used button head socket cap screws for this very reason. they have a low profile and allows the bronze cover to sit down nice over the chest lid
Could you post a picture of what your cylinders look like? I am having a tough time picturing it.
"One cannot learn to swim without getting his feet wet." - Benjamin Maggi
- Building: 7.25" gauge "Sweet Pea" named "Catherine"
powderhorn01
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Re: Acorn-head bolts

Post by powderhorn01 »

Check McMaster-Carr, and look at the allen socket set screws, you might be able to find the length that you need, and use them as studs.
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cbrew
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Re: Acorn-head bolts

Post by cbrew »

here are the studs that mcmaster sells
http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-threaded-rods/=z92agp

caps screws here
http://www.mcmaster.com/#socket-head-cap-screws/=z92cay

since i was going to be hiding the screws anyways, I just used the standard grade 8 cap screw.
the flat tops of the screws make a nice plane for the bronze cover to sit on for a sq fit
1556268_10152253394388185_1780773982_o.jpg
10298632_10152479725823185_2322244423797380236_o.jpg
If it is not live steam. its not worth it.
kvom
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Re: Acorn-head bolts

Post by kvom »

What about using threaded rod with the nuts of your choice?
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Benjamin Maggi
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Re: Acorn-head bolts

Post by Benjamin Maggi »

Thank you all. I didn't know you could purchase the threaded studs and assumed you had to make them yourself. That may change my plans.
"One cannot learn to swim without getting his feet wet." - Benjamin Maggi
- Building: 7.25" gauge "Sweet Pea" named "Catherine"
SteveM
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Re: Acorn-head bolts

Post by SteveM »

kvom wrote:What about using threaded rod with the nuts of your choice?
Silver solder the nuts on.

Might be too much heat for Loctite.

Steve
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cbrew
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Re: Acorn-head bolts

Post by cbrew »

Benjamin Maggi wrote:Thank you all. I didn't know you could purchase the threaded studs and assumed you had to make them yourself. That may change my plans.
I will also add this, these are very close to scale 8/32 nuts
http://www.mcmaster.com/#90760a009/=z9l4iw
If it is not live steam. its not worth it.
Kimball McGinley
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Re: Acorn-head bolts

Post by Kimball McGinley »

You want to be very careful in using a socket head set screw for a stud, as the end with the hex hole has very little tensile strength. A few years ago this was covered in this forum; someone had a boiler check valve blow off under pressure because the nut only holding on the hollowed-out portion of the set screw.

I too just used threaded rod cut to length. Just put on double nuts to run it in to sufficient depth to install the stud.
boomerralph
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Re: Acorn-head bolts

Post by boomerralph »

You can also get acorn nuts at McMaster Carr all the way down to 0-80
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