What type / size screw or bolt should I use?

Question

So, here's what I am doing...  There is a fairly heavy part (probably close to 75 pounds)  that has an aluminum plate on the bottom, with 4 holes of 3/8" diameter.  I want to fasten this plate to a wooden crate, and also through that to a pallet.  The crate is 1/2" thick, the pallet boards are 1" thick, and we'll say the plate is 1/4" thick.  

I basically need to know what would be an appropriate set of fasteners to secure this item.  My boss was suggesting using something that went all the way through, and then attached with a washer and nut, but I don't know what size or type of fastener to use.  Also, do I need to take any precautions, such as drilling out holes as to not split the wood?  I appreciate your advice!

Doug R · Accepted Answer

Actually 4 * 1/4" Bolts would be plenty see attached link.  I would never use SAE grade 2 bolts on anything.  Quality control on grade 2 fasteners is terrible.  Use grade 5 or 8.

Technobuff · Answer

Use 3/8" bolts.
The trick is to put washers under the pallet of large diameter, and thick. This spreads the load across the timber.
Use hot glue, silicone compound or something to prevent the nuts coming loose. Wood compresses pretty easily.
If this aluminium plate might be bent by rough handling due to the weight above it, you should provide some sort of support for the weight, fixed to prevent it moving sideways.
Be aware that rough handling may also tear the boards off the pallet. You may need to provide extra strengthening to hold them in place.
Another way would be include extra boards, or a strong plywood base, between the aluminium and the pallet boards, so as to spread the possible forces across all its slats.

Anonymous · Answer

for 75lbs 1/4 bolts are not strong enough, i would prefer to use 3/8 bolts, you must not fit a 3/8 bolt on 3/8 hole see if you can enlarge the 3/8 hole for the bolt to go through

use four 3/8-24 long bolt hex head and insert through the hole with the following fasteners

flat washer before the hole
flat washer after the hole
lock washer after the flat washer (use lock washer, do not use tooth washer, or the natural vibration of the building will loosen the nut)
nut after the lock washer

do not worry about the sizes as long as you asked for fasteners for 3/8 bolts

billrussell42 · Answer

Drill out the wood, and use 3/8 inch steel bolts, with washers, lock washers, and nuts. 

Given that you have 3/8 inch holes to start with, is it not obvious that you should use that size bolt?

.

Anonymous · Answer

they are only 6 inch round size AC Delco speakers the dealership should not have a hard time finding them im assuming your refering to the sail panel speaker right next to the rear passengers head i just replaced them in my 2000 WS6 since theres really no aftermarket for that size

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What type / size screw or bolt should I use?

5 Answers