Okay, it’s a “u-bolt”. It’s a u-bolt with a flat radius to distribute pressure over a wider surface to minimize crushing. It also resemble a u-joint u-bolt…
But what is the technical definition/term for this style of u-bolt?
I’ve tried; u-bolt; flat u-bolt, strap bolt, axle bolt… the website this image was found on is for boating accessories, this is what they term a “frame u-bolt” but nothing else like it comes up when the term is googled.
Any ideas?
Size-wise… looking for approx. 6mm diameter x 65mm length, with 50mm throat… ish.
They seem similar to U-joint mounting bolts found on a lot of old (maybe current too) vehicles. You can find them all over under the names of u-joint bolt, u-joint strap, u-joint retainer or u-bolt retainer. I am not sure where you might get them in mass quantities other than from an auto parts supplier though.
Man… what a PITA! I would have never guessed finding this clamp would be so freakin’ difficult.
The critical part that I need is the FLATTEN portion of the “U”; I’ve got a clear issue that makes the “full circle” stock too big.
The only u-bolts with this characteristic are either drive-train u-joint (too small), a couple of miscellaneous leaf-spring u-bolts (too big), and 4-5" diameter exhaust system u-bolts (way too big).
Two manufacturers contacted said, “We used to make that kind all the time, but there’s no call for them now.”
It may be time to fabricate these out 1/2" x 1/8" strap and TIG on some sections of bolt… more expensive, but probably cheaper in small volumes; more “controllable” as well.
