WDH Round Bar chain hardware??

[DD716TED]

I recently removed the u-bolts and chain that is attached to the round bars so I could preserve and repaint them. After repainting the bars, I realized that I had accidentally thrown away the nuts that u-bolts used the chain to the bar. Is there a certain type of hardened or stronger nut (or self locking) nut that I should purchase to reconnect the u-bolt / chain to the bar? Asking as I realize how much pressure is on this u-bolt / chain.

[4aSong]

Woodtroll wrote:
4aSong,

Not sure, but I think that drilling those holes may be a real bear. Those bars are hardened and tempered after shaping and drilling, and I think they are going to have to be really hard out at the chain end in order to hold their shape, like any other spring steel. Might be worth a "test drill" on one before you invest a lot of planning or effort.

Good luck!
Regan

You bring up a good point, I will need to do some additional research before proceeding.

[Woodtroll]

4aSong,

Not sure, but I think that drilling those holes may be a real bear. Those bars are hardened and tempered after shaping and drilling, and I think they are going to have to be really hard out at the chain end in order to hold their shape, like any other spring steel. Might be worth a "test drill" on one before you invest a lot of planning or effort.

Good luck!
Regan

[4aSong]

I would also recommend the lock-nuts and/or grade 8 nuts with loctite.
I have a question, I have a spare set of round bars rated at 800lbs which I would like to alter by adding chains to use with my E-Z Lift hitch system, I plan on drilling two holes in each bar for U-Bolts and adding chain, is there a certain type of hardened chain and u-bolts that I should be shopping for, as DD716TED stated above there is a considerable amount of pressure on the u-bolt / chain.

[mbopp]

Me? I'd use Grade 5 or Grade 8 nuts and blue Loctite.

[downtheroad]

Go over to Home Depot and pick up some "locking nuts.".....LINK HERE