Custom U-Bolts

Artisan · Feb 22, 2012

So I had need for some custom U BOLTs. Nothing wierd, 2.25" ID x 3.25"
and 2" ID x 5", all 3/8" flavor, 6 pcs total. I do a search and find a bazillion
"Custom U Bolt" companies. One w/ an absolutely beautiful GUI web interface,
just fill in the blanks w/ pictures of every u-bolt known to man.
So I send it out for pricing.

WHAT THE.....

$240, $250.00 BIDS! For 6 total pieces!

Now I have seen these machines and it is not rocket science.
I got some crazy excuses. I also got things like 50 pcs minimun.

Then I found, Pohl Springs in WA. $39.70 including shipping,
I just received them, there beautiful, fine threads, extra thick washers,
tall nuts, not a burr in sight, everything a guy would want and then some
for the right price. Credit given where credit due...not a shill, VERY pleased I am.

rsewill · Feb 22, 2012

I just go to a place that installs springs on trucks and have them make them up. But they are not as cheap as what you found.

Renze · Feb 23, 2012

I make top plates that fit around the axle, drill holes in them and use threaded rod.

Stimw · Feb 23, 2012

I also make my own in 3/8" and 1/2" threaded rod (all thread) using a H F metal bender. I can wrap it around the dies that came with the tool very easy.

grsthegreat · Feb 23, 2012

Ive had to make my own u bolts in the past. not too hard actually...unless you need them hardened.

jwmorris · Feb 23, 2012

All thread is cheap and works if your trying to hold up a bird house. If you make saddles for the top and bottom and use grade 8 bolts it works better than U bolts, at least once they rust up, then all you need to take it apart is a torch and put back together with new (normal) bolts, using the same saddles. If rotational torque is a problem weld only one saddle to the tube.

varmint · Feb 23, 2012

Is this a great site, or what? Now, to find a way to gather all these useful sources into one, retrievable site, so the next time somebody needs something like a custom U bolt, the info is there. Maybe we should have a forum titled "Good Sources" or something?

Artisan · Mar 19, 2012

YES, a "Quality Resources" or a "Quality Supplier" area would be great but like anything else it would be driven to pot by money. Companies would want to pay fo rthere item to be in there and people would give bogus reviews etc. I dunmno, maybe I am wrong. No matter, when I find good stuff I am gonna pay it forward like so many other do on this list and do my part to repay.

Regarding the All-Thread rod method of making U-Bolts... I am a union trained plumber. I have hung metric ton after ton of cast iron w/ 3/8" and 1/2" all thread AND I have threaded my own rods as well on jobs. I have made my own U-bolts as well. THIS company makes great stuff for a great price, it is not worth it, to me anyways, do do such a thing when these quality parts are available for a quality price.

I am off to order about 15 more...from the same company.