Hack for Spreading U-bolts

[remidgett]

Sometimes a U-bolt is just a bit too narrow for the job. I can usually manage spreading a 1/4" diameter U-bolt by hands/fingers but wonder what knuckle joint stress I may pay for later.
Today I realized a hack for this task when I needed to open up several 5/16" diameter U-bolts & couldn't do it by hand strength. If a vise with a step between jaws and frame is available, install nuts on the U-bolt thread ends (to protect the threads) & use the steps on the vise to push the U-bolt open a fraction by opening the vise jaws.


Why didn't I think of this years ago??

[ductape]

Very good idea. Those type of bolts aren't always very precise and sometimes need a little adjustment.
It may have been done but not mentioned, but it would be prudent to keep a firm grip on the bolt while spreading it this way. The rounded edges of the nuts may cause it to slip off the jaws and send the bolt flying.

[Frank S]

Your vice idea is a good one if the vice jaws stick up enough to grip the nuts safely. The easiest way I've found to spread U bolts up to an inch in diameter is to use a couple lengths of pipe over the bolts. Obviously the bigger the bolt the bigger and longer the pipes need to be.

[imohtep56]

With my luck, the nuts would slip off the vice and the whole thing would smack me in the face.
Now you know why I wear a mask...