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??