Nut centering tool for welding

First

I know, there is weldable nuts.

But, those need accurate hole where to be installed.
Sometimes fitting takes a lot of time, still its possible that result is off centered.

So, i made this tool.

Attachment 38294

Attachment 38295

Attachment 38296

Attachment 38297

Idea is simple.

Cone shape centers nut.
When tool is tightened, it also clamps nut to its place.

Material is copper, it prevents nut, or splatters to weld on to the tool itself. It also works as a backing, keeping threads of the nut in shape. If temperature rises too high.

No need to chase threads after welding. ( Unless welds are messed up really bad )

Nice. Many mechanics make a similar tool for weld-on hydraulic fittings that has a turned down section at the end that is thread root diameter for locating the fitting nice and straight to the hole. If not Copper they need to be sprayed with anti-spatter and removed toot sweet after tacking.

Do you have other sizes?

Ralph

Good idea....brass I have copper I dont

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Originally Posted by Ralphxyz

Do you have other sizes?

Ralph

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M8 and M10 i haven't needed other sizes.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TrickieDickie

Good idea....brass I have copper I dont

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Brass works too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tuomas

Brass works too.

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For solid material, at considerable cost saving too.
I wonder, if de-funding will create surplus or shortage of coppers.........

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Thanks Tuomas! We've added your Nut Centering Tool for Welding to our Welding category,
as well as to your builder page: Tuomas's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

<div id="blocks"> <div class="block b1 pngfix"> <div class="bimg"> <div> <a href="https://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-nut-centering-tool-for-welding"> <img src="/uploads/247467/homemade-nut-centering-tool-for-welding.jpeg"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="head pngfix"></div> <div class="left pngfix"></div> <div class="right pngfix"></div> <div class="blockover b1 pngfix"> <div class="title"> <a href="https://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-nut-centering-tool-for-welding">Nut Centering Tool for Welding</a> <span> by <a href="https://www.homemadetools.net/builder/Tuomas">Tuomas</a></span> </div> <div class="tags">tags: <a href='https://www.homemadetools.net/tag/centering'>centering</a>, <a href='https://www.homemadetools.net/tag/welding'>welding</a> </div> </div> </div> </div>
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Hi Guys, in the past I have used Hex Socket Countersunk Screws to tack them in place with a small bit of never seize on thread and removed them before welding, as the nut can shrink on the screw.
Attachment 44116


Thanks Trevor

Flathead/ Countersunk screws have potential for centering, if the receiving hole has equal angle (ie deburring). Some try to use countersunk holes as locators (like dowels) with misconception the angle performs to draw an item this way and that. Unlike Tuomas's screw which was machined (if in one chucking) will be concentric. Flat head screws despite looking the same are not, therefore rarely share a common axis.
It's easy to prove. Fabricate a plate with 3 countersunk holes inline or triangular pattern, matching 3 flat head screws, even sockets, which are closest.
Run the screws in and number them with felt tip. Locate the position accurately, via dial indicator, height gauge, depth mic whatever you have. Remove the screws and place in different positions than previously and re-measure. Another demonstration is multiple screws tried in a single hole, Clamp plate vertically, touch with an indicator and turn in a succession of screws; the plate will rise and fall as countersink contacts underside of head.
Part of reason aircraft screws are 100° not 82° reduces head height, = thinner material, hence lesser weight. Another is that concentricity problem, raising a point of stress in said panel, that the increased angle and shallower hole moderate.

For most things, the flathead screw will perform as you wish. Just be aware, assembly time, some tuning might be in order.

Centre nut in hole for tackwelding

Hi Toolmaker51,

Thanks for pointing that out. I understand that Flathead/ Countersunk screws are not machined and are forged by machine and the threads are rolled (for want of a better description) so the threads are most likely not to be concentric to the tapers, but they serve as a solution for the most of the fabrication that I do because the piece being attached has plenty of hole clearance. For a more accurate centering device I have screwed a nut on a bolt, set it up in my lathe and machined a 45⁰ angle on the nut but this will still not be as accurate (Tuomas machined copper tool).

Thanks again for your information.
Trevor

They are rolled, and that is precisely the name of operation, industry-wide.

The bulk of my responses key on the OP, but address all users, that such knowledge is not wholesale. I have a closet instructor inside, a real bugger to contain. Restrain. Detain.
Don't know, but it's one of those. I'm certain.