When To Use U Bolts

You might be looking to add industrial-style details to your home, from bare bricks to exposed pipework. The latter detail comes hand-in-hand with our topic for today - u bolts. These handy bolts support pipework, so if you are thinking of having bare pipework in your home, it will also be important to consider the type of u bolts used.

What are u bolts?

As Speedy Fixings, u bolt supplier, explains in a blog post "U-bolt is a round bar in the shape of the letter U with a metric screw thread at both ends." These, as any other type of bolt, require a nut and washer to be fastened, however, feature a very particular shape.

U Bolts are a type of fixing or fastener that can be used for various applications. As Chelsea Mamma says, fixings are "used to unite two surface together. You can find these anywhere and everywhere - whether you are on and about or at home, look around and you will see a screw, a bolt or any other type of fastener nearby."

When to use u bolts?

Even though you can find fixings everywhere, u bolts are designed for specific applications. These are mostly used to support pipework. There are two main ways u bolts are used to support pipework: as a guide or anchor. When using u bolts as an anchor, you want to restrict pipe's movement and keep them from sliding. When using u bolts as a guide, you want to restrict the side movement as well as the up and down movement whilst allowing pipes to slide in an axial direction.

U Bolts can also be used in vertical applications. For instance, when clamping timber to an upright post. But don't let these applications stop you from using u bolts elsewhere. Designer Woojin Park by 1/plinth studio created u bolt furniture by converting U-bolt joints into colourful art furniture.

If you are looking to know more about other types of fixings and fastenings, Lucha Libre recently published a blog post covering screws, bolts, nails and anchors! I think it's important to know the basics about these little pieces of hardware as these are essential for our daily lives!