Attaching a bicycle crate to a bicycle rack 3

[IM TechMech]

Hello Everyone,

I have a question about attaching a bicycle crate (or basket) made of aluminum on top of a bicycle rack.

The attachment needs to theft deterrent, so zip ties (plastic or steel) wouldn't work.

Bicycle racks in the Netherlands have absolutely no standard sizes. I need the crate to attach to as many racks as possible.

The solution I am thinking about is making rectangular holes in the bottom of the crate and manufacturing a separate detached 'bottom plate' with similar rectangular holes (picture attached).

And then assembling everything to attach the crate, bottom to top:

1. Separate ' bottom plate'
2. The bicycle rack
3. The crate
4. Bolts with diameters equal to the width of the rectangular holes
(Picture attached).

My questions where I need help:

1. Is it possible to fasten the system tightly using bolts that go into the rectangular holes in the bottom of the crate and the separate ' bottom plate ? ( What I am used to is that bolts go through tight circular holes, not rectangular holes) In other words, is there a way to make the system not move along the length of the rectangular holes after tight fastening of the bolts ?

2. It is super tedious to lock the bolts with nuts that go under the separate ' bottom plate'. There is very low dexterity to go under the bicycle rack with tiny nuts. Could we make the rectangular holes in the separate ' bottom plate ' threaded ? ( Pardon my mechanic nonsense background) Such that the bolts only go through by turning and they fix in place ?

Appreciate any help.

Thanks!

 

[IM TechMech]

Bicycle rack picture

 

[IM TechMech]

Separate detached 'bottom plate' picture

 

[Metalfixer]

Angle the slots on the "bottom plate" will allow for more adjustment.

 

[IM TechMech]

Could you please describe how to angle the slots ? Thanks

 

[EdStainless]

Run them diagonally (/ \) so that you can pick a location where they line up with your rack.

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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed

 

[IM TechMech]

Thanks for the suggestion, but is it possible to fasten a threaded bolt tightly into a threaded rectangular holes with width equal to the diameter of the bolt ?

 

[3DDave]

A Google search turned up dozens of videos about how to do this and none of them were rack/box specific.

I understand the "theft deterrent" part, but a bolt cutter can remove the rack from the bicycle faster than you are likely to be able to remove the box from the rack. They can also allow removing the bicycle from wherever you parked it rather quickly as well. Check out the Lock Picking Lawyer on YoutTube for examples. Something to consider.