Blind Bolts for use on Aluminum Square Tubing

[TS59401]

I am working on small aluminum access platforms. Given they heavy strength loss due to welding, I am curious about using a blind bolt to connect either double angles or a WT to a square tube column for the floor beams and knee bracing.

I see Magna-lok and hollo-bolt have 316stainless options, but I have never used them in design. If anyone has detailed similar connections I would appreciate your advice.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[rb1957]

Look for Huck fasteners, from peerless aerospace or lisi-aerospace.

Huck bolts, "Jo" bolts, how about Cherry (blind, "pop") rivets ??

There are also "riv-nuts" ... a one side (ie blind) installation that provides a thread for a standard screw.

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[SAIL3]

I have used hollo-bolts in the past to connect HSS SS members...not sure if they have test data for use with aluminum members...check out their web site for pertinent data....

 

[TS59401]

Thanks for the information everyone. The Magna-lok was recommended by Huck Bolts, but I don't like the fact that they need special tooling to install. I called our hollo bolt rep and he said they have no testing on aluminum, but gave a few rules of thumb that other engineers have used. The Aluminum Manual does state that rivets cannot be loaded in tension - but I will call them again today and ask them about blind rivets.

 

[rb1957]

they'll say the same thing ... but this is a general design practice. It is not good practice to put tension loads on rivets, but they have some tension capacity. In your application probably no advantage to using blind rivets over blind bolts.

I'd've thought you could rent the tools required.

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?