how to lock threads in place 4

[SLTA]

I spec'd out a retrofit adjustable locking column from Akron Products (

http://www.akronproducts.com/adjustable-columns.html)

for a residential renovation job recently. I've found these columns to be great replacements for old rusted-out jack posts. The contractor, bless his heart, didn't give his guys my details on how to install the blasted things, so they put them in upside down and hence, the adjustable portion is at the top of the column instead of locked into place in concrete at the base.

The columns were installed appropriately otherwise, so now I'm trying to figure out what the contractor can put on the threads of the adjustable portion to lock the column height into place. I'd rather not have them tear out the columns for a variety of reasons. So, does anyone have a suggestion? I was thinking something like the J-B SteelStik Epoxy Putty or the J-B Weld, and having them smear it all around where the threads meet the column. Anyone have a preferred product, or experience with the J-B products?

Thanks!

Please remember: we're not all guys!

 

[Sawbux]

Why not just take some tie wire and wrap around the handles and 16d nail (or the backed off lag bolt heads)?
Also known as "seizing" - used on airplanes!

 

[PEinc]

Sawbux, you beat me to it with that answer. Wiring to one or two nails beats permanently buggering up the threads.

http://www.PeirceEngineering.com

 

[XR250]

XR250, the proper installation of these columns has the handle encased in concrete above the concrete footing, so that only solid steel pipe is above ground. I've been in so many houses where the jack posts have loosened to where you could wiggle them by hand.

In my experience, they only loosen when the footing settles or the wood shrinks. I don't think vibration will do it.

 

[SAIL3]

put in a pipe between the handle and the end of the col....pipe with dia to fit over threaded portion...cut the pipe in half length-wise....secure in place with hose clamps or similar....

 

[SAIL3]

attach metal strap to side of beam with a hole in it to capture one handle.....

 

[IRstuff]

Typically, Loctite is applied on the threads PRIOR to assembly. Asking it to wick down far enough to do something useful in this case might be a bit of a stretch. Nevertheless, Loctite makes dozens of varieties their basic product, and they might have a particular formulation for your situation.

If the tenant above runs a few kilowatts of speaker power, I could imaging sufficient vibration to start shaking the jack loose. One option that is used in aerospace systems for something more secure than Loctite is "staking." This would involve drilling a hole through the flange into the thread and jamming a pin into the hole. You can make that even more permanent by splitting the pin with a wedge after installation. This is something you could possibly undo, if you really wanted to.

Barring that, you could just drill and tap for a set screw. Loctite the set screw and since the load on the set screw is low, it shouldn't move one way or another unless someone forcibly moves it.

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg

faq731-376 forum1529

 

[dik]

Try a perforated steel pipe hanger strap looped around the handle and screwed to the wood beam over... easy to adjust if necessary.

Dik

 

[dhengr]

SLTA:
Since their inception as a construction product these adjustable columns have been installed as your photo shows. They are intended to be adjustable for a number of reasons and conditions. The adjusting handle can usually be pulled out of its hole in the threaded rod/bolt to prevent some numskull from playing with it, in the wrong way. Then some extra smart AHJ decided you could void the adjustability feature, and eliminate the numskull issue by just adding/codifying the stupid idea of turning the column upside down and encasing the threaded rod in concrete. Now, they will need some new laws and code req’rmts. which prohibit anyone with a hack saw, any power saw, wire cutters, jack hammer or cutting torch from entering the city limits, so they can’t mess with those columns.

The fact that you have seen some of these columns loose, just means that some people were too dumb or lazy to take advantage of the adjustability feature, likely not because someone messed with it intentionally. Also, I’ve seen the columns rusted out at the bottom, and as likely as not the footing has settled, neither condition is the fault of the exposed threaded rod. When we have to start designing structures, and using construction products which are stupid proof, we are in big trouble, because there are just too many of those people out there.

 

[CELinOttawa]

I agree with Dhengr... And posts just like this ar installed in just about every single residential home in Canada. Even worse, by US AHJ standards, they are multi-length adjustable and made from one tube loosely fitted into another with a shear lug.

Look up a CAN/CGSB 7.2-1994.

 

[tbuelna]

As others suggested, some stainless steel lock wire of the appropriate gage securing the handle to the beam would work nicely. Just make sure you install the lock wire in the correct position.

 

[SkiisAndBikes]

If you do choose to damage the threads, keep in mind that this will prevent the adjustable portion from rotating only in the direction to make the column shorter. One will still be able to rotate it in a direction to lengthen the column, something that will be useful for any future adjustments for settlement.

There are many, many residential houses in my area with adjustable columns (tele-posts) with exposed threads. Nothing major will happen as long as the top and bottom are securely fixed. I worry more about the home renovators who remove interior columns completely, without any form of beam reinforcement. I have come across this twice so far and lucky for them no major damage occurred, after several years, only a couple of inches of extra deflection. Could have been much worse.

 

[TugboatEng]

You could mouse it like a shackle.

 

[CANPRO]

I'm with others who question if this needs to be secured at all. If this was a built-up 2x6 post would we be discussing how to keep people from cutting it to pieces or drilling a large hole in it? You've provided them with a sound structure, if someone comes along and decides to compromise the structure there really isn't much you can do about it. I've seen people go through great lengths to make some terrible decisions - sometimes you can't outsmart stupid.