Looking for a nut retainer

[10mm]

I want to fix several high strength nuts to a structure so they do not get lost when in the field and will not require a second wrench to hold (when removing/installing the bolt)the nut since the nut is in an awkward location. It is an application where a unit is bolted down for hauling, then unbolted on location. It is a perfect situation for the nuts to get lost. I'm not going to weld or tack the nuts to the frame since they are heat treated.
Its simple enough to use angle or a block that welds to the frame that will retain the nut and secure it from rotating when loosening and tightening the bolt that threads into the nut, but I am in search of a cleaner solution.

Has anyone came across a hex nut retainer that can be welded that houses and retains a nut? It is a large 1" to 1-1/2" A563-DH equivalent nut. I was thinking even a steel socket that could weld to the frame that the nut could float in. I would just have to drill the center out for bolt thread clearance. The non chrome plated sockets all seem to be chrome molybdenum. I would just need to see if welding a36 to cromoly is ok. The downside to a socket is replacing the nut over time.

Any other recommendations?

There is no situation so bad that you cant make it worse. Cmdr_Hadfield

 

[oldestguy]

Rather awkward, but using a long nut, turn a deep grove on a lathe, install, braze, a ring loosely in that groove and put a securing small chain to that ring. Secure the chain nearby. If you can't find a long nut, use two, but place them both on a threaded rod so they can be welded together, then turn your groove in the nut next to the work.

 

[Sparweb]

How about this:
Probably don't need 2 tabs if you want to simplify it...
Per your stated condtitions, replace the cap screws with welds...

http://www.sparweb.ca

 

[10mm]

I believe Im going to make a block with a milled slot (shaped like a U) with a hole in it for the bolt threads clearance. The nut is on the bottom side. A removable pin should keep it from wiggling its way out, but can be removed to replace the nut when required. We can always hope there is something off of the shelf, but usually you just have to make it.

thanks for the input!

There is no situation so bad that you cant make it worse. Cmdr_Hadfield

 

[3DDave]

The main reason I can think of for limited availability, aside from the size of the nut and the expense, is that it will be an excellent corrosion initiation site.

 

[DAVIDSTECKER]

If you can weld to the structure what about 1/8" x 1" strip cut to what ever length you need, then once the nut is tight put the edge of the strip against one of the flats on the nut and tack as required.
another option would be to have a thin plate plasma or water jet cut to make retainers with and 6 or 12 point ID shape (box end wrench profile) that can slipped over the nut (similar to SparWebs bracket) then tacked.