Bending square u-bolts with shop press

   / Bending square u-bolts with shop press #1  

TimBuck2

Bronze Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2006
Messages
98
Location
Central Massachusetts
Tractor
Kubota L4310 HST and Ford 841
I am refurbishing an old Cox boat trailer and have been searching and searching for the correct size square u-bolts to fit various applications. I have decided it's impossible to find something you can live with, never mind finding a size you want.

Has anyone fabricated a "die" set up for their shop press that does a decent job of bending square u-bolts?

Seems like it should be pretty straightforward ...

Thanks,
Tim
 
   / Bending square u-bolts with shop press #2  
I wouldn't do that on a boat trailer. Too much liability. Same reason most welders won't weld anything on a hitch.

Too many variables like stress fractures, crystalline structure, work hardening, just to name a few.

Have you tried contacting a Cox dealer for the correct part?
 
   / Bending square u-bolts with shop press #3  
Some marine supply houses have boat trailer parts...
 
   / Bending square u-bolts with shop press #5  
I haven't done this for axles, but other places I've replaced U-bolts with a heavy strap and two standard bolts. Probably stronger than DIY U-bolts.

Bruce
 
   / Bending square u-bolts with shop press #6  
Most boat trailer u-bolts are galvanized after they are bent...
 
   / Bending square u-bolts with shop press #7  
For most any hardware, the answer is almost ALWAYS McMaster-Carr...
 
   / Bending square u-bolts with shop press #8  
   / Bending square u-bolts with shop press #9  
You'd be better off drilling flat steel stock and using bolts and nuts than trying to bend your own. As MB hints, bending All-Tread never ends well.
 
   / Bending square u-bolts with shop press #10  
Could you just use an upper plate and a lower plate with two regular bolts?
 

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