Speedy/easy replacement for wing nuts

future_vision · Monday at 8:34 AM

This is more specific to my UTV than my tractor but I am trying to find a replacement for the 4 wing nuts and screws that hold the battery cover on. In my mind there must be something like the clamps on my tractor's air filter where it is as simple as flipping a piece of metal in the opposite direction to release. I thought of using a hairpin and bolt but I am thinking that is going to be too lose of a connection. The wing nut holds the top down tight. I would need something similar.

Tinhack · Monday at 9:55 AM

Don't know about flipping levers but I've heard of Squeeze to Release. Cymbal Nuts come to mind but I'm sure there must be others.

future_vision · Monday at 10:08 AM

Tinhack said:
Don't know about flipping levers but I've heard of Squeeze to Release. Cymbal Nuts come to mind but I'm sure there must be others.

Oh. That could work if they hold tight. I imagine they would since they need to gold cymbals in place. Thanks!

Tinhack · Monday at 1:42 PM

future_vision said:
Oh. That could work if they hold tight. I imagine they would since they need to gold cymbals in place. Thanks!

You squeeze these to install on a stud or bolt. You still have to turn them a little to tighten. And to take them off, you'll have to turn them to loosen enough to squeeze the buttons.

dougtrr2 · 2025-10-28T09:16:27-0400

What is the problem with wing nuts? There are a lot of different styes other than the standard hardware store variety.

Doug in SW IA

future_vision · 2025-10-28T11:33:30-0400

dougtrr2 said:
What is the problem with wing nuts? There are a lot of different styes other than the standard hardware store variety.

Doug in SW IA

It takes forever to thread all 4 wingnuts. It's also a pain, because of the location of the holes, to get the bolt through the holes. Ideally I would want some type of clip. The solution Tinhack solves one of my complaints. It's not perfect but a step in the right direction. Plus, I was able to get those clips in red. Really hard to loose those in the leaves. Of course I could always spray paint the wingnuts I have. I'll likely paint the bolts anyways.

future_vision · 2025-10-28T11:41:59-0400

Didn't really think of it but something like this might be ideal. Mainly the binder clamps. I remember having some large ones that grip pretty tight. I think they would stay put with all the jostling a UTV goes through over rough terrain. I might just return those cymbal nut if they work.

workinonit · 2025-10-28T11:46:09-0400

How often do you access the battery? I have to get to mine every time I change out the battery, which is several years. I could live with the wing nuts.

future_vision · 2025-10-28T12:16:56-0400

workinonit said:
How often do you access the battery? I have to get to mine every time I change out the battery, which is several years. I could live with the wing nuts.

You would think it wouldn't be often but I have had to jump it multiple times because it sometimes sits for months. I should probably be taking the battery out and putting it on a trickle charger but that still requires accessing it. Not only that but mice seem to have found a way in too and make nests in there. What I really need is to get a storage unit, on the property, and get my equipment inside

Sportsman762 · 2025-10-28T21:08:39-0400

Without photos of the battery box area it is hard to determine what would work best for you. Two options that pop into my mind are Southco 1/4 turn fastners and Dzus fastners. The cabin air filter on my one tractor is held on by Southco 1/4 turns from the factory. I upgraded them from slotted head to ones with little handles because I am too lazy to find a screwdriver.