DP table lock improvement

[pop-pop]

For the threaded lock pin, I had modified a hardware store M12 bolt and the thread fit in the DP table collar ear was quite loose. Thus, my lock lever flopped around and it was easy to lose the tightness adjustment by a half turn.

My fix was making a new lock pin from a longer M12 bolt. Now, the threads stick enough that I can use a wing nut to solidly lock in the tightness adjustment.

 

[charlessenf]

I have (discovered?) that when engineers want to reduce or eliminate such issues (as on the bolts and lug nuts on our vehicles) they employ fine thread (1/2-20 or even 1/2-28 thread). Not sure they make 1/2" Wing nuts at all, much less in 1/2-20 or 28 thread. However, one could weld wings on an ordinary nut with the finer threads.

Then there are the Nylon enhanced 'lock nuts' to consider. These are unlikely to survive much welding (maybe some sort of Spot Welds), but one could embed one in a wooden Knob (handle) with a wee bit of epoxy.

Of course, you might try a 'split lock washer' - in a pinch.

Noticed you said your were using an M12 Bolt but did not specify 1.75 (Coarse) or 1.5 (Fine) or 1.25 (Extra Fine) pitch. Same theory applies.

 

[pop-pop]

I have (discovered?) that when engineers want to reduce or eliminate such issues (as on the bolts and lug nuts on our vehicles) they employ fine thread (1/2-20 or even 1/2-28 thread). Not sure they make 1/2" Wing nuts at all, much less in 1/2-20 or 28 thread. However, one could weld wings on an ordinary nut with the finer threads.

Then there are the Nylon enhanced 'lock nuts' to consider. These are unlikely to survive much welding (maybe some sort of Spot Welds), but one could embed one in a wooden Knob (handle) with a wee bit of epoxy.

Of course, you might try a 'split lock washer' - in a pinch.

This application is pretty much “set and forget”. Eventually, the cams/washer may wear a little and a readjustment will be needed only then.

I have often used 1/2-13 wing nuts to temporarily bolt appliances to my workbench thru dog holes. 1/2” wing nuts are large enough to tighten fairly securely by hand and are readily available at local stores.

 

[charlessenf]

Right wasn't suggesting your 'fix' would not work. Simply sharing and approach I ('discovered') when finding my trailer spare tire loose and the regular 1/2-20 nuts almost at the end of the threads! I went with a Nylon Lock Nut replacement and, in the process, noted that all the lug nuts I've save over the years were fine or (maybe) Extra Fine threads.

Simply thought to share my new found perspective on tight nuts.

 

[pop-pop]

Remember way back when the technology was a nut tightened and secured with a thinner jam nut?

 

[charlessenf]

Remember way back when the technology was a nut tightened and secured with a thinner jam nut?

Right, but your project calls for a One Nut; No Wrench solution!