Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Bolt Hangers--A Strong Point For Small Dollars

In yet another crossover from the rock climbing world, Drew from Sail Delmarva introduces us to "bolt hangers", and how they can be useful on a boat:
Cheap hardware via cross pollination from the rock climbing world. In the mountains these are used in combination with wedge bolts to create strong anchor points. On a boat...
  • 5,000-pound strength anywhere a single 3/8-inch bolt is handy. Of course, a good backing is required.
  • 316 stainless steel.
  • Cheap. About $2.95. (others brands may be 304 or other grades, some of which have been known to fail in marine environments.)
  • Designed for clipping carabiners, they easily accommodate 2 carabiners.  
  • Obvious purpose avoids confusion over acceptable strong points. Strength rating and certifications are stamped on hanger.


Countless potential uses. A few of mine....
  • Add an extra block to a sail track.
  • Add an anchor point at the stern for diverting mooring lines or attaching a dingy.
  • Tether anchors. Don't tie rope or webbing directly; though polished to eliminate sharp corners, the radius is really too short for acceptable strength.
  • Anchors to secure bicycles.

2 comments:

  1. Brilliant! I gotta get me some of these!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Brian -

    Yeah - and at that price, every boat should have a few spares in the toolbox.

    bob

    ReplyDelete

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