Angle adjustment plate thingy

[dan_j_carter]

I want to have lengths of box section joined by a bolt as a pivot, with the angle between them adjustable, but able to be fixed in place by tightening the bolt.

Friction alone won't be enough. On lots of gadgets like ipad holders and the like, they have two plates facing each other with teeth on them, so when tightened together there is a solid lock.

Anyone know what these are called, and if anyone makes them in mild steel ?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[rich the mechanic]

I dont know what they are called but if you want any angle it wont work as it will only lock in some places. You could try a multi point lock washer in between but after a while if it digs into the box could then also limit the available angles.

 

[hotrodder]

Serrated washers? Lots of different styles available, AFAIK the sort of thing you're talking about normally go by trade names like Nord-lock for example... http://www.nord-lock.com/nord-lock/wedge-locking/washers/introduction/

If you want infinite adjustablity then can make use of cross dowel nuts and some threaded bar. Tricky to explain in words but if you look at the adjustment screw on a radial vise it should make more sense for example

Various ways to lock it from a simple jam nut through to set screws into a groove cut into the adjuster near the handle

 

[dan_j_carter]

Thanks guys - the nord-locks are exactly what I was looking for.

 

[rich the mechanic]

Serrated washers?

Thats what I was meaning could not remember the name of them.