Trailer wheel nuts material choice.

[TheBrick]

I have a mate that is helping me make some wheel stud nuts.

What is the learned opinion of this forum on materials choice?

I can get some mild steel hex stock locally, this gets the project moving quickly. Or some 304 hex off eBay from china so more money and a bit of a wait.

Do you think there's much of an issue using mild steel?

For reference studs are 1/2" BSF. 5 studs per wheel. 4 wheel car trailer.

 

[Kram]

Can they not be bought, probably cheaper than the material?
I would hesitate to use mild, certainally not leaded/free cutting types, ideally should be a high tensile grade.

Does it need to be hex? Its quite easy to mill a hex in a lathe from round bar.
605m36, previously known as EN16T, would be my choice. Plenty of it on ebay from reputable UK shops last time I looked.

 

[TheBrick]

No can't find them anywhere hence making them.

I do "feel" like they should be hi ten as well.

To you have a reference for milling a hex on a lathe I have only seen it done on mill with a collet held in a large hex.

I will look into 605m36. Issue I have is I have changed jobs and can't get about during the day so needs to be either very local or on line but small amounts. Usually eBay.

 

[Kram]

To do hex in lathe I have some hex bar that fits in my tool post, with the end turned round or threaded. I locktite my part on the end. Adjust the toolpost hieght, mill one side and rotate it 5 more times.

Post in thread 'Stuff you have made today'

Jan 18, 2024

Had a think, no reason I couldnt mill these on lathe, just need a hex er collet block... And some way to hold it.. had a look on amazon.
Then noticed a brass bar in my offcuts
Ignore the clip, I put it on upside down for the photos.

Off I went to my favourite grinding company and collected this solid carbide cutter I have had made, that was the easy part:

That looks very, very expensive Nice work

• Kram

• 

 

[123hotchef]

I would not use stainless they may gall up on you

 

[123hotchef]

Wheel Nuts 3/4 x 1/2 BSF

Newly Manufactured for the club, 326665 fits most models3/4 long x 1 /2 BSF thread

www.standardmotor.club

 

[BrokenBiker]

Pardon our interruption...

Only 16 available but they can be found

 

[Pete.]

I would not use stainless they may gall up on you

Last thing you should use for wheel nuts IMO.

 

[123hotchef]

Last thing you should use for wheel nuts IMO.

aye mine too

 

[bricol]

Not exactly cheap -

Wheel nut BSF TD to chassis no 12284 - Brown and Gammons

Wheel nut BSF TD to chassis no 12284 ATB4163 in Suspension & Steering Front suspension

www.ukmgparts.com

 

[bricol]

No can't find them anywhere hence making them.

I do "feel" like they should be hi ten as well.

Original wheel nuts on a Triumph Dolomite Sprint are aluminium (3/8 UNF) - enough engagement and it will be fine.

Would it be easier and cheaper to simply change the studs to something more common, so the nuts are pence for when you loose one?

 

[TheBrick]

Wheel Nuts 3/4 x 1/2 BSF

Newly Manufactured for the club, 326665 fits most models3/4 long x 1 /2 BSF thread

www.standardmotor.club

Well I feel even more stupid than usual. I spent ages googling and couldn't find any. 3/8" yes, I think for series 1/2 land rover but no 1/2". Thanks

 

[TheBrick]

I would not use stainless they may gall up on you

I did wonder about galling. What materials tend to gall? Is it any particular inclusion of a material in The alloythat causes it?

 

[TheBrick]

Original wheel nuts on a Triumph Dolomite Sprint are aluminium (3/8 UNF) - enough engagement and it will be fine.

Would it be easier and cheaper to simply change the studs to something more common, so the nuts are pence for when you loose one?

I hadn't considered that. I will look into it see what I can get that close to what I have good idea. This is why I need to ask stupid questions as I am usually trying to solve the problem in the wrong way

 

[Morris]

Wheel Nuts 3/4 x 1/2 BSF

Newly Manufactured for the club, 326665 fits most models3/4 long x 1 /2 BSF thread

www.standardmotor.club

You have to be a member to buy parts from the Standard Motor Club, or used to (ex member).
EDIT Yup , just tried it, need login.

 

[Ton-up]

@TheBrick - You have pm.