What Are Blindbolts?
The term ‘Blindbolts’ covers a number of mechanical fixings, all of which can cope with excellent shear and tensile loads. They have been designed and constructed to cope safely with loads which are slightly lower than those applied to a standard bolt. Our tech data page includes details regarding the design resistances of the Blindbolts.
The USP of Blindbolts is that they are the only genuinely removable fixings which can be re-installed without a new bolt having to be purchased. While both the HD and TW Bolt can be fitted extremely quickly they are not removable.
FAQs
Blindbolts function in numerous ways. The initial Blindbolt operated via gravity, utilizing a toggle which rotated around the axis of a non-load bearing pivot pin. It can be removed when needed and operates in both the vertical and horizontal positions. HD and TW bolts, meanwhile, operate as expansion bolts irrespective of orientation. This means that they can be used in any position and at any angle. There is also a Heavy Duty (HD) bolt which was created specifically to be used for structural connections, while the Thin Wall (TW) bolt is specifically for lighter steel frame connections.
Blindbolts can be purchased through our global distributor network. The full list of distributors can be accessed on our Worldwide distributor page and accessed via Google maps.
Blindbolts offer a fixing solution in those areas which provide only restricted access, or in cases where the back face of a connection cannot be accessed at all. They are also the fixing answer for light steel frame assemblies and structural hollow sections. There is virtually no limit to the number of applications open to Blindbolts – if connection to a steel section with limited or non-existent access to the back face is needed, then Blindbolts are the answer.
The installation method for Blindbolts is extremely simple. When working horizontally, the bolt is inserted into a standard clearance hole and then roataed through 180 degrees. The toggle is then activated, after which the bolt can be fully tightened. When working with vertical down positions, the bolt is again inserted into the hole as standard and then spun in a way which causes centrifugal force to trigger the toggle. When dealing with 5/8 inch bolts and above, the bolts are supplied with an installation gauge so that the toggle activation can be checked prior to the bolt being tightened to the recommended torque. If vibration is present in an application, then the use of a lock nut or washer is recommended.
When utilising the HD bolt the hole has to be the same size, and after the bolt body has been inserted into the hole an activation pin is hammered into it until the pin sits flush with the end of the bolt body. Once this has been done, the bolt can be tightened to the recommended torque.
Using a TW bolt involves inserting it into a standard clearance hole. Following this, the outer hexagonal bolt head has to be gripped with a spanner, while the bit supplied with a cordless drill is used to activate the bolt. Visit our web site to view full installation videos.
The original Blindbolt is the only version which is removable, and this involves the installation process being carried out in reverse. Visit our web site to view a full removal video.