Ubolts

A U-bolt is a bolt in the shape of the letter U with two threaded legs. The curved portion is designed to fit around a cylindrical object such as a pipe, tube, or rod, while the threaded ends extend away from the curve to secure the object to a supporting surface or to fasten it to a base. U-bolts are widely used to secure pipes, conduit, exhaust systems, and various round components to frames, walls, or other structures.

Design and materials vary, but most U-bolts consist of a curved U-shaped body and two threaded legs. Common materials include carbon steel and stainless steel, with other metals such as brass or aluminum used for specific applications. Finishes such as zinc plating, hot-dip galvanizing, or epoxy coatings improve corrosion resistance. Threads are typically imperial UNC or metric, and sizes range to suit different diameters. Some U-bolts are supplied with a saddle plate and nuts for distributing load and securing the assembly.

Types and configurations can differ, including standard U-bolts, deep U-bolts, slotted U-bolts, and adjustable or studded variants. Slotted and adjustable designs allow some lateral or height adjustment, while studded U-bolts have mounting studs integrated for convenience. Saddle plates or brackets are often used to spread contact area and reduce localized stress on the supported object.

Installation and standards: U-bolts are installed by placing them around the object and securing the threaded ends with nuts, often with washers. Lock nuts or jam nuts may be used to resist loosening under vibration. In corrosive or load-critical environments, material and finish selection is important. Industry standards from organizations such as ASTM and ISO govern dimensions, tolerances, materials, and load ratings for U-bolts.