U Bolts

U bolts, also known as u clamps, are a type of fastener that is shaped like the letter U. It has two legs that meet at one end to form a curve and a threaded end on each leg. U Bolts are ideal for supporting pipework to fixtures or ceilings and are also used to secure objects to a surface, such as beams, and posts. They are most often manufactured from steel and normally possess zinc plating for bolstered resilience.

At Bolts.co.uk, we sell two main categories of U clamps: Extended-leg U bolts and Standard U bolts. Extended-leg have longer legs than standard variations, which allow them to accommodate larger pipes or objects. Standard U bolts have shorter legs and are suitable for smaller pipes or objects.

When To Use A U Bolt

U Bolts can be used for various applications, such as:

Securing pipes or tubes to walls, ceilings, floors or other surfaces
Holding down cables or wires
Attaching signs, antennas, solar panels or other parts to poles or beams
Clamping wood or metal objects together
Hanging plants or baskets
Securing pipes to a frame

U Clamp Measurements

U clamps are measured by the diameter of the pipe they are designed to fit, the width of the legs, and the length of the legs. The threaded ends of the bolt are also measured by the diameter and the thread pitch.

To choose the right size of U clamp for your project, you need to measure three dimensions: inside diameter, inside height and thread length.

The inside diameter is the distance between the inner edges of the U Bolt legs. It should match or slightly exceed the outer diameter of the pipe or object you want to support.
The inside height is the distance from the base of the U Bolt to the end of its legs. It should be long enough to accommodate the thickness of the surface you want to attach it to, plus some extra length for adjustment.
The thread length is the length of the threaded part of each leg. It should be long enough to allow for nuts and washers, plus some extra length for tightening.

Materials For U-Bolts

In terms of materials, we offer stainless steel U Bolts with a zinc coating. These are specifically designed to be more resistant to rust than traditional steel bolts. This added protection ensures that your u bolts will maintain their durability and strength even in harsh or corrosive environments. Zinc plating is especially useful for U Bolts that are exposed to harsh environments, such as salt water, humidity, chemicals or high temperatures. It also improves their appearance and aesthetics by giving them a shiny and smooth finish.

How To Install U-Bolts

To install a U Bolt, you will need:

Two nuts or washers that fit the threads
A wrench, A drill and drill bits
A backing plate (also called a saddle) that matches the U Bolt
A tape measure or ruler
A pencil or marker

The steps to install U Bolts:

Mark the position of the U Bolt on the surface where you want to attach it. Make sure the distance between the marks is equal to the inside width of it.
Drill holes on the marks using a drill bit that is slightly larger than the diameter of the threads.
Insert it through the holes from one side of the surface. Make sure the curved base of the U Bolt is flush with the surface.
Place the backing plate over the legs on the other side of the surface. The backing plate should have holes that align with the threads.
Secure the U Bolt with nuts and washers on each leg. Tighten them evenly with a wrench or socket until they are snug but not over-tightened.
Check if the U Bolt is level and aligned with the pipe or object you want to support. Adjust if necessary.

Safety Precautions When Working With U Clamps

It is important to take the following safety precautions:

Use the right size U bolts for the job.
Make sure they are tightened enough to secure the object, but not so tight that would damage the object.
Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
Be careful not to overtighten them, as this could cause them to break.

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