Upgraded Alaskan clamp

[Big Beech]

So I've had delivery of my new updated brackets so I can utilise the newer improved quick release clamps.

However having installed them and tightened things down I've come up to a dead end. 

Who on earth designed the Allen bolt sizing that clamp on to the support rails?

Not one of my keys fit, 4mm is like a prick in a shirt sleeve and 5mm is like an elephants in a mouse's ear !!!

I've a job on tomorrow milling and no way of tightening these bolts which will most likely shake themselves to oblivion 🙄

Any suggestions most welcome if you know the exact size or whatever I may need.

 

[trigger_andy]

2 minutes ago, Big Beech said:

So I've had delivery of my new updated brackets so I can utilise the newer improved quick release clamps.

However having installed them and tightened things down I've come up to a dead end. 

Who on earth designed the Allen bolt sizing that clamp on to the support rails?

Not one of my keys fit, 4mm is like a prick in a shirt sleeve and 5mm is like an elephants in a mouse's ear !!!

I've a job on tomorrow milling and no way of tightening these bolts which will most likely shake themselves to oblivion 🙄

Any suggestions most welcome if you know the exact size or whatever I may need.

 

Imperial? 5/32" maybe? Could be 3/16" but if its big for 5mm Id say 5/32". 

Edited April 12, 2021 by trigger_andy

[Big Beech]

No idea, and I don't have any of those available nor do any friends.

How ridiculous 🙄

[trigger_andy]

No idea, and I don't have any of those available nor do any friends.
How ridiculous [emoji849]

It might not be though.

A trick to try is seeing if a Torx head fits. It should give you enough purchase till you get some imperial keys.

[Stubby]

Imperial allen keys are easy enough to get .

[Macpherson]

Hi, they are imperial unified threads and wrench sizes, It's because it's American and they've not gone metric, you're probably using a 13mm AF spanner as well which fits but not as well as a 1/2" AF, easy to find, cheers.

 

Yep, just checked my new brackets which I'll be fitting tonight ... 1/4" unc Allen bolt, 3/16" af Allen key 👍

Edited April 12, 2021 by Macpherson

[Big Beech]

38 minutes ago, trigger_andy said:

 

It might not be though.

A trick to try is seeing if a Torx head fits. It should give you enough purchase till you get some imperial keys.

 

#27 fits but nowhere near toght enough, already tried that.

[Big Beech]

25 minutes ago, Stubby said:

Imperial allen keys are easy enough to get .

Not this time of the evening they aren't.

I've had to make numerous phone calls to a local engineering firm who are meeting me onsite at the milling job with a selection of new bolts 5mm bolts with proper uk head sizes.

Absolutely ballache

Edited April 12, 2021 by Big Beech

[trigger_andy]

#27 fits but nowhere near toght enough, already tried that.

Sounds like you’ve got yourself a tool shopping list. [emoji16]

[Stubby]

1 minute ago, Big Beech said:

Not this time of the evening they aren't.

I've had to make numerous phone calls to a local engineering firm who are meeting me onsite at the milling job with a selection of new bolts 5mm bolts with proper uk head sizes.

Absolutely ballache

5mm bolts wont be any good if they are an imperial thread though ...

Edited April 12, 2021 by Stubby