T-Nuts ( tee nuts ) for STA backplate attachment

[OCDiver]

Anybody using T-Nuts for back plate attachment?

I've been using them for a couple years and have not had any problems. I like that they are formed instead of cast. Should take a small bend better.
PITA to tighten (end needle nose pliers), but once I get positioned I can get them pretty tight. I get them for under three bucks at my local Ace HW.

Searched around and was surprised that I couldn't find anything on them. Are they common? Looks like Hollis offers similar but different. Just wondering if there's a reason not to use.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Anybody using T-Nuts for back plate attachment?

I've been using them for a couple years and have not had any problems. I like that they are formed instead of cast. Should take a small bend better.
PITA to tighten (end needle nose pliers), but once I get positioned I can get them pretty tight. I get them for under three bucks at my local Ace HW.

Searched around and was surprised that I couldn't find anything on them. Are they common? Looks like Hollis offers similar but different. Just wondering if there's a reason not to use.


View attachment 748778

I've never seen anything like these in use personally. I fully disassemble my BP/W after each dive day. For those that do the same, these wouldn't be ideal. I'll stick with my delrin thumbwheels.

 

[-JD-]

I use SS ones (Weld Nuts) with carriage bolts on my Freedom Plate to attach the wing. They sit close to flush in the wing grommets, minimizing interference with the tank. I ground flats on opposing sides to allow easier instalation/removal with an adjustable wrench or pliers.

 

[d^2b]

I use them on the top bolt of my wife's freedom plate, I do appreciate the way they sit flush. They don't seem as secure as some variety of lock-nut, but I just take a couple spare with me in-case they get lost. On my freedom plate I don't have a wedge tilting the tank, so it doesn't seem necessary to use the t-bolts.

 

[scrane]

Sometimes known as "book screws".

 

[d^2b]

Sometimes known as "book screws".

These are actually a bit flatter than book screws.

 

[scrane]

These are actually a bit flatter than book screws.

Google “book screws scuba”.

 

[DirtFish]

I use SS ones (Weld Nuts) with carriage bolts on my Freedom Plate to attach the wing. They sit close to flush in the wing grommets, minimizing interference with the tank. I ground flats on opposing sides to allow easier instalation/removal with an adjustable wrench or pliers.

I also do the exact same on my Freedom Plate! I must have got the idea from you...... Thanks! they work great!
I bought them at my local farm supply store in stainless.

 

[OCDiver]

Good to hear others are using them Thanks for letting me know. Just thought it odd that I couldn't find anything about them.

Correct, these are not books screws. Thinner and formed not cast. Should be bit more forgiving and lower profile than book screws.

 

[happy-diver]

Just give them a good snap when they begin to tighten and you don't need to hold the female