Rack bolts?
02-18-20, 12:08 AM
#1
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Rack bolts?
Building up a super commuter/bikepacking/off road rig from frameset (Surly Ogre) and I'm wondering if Wolf tooth Anodized bottle cage bolts will be strong enough to handle rack duty. Anyone have input here? Bike will be loaded and thrown around off road pretty good, so the sheer strength of the bolt comes to mind. I want to use purple bolts against the black racks and the only ones I'm finding are anodized aluminum. I can get black grade 8.8 bolts if I need to but that may mess with my intended look
02-18-20, 04:44 AM
#2
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Nope,no aluminium unless you like extracting sheared off bolts. Even 304 and 316 Stainless bolts are marginal but will work if you keep an eye on them, 410 is better if you can find them. Zinc plated 8.8 is best strength wise.
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02-18-20, 09:09 AM
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Sacrifice the "look" for practicality and safety. I would never trust aluminum bolts for rack duty. They are barely adequate for holding water bottle cages.
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02-18-20, 09:42 AM
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Aluminum bolts will 100% certainly break off during your described use. It would be foolish to try it for the sake of having purple bolts. Get some nail polish and paint the bolts if you really want it to look a certain way. Or use plain steel bolts, which will develop a nice reddish-orange colour after a few days of wet weather riding.
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02-18-20, 12:01 PM
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find some purple titanium bolts. I don't think I would use aluminum bolts on a water bottle either, I have had cages fail, I don't see how the bolts are immune.
Really, black on black looks fine in any color scheme
Really, black on black looks fine in any color scheme
02-18-20, 12:42 PM
#6
Senior Member
Use the 8.8 steel bolts. Then go to your local flea market, find the guy selling outdated and\or discontinued cosmetics. They usually have a rack of finger nail polish. But a bottle in the color you like, then paint the heads of your rack bolts. If you put a drop on the threads it will act as a thread lock.
02-18-20, 10:56 PM
#7
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I'd never use aluminum screws or bolts for any load-bearing duty. Love the idea of painting steel ones, tho!
