I have a six foot length of 3/4-10 threaded rod.  Dad had it driven into the ground at the Old Place, to stake a tree.

As I often clamp bolts in the "vise", I usually double-nut the bolt, and clamp on the nuts, to protect the thread,  and to increase grip force.

This rod is in need of Restoration:

Just try running a nut three feet down that.  Hence, the Split nut, to hold the rod securely, especially in a leg vise, whilst I treat it with 40% ascetic acid (strong vinegar), followed by a massive cup wheel.

Works so well, I am sure that I will be using these for other work - think straightening threads on the press.......

Robert Taylor

Edited May 25, 20206 yr by Anachronist58
Post Assembly

Excellent idea. I usually run a die a ways then two nuts locked together. This is a much better solution to protecting threads when a vise is needed to hold a rod or large bolts.

Yes, IDF&C, this particularly rusty thread would take the bite right out of the only 3/4 - 10 die I own.

I once made one of these with a hinge - hint: takes two nuts, or a competent weldor to build from a single nut...  

Robert Taylor

Wood jaw inserts in a vise hold the project tightly without marking the work.  Softwoods work, hardwoods hold stronger.

Al angle or copper jaw covers do a pretty good job too.  I have some worn old dies; I keep around for "clean up jobs".

I am a fan of wood, copper, and aluminium jaw covers, methinks I will make redundant sets of heavy copper covers, that I will not mind thrashing.....

I must say though, that these split nuts have been a lot of fun to use, and were well worth my time to make.

Robert Taylor

Still loving these split nuts, they are fun...

Robert Taylor

Another use for a split nut is to forge weld the split nut to the threaded rod. Now you have a forged bolt, blacksmith made. Add a rosette to complete.

Bring the rod to a welding heat. Screw or tap on the split nut. Close up the threads, flux and very quickly you are at a FW heat.

  This idea works well in the vise for holding, cutting and other work on extremely small screws and threaded objects as well if you have a need.  I learned it from Rudy Kouhoupt doing small engines.