While tightening a rail bolt on a "valley type" rail, the insert that the bolt threads into became stripped out and needs to be replaced. Can anyone tell me where I can get a replacement? Thanks gentlemen!
I need a rail bolt insert for a valley type rail
- Thread starter JZMechanix
- Start date
T-nut
Any decent hardware store should carry those. Most commonly called a T-nut.
Any decent hardware store should carry those. Most commonly called a T-nut.
Home Depot, Lowe's, or Ace Hardware. 1/4" x 20 T-nutJZMechanix said:
Glen
What would be the best method to complete this repair? Would it be easier to take out the defctive t-nut and replace it or drill a new hole next to the existing one and install the insert in the new hole. Will epoxy be strong enough to keep it held in place? Thanks :smile:
JZMechanix said:
Replace the bad one. Take a rail bolt and thread what you can into the bad t-nut. Than bang the bolt to push the t-nut free from the wood under the rubber. Take needle nose pliers and pull the bad t-nut out. Now slip the new t-nut under the rubber and position it properly. Now take a 1" x 1/4 bolt and rachet the bolt into the t-nut to seat the t-nut into the wood. This is not difficult. If you need help understanding what I posted please feel free to call. It might be easier to explain over the phone.
JZMechanix said:
definitely replace it.
Call me. I'll send you some free and explain how to install. The crimped over t-nuts currently being used on Valley and Dynamo rails are a bad design for pool tables. The first time you get a bolt caught it can spin the t-nut and bore a 1" hole right through the rail. If you havent already got a huge hole in the rail you will need to grind the flanged part of the t nut off of the back of the rail. If you have a 1" hole all the way throught I can sell you a new rail 'cause you're not going to fix that one. Number here is 866 772 3636 or check out our website at www.penguinamusement.com
Mr Penguin
Mr Penguin
I just put new simonis on the rail and I'd hate to ruin it, but how difficult is it to loosen the cloth, seperate the rubber so I can get the bad nut out and the new one in, and get the cloth restapled? What about using a heavy duty 4" wood screw instead? Anybody ever tried this?
Did you try running a tap through the t nut or is it completely hosed? I wouldnt try the wood screw if it was me. Probably better to peel back the cloth and get a new t nut in there. You wont have to take the rubber off or loose at all. You can wiggle in a new t nut with needle nose pliers.
Just like in the video.
Mr Penguin
visit us on the web at www.penguinamusement.com
Just like in the video.
Mr Penguin
visit us on the web at www.penguinamusement.com
JZMechanix said:
its not hard, I wouldn't go with the wood screw. Just replace the insert.
Ok fellas, correct me if I'm wrong here, but doesn't the t nut ( to use its "teeth" to hold it in place) have to go in from the back, meaning between the rubber and the wood? How can I get it in there without loosening the rubber? I'm assuming to do it without loosening the rubber it would have to go in through the opposite side. In that case it doesn't seem like it would work the way it was supposed to 
You're right, you have to loosen a little bit of the cushion rubber on both sides of the hole the t-nut is inserted into in order to get out the old t-nut and replace it. But you only need to loosen the cushion rubber on the bottom side of the cushion because that's enough to get out the old one and insert the new one.JZMechanix said:Ok fellas, correct me if I'm wrong here, but doesn't the t nut ( to use its "teeth" to hold it in place) have to go in from the back, meaning between the rubber and the wood? How can I get it in there without loosening the rubber? I'm assuming to do it without loosening the rubber it would have to go in through the opposite side. In that case it doesn't seem like it would work the way it was supposed to
Glen
Thread a rail bolt into the rail a couple of turns and tap the t nut out of it's seat. Unscrew the rail bolt. Reach between the wood and rubber with needle nose and grab the flat edge of the t nut. Wiggle it up and out throught the opening. No need to take the rubber loose because RUBBER STRETCHES. Grip a new t nut by its flat edge and wiggle it back into the opening left by the counterbore drill bit and get the barrel back into the smaller 5/16" hole. Now thread a 1" long 1/4-20 bolt with 2 washers on it through the back side of the rail threading it into the t nut. Tighten the bolt until the t-nut boingers (technical term) are fully seated. Back out the bolt and Ouila! , better than a Happy Meal.
Thanks everyone for the tips, I appreciate it :thumbup: -- Jack
Hey Fred..Diddn't I post the identical instructions in post #5? lol.. you know what they say about great minds.Mr Penguin said:
Well yeah but I was just following the rules and flexing my E-penis