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U-BOLTS

U-BOLTS

U-bolts are “U” shaped bolts with threads on each end. They are primarily used to hang piping in industrial applications and are often called out by the nominal size pipe they are hanging (e.g. 2” U-bolts are used to hang 2” NPS pipe). Standard U-bolts typically come with nuts, however, the nuts need to be specified for special grade U-bolts .

There are no standard dimensions for exotic high nickel and specialty stainless U-bolts (like Hastelloy® C276 U-bolts, Duplex 2205 U-bolts, Nickel 200 U-bolts, 317L Stainless U-bolts), so Nickel Systems usually supplies them to Grinnell Standard Style UB – 137 regular dimensions. However, if special U-bolts with longer tangents and threads are required, they can also be manufactured, as well as other types of “bent” bolts. Nickel Systems would require a print in order to quote special dimensions per customer requirements.

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Specifications

Get our specifications and technical data information for our U-Bolts.

Dimensions

an orthographic dimensioning picture of a u bolt
Pin Fields Diameter, D, and UNC Thread Inside Length, L Inside Width, C Thread Length, T Nominal Pipe Size
3, D 5, LCT Basic Max. Min. Basic Max. Min. Max. Min.
04 012 1/4 – 20 1.250 1.280 1.220 0.563 0.593 0.533 0.810 0.690 1/4
04 013 1/4 – 20 1.250 1.280 1.220 0.750 0.780 0.720 0.685 0.565 3/8
04 022 1/4 – 20 2.250 2.280 2.220 0.750 0.780 0.720 1.560 1.440 3/8
04 017 1/4 – 20 1.750 1.780 1.720 1.000 1.030 0.970 1.060 0.940 1/2
04 020 1/4 – 20 2.000 2.030 1.970 1.000 1.030 0.970 1.060 0.940 3/4
04 031 1/4 – 20 3.125 3.155 3.095 1.000 1.030 0.970 1.560 1.440 3/4
04 023 1/4 – 20 2.250 2.280 2.220 1.125 1.155 1.095 1.310 1.190 3/4
04 027 1/4 – 20 2.750 2.780 2.720 1.125 1.155 1.095 1.435 1.315 1
04 034 1/4 – 20 3.438 3.468 3.408 1.125 1.155 1.095 2.435 2.315 1
04 030 1/4 – 20 3.000 3.030 2.970 1.250 1.280 1.220 1.435 1.315 1 1/4
04 032 1/4 – 20 3.250 3.280 3.220 1.250 1.280 1.220 1.435 1.315 1 1/2
05 021 5/16 – 18 2.188 2.218 2.158 1.375 1.405 1.345 1.435 1.315 1/2
05 022 5/16 – 18 2.188 2.218 2.158 1.375 1.405 1.345 1.060 0.940 3/4
05 023 5/16 – 18 2.188 2.218 2.158 1.500 1.530 1.470 1.060 0.940 1
05 026 5/16 – 18 2.688 2.718 2.658 1.500 1.530 1.470 1.185 1.065 1 1/4
05 045 5/16 – 18 4.500 4.530 4.470 1.750 1.780 1.720 2.060 1.940 1 1/4
05 027 5/16 – 18 2.688 2.718 2.658 1.750 1.780 1.720 1.060 0.940 1 1/2
05 047 5/16 – 18 4.750 4.780 4.720 1.750 1.780 1.720 3.060 2.940 1 1/2
05 032 5/16 – 18 3.188 3.218 3.158 1.750 1.780 1.720 1.060 0.940 2
05 056 5/16 – 18 5.625 5.685 5.565 2.000 2.030 1.970 3.060 2.940 2
05 037 5/16 – 18 3.688 3.718 3.658 2.000 2.030 1.970 1.060 0.940 2 1/2
06 022 3/8 – 16 2.250 2.280 2.220 2.000 2.030 1.970 1.310 1.190 1/2
06 023 3/8 – 16 2.250 2.280 2.220 2.000 2.030 1.970 1.310 1.190 3/4
06 025 3/8 – 16 2.250 2.530 2.470 2.500 2.530 2.470 1.310 1.190 1
06 027 3/8 – 16 2.750 2.780 2.720 2.500 2.530 2.470 1.185 1.065 1 1/4
06 026 3/8 – 16 2.625 2.655 2.595 2.500 2.530 2.470 1.310 1.190 1 1/2
06 031 3/8 – 16 3.125 3.155 3.095 3.000 3.030 2.970 1.310 1.190 2
06 036 3/8 – 16 3.625 3.655 3.595 3.000 3.030 2.970 1.310 1.190 2 1/2
06 066 3/8 – 16 6.625 6.685 6.565 3.000 3.030 2.970 3.060 2.940 2 1/2
06 041 3/8 – 16 4.125 4.155 4.095 3.000 3.030 2.970 1.310 1.190 3
06 055 3/8 – 16 5.500 5.560 5.440 3.500 3.530 3.470 2.310 2.190 3 1/2
08 045 1/2 – 13 4.500 4.530 4.470 3.500 3.530 3.470 1.685 1.565 2 1/2
08 050 1/2 – 13 5.000 5.060 4.940 3.500 3.530 3.470 1.560 1.440 3
08 085 1/2 – 13 8.500 8.590 8.410 4.000 4.030 3.970 3.060 2.940 3
08 055 1/2 – 13 5.500 5.560 5.440 4.000 4.030 3.970 1.560 1.440 3 1/2

 

U-Bolt Specifications

  • ASME B18.31.5-2011
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Product Overview

Get our product, definition, description, applications, tips for purchasing and more.

What is a U-Bolt

A U-bolt is a type of fastener shaped like the letter “U” with two threaded arms extending from a curved or rounded base. It’s primarily used to support pipework, secure tubing, or attach round objects (like poles) to a flat surface.

Key Features of a U-Bolt

  • Shape: The “U” shape allows it to wrap around pipes or round bars.

  • Threads: Both ends of the bolt are threaded so that nuts can be attached to clamp the bolt in place.

  • Material: Often made of steel, stainless steel, or galvanized materials for strength and corrosion resistance.

  • Sizes: Available in a wide range of sizes to fit various diameters and load requirements.

Common Uses of U-Bolts

  • Pipe and Conduit Support: Securing pipes to walls or ceilings in plumbing or electrical work.

  • Vehicle Suspension: Holding leaf springs to axles in vehicles.

  • Construction and Marine Applications: Fastening or bracing structural components or rigging.

Types of U-Bolts

  • Round U-Bolts: Designed for pipes or tubes.

  • Square U-Bolts: Used for square or flat-sided components.

  • Custom U-Bolts: Tailored for specific shapes or load-bearing requirements.

Applications

Below is a list of the most common applications that utilize u-bolts in exotic alloy materials.

Pipe Support and Restraint in Marine Environments

High-Temperature Clamping in Aerospace Systems

  • U-bolts are used to secure exhaust ducts, hydraulic tubing, and engine components exposed to extreme heat and thermal cycling. They are designed to resist oxidation and creep at elevated temperatures and often used where high vibration and thermal fatigue are present.
  • Materials employed include Inconel 625, Inconel 718, Hastelloy X, and Titanium Grade 5.
  • Industries include aerospace and aviation, defense, & space technology.

 Chemical Process Piping and Containment Systems

  • U-Bolts are used to fasten pipes and tubing in chemical reactors, storage tanks, and acid-handling systems. They are essential in environments involving aggressive acids, solvents, and oxidizers. They are also used in jacketed piping systems for thermal regulation.
  • Materials employed include Hastelloy C-276, Alloy 20, and Incoloy 825.
  • Industries include chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals.

Power Plant and Nuclear Facility Pipe Anchoring

  •  U-Bolts support and restrain high-pressure stream lines, cooling systems, and containment systems. They must withstand high radiation, pressure, and corrosive steam environments. They are designed to last decades without failure or major maintenance.
  • Materials utilized include Inconel® 600, Inconel® 625, Zirconium Alloys, and 2507 Super Duplex Stainless Steel.
  • Industries include nuclear power, geothermal power, and fossil fuel power plants.

Hygienic Clamping in Food and Pharmaceutical Systems

  • U-Bolts secure sanitary piping and equipment where sterility is critical. They are used in clean-in-place (CIP) systems and fermentation units. They are designed with smooth surfaces and corrosion resistance to ensure hygiene and prevent contamination.
  • Materials employed include Titanium Grade 2, 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel, and 316L Stainless.
  • Industries include pharmaceutical manufacturing, food and beverage processing, and biotechnology.

Required Specifications to order U-Bolts

Obtain this dimensional information in order to accurately purchase the u-bolts required for your next project.

  • Pipe Size or Nominal Diameter: For piping applications, indicate the pipe’s nominal size to match the curvature of the U-bolt.

  • Inside Diameter (ID): The horizontal span inside the “U”, critical for fitting over the object.

  • Leg Length: The vertical length of the two threaded legs from the inside of the curve down to the thread start or end.

  • Thread Length: Specify how much of the leg is threaded (e.g., full-threaded vs. partial).

  • Rod Diameter: The thickness of the bolt rod—affects strength and fit.

  • Bend Type: Round, square, or custom bends, depending on the shape of the object being clamped.

 

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Sample Products

Check out our U-Bolts Sample Products.

U-Bolt 1/2-13 x 4″ Hastelloy® C276

 

a picture of a ubolt in C276 material

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Industries We Serve

Nickel Systems provides high quality exotic grade materials that hold up in the toughest, most severe heat and corrosive environments. With our large inventory of specialty fasteners in stock, we are always ready to answer the call to serve the most challenging applications.

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