Course Threaded Rod for Screw Jacks

[TechWise]

I'm looking for some threaded rods to make bespoke trailer levelling jacks. Something like what's in a G-clamp or those cheap little jacks that come next to the spare wheel in a car. I'd be looking for lengths of about 600mm and a diameter somewhere in the range 16-25mm. I'd prefer stainless steel to avoid corrosion when they're mounted under the chassis.

Anyone sourced anything like this before or done something similar? I'm having no trouble finding stuff that looks right but it's generally stuff that's machined to the micron for CNC leadscrew applications with a price tag to match. Ordinary threaded rod will block too easily with mud and dirt I reckon and be too fine a pitch for fast screwing up and down. You'd think somebody somewhere must make it because you can buy plenty of off-the-shelf jacks with it in them!

 

[big mat]

Linear & Rotary Components - Accu

Buy Linear & Rotary Components from Accu

www.accu.co.uk

 

[Av Gorritt]

You need a square thread "Acme " I think , for jacks . If it's not available in threaded lengths , no doubt an engineering firm would oblige .

 

[TechWise]

I've had a look at that site but it's quite expensive, presumably because it's all made to a very tight tolerance for use in CNC machines and the like. Was thinking with the number of caravan jacks and scissor jacks out there that there must be cheaper stuff made to a looser spec.

Linear & Rotary Components - Accu

Buy Linear & Rotary Components from Accu

www.accu.co.uk

 

[TechWise]

Yes, square acme thread is what I'm after. The tricky bit seems to be finding something made to a loose spec. The stuff I can find is really high quality, tight tolerance for CNC type machines. I'm ideally looking for something cheaper that's "good enough" for a jack.

You need a square thread "Acme " I think , for jacks . If it's not available in threaded lengths , no doubt an engineering firm would oblige .

 

[tomlad]

A dude with a lathe ?

 

[Andrew]

Stainless Steel Trapezoidal Lead Screw Shaft - Moore International Ltd

Supplier and manufacturer of quality precision ball screws, lead screws, bearings Sole importer of ball screws and lead screws by Eichenberger Gewinde

www.mooreinternational.co.uk

 

[TechWise]

Stainless Steel Trapezoidal Lead Screw Shaft - Moore International Ltd

Supplier and manufacturer of quality precision ball screws, lead screws, bearings Sole importer of ball screws and lead screws by Eichenberger Gewinde

www.mooreinternational.co.uk

I actually came across this lot late last night. I think we have a winner.

 

[TechWise]

A dude with a lathe ?

I have a lathe myself but don't think I'm psyched up for threadcutting yet. I was thinking there's bound to be something off the shelf somewhere at sensible money.

 

[Nearly]

Bolts from motorway crash barrier are m24 x 500 ish.

 

[TechWise]

Thanks all. I've bought a 3m length of 16mm mild steel trapezoidal screw from Moore International. If the prototype works okay, I'll fork out for stainless steel in the final version. I've also bought a scaffolding jack to experiment with which is a much bigger diameter but the fit is so coarse that I would get away with galvanising it.

 

[Netherfield]

God those jacks were hard work to use though.

 

[Nearly]

Just remembered I have a set of 4 jacks from a demount fastrac sprayer. geared handles and everything.

 

[Dry Rot]

Have you thought of asking a trailer company where they source theirs? Sometimes the direct approach can pay off, especially when they realise you are not a competitor!

 

[TheTallGuy]

I bought a couple of cheap acro props at a sale for something similar.... trouble is that they're too damned handy to cut up.

 

[TechWise]

Have you thought of asking a trailer company where they source theirs? Sometimes the direct approach can pay off, especially when they realise you are not a competitor!

I still have stub axles to source so I'll ask around when I'm doing that.

 

[TechWise]

For those who are interested, this is the kind of thing I'm trying to do:

 

[pettsy]

Was going to suggest scaffolding adjustable feet/screw jacks

 

[Kevm]

If you get stainless thread it may be better to use a brass nut rather than a stainless one, could be hellish for "fretting" and picking up/seizing up.
Brass nut with a grease nipple would be ideal.

 

[astra]

Try scrap yards.lifts from demolished buildings had that kind of thread on the older lifts anyhow..in long lengths too if i remember right..