Question/help about welding nuts to steel plate

[Wisco150]

Hi all,

I’m working on a project that needs nuts secured to the bottom side of the steel plate that will not be accessible when the plate is in place. I’ve been trying to read on line but thought I would also reach out here to get some in out.

I’m looking to use a standard Miller welder to weld nuts into place on to a 0.1875” steel plate. I know weld nuts are an option but it seems that a special tool/equipment is needed. I’m wondering if a general low carbon steel plain finish hex nut can be welded to a steel plate? Any suggestions or input would be appreciated.

[carringb]

Yes, just use a tap and re-thread when after welding. Just keep in mind that soft hardware shouldn’t be used for passenger restraints or seating.

[1der]

Cross nuts or other name Plus-Nuts might provide a solution depending on size of bolt/screw you plan to use. They are available to accommodate a couple of different depths.

[boywonder]

What's the challenge with weld nuts?


Drill a hole in the plate stick the weld nut through and weld....


https://www.mcmaster.com/weld-nuts/

[deserteagle56]

Originally Posted by Wisco150

Hi all,

I’m working on a project that needs nuts secured to the bottom side of the steel plate that will not be accessible when the plate is in place. I’ve been trying to read on line but thought I would also reach out here to get some in out.

I’m looking to use a standard Miller welder to weld nuts into place on to a 0.1875” steel plate. I know weld nuts are an option but it seems that a special tool/equipment is needed. I’m wondering if a general low carbon steel plain finish hex nut can be welded to a steel plate? Any suggestions or input would be appreciated.

I've done this multiple times, using an old Lincoln welder. Works well. Just make sure, as Carringb suggests, to run a tap (or even an old bolt) through the nut to make sure the threads are still clean.

[Pntyrmvr]

And definitely use an unplated nut that is ground clean.

[larrie]

One solution is to drill the plate, put a bolt through the hole, tighten the nut down weld the nut and then remove the bolt. This works especially well when precision placement is needed.

[Wisco150]

Hi everyone,
Thank you all for your input. I didn’t really even think of the potential need to use a tap.

My concern about using actual weldnuts is the projections on weld nuts, from my understanding (only from reading on google, no actual experience) is that the projections are there to used with a projection welding tool rather than a standard welder.

I have some test pieces of metal with holes drilled and ordered a small quantity of bolts to see what method works best/most consistently before trying it on my final panels.

[Jonathan Cole]

You will need to use a unique tool because the material is stainless steel, and stainless steel requires unique materials if you are going to weld it because the standard electrodes used in arc welding may not work correctly. The electrodes generally used in stainless steel welding are ERTiN52 or ERTiN32, depending on the grade of stainless steel that you are trying to weld. You can find these electrodes at any welding supply store. There are many welding courses available for various types of welding. It will help you.

[BCam]

Originally Posted by Jonathan Cole

You will need to use a unique tool because the material is stainless steel, and stainless steel requires unique materials if you are going to weld it because the standard electrodes used in arc welding may not work correctly. The electrodes generally used in stainless steel welding are ERTiN52 or ERTiN32, depending on the grade of stainless steel that you are trying to weld. You can find these electrodes at any welding supply store. There are many welding courses available for various types of welding. It will help you.

I don't see where the OP mentioned stainless.