Making Cambered Axle Bolts

I always use zinc coated 8.8 grade bolts and stainless nuts and washers for two reasons.

  1. Cost
  2. Never have to worry about the bolts binding inside your axle
2 off 120mm x 20mm 2 off 40mm x 20mm  2 off 20mm Nylocks 2 off 20mm Nuts 2 off 20mm Washers

2 off 120mm x 20mm, 2 off 40mm x 20mm, 2 off 20mm Nylocks, 2 off 20mm Nuts, 2 off 20mm Washers

Chamfer the ends of the bolt heads 4 degrees, then grind a prep all around for the weld

Chamfer the ends of the bolt heads 4 degrees, then grind a prep all around for the weld

Use a jig, I made this simple one set to 8 degrees

Use a jig, I made this simple one set to 8 degrees

The bolts slide into the tubes

The bolts slide into the tubes

Tack all corners

Tack all corners

Put a root run all around the two heads

Put a root run all around the two heads

The fill with weld making sure there is plenty of penetration

The fill with weld making sure there is plenty of penetration

Clean the weld surplass off, make it easier to use a spanner then

Clean the weld surplass off, make it easier to use a spanner then

 

The finished bolts

The finished bolts

8 degree cambered axle bolts

8 degree cambered axle bolts