Fasteners for racks etc, finger tightenable, wingnuts etc, good ones?

[Escapologist]

Hi folks,

I have been pondering my cargo system build. One thing I want it to be is somewhat reconfigurable, and I hope to do that on the fly without needing tools. So is anyone aware of one general type of wingnut, Tbar nut, wheel or knob nut, or those with a hinge up flange kind of thing, being better or worse than other types?

By better or worse, I am mostly pondering if one or another is worse at loosening from road vibrations. Gut feel is the T-bar/T-handle type might be most suspect for that. I think maybe due to some on a bike rack a while back that I had to check every stop.

The classic wingnut has it's problems of being hard to grip when your fingers are cold, and sometimes seizing or getting stuck, such that you need pliers or vicegrips on it. So that one seems less of a problem of coming loose, and more of a problem of not... but they tend to be cheapest option.

The T-Bar and Knob/Wheel nuts seem to be prone to the insert cracking out from inside the plastic casing or handle part.

The few I have seen, hinge up flange, like half a washer on a pin kinda thing, not sure if there's a better name... they've been okay, but I imagine the pin could fall out or bend. Also they might be noisy, don't wanna "jingle all the way" all spring summer and fall, save that shit for December.

Years back I saw oversize wingnuts with nylock inserts, which might be great but they're hard to find.

I am hoping for less proprietary types of recommendations, I want to scope out some options and snipe some sales maybe before I really need them.

Thanks for any hints...

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[Johnkn]

Google (Hillman) locking knob

good luck


.

 

[Escapologist]

Google (Hillman) locking knob

good luck


.

Heh, I needed good luck for sure, did you know Hillman do door knobs, cabinet knobs etc, with locks for keys? Those polluted search by a lot.

I don't know if it is what you meant but on one site that had a list of assorted Hillman hardware, I spotted a snap lock star knob...

Those are the ones that take a hex head inside and latch on it, and then hold captive... so you can pick and choose your actual fastener hardware.... as long as the head fits.

So thanks for the clue that led me to those, they might be a winner as there are some brands you can get a cheap 10 pack of, and then I could use vibration resistant nylock stuff in them. Or maybe just use those on bolt heads and have captive nuts.... dunno, lots of figgerin' going on still.

 

[Johnkn]

Google:

“Hillman Locking Knobs”. The manufacturer Hillman generally produces quality products.

and

“Locking knobs”

And across the top of each google search view “images” to see those that are appealing to you.

Use a locking washer with the knob


.

 

[Dave O]

I have BillieBars and a Yakima MegaWarrior Load Cargo Basket on my Maverick- I modified the Yakima Clamps because I was very unhappy with the plastic clamps and plastic hand nuts supplied. I wanted everything secure and eliminate theft as much as possible (it’s a bigger job now for someone to remove and steal the cargo basket)

I also wanted to utilize the t-slots on the BilleBars to secure things - I’m very happy with the modifications, yes it’s not a quick removal but that was my objective more work for me but definitely more work for those with bad intention…

 

[not null]

I went with a threaded knob and lock nut for my project. Probably from lowes-depot. From my Pickup Truck Trunk.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Years back I saw oversize wingnuts with nylock inserts, which might be great but they're hard to find.

HRG

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