Huck bolts are commonly used in heavy machinery components for their durability and safety. Sometimes you may need to remove the Huck bolt.
Huck Bolts are sealed when installed in a machine, so they are not generally removed like regular bolts. In the article, I try to describe this process correctly, so let’s go –
Table of Contents
- What Are Huck Bolts?
- Why Are Huck Bolts Used?
- How Many Types of Huck Bolt Are Used for Fastening Systems?
- Using Angle Grinder to Remove Huck Bolts
- Using Huck Bolt Collar Cutter
- Some Extra Tips
- Is Huck Bolt Reusable?
- What Is the Difference Between Huck Bolt and Huck Rivets?
- Conclusion
What Are Huck Bolts?
A huck bolt is a mechanical fastener consisting of a pin and an integrated collar. The pin is the threaded portion at the bottom, and the collar is the unthreaded portion at the top.
The huck bolt is inserted into a pre-drilled hole, and the pin is threaded into the hole. The collar is then expanded by a huck gun, which causes it to grip the sides of the hole. It creates a solid connection that is resistant to vibration and shock.
Why Are Huck Bolts Used?
Huck bolts are used because they are a lockbolt category specially designed for joining heavy materials. If a huck bolt is used correctly, it can create a secure, vibration-resistant joint that is just as strong as, if not stronger than, a welded joint.
Huck bolt is a fastener with a diameter of 3/16 to 3/4 inches and a length of 1/2 to 2-1/2 inches. The bolt consists of a circular head, usually hexagonal, and a cylindrical shank with a threaded tip. The bolt is inserted into two or more holes in the materials to be joined and then secured with a nut.
How Many Types of Huck Bolt Are Used for Fastening Systems?
There are three basic types of Huck bolt designs, each with benefits for specific applications.
Huck Bolt With Pintails
The HuckBolt with pintails is the most commonly used. These Huck bolts have a break point designed into the pin that separates once the installation is complete. The excess pin is then ejected or collected by the lockbolt tool.
Huck Bolt With Flange Pins
The HuckBolt with flange pins is ideal for applications requiring a large bearing surface. The flanged pins provide extra support to help prevent pull-out.
Huck Bolt With Extended
The Huck Bolt with extended pins is perfect for situations where a long pin is needed to reach through multiple layers of material. The extended pins also provide extra support to help prevent pull-out.
Using Angle Grinder to Remove Huck Bolts
The angle grinder is readily available so that you can try it first. Its usage is straightforward remove the huck bolt. Start by wearing safety goggles and gloves while working. Do not avoid this fundamental matter at any cost.
Angle Grinder can be used to cut the Huck Bolt from any point. You should see the Angle Grinder’s blade reach easily. Most time, the collar of the bolt has to be chosen.
Let’s try this simple process –
Before starting work on the angle grinder, remove everything around the bolt. If it is not possible to move, start working a little carefully.
With a grinder, make a deep cut in the middle of the bolt from the side where the collar is. (Bolts become very hot after cutting, do not touch directly)
Now, if you hit it with a hammer, the huck bolt will separate from the collar and open.
Using Huck Bolt Collar Cutter
This job will be much easier if you have a collar cutter to cut the Huck Bolt. It can be a straightforward solution for huck bolt removal.
If you are not a professional or do not need it for regular use, then purchasing Huck Bolt Collar Cutter will cost you a lot. There are two types of manual and hydraulic (automatic) in the market. Manual cutters cost $550 to $645, and mechanical hydraulic (with accessories) $2300 to $3500. It is not so common to use manual cutters these days.
It’s easy to do both, and I’ll briefly describe them below –
Manual Huck Bolt Collar Cutter
Safety gloves should be worn, and a manual cutter should be set on the bolt collar.
Press firmly with both hands (if the cutter’s handle has something to support on one side, the force will be a bit more; cause you can use body pressure).
Now you hit it with a hammer, the collar of the huck bolt will come apart, and you can pull out the pin/bolt.
Automatic Hydraulic Huck Bolt Collar Cutter
Bring all the tools of the hydraulic cutter where you will be working.
Set the cutter head on the Huck Bolt Collar and press, Done!
Sometimes the collar doesn’t come off ultimately, so use a hammer.
It’s not a big deal to use, but the safety issue here is not to put your hands or fingers near the blade.
Some Extra Tips
When removing a huck bolt with an angle grinder, always use a cutting wheel designed for metal use.
- It will help to prevent the wheel from shattering and causing injury.
- Always wear eye protection and gloves when using an angle grinder.
- When using a collar cutter, always pump the handle slowly and evenly to prevent the cutter from slipping and causing injury.
Is Huck Bolt Reusable?
One of the bolts is a special Huck bolt, and these bolts are not reusable. The other bolts are standard and can be reused. If you are concerned about reusing the bolts, you can replace them with standard bolts from the hardware store. The Huck bolts are expensive, and I don’t think it is worth it to replace them unless you are concerned about reuse.
What Is the Difference Between Huck Bolt and Huck Rivets?
Huck bolts and huck rivets are used to join two pieces of metal together, but there are some key differences between the two. Huck bolts are inserted into pre-drilled holes and tightened using a wrench or socket. On the other hand, Huck’s rivets are inserted into a hole and then hammered down. It causes the rivet to expand and grip the metal, creating a strong connection.
Conclusion
This article has been edited with enough research. You will undoubtedly benefit from this; I have also described the real experience of a friend of mine in the case of huck bolt removal. Also, if you have a different opinion, you can share it with me.