Hello all. I have a client who owns a small Rickey sculpture. The installation crew used some 1/4" tie-wedge concrete bolts in the tile floor to secure it. They are way too short and because of the tapered tips, the nuts barely are engaged. The whole piece is not secure as a result. Especially when you add a washer to the mix.
Compounding the issue is the fact that the underside of the base has a slight bow to it in the center. So it wants to rock a bit.
I'm wondering if there's an easy way to extend the length of these and maybe step them up to a 5/16" bolt? Like a sleeve or hollow threaded rod with a 5/16 exterior and a 1/4-20 interior? Does something like that exist? Maybe I can make them out of stainless rod?
I can't move the piece or drill new holes. The mechanics of this kinetic sculpture are such that it needs to stay exactly where it is to avoid architectural elements.
Looking for some ideas here. The client isn't keen on adding a build-up to solve the problem either. I can't add shims to stop the rocking until there's more threads to secure it. Frustrating as I'd only need another 1/8" or so of length to solve everything. *shakes fist at previous installation crew*
The alignment was obviously going to be an issue as well as whether a fastener like that is made of a strong enough material to do the job. The main thing I was looking at was the available threads below the upper surface of the base and whether they can be accessed. I don't envy your task and wish you the best of luck in finding a work around.
Jamie
Hi James,
The one thought I have comes from (of all places) Ikea. I'm specifically thinking of the washer nut combination the is part of the knock down fastening system with the threaded sleeve of the nut engaging the threads that are in the hole and below the surface. The main question is whether there is sufficient room in the hole to accommodate them. Like these. https://www.mcfeelys.com/1/4-x-20-decorative-head-cap-nuts,-17mm-(669-in)-long,-brass-plated-qty:25.html.html
Good luck!