T-slot nuts are used in adjustable mounting systems to secure machine tool vices or erect modular constructions. They consist of a T-shaped nut that slides along a similarly shaped slot, allowing it to be tensioned in any position along the length of the slot. The nuts are drilled through their vertical axis with threaded holes to accept standard lock bolts. Once in the correct position, the bolt is tightened, locking the nut firmly in place. This system allows for flexibility in mounting systems for various sized vices and lightweight modular structures.
A T-slot nut is a fastener used in a number of adjustable mounting systems used to secure machine tool vices or to erect modular constructions. These are two-part systems consisting of a T-shaped metal nut with a threaded hole through its vertical axis and a similarly shaped slot machined into a machine vise base or building element. The nut slides freely along the slot, which is open along the top of the leg portion allowing a bolt to pass through the slot and thread into the nut. This arrangement allows the nuts to be moved along the slots to fit holes in various sized vices or to allow building elements to be adjusted as needed. Once the vise or structural member is in the correct position, the bolt is tightened, pulling the T-slot nut upwards, locking it firmly in place.
The vices that securely hold workpieces on drill presses, bandsaws, and routers often need to be moved relative to the base to properly position the workpiece. Also frequently used are a range of different types and sizes of vises requiring similar flexibility in mounting systems. The same flexibility is required in lightweight modular structures such as sound systems and lighting racks used in theatres, studios and on stages. Many of these applications use a sliding T-slot nut and bolt system to achieve the required flexibility of movement.
These systems consist of a T-shaped nut that slides along a similarly shaped slot, allowing it to be tensioned in any position along the length of the slot depending on the user’s needs. The T-slot nut system is so named because of this particular shape of the nut and groove. The nuts are drilled through their vertical axis, in other words through the “leg” of the T and out the top of the cross, with threaded holes to accept a set of standard lock bolts. In the case of machine vise bases, two similarly shaped slots are cut into the upper surface of the cross-shaped base, or, in the case of structural units, a single slot is cut into one side of each member.
These slots are open so that when the T-slot nut slides along them, a bolt can be passed through the slot and into the nut. When the nut is in the correct position, the bolt is tensioned, locking the nut, and whatever device the bolt is attached to, firmly in place. This sliding motion allows you to move the vice around the base as needed or to fit vices of different sizes and designs. The structural stringers can also be moved up and down the slotted posts and locked into the appropriate position using the T-slot nut in the same manner.
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