JohnBishop Posted April 8, 2023 Share Posted April 8, 2023 Hi Everyone, I want to join two EUR pallets together to create structure for my shed. I was thinking about using EUR pallets only for the base and corners for load distribution then some less bulky pallets in between. If I use smaller pallets then I need shorter bolts. EUR pallets have these OSB blocks sometimes wooden blocks that are 10x15cm so if I want to join 2 pallets horizontally then I need at least 22cm long bolts if vertically then 32cm. I will need lots of them. I reckon some lower grade. I think I will have to drill some pallet support blocks twice vertically and horizontally. Where can I get bolts at a reasonable price for that? Should I just order them of eBay? I have no experience with these consumables so I don't even know what is a cheap and rip off price for 25, 35cm long M10 bolts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProDave Posted April 8, 2023 Share Posted April 8, 2023 Probably easier to buy threaded rod and cut to length, a nut on each end. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnBishop Posted April 8, 2023 Author Share Posted April 8, 2023 1 minute ago, ProDave said: Probably easier to buy threaded rod and cut to length, a nut on each end. This is awesome idea. Thanks. I look around for such rods. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted April 8, 2023 Share Posted April 8, 2023 1 hour ago, JohnBishop said: look around for such rods. Doesn't take much looking. They are at toolstation and screwfix, any DIY and builders merchant. For a lot I buy them online from a specialist (not ebay), where they offer plain steel, galvanised or stainless, and the fittings. Get 1m lengths and put nuts on before cutting into 3 or 4 (I'll explain if you go ahead with this). Rod, nuts, washers, angle grinder. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temp Posted April 8, 2023 Share Posted April 8, 2023 I think toolstation threaded rod us probably cheaper but these aren't a lot more... M10 x 300 and nuts pack of 10 for £11.62 https://tradefixdirect.com/coach-bolts/zinc-plated-coach-bolts-and-nuts-m10-x-300mm 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnMo Posted April 8, 2023 Share Posted April 8, 2023 My pallet shed is held together with bog standard screws and off cuts of wood. M10 rod sounds a bit OTT. It remained standing for the last 3 years no issues. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redbeard Posted April 8, 2023 Share Posted April 8, 2023 @ProDave said "Get 1m lengths and put nuts on before cutting into 3 or 4 (I'll explain if you go ahead with this). Rod, nuts, washers, angle grinder." Good call. And when you (OP) forget to put the nuts on you'll be off to buy a grinding disc for the angle grinder for 'fine tuning'. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onoff Posted April 8, 2023 Share Posted April 8, 2023 1 hour ago, Redbeard said: And when you (OP) forget to put the nuts on you'll be off to buy a grinding disc for the angle grinder for 'fine tuning'. I cut to length with a slitting disc then dress with a flap disc to slightly taper the end, remove any burr and clean the end up. Never put the nuts on first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted April 9, 2023 Share Posted April 9, 2023 12 hours ago, Onoff said: Never put the nuts on first Your way works of course, but usually needs some clamping kit. It is still worth checking all the ends accept a nut before starting the work. Once you have had to fettle a bolt end in an icy hole, with a crane idly holding a column above it, you get more organised next time, and also protect the ends. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onoff Posted April 9, 2023 Share Posted April 9, 2023 27 minutes ago, saveasteading said: Your way works of course, but usually needs some clamping kit. It is still worth checking all the ends accept a nut before starting the work. Once you have had to fettle a bolt end in an icy hole, with a crane idly holding a column above it, you get more organised next time, and also protect the ends. I've been doing it for 40 years. Even down to dipping thread ends in peelable "wax" to save cleaning concrete splashes out if the threads. A nut might help knock the burr off but you'll still end up with a sharp end without dressing. Most of my cut/dressed ends come up square and you wouldn't know them from a shop bought bolt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted April 9, 2023 Share Posted April 9, 2023 2 hours ago, Onoff said: peelable "wax" to save cleaning concrete splashes out of the threads Our supplier started including plastic caps with all foundation bolts. Easy to use and protected against splashes and dents. Prior to that we used plastic bags and tape, or just tape. Vaseline bandages were good protection but messy to use and remove. The other option is to fit the nut and leave it at the end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnBishop Posted April 10, 2023 Author Share Posted April 10, 2023 (edited) On 08/04/2023 at 13:06, saveasteading said: Doesn't take much looking. They are at toolstation and screwfix, any DIY and builders merchant. For a lot I buy them online from a specialist (not ebay), where they offer plain steel, galvanised or stainless, and the fittings. Get 1m lengths and put nuts on before cutting into 3 or 4 (I'll explain if you go ahead with this). Rod, nuts, washers, angle grinder. I checked Screwfix and Wickes and both are kind of a rip off. So far the best is ToolStation just over £3 quids for a 1m threaded bar I understand I drill a hole then I put the 1m rod through put washers and screws on both sides then cut to desired length then I don't have to worry that I cannot take the screw on or off the bar. As I add to the structure it's going to be harder to join everything with these bars. Not sure if I should join the inside of pallet decking with these bars or just regular wood screws. It would have to be lifted and done from underneath. Edited April 10, 2023 by JohnBishop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted April 10, 2023 Share Posted April 10, 2023 (edited) M8 very much cheaper if it would suffice.. Direct Channel Support Systems Limited M10 Threaded Rod - High Tensile Steel (8.8 Grade) - 1 Meter Product Code: TR1-10T M10 Threaded Rod - High Tensile Steel (8.8 Grade) - 1 Meter High Tensile Steel 8.8 G.. £1.50 inc VAT (£1.25 exc VAT) M8 THREADED ROD - 3 METER Product Code: TR3-8 £1.62 inc VAT (£1.35 exc VAT) Edited April 10, 2023 by saveasteading 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenki Posted April 11, 2023 Share Posted April 11, 2023 10 hours ago, saveasteading said: M8 very much cheaper if it would suffice.. Direct Channel Support Systems Limited M10 Threaded Rod - High Tensile Steel (8.8 Grade) - 1 Meter Product Code: TR1-10T M10 Threaded Rod - High Tensile Steel (8.8 Grade) - 1 Meter High Tensile Steel 8.8 G.. £1.50 inc VAT (£1.25 exc VAT) M8 THREADED ROD - 3 METER Product Code: TR3-8 £1.62 inc VAT (£1.35 exc VAT) M6 Cheaper still. It's a wooden shed and M6 with a penny washer would more than hold a few pallets together. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted April 11, 2023 Share Posted April 11, 2023 At £1.50 for 3m, the rod could be continuous, base to eaves. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnBishop Posted April 11, 2023 Author Share Posted April 11, 2023 6 hours ago, saveasteading said: At £1.50 for 3m, the rod could be continuous, base to eaves. with that cheap rods I can turn this into a panzer shed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted April 11, 2023 Share Posted April 11, 2023 I use these rods in the garden for bean stakes, as they are cheaper than reinforcing rods, yet are galvanised. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnBishop Posted April 12, 2023 Author Share Posted April 12, 2023 On 11/04/2023 at 00:47, saveasteading said: M8 very much cheaper if it would suffice.. Direct Channel Support Systems Limited M10 Threaded Rod - High Tensile Steel (8.8 Grade) - 1 Meter Product Code: TR1-10T M10 Threaded Rod - High Tensile Steel (8.8 Grade) - 1 Meter High Tensile Steel 8.8 G.. £1.50 inc VAT (£1.25 exc VAT) M8 THREADED ROD - 3 METER Product Code: TR3-8 £1.62 inc VAT (£1.35 exc VAT) Thanks for the link. I order from them in bulk. I just have to decide but perhaps M8 is enough for this application. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnBishop Posted April 12, 2023 Author Share Posted April 12, 2023 (edited) so no need for stainless or galvanised ones? just High Tensile Steel Edited April 12, 2023 by JohnBishop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted April 12, 2023 Share Posted April 12, 2023 I would pay the extra for galvanised. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onoff Posted April 12, 2023 Share Posted April 12, 2023 11 minutes ago, saveasteading said: I would pay the extra for galvanised. +1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnBishop Posted April 17, 2023 Author Share Posted April 17, 2023 (edited) on the topic where do you get long drill bits? I think I need like 400mm M8 wood drill bit do this work. I have to drill up to 300mm long holes but could be longer if I have to at an angle. Edited April 17, 2023 by JohnBishop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted April 17, 2023 Share Posted April 17, 2023 56 minutes ago, JohnBishop said: where do you get long drill bits Very long masonry bits in Lidl at the moment. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onoff Posted April 17, 2023 Share Posted April 17, 2023 You use extra long, flat wood bits with an extension bar if necessary. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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