file Using 1/4 x 20 Round-Head Bolts in place of Spikes Revisited

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ArthurDaniels Posted 6 years 9 months ago
#22116
Here is an update to cover additional information resulting from my use of 1/4 x 20 round head bolts in place of spikes or rubber feet on my Triton Ones and Sevens.

The Triton Series has four standard 1/4 x 20 threaded female inserts in the bottom of each base. These inserts are 1/2 inch in depth. I am using standard 1/4 x 20 Round Head bolts of varying lengths in place of the spikes and feet to both elevate my Triton Ones and Sevens and to provide back to forward back to front tilt for the Ones.

After experimenting with different length bolt lengths, I have settled upon the following:

1. For my Triton Sevens, I have used a 1.5 inch long bolt in all four inserts on each base. This length provide a 1 inch elevation of the base from my tile floor, but provides no tilt.

2. For mu Triton Ones, I have used a pair of 1.5 inch bolts on the front of each base and a pair of 2.0 inch bolts on the rear of each base. This combination provides 1 inch elevation from the floor and a 0.5 inch forward tilt from back to front.

Each bolt is screwed in to the full 1/2 inch depth of the threaded insert. I recognize that this arrangement may be slightly more stressful upon the threaded insert than use of the spikes. I am careful when I move the speakers around.

I will probably make one more change. I will remove each bolt and add an appropriate number of 1/4 inch nuts to each bolt such that 1/2 inch of thread remains exposed. Then, when the bolt is screwed in to the insert, the bottom nut will be in contact with the speaker base surface and will thus act to broaden the contact surface such that each bolt has less opportunity to "flex" or otherwise move when the speakers are moved around on the floor. This change should help reduce stress upon the threaded inserts during speaker movements.

An alternative to use of the nuts would be to fill the exposed bolt area with washers. I have not tried the washer approach, so I cannot comment upon which might be better.

The round head bolts provide a "point" contact to the floor, while at the same time, reducing the possibility of marring the floor's surface, as compared to the spikes.

Use of the bolts also provides a simple means to implement tilt. Use of the bolts also provides a simple means of increasing the length if needed for stability on unusually thick carpets.

Cost is minimal - less than $4.00 per speaker pair for both nuts and bolts. Available at any hardware or home improvement store.

Regards to all.

Art
The following user(s) said Thank You: WayneWilmeth

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