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THREADED ROD, MISCELLANEOUS HARDWARE

Description: This is a continuous metal rod with threads.

Buying information: Threaded rod can be used with nuts and washers to do a variety of bracing, fastening, and mounting jobs; it can also be used to support hanging shelves. In some situations, bolts are not suitable because of limited thread portions (for example, a 6-inch bolt may have only 1 inch or 1 1/2 inches of threads); threaded rod can serve such problems well.

It comes in a variety of lengths and diameters. Hardware stores commonly carry it in 2- and 3-foot lengths, with diameters ranging from 3/16 to 1/2 inch in small increments. However, it is also available in diameters all the way up to 1 1/4 inches and in lengths of 6, 10, and 12 feet. To obtain these sizes you may have to special-order them -- or visit a number of hardware stores. Rod sizes are identified by a dot of color on the end of the rod. Finish on threaded rod is either electroplating or plain steel. In addition, it comes in various precut shapes such as U's and J's, and with eyebolts.

How-to hints: Threaded rod may be cut with a hacksaw or, if narrow enough, with a bolt cutter.

Threads on the rod -run at a slight angle, so it is easy to create burrs when cutting with a hacksaw. To avoid this, run nuts down from each end of the rod until they flank the points where you want to cut. Make the cut, then run the nuts off the cut ends; they will dress the ends, removing any burrs.

Threaded rod can be cold-bent-no heat required.

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