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2 3/4" SS Fixe Bolts

Original Post
DavidLG · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 20

Has anyone experienced problems with placing these bolts recently? We have had different people up here in the North East have problems with the 3/8" x 2 3/4" SS Fixe bolts. They will only seat part way down into the drilled hole becoming jammed for both inward and outward progress. Unfortunately a lot of time is then spent in removal and hole patching the rock.
Thank you for any feedback in advance.

Greg Gavin · · SLC, UT · Joined Oct 2008 · Points: 888

I've placed 2 in the past week. What kind of rock are you working with? Is the cone loosened, and not finger tightened into the sleeve? Is the hole overdrilled or underdrilled?

DavidLG · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 20

This happened with 3 different bits all drilled into granite. One of the bits was used later on with some of the same bolts purchased last year and it seated correctly into the rock. The holes were not over or under drilled. I'm not sure about the cones being loose, maybe you could explain that in more detail.
Thanks

Greg Gavin · · SLC, UT · Joined Oct 2008 · Points: 888

if you hammered the bolt into the hole and the cone was finger tightened into the sleeve it'll wedge into the sleeve prematurely. not allowing the bolt to insert completely. make sense?

john strand · · southern colo · Joined May 2008 · Points: 1,640

I would also double check that english/metric sizes didn't get mixed up..small diff but enough

Bob A · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 50

I had the same thing happen to me about a week ago.I helped a friend put up a route that had four bolts on it which were 3/8 Fixe bolts that were a couple of years old.
No problem with any of them.
Two days later I went out to replace two 1/4 inch bolts in the same area with a couple of bolts just purchased.
The first one went in with some unusual resistance tapping it in.
On the second one,the cone went in then the sleeve caught the outside of the hole and started to push out like a flower opening.
I caught it early enough and got it out without compromising the hole.
I took the damaged bolt back where I got it so they could contact Fixe.
I think they may be 10mm instead of 3/8 like they are supposed to be.That was my first thought when it happened.
I also changed bits to see if my bit was worn enough to cause the problem.
It was not the bit.
I will update if I hear anything back.

nbrown · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 7,718

From several people's descriptions it sounds like the problems are with the powers. If so, this problem can be addressed in two ways: By using a new bit (especially in hard granite), and wallowing out the very edge of the hole ever so slightly so that the sleeve will not catch as it passes -- which I've found to be a common problem in very hard rock.

Another note: the fixe Wedge Bolt is advertised as a 3/8'' on their Website. Despite selling metric sized bolts like the triplex, they still continue to advertise their wedges as standard, which to me implies that they are standard. However, in my experience (and others I know) many metric versions did make it through as standard (mid 2000's), making them a real bitch to place until we figured out the problem. They fit very tight in hard rock. If you're unsure, the easy way to check is by trying to screw a 3/8'' nut on to see if it fits.

Honestly I've had the best luck with Hilti Kb3's, and for the most part, quit using the others years ago. Just use the 316 for east coast longevity.

Hope this helps.

To the OP: Would you mind posting a pic of the offending Bolt? I'd be very interested to see exactly what you're talking about.

Michael Schneiter · · Glenwood Springs, CO · Joined Apr 2002 · Points: 10,406

I'm assuming you're talking about these bolts:

http://www.fixehardware.com/shop/bolts/fixe-ss-3/8-x-2-3/4-wedge-bolt/

Many of the people seem to be described Powers 5-piece bolts with a sleeve, which can have similar issues.

My first guess about your problem would be, as others mentioned, having a dull bit. I've had similar issues after just a few holes on a new bit in hard rock like quartzite or granite.

Also, as previously mentioned, you might want to check that you don't have some old Fixes. Until about '07, they sold 10mm, which are just slightly larger than 3/8 and can cause the same issue you are describing.

In my experience, sometimes one bolt would seat fine and the next won't, with the same bit, because maybe you ran the bit around in the hole a little more, causing just a slightly bigger hole and thus, allowing the bolt to seat correctly.

In my experience, compared to the Hilti KB3s, the Fixes are way more finicky about having the correct size hole, otherwise they bind up. I don't think I've ever had that issue with the KB3s and have also rarely had that issue with the PowersStud bolts. All in the same or similar rock.

DavidLG · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 20
Bob A · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 50

Checked it with a micrometer and also brought along a 3/8 thunderstud I had as well and Fixe bolts are indeed 10mm.
So now we know.I let the owner of the business selling them know as well.
Cheers

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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