How to add accessories to rack w/o having to unbolt crossbars or drill access holes

The use of Roll-In T-Nuts w/Ball Spring makes adding accessories to the prinsu racks very simple as they allow you to it without having to remove the t-slot crossbars or drill access holes.

I'll give an example of this by demonstrating adding a eyebolt to the Prinsu rack. Before the demonstration, here is what you will need:

• M6x1.0 Roll-In T-Nut w/Ball Spring:
  • http://www.ebay.com/itm/8020-Inc-EQ...318909?hash=item3d3e3ef6fd:g:E3cAAOSwB-1Y3-2M
  • The link above is the cheapest place I've found for the roll-in t-nuts in stainless steel. I made an offer to him for $1.00 each and he accepted (I purchased 50 at the time).
  • You can find non-SS t-nuts cheaper from the same guy on eBay, but non-SS will rust on you.
• M6x11mm Eyebolt:
  • M6X11/ 0.23" 304 Stainless Steel Screw Rings Lug Screws Lifting Rings Eyebolts with Screw Lug Screws Lifting Rings Eyebolts Ring Screw 10PCS
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M1IPKPA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
  • I opted for stainless steal and the link above is the cheapest SS eyebolt I could find
• 1/4" ID Nylon black plastic washer:
  • Small Parts Nylon 6/6 Flat Washer, Plain Finish, Black, 1/4" Hole Size, 0.28" ID, 0.74" OD, 0.06" Nominal Thickness (Pack of 100)
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009OLNJU4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
  • I use these to protect the t-slot bars to prevent the anodizing from getting scrapped up.
• 1/4" ID flat metal washer (I used SS)
• 1/4" ID lock washer (again I used SS)

Once you have the items above the installation is simple:

• First stack the washers on the Eyebolt in the following order: lock washer -> flat metal washer -> Nylon plastic washer
• 
  
• Insert the roll-in t-nut into the t-slot and center it up
• 
  
• Screw the Eyebolt with washer stack into the roll-in t-nut
• 

To remove you simply:

• unscrew and remove the eyebolt
• flick the roll in t-nut to one side and then lift out. If you have large fingers you may need needle nose pliers or a flat head screw driver to assist.
• 

And now for the video demonstration:



As you'll see you and can image, these roll-in t-nuts can be used for a lot of different applications. One thing to keep in mind is that you will need to get a precise bolt length for whatever application you are using so not to bottom out the bolt on the t-slot when tightening.

One other thing to note is that you can get 1/4-20 SS roll-in t-nuts as well from the same guy on eBay here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/8020-Inc-EQUIVALENT-Stainless-10-Series-1-4-20-Roll-In-T-Nut-w-Ball-Spring-3670/252840266809?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

The M6 and 1/4-20 are the only size roll-in t-nuts that fit the Prinsu 10-Series t-slots. I went with the M6 for the Eyenuts because there are more options for M6 SS Eyenuts with the correct bolt length needed than 1/4-20. I ended up getting 50 of each of the M6 and 1/4-20 SS roll-in t-nuts for future accessories.

 

Now thats neat. Thanks for the info!

@riz_atx no need to drill your bars.

@Tsumara wish we had seen these before we drilled my bars.

 

I also want to point out that you can leave the roll-in t-nuts in the t-slot without any bolts in them if you wish since the ball spring keep them in place quite well.

 

your ebay link is for 1/4-20 roll in tnuts. while your eyebolts are for m6 eye bolts.

 

Wow, just saw this! Thanks for the tag @Phoosa!

This is a great idea! Ive got security screws on 1 of 2 holes for each cross bar and this would definitely save lots of time!

 

Got this corrected in the OP. Here is the link for the M6 here as well: http://www.ebay.com/itm/8020-Inc-EQ...318909?hash=item3d3e3ef6fd:g:E3cAAOSwB-1Y3-2M

 

Is the 11mm screw length enough with the 2 washers?
Great idea.

 

The 11mm is exactly what I used in the video I made above.

 

How do you think this option will compare to the eyenut mounting option provided by prinsu: http://www.prinsudesignstudio.com/extra-hardware -- i realize the one by prinsu is not as easy to remove, though I'm more concerned with strength durability when using the eyenut as tie down point for ratchet straps

 

There is no difference between the roll-in SS t-nut and a slide in hex bolt head from a strength perspective...the t-nut has just been machined to allow it to roll into the t-slot. The cost of the tnut ($1.00) is about 10 times the amount of a 1/4-20 hex bolt ($0.10) and this is the only difference.

 

Sub'd

 

Subd

 

Great info. Thanks big time as I got mine ordered before my rack came.

 

RucksackRev will be doing a write up on the PrInSu rack here shortly.

Tie downs are being added that have saved my life countless times before. Tie down strength rated at 40kN and only costs $3!

Look for a write up soon

 

Not sure why this isn't used more on these racks? Any downsides people have come across with these t slot nuts?

 

@pixelsailor @Tynan @TX-TACO @BuzzMor @LostHusker

 

Shiny! Thanks for tagging me, I'll keep this in mind for when I get a case.

 

Sub

 

THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING

 

Nada, use these for everything on my rack