target enhancement?

[Cameramonkey]

Finally getting a range membership so Im looking to buy some steel targets. As I browsed the website, I saw the bolt holes and was reminded of something...

I've had limited steel experience, but twice I have seen the failure point be the attachment bolt... Somebody hit the bolt head repeatedly and the target ended up swinging by the other chain with a clearly visible hole where the other bolt was.

My idea/question: Why not weld a mounting point BEHIND the steel to attach the bolts so they are protected?

If the bolt head is the weak point, why not hide it behind the stronger steel?

Just thinking out loud, and it may have already been tried unsuccessfully.

 

[ZbornacSVT]

You can do this, but it effectively reduces the target life by half as you no longer can flip the target over to the other side.

Bolts at $1.99/lb are a lot cheaper than another target.

 

[Cameramonkey]

You can do this, but it effectively reduces the target life by half as you no longer can flip the target over to the other side.

Bolts at $1.99/lb are a lot cheaper than another target.

OK, now it makes perfect sense. I didnt even think about that aspect.

In your experience, does using stronger bolts like grade 5 or 8 make a difference? Or are we back to the old "cheap is better" rule?

 

[ZbornacSVT]

Short answer:

For pistol....grade 8 will provide some extra life
For rifle....go cheap. None are hard enough to really make a difference.

 

[HamsterStyle]

Pro tip : use carriage bolts. That way if the head gets damaged and you have really cranked them down tight, you will still be able to get the nut off of the back side.

 

[ljk]

What size carriage bolt should I get? I bought a piece of your 14"x14" forgot about asking what size bolt.

 

[SSGSAD]

What size carriage bolt should I get? I bought a piece of your 14"x14" forgot about asking what size bolt.

Can I be a smart alek ????? The size, that fits the hole .....

Simply, a 1/2 inch hole, use a 1/2 inch bolt .....

 

[ZbornacSVT]

1/2" hardware on that one.

Enjoy!

 

[ZbornacSVT]

The holes are actually 9/16, but we factor in a little wiggle room in case the cut leaves a bit of a burr.