Can't I just Bolt My Frame Together?

[topgearfan]

I have no welding experience and am on a very tight budget. I need a lightweight frame. Can I drill holes add supports and use high strength bolts? It sounds good to me. I am trying to fix a frame out of scrap parts as my budget is saved for the motor and brakes. Using an electric motor so not 100% about torque but needs to support about 250 or 300 lbs.

 

[bighead]

I would not do it. Now way.

 

[landuse]

A bolted frame is just not as strong as a welded one. Maybe read this or this and do a further search on the forum. This topic has been debated before.

 

[r97]

where are you located? if your in the US you can go to harbor freight and pick up a welder for 100 bucks. another option would be to look on craigslist for a used, brand name welder for a good price.

now 100 or more may seem expensive, but compare that to the huge number of high strength bolts, and nuts you will need to buy.

 

[devino246]

where are you located? if your in the US you can go to harbor freight and pick up a welder for 100 bucks. another option would be to look on craigslist for a used, brand name welder for a good price.

now 100 or more may seem expensive, but compare that to the huge number of high strength bolts, and nuts you will need to buy.

Grade 8 bolts are expensive.

 

[KieranM]

Alot of work to drill the holes, need to buy the drill bits, not worth it to be honest.

 

[redsox985]

You will easily spend $100 at Home RipOff for grade 8 hardware. Just to upgrade my welded kart to grade 8 bolts, lockwashers, and nuts was about $30. And that was all 3/8" or smaller stuff, nothing big like kingpins or swing arm pivots.