Skid Truck Bed Attachment Using Wellnuts or Captive Nuts: A Comprehensive Guide

Skid Truck Bed Attachment Using Wellnuts or Captive Nuts: 

A Comprehensive Guide

When securing a skid to a truck bed, using wellnuts or captive nuts ensures a robust and reliable attachment. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process for using these fasteners to achieve a secure installation, whether you prefer working from the top or from underneath the truck bed.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation:

   • Measure and Mark: Start by measuring the skid and the truck bed to determine the best placement for the holes. Use a marker to indicate where you will drill.
   • Gather Tools: Ensure all necessary tools and materials are ready before beginning the process.

2. Drilling Holes:

   • Drill Pilot Holes: Using a long drill bit, create pilot holes for 5/16" clearance at the marked spots on the truck bed. These holes should align with the holes on the skid and extend through the plastic areas of the truck bed.

3. Installing Wellnuts or Captive Nuts:

• Insert Wellnuts: Place the wellnuts into the drilled holes so that the surface of the truck bed pushes down on the wellnut, allowing it to compress when the screw is tightened.
• Compress Wellnuts: When tightening the screw, the wellnut compresses and creates a secure hold, preventing the skid from moving.

• Under Truck Bed Access: This method requires working from underneath the truck bed.
• Insert Captive Nuts: Insert a 5/16" nut and washer on the underside of the truck bed, threading the bolt through the skid, truck bed, and into the captive nut and washer.
• Tighten Bolts: Have one person tighten the bolt from the top while another holds the nut and washer in place underneath.

4. Attaching the Skid:

• Align Skid: Position the skid over the installed wellnuts or captive nuts, ensuring the holes in the skid align with the fasteners.
• Insert Bolts: Insert bolts through the skid and into the wellnuts or captive nuts. Ensure the bolts are of the correct length to reach the nuts without protruding excessively.
• Tighten Bolts: Use a wrench to tighten the bolts, securing the skid to the truck bed. Ensure all bolts are evenly tightened to prevent any movement or loosening.

5. Final Checks:

• Inspect Attachment: Check the attachment to ensure it is secure and stable. Look for any gaps or loose components that may need adjustment.
• Test Stability: Apply pressure or a load to the skid to test its stability. Ensure it holds firm without shifting or wobbling.

Detailed Explanation

Wellnuts Method: The goal is to drill a hole through the pallet for 5/16" clearance, making sure the hole aligns so that it exits in one of the plastic areas of the truck bed. When the surface pushes down on the wellnut, it allows the screw to compress the wellnut, creating a secure hold. This method provides a straightforward top-down approach, eliminating the need to work from underneath the truck bed.

Captive Nuts Method: If not using wellnuts, you'll need to work from underneath the truck bed. This involves drilling through the pallet, plastic, and truck bed. A 5/16" nut and washer are then attached to the screw from underneath. This method requires coordination, with one person working from the top to tighten the screw into the nut and washer positioned underneath.

Final Considerations: Using wellnuts with a 5/8" hole solves the problem of having to work underneath the truck bed. This method simplifies the installation process and ensures a secure attachment. Alternatively, the captive nuts method provides a strong hold but requires access to the underside of the truck bed for installation.

Conclusion

Attaching a skid to a truck bed using wellnuts or captive nuts offers a secure and efficient solution. By following the detailed steps outlined above, you can ensure a reliable installation, whether you opt for the straightforward wellnuts method or the more involved captive nuts approach. Proper preparation, precise drilling, and secure fastening are key to achieving a stable and durable attachment, ensuring your skid remains firmly in place during transport and use.

Tools and Materials Needed

1. Skid: The platform or base to be attached.
2. Wellnuts or Captive Nuts: Fasteners providing a secure hold.
3. Drill and Long Drill Bits: For creating clearance holes.
4. Bolts, Nuts, and Washers: 5/16" in size.
5. Wrenches and Screwdrivers: For tightening and securing the nuts and bolts.
6. Measuring Tape: For accurate placement.
7. Marker: For marking drilling spots.