[2008-05-11] Lug nut pill case for gearheads
This is a pill case made from a lug nut, a matching threaded bolt, and an o-ring. The lug nut is chromed and the bolt is stainless steel. The o-ring seal makes it watertight and, when compressed, applies tension against the threads to prevent the bolt vibrating loose. As no stainless steel bolts are available in the required large diameter and short length, a 3/4" bolt has to be cut down to about 3/8" to make the cap. A hacksaw is best for this operation as high-speed cutoff wheels tend to mar the threads. This is the only significant labor involved. After cutting, the thread is cleared by running through a 1/2x20 die, and all parts are cleaned ultrasonically and oven-dried. I'll make one of these and ship it anywhere in the continental U.S. for $10.
In response to various buyer requests, I've developed a version of the pill case with a lanyard attachment, as shown below, that makes it easy to attach the case, for instance, to a keychain. The extra manufacturing step involves drilling a 5/32" transverse hole between opposing flats on the bolt-head; this is a step-drilling process, performed on a drill press equipped with a vise, beginning with a 1/16" bit and proceeding in three steps up to 5/32". A 1/8" galvanized steel D-ring is then opened and set in the hole with a screw-press. This extra machining adds considerably to the labor involved and somewhat to the materials cost; accordingly I charge $15 for the D-ring version. Shipping inside the continental U.S. is still free.
last modified 2008-05-19