Vintage Windmill and Wind Generator Forum

Would that be the same size as Aemotor used on some of there towers. I had an Aermotor tower once and the bolts were larger than 3/8. They also had a sloted head.

Wayne, I throw those as far as I can.

Windybob, correct me if I am incorrect.
Aermotor threaded all bolts with standard thread and then galvanized all the bolts.That is the reason that a standard nut will not fit them.They used the same tap for the hub that they used for the nut because the spokes were threaded before galvanizing thus a larger diameter tap is required for the hub and nuts. Standard bolts are loose in both the nuts and the hubs. I have been told that the tap is a English thread.All I know for sure is that 6 foot tail sheet nuts will fit the outer thread on ether a 6 or 8 foot spoke.

Paul, I don't really know about that. I think they are true 32nd sizes, because threads that are not galvanized are also off kilter. Don't know about an English thread. Metrics are pretty close though. I have some metric taps I use for hub threads. But don't tell anyone. It's not kosher.

SHHH. What was amazing about the sloted head bolts they all came apart easely. Not only did Aermotor get the blades right who ever mixed their galvanizing got it right.

Wayne, They made a special slotted screw driver to use with those slotted screws that are in the old Aermotor towers. Bryon or Mark Welch in FtWorth might have a picture of one.

Thanks for the info Paul. I wonder why slotted bolts when every one else was using regular bolts. Maybe figured we could use them then make a tool we could sell with the windmill extra bucks.