Nuts for T-nuts
If you plan on putting holds on your volumes than you are going to need t-nuts. (The exception is if you screw it, with screw on holds.) Assuming you are going the bolt and nut route, know that not all t-nuts are made the same.
T-nuts can be made from different materials, some cheaper than others. They can be different shapes, and some shapes work better than others. If you are using the standard bolt size, you will be using 3/8” diameter.
When picking the material of a t – nut you want to go with something strong like steel. Most t -nuts are made with this so there isn’t much worry there. It is also best to go with ones that are zinc coated or plated. This ensures that are resistant to rust.
As far as the shapes go, there are currently three definite shapes that may vary slightly. You have the rounded base plate with prongs, there is the rounded base plate with screws, and the wide rectangular base plate with screws. The design does make a difference in how well they stay. This does vary depending on how often they are used. The pronged are typically the ones to break and blow out the easiest, so we suggest avoiding them if possible. The circular base with screws is better than the prongs and do allow for more sturdiness with the screws. The best is the wide rectangular base with screw option this one is the best. The wide base allows for the forces applied, to be better distributed giving them the most strength. The wide bases spans further than the normal circular base that the pronged and screw version offer and allow you easily fix previous blowout with ease.
For our recommendations we suggest as the top pick Escape Climbing’s industrial gym t – nut. It has the wide base with screws and the screws are included. It also has the feature of a self-guided barrel for bolts. This allows for bolts to be easily inserted and find the thread making them less spectacle to being stripped. They require a 1/2” hole to be inserted but are made to fit 3/8” diameter bolts.
The second pick is Escape Climbing’s Three hole T-nut. They have a round base and three screw holes. Screws are included. With three holes they can withstand forces better than only two holes. They require a 7/16” hole and fit 3/8” diameter bolts.
We normally do not suggest using the pronged t – nuts simply because they blow out the easiest. They are just a pain and when inserting they can easily be put in wrong. If you plan on using holds on your volumes a lot then they are not the best bet.
When using T – nuts on your volume make sure you drill the right sized hole and use glue. The glue will keep the T – nuts in much better. For more on making professional climbing volumes buy the book. it includes some plans for volumes and all the necessary information on making professional volumes for yourself.