Cobra top hinge plate bolt failure

I think that all hardware store socket head cap screws are going to be
grade 8 or equiv. so I don't think you have to worry about that.

My bolt popped in the middle of the threaded length which apparently
is not where Andy's bolt broke. That supports my impression that it
is primarily a tension failure rather than a shear failure.

The type of clamp that I used successfully by myself is called a "Kant
Twist" 4 1/2" machinist clamp. These are sold at www.use-enco.com and
lots of other suppliers. So I'm not so sure that designing a special
clamp is needed. What does need designing is a scheme to get a
couple more bolts into that plate. The design is flawed and
dangerous.

Steve Koerner (GW)
www.wingrigger.com