How do I secure qty- 2 AI 39" blades end to end to span 78" total- What hardware bolt can I use ?

[14 foot reef]

How do I secure qty- 2 AI 39" blades end to end to span 78" total- What hardware bolt can I use ?

The plastic slide clip arms are to flimsy to last long term without sagging. I'd like to have an 8mm stud that could thread into the female threaded socket already there in the left light, then screw stud into the left light then screw the right light onto that stud sticking out of the left light. This seems like a very sturdy way to tie them end to end together while also using the acrylic slide mount that comes with light for added security.

Thoughts ?

 

[ryanjohn1]

Thought about the rail system from AI?

 

[14 foot reef]

Thought about the rail system from AI?

no, do not want to do that. Lights are laying flat down on the euro bracing. I want zero mounts hangers or wires visible, thank you for your idea, I appreciate it, just wont work for y application.

 

[robinm]

You'll be putting a lot of stress on the light units themselves which I doubt they're rated for. You could try a length of 2020 aluminium strung from front to back and drilled for 8mm studs to screw the units onto. That would at least provide support in the middle of the span.

 

[oreo54]

How do I secure qty- 2 AI 39" blades end to end to span 78" total- What hardware bolt can I use ?

The plastic slide clip arms are to flimsy to last long term without sagging. I'd like to have an 8mm stud that could thread into the female threaded socket already there in the left light, then screw stud into the left light then screw the right light onto that stud sticking out of the left light. This seems like a very sturdy way to tie them end to end together while also using the acrylic slide mount that comes with light for added security.

Thoughts ?

M8 Double Ended Stud DIN 835, Stainless

Bel-Metric sells metric hardware & specialty automotive supplies worldwide. Visit our website to purchase metric fasteners, nuts, bolts, screws, washers & more.

belmetric.com

What kind of a gap will you tolerate?
Put a nut on and hacksaw to length you need.
Or add nuts to both sides to lock the light in. Gap will be bigger of course.

As mentioned , not sure how much stress that insert will take though and I do not know how deep it is.

Or.... just get plex rod and insert it w/ glue (I suppose you could just cut ss rods from the legs)
One on each side.
They wouldn't be secured together (still pull apart) but plenty of area..