Bolt alternatives (foot operated)

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The discussion centers around finding foot-operated fasteners as alternatives to traditional screws and bolts. Participants express frustration over the original poster's vague question, emphasizing the need for specific application details to provide meaningful suggestions. Various potential solutions are mentioned, including foot-operated clamps and solenoids, but the lack of clarity limits the effectiveness of the responses. Some users suggest that understanding the precise requirements is crucial for identifying suitable fasteners. Ultimately, the conversation concludes with a sense of dissatisfaction, as many feel the thread cannot progress without clearer information.
physea
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Hello,

Are there any fasteners that can be fit instead of normal screws and bolts and can be secured/unsecured via foot?

I was thinking something that you step on and it secures and you then use a lever or handle to unsecure it.

Is there anything like that?
 
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Only thing I can think of is that some hospital beds have foot operated devices to stop the wheels rotating and the bed moving. I suppose something like that could be adapted.

Perhaps "over centre" devices like those used on quick release bicycle wheels could be foot operated.
 
physea said:
Are there any fasteners that can be fit instead of normal screws and bolts and can be secured/unsecured via foot?
Can you describe the application? That might be a better way to get good responses... :smile:
 
physea said:
Are there any fasteners that can be fit instead of normal screws and bolts and can be secured/unsecured via foot?
That's an extremely vague question. I agree w/ berkeman ... we need to understand the application
 
I have a cam clamp on the bottom of a table saw, that is foot operated.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Portamate-Universal-Mobile-Base-Adjustable-Mobile-Base/3701814?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA_ONLY-_-ToolsAndHardware-_-SosHandTools-_-3701814:Portamate&CAWELAID=&kpid=3701814&CAGPSPN=pla&k_clickID=bfa25aaf-9327-4aea-9f9b-ddd3d18b6faa&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzrTUBRCnARIsAL0mqcxUYkZc1Ach1JGTpO8YE7mpvTPCR5ST0qyHqJhYiOy3Ytx4bFeITDAaAiREEALw_wcB
 
@physea we are all going to just keep wasting our time guessing, waiting for you to explain yourself better. How about you do that?
 
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I don't understand why my question is not clear enough.

I want to replace a screw+bolt with something that fixes/unfixes by foot.
 
physea said:
I don't understand why my question is not clear enough.

I want to replace a screw+bolt with something that fixes/unfixes by foot.
So it's totally irrelevant where the screw/bolt are? Doesn't matter how high off the ground they are? Doesn't matter how big they are (# 4 screw for example, vs a 1" diameter bolt)? Doesn't matter whether they are mounted at an angle to the horizontal, or for that matter are vertical? Nothing matters except that you have some very vague requirement which you somehow believe is a sufficient problem statement. Good luck with that.
 
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physea said:
I don't understand why my question is not clear enough.

I want to replace a screw+bolt with something that fixes/unfixes by foot.
Because there are perhaps dozens of different ways to go about it, but many of these approaches won't be applicable. For instance, a pull solenoid and footswitch may be just the ticket provided an electrical source is available and the 'screw replacement' locks a detent shaft in place, but totally inappropriate for other applications.
 
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  • #11
physea said:
I don't understand why my question is not clear enough.

I want to replace a screw+bolt with something that fixes/unfixes by foot.
There are likely thousands of fasteners that meet your vague description and which is best for you depends on all the details of your application you haven't told us. How big? How much force? Through or around? What orientation? Tension or shear? Rotation? There are probably at least a dozen parameters, which is why there are so many fasteners.
 
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  • #12
Asymptotic said:
Because there are perhaps dozens of different ways to go about it, but many of these approaches won't be applicable. For instance, a pull solenoid and footswitch may be just the ticket provided an electrical source is available and the 'screw replacement' locks a detent shaft in place, but totally inappropriate for other applications.
Some car trunks are operated by waving your foot under a sensor. That's my choice.
 
  • #13
'Toggle clamp' and 'ratchet clamp' gives some interesting google results in the category of 'close enough' or 'it can be used so', but without further details...
 
  • #14
physea said:
I don't understand why my question is not clear enough.

I want to replace a screw+bolt with something that fixes/unfixes by foot.
I don't know about the rest of you (well, except for @phinds :smile:) but I'm done with trying to help this OP with his super-vague question and attitude. I'm Unwatching this thread...
 
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  • #15
me too
 
  • #16
I'm closing the thread. Discussion cannot really go anywhere, thanks for trying to answer.
 
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