Better way to mount mat clamps?

[lighthousecarwash]

Need some ideas from everyone. I'm renovating a site and just installed all new octaform panels on the walls. I started to drill the holes for the anchors for mat clamps and just don't like the result. When you start to tighten the anchors, it pulls the clamps into the panel too much, and if you drilled a little crooked, then it looks even worse. My thought was that someone needs to create a stainless plate with studs already installed that you could just bolt all the clamps on and then hang the whole plate on the wall. It would be less anchors, and easier to replace the clamps when they break. I'm sure I can have somebody fabricate it but wanted to see if there were any better solutions out there or if any manufacturers actually make something similar.

Thanks
Lighthouse

 

[RAATCB]

Use machine screw anchors. All you do is drill the correct hole size and depth (depending on size). Tap in the anchor, use a setting tool to set the anchor, then buy stainless steel machine screws with a washers and mount your mat clamp. This is the best way because using machine screw anchors you can always remove and reuse the same anchors especially if your mat clamp breaks or need replacement.

Example of machine screw anchor: http://www.confast.com/products/machinescrew-anchor.aspx

 

[Stuart]

There was a company called Raco who franchised the Spot Not Carwashes that was based from Joplin. They used a stainless panel the clamps were attached to and the panel was bolted to the wall. You can do the same thing. Use a standoff, I make mine of stainless pipe cut to length, on the bolts attaching the panel to the wall. This will help prevent the octaform panels from distorting too much.

 

[Jeff_L]

I was thinking the same thing Stuart, need to use a standoff the same thickness of the panel to prevent the pulling in of the mat clamp. You could either do it the way Spot Not used to, or use stand offs for each mat clamp. I'd probably do the former versus the latter as it would be less labor, and a stainless steel plate would look nice. Trade-off would be cost.

 

[Earl Weiss]

I would think you could make your own plate without too much trouble. Buy the plate . drill holes for the mounting to the wall and for mounting the clamps. Put flat head screw nut from the back side to the front and a nut on the fron tisde to create a stud for the mat clamp. Then put on the mat clamps with another nut. Mount entire panel as desired. I don't think the depression from the screw heads will be noticeable.

 

[2Biz]

I have Extrutech wall panels....I used dark gray schedule 80 pvc pipe. (3/4 -1" od) to make bushings that are easily cut on a wood cutting chop saw. Drill an 1/8" hole through the panel then use a "Forstner Bit" the same size as the pipe to cut through the panel. (Makes a nice neat round hole). Drill the hole in the concrete for the anchor of choice and attach the bushings and hangers. I used the drive pin 1/4" lead anchors and haven't had one come loose in 5 years. I guess if I ever had to replace one, it would be easy to grind off the head of the anchor and drill the rest out. Not a big deal.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

I found the perfect ready-made spacer to prevent crushing the Extrutech panels. I use a 5/8 stainless steel hex nut. It's the perfect thickness and fits snugly into a 1" hole in the panel. You can crank down on the anchors all you want, cause it ain't gonna crush.

 

[2Biz]

I think I like your way better!