Read the recent article in MEW on the UPT. Had not come accros the term “pad bolt” before – or it had faded from my memory. A google search was initially of little help as it was trying to sell me door bolts. Also never heard the expression used for a door bolt, padlock yes, perhaps they are related. However, refining the search I did find an image, so this coupled with how it is used I hope gave me an understanding.
A couple of short, very thick wall tubes pulled together with a bolt. The joint of the tubes being machined to to give a concave recess that matches the profile of the circular pillar. Thus when the pad bolt in in the arm, and the bolt tightened, the arm is locked in place. Seems a lot neater than slit and nip, but I guess harder to make. Hopefully I have this right.
On the web I have seen variations of UPTs made by machining from solid or even using pipe connecting Tees. Mainly because not being in the UK, postage costs make castings very expensive.
Although a very clever yet simple idea, I guess the UPT owes its origins to some of the “helping hands” used by blacksmiths.
I look forward to the rest of the series, which I guess will answer my query about the pad bolts.