Mounting a outlet to steel pole

[KWH]

I have a steel support pole in my basement that I need to mount a outlet to. I do not want to drill any holes does anyone make a bracket to secure a 4" square to a 4" round pole, a hose clamp would work just need to secure to box.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I drilled and tapped my round column with a 1/4" 20 tap. It won't hurt the column-- at least mine is still standing. :grin:

I am sure you can take a piece of wood and band strap it to the post then screw the box to it.

 

[muskrat]

What he said w/ U-bolts

 

[RETRAINDAILY]

one way too do it

 

[ptonsparky]

Make the significant happy. Fir it out, put up some sheetrock and paint it to match the walls that have you just been done too. Or screw it to it.

 

[roger]

Unistrut with a U-Bolt, you could make your own U-Bolt with a piece of 1/4" threaded rod.

Roger

 

[roger]

I drilled and tapped my round column with a 1/4" 20 tap. It won't hurt the column--

This is what I would do if it were me.

Roger

 

[cadpoint]

I'd use some of these. :grin:

 

[sameguy]

If your not drilling a hole then use the "minni" Retrain showed or rent a stud welder and shoot some threaded studs on to it.

 

[satcom]

This information may help with steel mounting projects
http://www.sigi.ca/engineering/documents/bolted_beam_column_connections.pdf

 

[renosteinke]

I think the OP is referring to the lightweight 'lally columns' used in homes to support the I-beam under the floor. If so, I am not comfortable with putting and holes or Teks screws into it.

All I can figure is to make a clamp from some strut and U-bolts,and to attache the box to that.

 

[480sparky]

Get a couple hose clamps big enough to go around the post, and drill a hole in each one for a short 1/4x20 bolt. Stick the bolt through the hole in the clamp so it sticks out, and tighten the clamp on the post. Install box holding it with nuts.

 

[jmellc]

Either a U bolt around pole as someone suggested or put 2 pieces of thin unistrut back to back on pole. Use long 1/4 x 20 bolts/nuts to tighten securely. Then use 2 spring nuts to hold box to strut on 1 side.

I've seen a glue that supposedly will securely hold such loads. It is called Power Stick. I've seen it at Wyler's Nut & Bolt. They have displays of it sticking plastic & metal boxes to rock, brick, cinder block, etc. Also bits of rod, straps, etc. It should hold metal to metal, I would think.

If you weld, you could tack weld box to pole.

 

[jim dungar]

This is what I would do if it were me.

Roger

So would I, if I was a licensed electrician. But as a DIY, I should probably keep my mouth shut,:roll:

 

[Dennis Alwon]

So would I, if I was a licensed electrician. But as a DIY, I should probably keep my mouth shut,:roll:

I am sorry but this site is for professionals. If you think that is a mistake then please feel free to contact one of the mods. Oh ,.... wait... you are a mod. I guess we will accept your opinion.

 

[jeremysterling]

Unistrut with a U-Bolt, you could make your own U-Bolt with a piece of 1/4" threaded rod.

Roger

This is what I would do if it were me.

Roger

I would do what you say do but would not do if it were you.:grin:

That is to say, I would bend all-thread around the pole through the channel strut.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I don't know why you all want to make a simple job difficult. With an exposed column that unistruct, wood, U bolt, etc look like Doo Doo-- just put some threads into the beam and be done with it

 

[jmellc]

I don't know why you all want to make a simple job difficult. With an exposed column that unistruct, wood, U bolt, etc look like Doo Doo-- just put some threads into the beam and be done with it

You didn't see his comment that he didn't want to drill the beam for some reason? Hence the suggestions how to do it without drilling the beam.

 

[readydave8]

I have a steel support pole in my basement that I need to mount a outlet to. I do not want to drill any holes does anyone make a bracket to secure a 4" square to a 4" round pole, a hose clamp would work just need to secure to box.

set a pole next to the pole and drill, cut, tap, whatever to your heart'
s content

 

[Dennis Alwon]

You didn't see his comment that he didn't want to drill the beam for some reason? Hence the suggestions how to do it without drilling the beam.

I did see the comment. I just don't know why drilling the hole is an issue. I doubt it will hurt the integrity of it and with the right bits it is easy.