What is the name of this metal bar with holes at the ends?

Question

I need to find a metal part that looks a bit like this:

     hole for bolt                strong metal
      |                            |
   ___|____________________________v_______
  /   v                                    \
 (   (_)                              (_)   ) <--round end
  \________________________________________/

This looks like a common part from a Meccano set, but with just two holes at either end for bolts. Two of these can go around a 2x4, then bolts run through the holes.

    /__\                             /__\<--end of bolt
 ____________________________________________<--the part
     __                               __
     __                               __
     __                               __
     __                               __ <---bolt
     __                               __
     __                               __
     __                               __
 ____________________________________________<--the part
    [==]                             [==]<---nut

I am searching for a name so that I can find these to buy. Is there a common application where these appear? Are they commonly used by a particular contractor for a particular type of job? What is the name of this kind of part?

*Perforated steel strapping?* This is often sold in longer lengths with multiple holes and can be cut to length and ends rounded. — bib, Jul 28 '17 at 13:52
@bib I don't think that will work, as it looks flexible. I need this to be very strong. — Village, Jul 28 '17 at 14:02
Are you reinforcing a joint or clamping something else to timber? — RedGrittyBrick, Jul 28 '17 at 14:49
'Brace' is the common layman term. ['Strap' or 'Tie' or 'Strap Tie'](http://www.fastenersplus.com/fasteners/Straps-Ties) is more formal. — JimmyJames, Jul 28 '17 at 15:56

RedGrittyBrick · Accepted Answer · 2017-07-28T14:52:48.500

20

(so far, other answers don't show something I'd use on a 2x4, hence this answer)

Two of these can go around a 2x4, then bolts run through the holes ... Is there a common application where these appear?

"Straight Timber Connector" - for non-structural connections such as landscaping.

Smaller versions are usually called mending plates in my part of the world.

For structural applications involving vertical shear loads - like splicing joists - in buildings, you'd typically use something very different to that illustrated above. E.g. a "splice plate" or "nail plate".

As Isherwood noted, there are likely to be a variety of names for these types of connector.

edited Jul 28 '17 at 14:52

answered Jul 28 '17 at 14:40

RedGrittyBrick

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+1 for showing the thing the OP needs. But IMO, the top image is a [(strap) tie](https://www.google.com/search?q=strap+tie&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwisw7uuyKzVAhWQ8oMKHVCdCUkQ_AUICygC&biw=1024&bih=639), and the bottom one is a [(nail) plate](https://www.google.com/search?biw=1024&bih=639&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=nail+plates&oq=nail+plates&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0l4.328797.329419.0.330429.4.4.0.0.0.0.473.473.4-1.1.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..3.1.471.tZWdypqIV7E). – Mazura Jul 28 '17 at 18:06
If this is part of a drive chain (think motorcycle, etc), it's a *link plate*: *plate*, again! – Kaz Jul 30 '17 at 20:39

score 14 · Answer 2 · answered Jul 28 '17 at 14:17

14

In the USA, this has been known as a mending plate for as long as I can recall. I might have learned about the terminology in shop class, it's that old:

A quick google search using those terms results in far too many links to list. Stainless steel, brass, zinc plated steel, probably even copper, although the latter would be a terminal jumper rather than a mending plate. Prices from under a dollar to triple that or more.

answered Jul 28 '17 at 14:17

fred_dot_u

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"I might have learned about the terminology in shop class, it's that old" - FWIW that's the term I learned in shop class... 8 years ago :p – Thebluefish Jul 28 '17 at 20:30
more than 40 for me! It's good to see some good stuff is still being taught. – fred_dot_u Jul 28 '17 at 21:05
"mending plate" is also a common name in the UK, e.g. [here](https://www.toolstation.com/shop/Construction+Materials/d210/Builders+Metalwork/sd2797/Mending+Plate/p30606). – Jules Jul 30 '17 at 00:05

score 6 · Answer 3 · answered Jul 28 '17 at 14:04

6

It's not going to have a standard name. It performs different roles in different applications, where it receives semantic names. It's just a bar or strap that's bored for fasteners.

For example, here it's a bracelet blank:

And here it's a separator bar:

answered Jul 28 '17 at 14:04

isherwood

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You forgot Erector sets :P – Machavity Jul 28 '17 at 16:47

score 3 · Answer 4 · edited Dec 04 '19 at 13:52

3

I have seen these in the big box stores the are for generic timber frame connections, this is a small sample, not exactly what I seen but gets the idea across. It is 5"X 1/12", the square holes will not matter. They are a help if you use carriage bolts

edited Dec 04 '19 at 13:52

Michael Karas

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answered Jul 28 '17 at 14:52

Jack

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score 1 · Answer 5 · answered Jul 29 '17 at 07:06

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It is Available in Hardware store and it called Coupling Plates available in many length or you can make by yourself just by drilling holes on plates but if you want strong steel plates purchase pre holed plates.

answered Jul 29 '17 at 07:06

Vrushal Raut

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score 0 · Answer 6 · answered Jul 29 '17 at 15:15

0

FISHPLATES or COUPLERS is quite a common term in the UK

answered Jul 29 '17 at 15:15

R. L. Catt

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score 0 · Answer 7 · answered Aug 04 '17 at 05:57

0

If it's for electrical it's a bus bar plate.

answered Aug 04 '17 at 05:57

Derek

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score 0 · Answer 8 · answered Dec 04 '19 at 21:01

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That is the mount(ing) plate for a U-bolt,

like this:

answered Dec 04 '19 at 21:01

batsplatsterson

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score -2 · Answer 9 · answered Jul 30 '17 at 14:07

-2

BRACKET OR IT'S ROOT - BRACE, BRACING.

answered Jul 30 '17 at 14:07

user73695

1

What is the name of this metal bar with holes at the ends?

9 Answers9

That is the mount(ing) plate for a U-bolt,