In our last Bear Bee live hang out, we talked a little about cotter pin joints versus bolts and lock nut joints.
Cotter pin joints can be very easy to do, but the resulting joint is often a slightly loose – yet secure – joint.
I usually use bolts and lock nuts for my bears that measure 6″ and up (with the exception of my “Pocket Bear Collection”.
On a bear this small, you need to use bolts that are narrow. Here in the US, I use 1/8″ tapbolts. I get mine from Edinburgh Imports. I’ll include links to the products.
For the limbs I use the 3/4″ bolts. https://www.edinburghimports.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3038_3040&products_id=8545
If I’m using a bolt in the neck, I use the longer 1 1/4″ bolt: https://www.edinburghimports.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3038_3040&products_id=8966
You will use this nut for either bolt: https://www.edinburghimports.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3038_3040&products_id=8553
Use either the W1 or W3 washer (I use the W1)
W1: https://www.edinburghimports.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3038_3040&products_id=8537
W3: https://www.edinburghimports.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3038_3040&products_id=8539
If you live in England you use a different measurement system. The small bolts are called M3. Both Bear Basics and Christie Bears carry them:
Bear Basics Bolts & Nuts: https://www.bearbasics.co.uk/nuts-amp-bolts/p106
Bear Basics Washers: https://www.bearbasics.co.uk/washers/p105
Christie Bears sells them in complete sets of bolts, nuts and washers: https://www.christiebears.com/acatalog/Nuts-Bolts-and-Washers.html