Searching for the name of a fitting

Threaded insert, or in germany you would call it "Rampa-Muffe". Look at:

Or see here:

I think you've described a "standoff". Radio Shack sells them in a 1/4" hex by maybe 3/4" long size, and I'm sure that there are other sizes out there.

If you know anyone with a (metal) lathe, they're pretty easy to, ahem, turn out, given some hex or round stock and the appropriate tap. But 'standoff' is the word you need here, and you should be able to buy whatever you need without making it.

I've made 'em when I didn't feel like driving to the hardware store.

Dave Hinz

A standoff has no wood thread on it's outside.

I didn't (and don't) see that mentioned as a requirement in his message?

--------------- I should have been clearer. It must be threaded on the outside so that it won't pull out of the leg once tension is applied by tightening down the bolt from above.

---------- Thanks very much, exactly what I was looking for.

You didn't say whether or not the platform is intended to support one or more humans but if it is, I wouldn't trust threaded inserts. There is another device called a cross dowel that is inserted into a hole bored at right angles to the centerline of the bolt and the bolt threads thru its shank. It is about three times as long and the diameter of the bolt and I believe it to be much more secure than a threaded insert because there is much more than just threads bearing its load. Cross dowels are often used to assemble furniture made of particle board because threaded inserts usually strip out in such applications..

In your application if the bolts securing the platform are inserted vertically, the cross dowels would be inserted in holes bored horizontally.

-------------- Ahh yes, I see what you're saying. Fortunately, the total weight load on this will be no more than 25 to 30 pounds.

Here is the quote with emphasis added:

Just *threaded* does not imply _on the outside_.

I believe you are describing either a T-Nut or a Threaded Insert. Most likey the T-Nut on a table leg.

T-nuts are basically worthless if used on the TOP of a table let, they don't really have any holding power and pull out of the drilled holes easily. They really are best used with the bolt/screw/whatever coming thru from the opposite side so the flange of the T-nut is pulled up against the wood to supply strength/rigidity

Threaded inserts would be the better choice here, OR KD hardware with a thru dowel/etc that is threaded to catch the bolt

John