The Bolt and Penny Solution: A Simple Trick for Creating Precise Spacers

Introduction

Table of Contents

Have you ever found yourself wrestling with a home improvement project, only to be defeated by the need for precise spacing or shimming? Whether you’re leveling a bookshelf, aligning trim, or securing pieces of wood together, achieving that perfect gap can be incredibly frustrating. Traditional methods often involve guesswork, a collection of mismatched washers, or the frustrating realization that you’re short on the exact size spacer you need. Fear not, because there’s a surprisingly effective and readily available solution waiting in your toolbox and your spare change jar: the humble bolt and the often-overlooked penny. This ingenious combination can provide accurate, adjustable spacing for a variety of applications, saving you time, money, and a whole lot of aggravation.

Understanding the Basics: Bolts and Pennies Defined

Before we dive into the practical applications, let’s clarify what we mean by bolts and pennies in this context. A bolt, in its simplest definition, is a metal rod or shaft, typically threaded, designed to fasten materials together. Bolts come in various shapes and sizes, each suited for different purposes. For the techniques we’ll be discussing here, a standard hex bolt is a good general option. Carriage bolts, with their smooth, rounded heads and square shoulder, are useful in situations where a flush finish is desired. The specific bolt you choose will depend on the project at hand, the materials you’re working with, and the load-bearing requirements.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the penny. A United States one-cent coin, the penny is primarily composed of copper-plated zinc (though older pennies are mostly copper). What makes the penny so valuable in this context is its consistent size and thickness. This uniformity allows pennies to function as remarkably accurate washers or shims. Their readily available nature also makes them a cost-effective alternative to specialized spacers. You likely have a handful jingling in your pocket right now!

When the Bolt and Penny Method Shines

The bolt and penny method isn’t a universal solution for every spacing challenge, but it excels in specific situations. Consider using this technique when:

Precise Shimming is Required: When you need to fine-tune the spacing between two surfaces, pennies offer incremental adjustments. Adding or removing pennies allows you to achieve the desired gap with remarkable accuracy. Think about leveling a slightly uneven table leg – a penny or two strategically placed can make all the difference.
Specialized Washers are Unavailable: You’re in the middle of a project, and you realize you’re short on the correct size washer. Instead of making a trip to the hardware store, reach for those pennies. While not a long-term replacement in all situations, they can serve as an adequate substitute in a pinch.
Temporary Fixes are Needed: Sometimes, you need a quick and temporary solution. The bolt and penny method can provide a secure and adjustable fix until you can implement a more permanent solution. Imagine a loose piece of trim that needs to be held in place temporarily – a bolt and a few pennies can do the trick.
Cost-Effectiveness is a Priority: If you’re on a tight budget, the bolt and penny method is an incredibly affordable option. Pennies are, well, pennies! And bolts are generally less expensive than specialized shims or spacers.
Working with Wood: Woodworking often requires precise alignment and spacing. Bolts and pennies can be used to create consistent gaps between boards, ensuring a professional-looking finish.

However, it’s important to acknowledge the limitations. Avoid using the bolt and penny method in high-stress applications where structural integrity is paramount. In situations where the fastener will be subjected to significant tension or shear forces, it’s best to use appropriately rated washers and fasteners. Also, be mindful of potential corrosion.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Bolts and Pennies for Spacing

Let’s walk through a practical example of using bolts and pennies to create precise spacers. We’ll assume you’re securing two pieces of wood together with a defined gap between them.

Materials You’ll Need:

Bolts (length and diameter appropriate for your project), Pennies (the quantity will depend on the desired spacing), Washers (optional, for added support), Nuts (to match the bolts), Drill with appropriately sized drill bit, Wrench or socket set

The Process, Step by Step:

First, determine the required bolt length. Measure the combined thickness of the materials you’re joining, plus the desired spacing (the thickness of the pennies), and add a little extra length for the nut and any washers you plan to use. It’s better to have a bolt that’s slightly too long than one that’s too short.

Second, drill the pilot hole. Using a drill bit slightly smaller than the diameter of the bolt, drill a pilot hole through both pieces of wood at the desired location. This will prevent the wood from splitting and make it easier to insert the bolt.

Third, stack the pennies to achieve the desired spacing. Determine how many pennies you need to achieve the exact gap you want. Remember, pennies are remarkably consistent in thickness, so you can rely on them for accurate measurements. You can use a ruler or caliper to verify the spacing as you add pennies.

Fourth, insert the bolt. Pass the bolt through one piece of wood, then through the stack of pennies, and finally through the second piece of wood. Ensure the pennies are aligned properly around the bolt. If you’re using washers, place them on either side of the wood before inserting the bolt.

Fifth, secure with a nut. Thread a nut onto the end of the bolt and tighten it securely using a wrench or socket set. Be careful not to overtighten the nut, as this could compress the wood or damage the bolt. Tighten until snug and the pennies are held firmly in place.

Tips and Tricks for Success:

Use a Variety of Penny Dates: The thickness of pennies can vary slightly depending on their year of manufacture (pre- and post-1982). Using a mix of dates helps even out any minor variations.

Clean the Pennies: Before using pennies, clean them with soap and water or a metal cleaner to remove any dirt or grime. This will ensure a cleaner and more professional-looking finish.

Consider Stainless Steel Bolts: If you’re concerned about corrosion, use stainless steel bolts. While pennies are made of copper (or copper plated), the steel bolt is more prone to rust.

Use Washers for Added Support: If the material you’re bolting together is soft (like softwood), use washers on both sides of the wood to distribute the pressure and prevent the bolt from pulling through the wood.

Don’t Overlook Alignment: Make sure the holes you drill are perfectly aligned. Misaligned holes can make it difficult to insert the bolt and can weaken the joint.

Consider Aesthetics: While functional, a stack of pennies might not be the most aesthetically pleasing solution. If appearance matters, consider covering the bolt and pennies with trim or a decorative element.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Bolt and Penny Approach

As with any technique, the bolt and penny method has its pros and cons.

Advantages:

Cost-Effective: Pennies are extremely inexpensive.

Readily Available Materials: You likely already have bolts and pennies on hand.

Easy to Implement: The process is straightforward and requires minimal tools.

Good for Fine Adjustments: Pennies allow for very precise spacing adjustments.

Historical Use: Using coins in construction and repair has a long history.

Unexpected Find: A clever use of otherwise ignored loose change.

Disadvantages:

Not Suitable for All Applications: Not appropriate for high-stress or critical structural applications.

Potential for Corrosion: Pennies and steel bolts can corrode over time, especially in damp or humid environments.

Aesthetic Considerations: A stack of pennies might not be the most visually appealing solution.

Limited Load-Bearing Capacity: Pennies are not designed to withstand significant loads.

Variations in Penny Thickness: Although generally consistent, there can be minor variations in the thickness of pennies depending on their age and composition.

Exploring Alternatives

While the bolt and penny method is a useful trick, it’s not the only option for creating spacers. Other alternatives include:

Specialized Shims: These are thin, precisely sized pieces of material designed for shimming. They come in various thicknesses and materials.
Washers of Different Thicknesses: Using a collection of washers with varying thicknesses allows you to create custom spacers.
Wooden Shims: These are tapered pieces of wood that can be used to adjust the spacing between surfaces.
Plastic Spacers: Plastic spacers are lightweight and durable, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

However, the bolt and penny method often remains preferable due to its cost-effectiveness, availability, and the ability to make incredibly fine adjustments.

Conclusion: Embracing Simple Solutions

The bolt and penny solution is a testament to the power of simple ingenuity. It demonstrates that you don’t always need specialized tools or expensive materials to solve common problems. By thinking creatively and utilizing readily available resources, you can tackle a wide range of home improvement projects with confidence. So, the next time you’re struggling with spacing issues, remember the humble bolt and penny – a surprisingly effective trick that can save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.

Now, we encourage you to try this method for your own projects! Share your own bolt and penny project successes (or creative uses!) in the comments below. We’d love to hear about them! And remember to always prioritize safety and use appropriate materials for the task at hand.