SHT-T550 Series BuildPro™ Ball Lock Bolt (Select Style From Options Above)

The fast, top-side solution for locating and securing modular fixturing accessories.
BuildPro™ Ball Lock Bolts help you install, position, and remove fixture components without reaching underneath the welding table. Designed for BuildPro™ 5/8" fixturing systems, these quick-locking fasteners save setup time while providing accurate locating and secure clamping.

Use them to connect accessories to the tabletop, join two accessories together, or accommodate varying fixture thicknesses depending on the selected Fixed, Flush, Adjustable, or Universal style.

Why Fabricators Choose BuildPro™ Ball Lock Bolts

• Faster Fixture Setup: Position and secure accessories in seconds.
• Top-Side Installation: No need to reach beneath the tabletop.
• Locate and Clamp at Once: The bolt aligns the fixture while pulling it securely into position.
• Quick Repositioning: Loosen from the top with a hex wrench and move the fixture as needed.
• Multiple Styles Available: Choose the bolt that best matches your connection type and clamping thickness.

How the Adjustable Ball Lock Bolt Works

The SHT-T55050 Adjustable Ball Lock Bolt quickly secures fixturing elements to a BuildPro™ welding table while accommodating a range of accessory thicknesses.

1. Insert the Ball Lock Bolt through the fixturing element and into the 5/8" table hole.
2. Turn the knurled head by hand for initial positioning and to preload the bolt before final tightening.
3. Three locking steel balls in the bolt shank move outward and lock against the bottom chamfer of the table plate. This pulls the fixture components securely downward and tightens them in place.
4. Finish tightening by giving the socket head cap screw on top of the bolt a light turn with the appropriate hex wrench.
5. To remove or reposition the fixture, loosen the bolt from the top with a hex wrench. The locking balls retract so the bolt releases quickly.

Choose the Right Ball Lock Bolt

Understanding the Different Styles

Fixed:
Best for connections with a known clamping thickness. Depending on the selected part number, Fixed bolts connect two accessories or secure an accessory directly to the tabletop.

Flush:
Provides a lower-profile connection where a standard knurled head could interfere with the workpiece or surrounding fixture components.

Adjustable:
Designed to accommodate a range of connection thicknesses. Adjustable bolts are useful when attaching accessories with different dimensions or changing between multiple fixture configurations.

Universal:
The SHT-T55057 Universal Ball Lock Bolt features an adjustable sliding shoulder bushing that provides improved surface contact while reducing friction during tightening. This allows the bolt to accommodate a wider range of accessory connections while maintaining smooth operation and secure clamping.

Compatible With

• BuildPro™ welding tables with 5/8" fixture holes
• BuildPro™ clamps and modular fixturing accessories
• Stops, risers, locator blocks, and rest buttons
• Fixturing components designed for compatible 5/8" systems

Compatibility Note: SHT-T55015 is not compatible with Alpha 5/8" tabletops.

Replacement Ball & O-Ring Kits

BuildPro™ Ball Lock Bolts use O-rings to retain the locking steel balls during insertion, tightening, and removal. These O-rings are normal wear components and may eventually require replacement.

When an O-ring wears out or fails, the locking balls can become loose and may be lost. Keeping a few SHT-TMS5101 Replacement Ball & O-Ring Kits in your shop can help prevent downtime and frustration. Replacement kits are sold separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use a Ball Lock Bolt instead of a standard bolt?
A Ball Lock Bolt installs and releases entirely from the top of the table. This saves setup time and eliminates the need to hold a nut or reach underneath the tabletop.

How does the locking system work?
Three locking steel balls in the bolt shank move outward and engage the bottom chamfer of the table plate. As the bolt is tightened, the fixture component is pulled securely downward and held in place.

How is the SHT-T55050 tightened?
Insert the bolt, turn the knurled head by hand for initial positioning, and then give the socket head cap screw a light turn with a 1/4" hex wrench.

How do I release the bolt?
Loosen the socket head from the top with a hex wrench. The locking balls retract so the bolt can be removed or repositioned quickly.

What is the difference between Fixed and Adjustable styles?
Fixed styles are designed for a specific connection thickness. Adjustable styles accommodate a range of thicknesses, making them more flexible for different accessory combinations.

When should I choose a Flush Ball Lock Bolt?
Choose a Flush style when you need a lower-profile connection that will not project as far above the accessory surface.

What makes the Universal SHT-T55057 different?
It includes an adjustable sliding shoulder bushing that improves surface contact and reduces friction during tightening.

Do Ball Lock Bolts require maintenance?
Inspect the O-rings periodically for wear or damage. Replace worn O-rings and missing locking balls using the available replacement kit.

Are these compatible with every 5/8" welding table?
They are designed for compatible BuildPro™ 5/8" fixturing systems. Review the selected part number carefully because SHT-T55015 is not compatible with Alpha 5/8" tabletops.