A U-bolt is a bolt in the shape of the letter U with screw threads on both ends. U-bolts have primarily been used to support pipework, pipes through which fluids and gasses pass.  U-bolts are also used to hold ropes together. Its main application in the automobile industry in which U-bolt provides the force required to clamp the leaf spring and related components firmly together.  In addition to the leaf spring, these components include the top plate, axle seat, axle, and bottom plate.