Quick fitting nut

A screw threaded nut (1) comprises two interconnected halves (1A, 1B) moveable with respect to each other from an open position (figure 1) to a closed position (figure 2). In the open condition a screw threaded member (8) can be moved inside the nut (1) without turning. In figure 1, the sliding nut halves (1A, 1B) are closed by the action of a cam (6) on half 1B. In figure 7, the pivoted nut halves (1A, 1B) are closed by engaging the end (15) of a lever (14) in a recess in the half 1B. Further possible improvements include a detachable handle (7) and a means for locking the nut (1) and the cam (6) in the closed position.