The mechanical construction industry has been continuously looking for a permanent fastening solution that can easily become part of the material being used. This objective was achieved through welding metal parts together. However, this technique needs professional installers who understand how to use high temperatures and heavy protective equipment that may not be available in some areas.
That’s why in 1944, Louis C. Huck developed the first bolt that’s easy to install yet permanently fastens. This bolt was initially used on railcars and rails and later became an Alcoa Fastening System part. Today, organizations like Huck aerobolt sell bolts developed from different kinds of materials.
Here are some vital facts about the bolts that you should know.
Extremely Vibration Resistant
Bolts received their popularity from resisting vibrations on railway cars and rails. A load of rail cars initiates vibration that can weaken threaded fasteners and make them lose clamp force. To curb this problem, periodic retightening and maintenance has to be done.
Lock bolts are better than threaded bolts and nuts because they don’t allow movement between the threaded pin and cylindrical collar. Its smooth collar is deformed or permanently swaged into place during installation, locking the pin’s grooves. This saves labor costs and gives a safer joint.
Can Replace Nuts
Bolts were created to replace the threaded fastener that had a bolt and nut. They come with a two-piece clamping mechanism that can lock several applications requiring vibration resistance and excellent uniform clamp force.
Easy to Install
You can easily install bolts using a unique tooling system. Matching the tools to the fastener’s size requires hydraulic power or pneumatic. Fortunately, using these tools doesn’t require expensive training or expertise, though they minimize installation time by about 50%.
Give A Permanent Fastened Joint
Lockbolts give a high-strength permanent joint that can’t be easily achieved using a conventional nut and bolt fasteners. Their large core diameter and the cross-sectional area also provide a 20% tensile strength that other bolts of the same size don’t provide.
Advantages of Using Lockbolts
You can use threaded fasteners for many useful applications. However, their bolts and nuts may become loose with time, especially if they’re subjected to high-stress applications or used where there’s high vibration. To solve this problem, the lockbolt was created. Here are some of its advantages:
- They’re corrosion-resistant, and you can install them using a lightweight tool. They’re available in aluminum, stainless steel, and steel.
- Because of their tensile strength, you can use them for heavy-duty applications.
- They’re vibration resistant
- They’re created for different applications and have a six-groove classic fastening.
- You can install them in areas with consistent pressure.
- They’re safe to use and easy to install
- They’re immune to heat affected zones
- You can easily modify them
- They’ll save you money
- They can build your integrity
The Bottom line
Bots are must-have tools if you’re working in an industry that requires fastening. They have many advantages compared to conventional nuts and bolts and give permanent solutions.
