Can the solution really be THAT simple?
When it comes to the world of bolting, I’m often amazed how many steps we are willing to take and how hard we have to work when we can’t see the simple solution!
The purpose of a bolted connection is to join two or more parts together. The intension of the joint can either be permanent or temporary. The factors that then influence the integrity of said joint are often too numerous to list. Fastener size vs. grade. Bolt Preload vs. Working Load. Tightening methods, materials, tooling availability, space restrictions, safety, and the list goes on. If the correct set of conditions are not met, the bolted joint can be susceptible to coming loose, often with catastrophic consequences! Out of necessity, people find “Creative” ways to keep bolts from coming loose using the materials they have at hand.
In the picture below, assuming we ignore the effect welding has on a heat treated bolt, and what it means for the poor technician who has to take this retainer plate off, tack welding these strips of steel bar across the bolt heads to keep them from rotating would seem like a fairly ingenious solution.
But when we start going out of our way to create a solution this complex…
Just maybe, it’s time we took a step back to look for a better way!
The key is the difference in angles. Since the cam angle ” α ” is larger than the thread pitch ” β “, the pair of wedge lock washers expand more than the corresponding pitch of the thread.
Yes, the correct solution really can be this SIMPLE!
Tension makes the bolt self-locking.
Nord-Lock wedge-locking technology secures bolted joints with tension instead of friction. The system comprises of a pair of lock washers that have cams on one side and radial teeth on the opposite side.
Nord-Lock wedge-locking products positively lock the fastener in a joint even when subjected to extreme vibration or dynamic loads.
Contact us here at Precision Bolting Ltd. to learn more about Nord-Lock® and see what other products and simple solutions we can help you with.
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