Bolt seals are a versatile and powerful security tool used in several industries worldwide. They are used to offer better protection of containers, trailer door latches, cross-border shipments, and other products. Here, American Casting and Manufacturing — a family-owned manufacturing business specializing in security seals and related products — explains four bolt seal features that…
Fastenal to build new offices in Winona, MN
Article by Bill Esler, Editor Fastener Fair USA Fastenal is developing an office project in downtown Winona, MN, its headquarters city, with space for approximately 400 to 600 company employees. The project is being done in partnership with Opportunity Winona, a public-private partnership focused on redevelopment in the city. “In 1967, the Fastenal organization…
How do rivets work?
By Dr. Jody Muelaner A rivet is a mechanical fastener with a plane unthreaded shaft that’s inserted through holes to join two or more parts together. A permanently formed head at each end prevents the rivet from removal from the hole. The shaft prevents any radial movements of the components. Depending on the type of…
Southco’s new compression latch withstands high-pressure applications
Southco, Inc., a global provider of engineered access solutions, has expanded its successful line of E3 VISE ACTION Compression Latches with a new version that’s designed to resist intensive and forceful chemical cleaning procedures. Southco’s High Pressure Sealed E3 VISE ACTION Compression Latch is sealed to withstand high-pressure, high-temperature wash-down procedures that fully meet hygiene…
How to minimize the effects of vibration on fasteners
How to ensure fasteners remain tightly sealed in applications that are prone to vibration is a question engineers frequently attempt to solve. Eventually, vibration loosens fasteners by creating relative motion between the threads. Loose fasteners are certainly a maintenance nuisance but also a hazard in several applications, including in power generation, transportation, manufacturing, and others.…
What are captive screws?
Captive screws are fasteners designed to remain attached to guards or equipment. A conventional screw typically passes through a clearance hole in one part and then screws into a threaded hole in a second part — so the first part is clamped to the second. However, when the fastener is unscrewed from the threaded hole…
Why maximum torque is key when selecting fasteners
Maximum torque is the defining factor in determining the structural integrity of security fasteners, or any kind of fastener for that matter. This is according to Bryce Fastener, which designs and manufactures custom and specialty fasteners. Ideally, it’s important to attain maximum torque without sacrificing security in fastening applications. The result? Maximum torque in addition…
EFC offers improved swing couplings for industrial connections
EFC International offers safe and high-quality swing couplings for hydraulic, pneumatic, vacuum, gas, chemical fluid, and water applications. The swing couplings are manufactured with the latest technologies to provide production methods that achieve efficiency, increase plant safety, improve productivity, and save costs for industrial connections. Even small leaks can lead to big losses and they…
What are Belleville washers?
By Dr. Jody Muelaner A washer is a plate with a hole that lets a fastener to pass through it. The most common shape is a flat disk with a concentric hole. Washers are frequently used to distribute the clamping force from threaded fasteners over a larger area. This prevents bolt heads and nuts from…
Makita launches new 12v max cxt cordless ratchet
Makita U.S.A., Inc., a provider of cordless power tool technology, has launched a new 12V max CXT Cordless 3/8″ / 1/4″ Sq. Drive Ratchet (RW01). This cordless ratchet lets users attach or remove nuts faster, and is ideal for the automotive professionals. The RW01 is two tools in one with interchangeable 3/8” and 1/4” anvils…