A captive washer is a type of retaining washer commonly used to securely fasten screws within an assembly, affording a permanent hold. Unlike a conventional washer, which is designed to aid in fastening a bolted component or a screw to a female threaded part, the captive washer acts as a retainer to ensure there is…

Written by Michael Eusanio Applications Engineer, Optimas Solutions It’s common to assume a single part is stronger than an assembly of parts. However, fasteners can ensure the strength and reliability of a product, given certain considerations. For example, by tweaking the type of fastener material, size, or other specifications, manufacturing engineers can resolve torque, weight, stability,…

Recycling aircraft parts isn’t a new concept in the aviation industry and, for many years, refurbishing parts to fit on other aircraft or repurposing them to produce different products, such as circuit boards, has been the industry standard. In fact, according to AFRA (Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association), it is estimated that around 80% to 85% of aircraft parts are recycled when…

~ Article courtesy of NBK America LLC Generally, washers are used to distribute a fastener’s load, reducing friction and preventing loosening. A washer is a plate with a hole, which lets a fastener pass through it. The most common shape is a flat disk with a concentric hole. Before a threaded fastener, such as a…

Birmingham Fastener is a manufacturer and distributor of fasteners for structural steel fabrication, metal building manufacturers, OEMs, the transportation and utilities sectors, and others. The company recently launched a new locking bolt with a proprietary washer. The M12 x 1.75 Vibration-control Locking Bolt (VC Lock) offers superior strength with an excellent co-efficient of friction. Designed…

Another year, an ongoing pandemic. 2021, much like the year before it, included its share of challenges. Supply-chain delays, product (and employee) shortages, and varying state restrictions continued to affect most in the industry. In-person events and trade shows were scheduled and then rescheduled. Local and global business and economic disruptions forced many companies to…

It was in Sweden, nearly 40 years ago, when Nord-Lock first started manufacturing wedge-locking washers. The company is now part of the Nord-Lock Group and global provider in wedge-locking washers and its well-known Superbolt line. Nord-Lock recently inaugurated its updated production facility in Mattmar, Sweden. The inauguration is the third in 2021 — a result…

Written by Jody Muelaner Lock washers and vibration-resistant washers are designed to prevent a threaded fastener from loosening. The terms are often used interchangeably. However, there is a difference. Lock washers resist torque or loosening for a given preload, and vibration-resistant washers maintain a more constant preload when there’s movement in a joint. A lock…

Sherex Industries recently partnered with Spaenaur to stock its TEC Series line of wedge-locking washers. Sherex is a Canadian company that primarily serves the automotive and fluid power markets, with a rivet nut division (known as Sherex Fastening Solutions). Spaenaur, which carries more than 60,000 unique fastener products and tools, has distributed Disc-Lock products for many…

Eccentric lock washers are washers that can be combined with commercially available hex nuts to prevent screw loosening. These washers, which are available from NBK, require no special tools for fastening. This means they are as easy to use as spring washers or flat washers. In terms of design, these components consist of a bearing…