The Benefits of Using a Lockbolt
Lockbolts have quickly become one of the most commonly used fasteners in the manufacturing, construction, transportation, and mining sectors, among others. There are a number of benefits to incorporating lockbolts in your applications, such that they provide a durable and lasting solution for many projects. To better understand why lockbolts find use in a myriad of applications, this blog will outline the benefits that they provide.
Nearly 70 years ago, this fastener was devised by Louis C. Huck as a commission for US Navy and railcar manufacturers. These manufacturers necessitated a fastener that could create a lasting joint with the capacity to resist loosening despite constant vibration. Unfortunately, nuts and bolts were exhibiting flaws in high-stress applications, loosening under vibration, and weakening over time. Luckily, Huck’s lockbolt design solved these issues.
Lockbolts have a distinct locking mechanism that mitigates vibration and extends their service life. The lockbolt is able to achieve this due to the large cross-sectional area between the collar and pin with no stress concentrations like those associated with nuts and bolts. While nuts and bolts take advantage of a threaded screw to form the joint, lockbolts utilize a smooth-bore collar that is fitted over a threaded bolt. When tightened, the collar is pressed into special locking grooves on the bolt, leading to bonding across a larger surface area.
During installation, the collar is fitted over the pin and permanently swaged. Meanwhile, the lockbolt pin is inserted into a pre-drilled hole to connect two pieces of material. If a lockbolt installation tool is utilized, the pin can be pulled to bring the materials together as the collar is being pressured onto the pin to form a permanent bond with the grooves. This generates a tight, strong connection.
Benefits of Lockbolts
Though the strength of these fasteners is clear across all types, lockbolts come in varying sizes, diameters, lengths, head styles, and materials. Beyond their versatility in terms of design, they also have a number of other benefits. For example, when a lockbolt pin is pulled during installation, this action reduces the collar’s diameter and stretches the pin to create more force over the joint. Furthermore, the swaged installation makes them incredibly resistant to loosening as a result of vibration or material degradation.
One of their major benefits lies in the tensile and shear strength lockbolts possess. The shear strength is determined by the lockbolt’s diameter and material strength, while tensile strength is due to the shear resistance of the collar and the number of grooves filled by the swaged collar. Despite their overall benefits in terms of construction, lockbolts should always be checked prior to installation for wear and tear. This will ensure that they work optimally for your applications.
Conclusion
For replacement lockbolts or other fastener types, rely on a reputable distributor like Hardware Orbit. Hardware Orbit is a leading distributor of lockbolts, screws, nuts, washers, rivets, and more. With countless ready-to-purchase options, customers can easily fulfill their part requirements. More than that, we offer rapid lead times and unbeatable cost savings on thousands of parts and components, ensuring you can meet your operational deadlines with ease. Kickoff the procurement process with a competitive quote on any featured item(s), and within 15 minutes of submission, a dedicated representative will reach out with a sourcing solution that keeps your unique demands in mind. When you choose us as your go-to sourcing partner, you are choosing quality. For questions about our other offered services, call or email us at any time; we are available around the clock!
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