Making bolt security easier
02 June 2016
TR Fastenings Ltd has introduced a new wedge lock nut as part of an ongoing drive to introduce new products to its already large portfolio of fasteners.
Developed and manufactured in Europe, the wedge lock nut combines the proven locking ability of a washer with the ease of use of a flanged nut. This one piece design provides the customer with ease of use, effective bolt security and a reduction of assembly time.
The wedge lock nut is supplied pre-assembled with the nut and washer combined in a captive and rotary way, and uses tension instead of friction to positively lock the bolt in place. The proven principle of wedge shaped cams on the inside of the washers and radial teeth on the outside results in increased clamping force being applied during periods of vibration or dynamic load.
The external radial teeth embed into the mating surfaces when tightened while the internal cams react to any movement in the joint by moving across each other. As the height of these cams is greater than the pitch of the bolt thread, the increase in the height of these moving cams increases the clamping force on the joint, thus causing the bolt to self-lock.
The one piece design eliminates the risk of misuse as the two component parts are fixed permanently in the correct position. The design makes the wedge lock nut perfect for use in hard to reach locations and also offers considerable reduction in assembly time and effort. Furthermore, as well as being easy, safe and fast to use (even for non-specialist users) the nut is totally reusable without any loss of function.
Typical applications include high pressure valves and actuators, wind turbines, railway, and wheel nuts for both road and rough terrain vehicles.
