6 Ways To Tighten Threaded Fasteners For Various Industrial Applications

1. 6 Ways To Tighten Threaded Fasteners For Various Industrial Applications The accuracy, precision, and measurement of torque on threaded fasteners is critical for production efficiency and application cost reduction. This is especially true in the world of assembly, construction, manufacturing, and exploration. As a result, there are six primary methods used in various industries to control the pre-load of a threaded fastener. Six Methods Used For Securing Threaded Nuts And Bolts 1. Torque control tightening 2. Angle control tightening 3. Yield controlled tightening 4. Bolt stretch method 5. Heat tightening 6. Use of tension indicating methods We will discuss each of these methods in greater depth individually within future posts. Challenges Faced When Selecting a Method For Tightening Fastener. It is important to remember that a poorly torqued threaded fastener could vibrate loose overtime. Within the bolting industry, an MRO’s colloquialism would explain this as “it worked its way loose”. On the flip side, every threaded nut and bolt has a maximum tensile strength [meaning the most it can be stretched before weakening and/or breaking]. In other words, when too much tension is enacted upon the threaded fastener it could snap at its weakest point of tensile strength.

2. Another potential danger is that the threads on a stud could strip. If this happens, removal of a nut [if necessary] can become a dangerous, and potentially expensive challenge. Balancing The Best Method With The Most Appropriate Tool The general objective of the tightening [of threaded fasteners] process is to achieve a consistent and balanced bolt pre-load. When faced with the challenges mentioned earlier, engineers, maintenance, repair, and operational [MRO] personnel of conflicted between what method is the wisest for a given application/ Tightening of the nut or the bolt head? For the MRO understanding the required applied force for safely and adequately torquing a threaded fastener is just the beginning. A question bolting experts are commonly asked is whether a given industrial application would benefit from the tightening of the nut, or the bolt head. Confronted with these challenges, pain points, and inquires, MRO managers, specialists, and other such technicians are recognizing the need for precision torque / tension control equipment. The combination of selecting a best method for tightening threaded fasteners rest on 3 main factors: (1) The industrial applications requirements and standards, (2) The specific jobs time allotment, and (3) The working capital budget coupled with the right types of precise torque control tools. These three things can make the difference between the safe, reliable, and economical fastening of a joint, or “busted knuckles”, rail accidents, leaking joints, and disastrous expensive repairs/ liabilities. Controlling the applied force during tightening, and completing subsequent inspection checks related to the method selected is important to ensure the specified torque is being achieved.

3. Conclusion: Within a given specification common ways to monitor a consistent and balanced bolt pre-load, ultimately, rest upon which tightening process is being used, and whether the nut or the bolt head is tightened. Are you an engineer or MRO who has every been challenged by a similar decision? We’d love to know, feel free to share or comment below. Resources: http://www.boltscience.com/pages/tighten.htm http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/87404-fastening-threads-torque-control-vs-angle-control http://www.deprag.com/en/screwdriving-technology/technical-information/tightening-process.html http://www.mountztorque.com/learning-center/article/too-loose-or-too-tight-10-steps-torque-control AMG Bolting Solutions,14545 J. Military Trail,#137 Delray Beach, Florida 33484.Contact No: (561) 306-4547,+1 800-709-2930