News Released: May 30, 2006

Self Locking Threaded Fasteners Four Things Every Engineer Should Know
(PRLEAP.COM) In todays ultra-competitive, litigative, cost-conscious manufacturing environment,
engineers need every advantage to set themselves and the products they design apart from the
competition. Within this environment, few components can unravel a product, and subsequently an
engineering career, as quickly as the failure of self locking nuts. To prevent the best laid engineering plans
from falling apart, the following tips can arm design engineers with extra insight into what to consider
when specifying self locking threaded fasteners to keep their products together indefinitely.
1) Focus on retaining fastener tension, not torque assembly methods.
Bolt tension, not applied torque, is what actually keeps a joint together. For this reason, emphasis should
fall on ensuring that the correct bolt tension is applied to self locking threaded fasteners, as opposed to
relying on torque specifications.
The problem with measuring torque stems from the finding that 90% of the torque applied to lock nuts or
a bolted joint goes not into fastener tension, but into overcoming friction. More importantly, testing with
standard threads has shown that for a given torque, bolt tension can vary as much as 50%.
Ways to correctly determine the ideal tension for an application include measuring "bolt stretch" manually
or ultrasonically, or using a load cell to measure bolt tension at a certain torque/angle.
2) Choose the right type of locking fastener and lock nuts for the job.
A number of online tools can help engineers find the best self locking nuts or tooling for the application.
Among these are an online Tap Selection Tool; Torque Calculator; Drill and Hole Size Calculator; and Tap
Troubleshooting Guide on the technology page at Spiralock a Madison Heights, Michigan-based
manufacturer of self locking threaded fasteners. The Tap Troubleshooting Guide, for instance, can help
engineers spot when too much tension is being generated in the tapping process.
3) Consider lifetime cost, including design, assembly, warranty and liability.
Most locking fasteners do not address a basic design problem with the standard 60-degree thread form:
that the gap between the crest of the male and female threads can lead to vibration-induced thread
loosening; thereby impugning product reliability.
Engineers, however, have successfully attacked this challenge while reducing component weight and
enabling re-usability up to 50 times with the Spiralock thread locking design. This re-engineered thread
form adds a unique 30-degree wedge ramp at the root of the thread which mates with standard 60-degree
male self locking threaded fasteners. The continuous-line contact of this design spreads the clamp force
more evenly over all engaged threads, thus improving resistance to vibrational loosening, axial-torsional
loading, joint fatigue, and temperature extremes.
4) Treat your thread locking fasteners with the same care you would your most critical component.
No matter how clever the engineering or robust the components, the end product is only as reliable as its
weakest link which, only too often, is the lock nuts holding everything together. Specify your self
locking threaded fasteners with the same attention to detail that you would for any other critical
component to ensure the longevity of the product, as well as your career.
###
Spiralock Corporation
Kate Turowska
KTurowska@spiralock.com
Phone: (248) 543-7800
Fax: (248) 543-1403
http://www.spiralock.com

Concept
Designed to produce threads for self-locking operations and put a lock on fastener costs.
This is not to be confused as just another range of taps for a specific application. It is a thread form. Utilizing the latest generation CNC equipment this thread form
can be produced on straight flute, spiral flute, spiral point, roll form and even the range of Applix high performance taps.
Although this is a made-to-order program, quantities of up to 48 pieces of any style would be delivered in no greater than 10 working days.
The relatively small quantities being produced and the additional thread grinding required does mean that taps featuring this thread form can be marginally more
expensive than conventionally ground taps. Depending on the size, quantity, and/or the type of tool being compared, the additional cost will vary. However, before
making a pure price decision we recommend a review of the added benefits of the this concept featured in this brochure and how they help in offsetting costs in
other areas.

How They Work

Taps ground to the adjacent self-locking thead form produce a highly efficient female thread form with a 30 inclined wedge that provides optimum locking contact
with the crests of the male threads of a standard bolt or screw. The thread form produced is ideal for a wide variety of applications where vibration resistance is a
must. Clamping forces are evenly distributed along the entire length of thread engagement providing a capability to resist the forces created by vibration that can
loosen ordinary threaded fasteners. The end result is a standard male fastener locked firmly in place without having to resort to the use of costly adhesives, locking
devices or inserts.

Key Features and Benefits

Improves Holding Power
female thread creates a continuous
entire thread length for improved
standard thread forms.

A 30 wedge lock on the

spiral contact along the
holding power versus

Clamp Load More Evenly Distributed

spread evenly across all threads
thread forms that put the clamping
threads only with the other threads
contact at all.

Clamp load forces are

versus conventional 60
force on the first few
receiving limited or no

Reduces Fastener Costs

converts standard male fasteners into
locking ones and may eliminate the
locking fasteners, chemical bonds,

Utilizing this thread form

highly efficient selfnecessity for costly
nylon plugs or other
devices to maintain tightness.

fasteners produced with this thread form it is

whether by hand or utilizing assembly machinery.
additionally reduced.
Holding Power that Lasts and Lasts
frequent loosening and tightening of the male
procedures. Conventional locking fasteners would

The optimum load distribution provided by this

forms that concentrate clamping load on fewer
applications where stripping is frequent.

Faster Assembly Operations

The larger tap drill size creates greater clearance with the male
fastener than conventionally produced threads. In assembling
clearly noticeable that the fasteners turn more freely irrespective of
Assembly costs are lower and assembly related rejects are

There is no loss of locking power in those applications requiring

fastener. This eliminates time intensive disassembly and assembly
be either destroyed or their locking power severely diminished.
Threading Solution for Soft Materials
thread form eliminates thread stripping that is typical with thread
threads. Ideal for aluminum and other lightweight, soft materials in

Environmentally Friendly
Because the threads produced permit the male fastener to be locked in place by simply tightening, there is no necessity for bonding materials or chemical agents
which eliminates the need for using potentially environmentally harmful products plus saving valuable time and cost.

Gaging for Self-Locking Threads

An essential element in high quality thread production is an accurate gaging capability. To facilitate the latter Union Butterfield offers a complete gaging system for
self-locking threads, which consists of the following:
Larger Diameters

Smaller Diameters

Union Butterfield certifies all new gages for self-locking threads to insure their functional accuracy. A certificate of compliance can be provided for a nominal
charge. It is highly recommended that they be returned on a periodic basis for recertification.
When placing your inquiry for a self-locking tap, simply advise the type of gage(s) you require and one consistent with whatever size is ordered will be quoted and
supplied.

How to Order

Unless otherwise specified, the taps will be provided featuring a ramp angle in the direction detailed and referred to as style "RW."
When tapping is to be effected from the opposite end of a through hole, the style "LW" must be special ordered. This style features the ramp angle in the opposite
direction as detailed, and is generally used in the prodcution of nuts.
There is no requirement to specify an H or D limit. Basically, one size fits all because contact is not made on the thread flanks but on the wedge ramp.

"Self-locking"...
We see from your search that you're looking for information on the term "Self-locking", and we have a large number of manufacturers' news releases and technical articles
here on Engineeringtalk which will be of interest. Let me be your guide.
Start with the news release Angular grippers get into tight spaces from Techno-Sommer, which we summarised at the time by saying "Six 180deg opening angular
grippers from Techno-Sommer Automatic are for applications that must be performed within a limited work area.". The same day, we featured the news release Gripper
hangs on tightly from Techno-Sommer: "ZK Series toggle tongs gripper from Techno-Sommer Automatic has closing force of up to 4200Ncm to hold, squeeze or cut wires,
cables or chains.".
In December 2005, we covered the news from Spiralock concerning its Spiralock - take a look at Sipralock passes vibration tests which says: "For resistance to vibration,
axial-torsional loading, joint fatigue and thermal extremes, a locking thread outperforms standard fasteners in tests at MIT and the Goddard Space Flight Center.".
Take a look also at the news release from Tyco Electronics UK, Cable ties handle the rough life, as well as Innovations in mid-range linear robotics unveiled from
Wittmann UK, and Servo robot excites interest at Interplas from Wittmann UK.
See also:
Fasteners stand up to automotive durability tests (September 2005)
Servo drive is set to revolutionise automation (July 2005)
Self-locking nuts suit thinner sheets (July 2005)
Self-locking fasteners answer medical demands (July 2005)
Actuators offer clean linear positioning (January 2005)
Stages boast subnanometre resolution (December 2004)
Self-locking nuts boost assembly reliability (June 2004)
Linear actuators need no brakes (May 2004)
Fast lead times for quick release pins (May 2004)
Bushings handle wires and cables up to 15.24mm (April 2004)
Elastomer coupling features patented design (March 2004)
Self-locking screws protect against vibration (February 2004)
Stainless-steel ties for top tensile strength (October 2003)
Busbar trunking cuts cable connection costs (October 2003)
Backshells claim superior protection (August 2003)
Stainless-steel cable ties bound for North Sea (July 2003)
Actuators turn to the right angle (July 2003)
Self-clinching fasteners provide reusable threads (June 2003)
News on the Plastic three-prong self-locking ball lock pins from Winco (June 2003)
News on the Plastic three-prong self-locking ball lock pins from Winco (June 2003)
Quarter-turn electric actuator is robust (May 2003)
Gripple and Fischer fasten together (March 2003)
Self-locking fasteners meet locking torque specs (January 2003)
Extensive range of retaining rings (November 2002)
Self-locking nuts survive a century of cycles (October 2002)
Self-locking device speeds airframe maintenance (September 2002)
Locking device keeps constant torque with re-use (September 2002)
Choice of threads for self-clinching fasteners (September 2002)
Read all about gearmotors (August 2002)
Electric actuators for small valve markets (August 2002)
Compact fasteners add threads to thin sheets (June 2002)
No galling with self-clinching fasteners (May 2002)
Plug provides high-pressure leaktight seal (May 2002)
Novel self-locking feature for fasteners (April 2002)
Sheet metal nuts are tough fasteners to crack (February 2002)
Complete linear motion systems at Man Week 2001 (October 2001)
High torque model added to smart actuator range (August 2001)
Series III of popular connector offers even more (August 2001)
Spoken alarm message clears buildings effectively (April 2001)
Stainless steel cable tie prevents slippage (July 2000)
More rigid backplanes keep availability high (February 2000)
News on the Self-locking Clamping Pin from Wixroyd International (February 2000)
News on the HLS (High Leverage Self-locking) handle from Schroff UK (February 2000)

High Performance Thread Rolling Screws For Metals

Swageform Is THE High Performance Threadforming

Screw
Swageform thread forming screws have been superior performers in automotive, industrial, and consumer assembles for
over 25 years, yet they still represent the most efficient, cost-effective concept in thread-forming screw design. Although
many improvements have been made in the product's performance, the principle behind its sucesss is as applicaple and
as flawless today as it was at its inception, and will remain so as long as thread forming features are a necessity to
modern assembly methods. Swageform screws very simply, exhibit performance capabilities and economies far beyond
those of thread-forming and thread-cutting tapping screws.

Eliminate Tapping

Switch To The Premium Threadforming

Screw

Swageform thread forming screws allow you to

eliminate the tapping process as the screw will form
your threads during installation if you are tapping
holes into metals,consider the savings of eliminating
a costly process step.

If you are currently using thread-forming screws, such as

the common tri-lobular style, consider testing a
Swageform. A Swageform will provide you with a higher
level of performance in the field as well as an easier,
trouble-free assembly process.

The Design

Swageform screws incorporate patented lobes on a tapered point. On

installation, the initial contact area between the hole and a Swageform
screw is limited to only these lobes. In contrast to a standard fully
rounded threadforming screw, there is much less
surface area contacting the hole during installation with a Swageform.
This reduced area of contact results in significantly lower drive torques
during the screw installation/threadforming process.

Swageform vs. The Competition A Better Design

Increased contact with the application: Swageform screws have a fully rounded body (versus the common trilobular body of many threadforming screws) therefore Swageforms threads make contact with the application a
full 360 degrees not just three points.

The application material is work hardened during installation:

Swageforms lobes gradually roll back or swage theapplication material while forming the threads the result is a
work hardened, stronger material. There is no cutting of threads that result in a weaker material and metal chips.

Swageform B fasteners feature the same high performance characteristics associated with Swageform screws in a
spaced thread form which is particularly suitable for use in softer materials such as plastic and aluminum.