Posted to News on 12th Sep 2009, 00:00
Overcoming lockbolt weaknesses
Designed to overcome inherent weaknesses with standard lockbolts, the BobTail from high-performance fastening system manufacturer Alcoa Fastening Systems (AFS) has no pin-tail and as a result of this zero pin-break, no waste material to collect and dispose of or potential corrosion issues post installation. The lightweight, low-noise, low-maintenance tooling, which can be used for both installing and removing fasteners, provides a smooth, shock-free, speedy installation sequence - two seconds for a 16mm diameter fastener, twice as fast as any other large diameter lockbolt on the market. As a result, no torque or impact is transferred to the operator.
BobTail is currently available in steel as 4, 6.4, 8, 12, 14, 16 and 20mm diameters, with new materials and sizes planned for 2010.
Commenting on the benefits and potential success of the new product, Jay Sahadew, marketing manager at AFS, said: "This fastening system has already proved very popular with US truck and commercial vehicle manufacturers such as PACCAR and Great Dane. Although there is specific tooling, existing Huck systems may be adapted and utilised to accommodate BobTail nose assemblies, reducing the cost of conversion for our current customers.
BobTail's speedy installation reduces wear and tear on tools and parts and the zero waste material eliminates extra time and effort required to collect and dispose of pin-tails. This new fastener has the potential to appeal to a wider customer base, no matter what size the business. Although it is presently being used in the traditional Huck market of commercial transportation, we believe it will open up the market for lockbolt specified applications."
