When the going gets tough, the tough get going, so they say and Profil’s new REN nut is no exception. Developed to provide exceptional torque and pull through performance in panels up to nine millimetres thick, the new fastener is ideal for applications subject to intense dynamic, static and shock loading, such as those found in vehicle chassis and suspension assemblies.
It is available with M8-M16 threads and is equally suitable for plain or coated raw materials in aluminium, steel, stainless, magnesium and high strength steel. Features include a large flange and a series of under-head ribs that bite into the base material for additional torque resistance.
The REN nut was originally designed to meet the requirements of a Scandinavian HGV manufacturer, and this customer is now putting the system’s many benefits to good use in several ‘wet’ chassis areas. The fact that it can be inserted in thick plate materials will also make it an excellent choice for high strength metal fabrications or safety-critical assemblies.
Another tough customer is helping McConnel's ensure ease-of-service access to its range of highway verge maintenance machinery, which is used throughout the world to maintain safety on highways and other areas where vegetation growth needs regular management. McConnel was looking for a quick-release fastening system that would stand up to heavy-duty use, when it came upon Unifast Fastening Systems’ ‘Fast Turn’ quick release fastener.
This was duly selected to secure a metal cover on the power arm that shields an oil cooler and debris blower on one of McConnel’s machines. Fast Turn is easy to install as well as being easy to remove and re-attach. It comprises a hardened steel stud, a spring-steel or plastic retainer and a slip-on receptacle that only needs to be clipped to the opposing panel, completing installation in seconds.
The fastener, which has strong anti-vibration qualities, only requires a half-turn to operate. When undone the stud stays attached to the released panel, so it cannot be lost - important when you happen to be working on a grassy verge. Fast Turn comes in various head styles, including wing and Philips, but McConnel opted for a slotted head, which can be opened by a coin in an emergency.
Meanwhile, over at TFC, technical director Brian Goode is singing the praises of a neat product marketing aid his company has created to get samples of its many ranges of moulded and spring steel fasteners into the hands of customers. TFC’s new ‘Fast Tube’ is a plastic tube filled with some of the company’s most popular selling off-the-shelf products. They come complete with diagrams and a strong reminder that if the ‘standard’ range isn’t enough, TFC can meet your needs with a bespoke product. Fast Tube is distributed to existing customers but if you are new to the company, you can get yours online at the company’s website.