The brochure discusses Disc-Lock products for glued pairs. The site includes brochures for several other topics.

DISC-LOCK International, a California based company specializing in the manufacture and distribution of safe, secure and vibration-proof fastening systems, including the Safety Wheel Nut, has announced Mid-Valley Distributors as a leading California distributor.

“We welcome Mid-Valley Distributors as the latest member of our prominent distributor network,” said Alistair McKinlay, Chairman of DISC-LOCK International. “California is a large and demanding market for our technology and Mid-Valley Distributors will be instrumental with their diverse industry and business base,” added McKinlay.

Mid-Valley Distributors is headquartered in Fresno California and will handle and distribute the entire lineup of DISC-LOCK products including; Safety Wheel Nut, Locking Nut, Truck Frame Fastening System, Rail Car Fastening System, Shear Wrench, Tension Control Bolt, Hex Head Bolt and Locking Washer.

“With a comprehensive distribution system, Mid-Valley Distributors can also help bolster our existing California presence,” said Greg White, Vice President of DISC-LOCK International. Mid-Valley Distributors recognizes the distinguishing benefits DISC-LOCK fastener technology will add to their product catalog of over 100 million pieces of in stock hardware,” added White.

DISC-LOCK International
www.disc-lock.com

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DISC-LOCK International, a California based company specializing in the manufacture and distribution of safe and secure fastening systems, including the Safety Wheel Nut, recently announced a distribution partnership with Fastbolt Corp.

DISC-LOCK product distribution and will be handled by Fastbolt in the U.S. and worldwide within their global supply chain management.

“Our distribution partnership with Fastbolt is a logical alliance between one of the most reliable supply chain management businesses and the top-line, vibration proof, locking fastener systems produced by DISC-LOCK,” says Alistair McKinlay, Chairman of DISC-LOCK International. “With the Fastbolt network, our locking fastener systems will be more available to all industries world-wide.”

“In addition to the tremendous supply chain management of Fastbolt, they offer application engineering, testing and quality standards, kitting services and custom labeling,” said Greg White, Vice President of DISC-LOCK International. “Fastbolt can supply a steady flow of parts delivered directly to a production or automated assembly line with no need for warehousing,” adds McKinlay.

DISC-LOCK International
www.disc-lock.com

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Wind-turbine towers appear to be rising to new heights–literally. As blade lengths increase to capture more wind energy, towers must also reach higher to accommodate the longer blades.

Increased tower dimensions also translate into elevated levels of vibration and stress on tower fasteners, which can lead to loosening and bolted-joint failure. However, fastener failure can be eliminated with a locking washer.

Locking washers come in pairs with cam faces glued together.

The working principle behind the device is simple: It consists of two washer-shaped pieces that are preassembled (glued pairs), and have inclined cams on one side with a series of radial ridges on the other. On installation, the two cam sides are mated together and placed between the nut and joint material. Under vibration, the nut attempts to rotate loose. But because the cam angle is greater than the bolt-thread-pitch angle, the interlocking cams and non-slip ridges of the washer work together. The resulting jamming effect prevents loosening and further locks the assembly, thereby maintaining joint integrity. The result: a vibration proof fastening system.

Locking washers from DISC-LOCK have a steeper cam angle than the angle on bolt threads. Hence, vibration cannot turn them loose.

The locking washers also offer a fastening system that combines a heavy hex nut and tension-control bolt. Tension-control bolts are replacing conventional high-strength, friction-grip bolts and swaged-collar rivets because they are quick and easy to install with a lightweight electric shear wrench. Guaranteed tension and a visual inspection eliminates the likelihood of operator error and ensures engineers that connections are tightened in accordance with specifications. This bolting system is easily removed and can be reused. Other types of secure bolts are not reusable because they must be burned or cut off for removal, thus destroying the bolt.

The bolt spline works with the electric shear wrench.

The electrically powered shear wrench is lighter than hydraulic wrenches, a distinct advantage when considering tower height and precarious installations. This translates to a one-man operation that trims installation cost. The DISC-LOCK shear wrench uses an outer socket to engage the nut, while an inner socket engages the bolt. The two sockets rotate in opposite directions allowing the nut to turn while the bolt remains stationary. This counter-force operation transfers no torque to the operator, thereby reducing fatigue that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

Other interlocking cam fasteners from the company can help maintain bolted-joint integrity on wind farms. These include hex-head bolts for use in blind-hole applications and locking nuts that can be installed with standard tools. Forces that induce other lock nuts to loosen cause locking cam nuts to tighten.

Two sockets on the electric shear wrench work in opposite directions, turning the nut to turn while holding the bolt stationary. Zero torque to the crew member means less stress and fatigue on him.

WPE

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