PECM Issue 35 2018 | Page 106

FASTENERS & FIXINGS THE HUCK BOBTAIL ® STAR FASTENERS A HUCK ® FASTENER THAT HAS IT ALL! The Huck BobTail® - small diameter 6.4mm to large 25mm permanent structural Lockbolt Lockbolts as an alternative to welding? Manufacturers of heavy equipment are actively investing in direct tension lockbolts. Installing a Bobtail fastener is significantly faster, stronger and safer than welding a joint. Let’s find out more… BOBTAIL CONSISTS OF TWO PIECES, CALLED PIN AND COLLAR • The pin has rolled annular lock grooves (shallower than helical threads) with two pull grooves • The collar material is softer than the pin, with no initial grooves THE INSTALLATION PROCESS - HOW IT WORKS • The pin is simply inserted into the prepared hole • The collar can be pre-spun onto the pin by hand if pre- assembly is required • When the installation tool is applied and activated, the tool swages the collar onto the pin resulting in high clamp forces • This force deforms the collar material into lock grooves on the pin • The force generated by the tool locks the collar into place; this will not loosen Installed Huck BobTail Lockbolts NO PIN BREAK • • • • Eliminates waste Ensures high corrosion resistance Eliminates pintail slip hazards Greatly reduces shock load to installation tool, thereby extending tool life SAFE, ERGONOMIC INSTALLATION • No torque or impact is transferred to the operator • Tooling is light and easy to handle • Its quiet to install – under 70 Db PROVEN PERFORMANCE • Fastens without torque – delivers high, consistent clamp loads • Maintenance free joints – no retorquing required • Provides high vibration resistance – delivers joints that will not loosen • High fatigue endurance • Installs only two seconds • Visual inspection is all that is required; digital tooling can also be used to record results • The design of the fastener and tooling allows it to be installed in confined areas • Creates tamperproof joints 106 PECM Issue 35 BobTail Lockbolted Trailer chassis construction