PECM Issue 72 2025 | Page 39

which can vary significantly due to installation inconsistencies or material properties . Huck ® fasteners are designed to generate a uniform clamp force during installation , ensuring joint stability and reliability .
These principles make Huck ® LockBolt fasteners a secure , maintenance-free connection capable of withstanding high shear and tensile loads .
Examples of Huck LockBolts include , BobTail ®, Magna- Grip ®, C6L ®, C50L ®, C120L ®, and Hucktainer ®. Each differ in design , diameter , grip range , material , plating , and purpose .
Huck ® Fasteners vs . Traditional Fasteners Vibration Resistance Traditional fasteners , such as nuts and bolts , rely on friction to maintain their hold . Over time , vibrations , dynamic loads , or thermal expansion and contraction can cause self-loosening , compromising joint integrity and leading to potential failure . Consequently , joints secured with traditional fasteners require regular maintenance and re-tightening .
Huck ® fasteners address this issue through their mechanical locking system , which does not rely on friction . For example :
• Huck ® LockBolts : The swaging process creates a direct metal-to-metal lock .
• Huck ® Structural Blind Rivets : These retain the pin within the rivet body ( sleeve ) postinstallation for extra strength .
Additionally , blind rivets require access from only one side of the application , simplifying installation . This process is fast , clean , and safe , delivering consistent results without the need for skilled personnel .
Huck ® structural blind fastener brands include Auto-Bulb ®, BOM ®, FloorTight ®, HuckLok ®, Magna-Bulb ®, Magna-Lok ®, Magna-Tite ®, and Penta-Lok™ .
Installation Process The installation process for Huck ® fasteners is another area where they excel :
• Traditional fasteners require precise torque control to achieve the correct tension , with over-torquing or undertorquing potentially leading to failure or unnecessary stress .
• Huck ® fasteners utilize specialised tools to ensure consistent tensioning . LockBolts are tensioned directly using accurate power tools that set the preload through the swaging process .
This design eliminates assembler skill variability and the effects of friction coefficient variations , reducing human error and ensuring uniform performance across all fasteners in a project .
Reliability : Maintenance- Free Performance Traditional fasteners often require regular maintenance to remain secure , particularly in high-vibration environments . Over time , environmental exposure , wear , and material fatigue can compromise their performance .
Huck ® fasteners , by contrast , are designed to be virtually maintenance-free . Their permanent mechanical lock ensures long-term stability without periodic adjustments , translating into significant cost savings over the life of the joint by minimising maintenance and downtime .
Standard Nut and Bolt
Huck BobTail
Comparison of threaded fasteners and LockBolt with lock grooves
Issue 72 PECM 39