Benefits of Using Nord-Lock Washers
Significant changes are rarely made to simple, useful items that have been around for many years. The common assumption is that they have already been designed to meet a specific purpose, so no further improvements are necessary. However, the proven benefits of using Nord-Lock washers over the many old designs has shown the value of taking a fresh look and implementing new design solutions in manufacturing and construction.
The basic use for most washers is to evenly distribute the load the threaded bolt provides to prevent the underlying material from buckling and becoming damaged. Washers can also be used to isolate fasteners from electrically-charged surfaces to avoid contact and the resulting galvanic corrosion when two dissimilar metals are fastened together.
Washers also increase the friction of a threaded fastener. This is the use that most intrigued Kurt Persson, the son of the founders of the Nord-Lock company, and the inventor of the Nord-Lock washer. He was aware of a growing problem with bolts that threatened their continued use. Bolts that were installed permanently were becoming loose over time. However, many industries didn’t want to stop using the bolts unless they had to. They were easily portable around a manufacturing facility or construction jobsite. They were also relatively inexpensive, and quick and easy to install. In addition,the bolts tended to become loose due to vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and simple wear and tear.
If the problem couldn’t be solved to everyone’s satisfaction, a different method of attachment would have to be developed, tested, approved and implemented. This would mean industry-wide slowdowns and additional costs and training in the use of the new materials and methods.
Improving an Existing Patent
The problem was so significant and potentially costly that many inventors and designers tried to tackle the problem of threaded fasteners becoming loose over time. Adhesives and various types of locking nuts had been tried, but they failed to solve the problem effectively.
Various types of lock washers were also developed, including split washers, spring washers, serrated washers, wedge locking washers, and conical washers. While these washers provided an element of grip not previously seen, manufacturers and engineers still felt there was room for improvement.
In 1982, the Swedish company Nobex acquired the patent for wedge-locking washers, which showed the most promise of providing the desired level of grip and adhesion. They began manufacturing washers under the Nord-Lock brand. Kurt Persson played an active part in taking the patented lock washer offered and improving the material and functionality. He was the first to recognize the potential of what would become the Nord-Lock washer.
Using Tension Instead of Friction
How the Nord-Lock washer’s wedge-locking technology works is by using tension instead of friction to provide its holding power, which is what makes the design so effective. The system is composed of two interlocking washers with cams on one side where they interconnect with each other, and radial serrated teeth on the other, where they meet the bottom of the bolt on one side and the surface material on the other.
Bolted joints fail because everyday use causes them to slacken and loosen continually. When you introduce a washer with surfaces that prevent this continuous movement, the problem of loosening is eliminated.
The combination of the two washers with opposing teeth on the outside and meshed cams on the inside where the two washers meet creates a system that doesn't allow the bolt to be loosened. Their design provides tension between the lock washers. Once the bolt is tightened, it becomes a permanent fixture. This is the reason Nord-Lock washers are generally found on construction sites.
Nejireo Provides Nord-Lock Washers to Thailand
Today, Nord-Lock washers are available in Thailand from Nejireo in a variety of materials and sizes, including the Nord-Lock Washer Wide, the Nord-Lock Washer m8, and the steel Nord-Lock Washers in normal and wide sizes. The Nord-Lock Washer m8 is one of our bestsellers, and it's a recognized standard in both the manufacturing and construction industry.
All of the lock washers and wedge lock washers carried by Hanshin Neji, the number one fastener company in Thailand, can be found on our website at Nejireo.com. Order from our website for immediate delivery anywhere in Thailand. We can also deliver overseas. For overseas orders, please email us or give us a call to arrange for shipment.
