In daily work, we often encounter the problem of stainless steel fasteners being locked. What is the reason behind this?
In fact, there are many reasons that can cause metal fasteners to rust, and some rusted fasteners may experience complete locking.
So, the fastener will “fail”, unable to tighten the connecting components, unable to disassemble, and this completely locked phenomenon occurs on the fastener in just a few seconds!
As mentioned above, when fasteners rust, it is easy to cause them to lock up. Therefore, in order to solve the problem from the source, it is necessary to focus on the material and operational aspects!
At the material level
Stainless steel materials are aesthetically pleasing and have good corrosion resistance. However, due to their soft texture, low strength, and poor thermal conductivity, the pressure and heat generated between the teeth during tightening can damage the surface chromium oxide layer, causing blockage or shear between the teeth, resulting in adhesion and locking.
At the operational level
Improper operation during the locking process of fasteners can also lead to locking situations, such as:
1. The angle of force application is unreasonable. During the locking process, the bolt and nut fit tilt
2. Improper force or too fast locking speed. Excessive locking force applied and the use of an electric wrench often result in locking speed exceeding the tolerance range of the tooth pattern, leading to rapid temperature rise and locking
3. Rough or foreign tooth lines, if there are welding slag and other metal shavings sandwiched between the tooth lines, it often leads to locking
4. Washers not used
How to avoid locking of stainless steel fasteners?
1. Correct product selection: It is necessary to confirm whether the mechanical properties of the product can meet the usage requirements, such as the tensile strength of bolts and the safety load of nuts
2. Keep the bolt threads arranged neatly, clean and free of foreign objects
3. Add lubricants such as butter, molybdenum disulfide, mica, graphite, or talc powder before use
4. Pay attention to the operation method:
a. The direction of force application, the nut must be screwed in perpendicular to the axis of the screw
b. The force and speed of screwing in the fasteners should be moderate, and the tightening torque should not exceed the safe torque. Try to avoid using an adjustable wrench or electric wrench to tighten the lock
c. The use of washers can effectively prevent the problem of excessive locking
Post time: Dec-06-2023