Articles 

Choices for Locking Screws

2011-02-23

Fasteners aren’t supposed to loosen by themselves and some applications might require multiple removal cycles to facilitate field service. Either way a self-locking feature is obviously preferable for enhanced reliability. The effectiveness of a final screw selection can be compromised from lack of specificity in the design. All too often cost considerations influence the screw style ultimately chosen. Scenarios can degrade further under the growing use of the consumer for assembly of “KD” products (Knock Down). The “Some Customer Assembly” environment drops product costs by reducing labor, package size, which lowers freight expenses, and provides consumers more for their money with only a small investment of their time. Everyone profits, but consider this: