New Patented Tool Prevents Dropped Fasteners

(Source: Canadian Biomass)

The patented Washer and Nut Keeper is a rubber socket set that can be loaded with any combination of nuts, bolts or washers of a given size. Once loaded, the fasteners stay in the flexible socket and in perfect alignment. The flexible socket has ribs for easy gripping. Once the fastener stack is started, the Washer and Nut Keeper is removed and the final torqueing is done with conventional sockets or wrenches.

While in most cases being struck by a falling fastener isn’t lethal, OSHA calculates the direct cost to the employer for a lost time injury is over $27,000.1 If a worker is just one floor up and drops a fastener, it can take several minutes to retrieve the fastener and try again. 

Each socket is designed with a series of cavities that securely hold the fasteners in place, and the base has an opening for a standard ratchet drive or extension. A Washer and Nut Keeper can be designed for any combination of standard, metric or specialty fasteners.