Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Wing nuts used on racks and splines

I work at a chrome bumper plating company in Windsor Ontario and I was looking for a better wing nut to contact the bumper to the rack than the one we have. The current wing nuts screw onto the racks on threaded posts by the use of our employees hands. Is there a nut or clamp that can be used that doesn't screw on by hand but by pressure and then clamps on. I heard that some platers in north America use these techniques. Any information anyone has on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Chris Gignac
- Windsor, Ontario, Canada
2003

---

2003

Chris,

I sure hope that someone will give you a proper answer to your question.

However, even if you do find something that works, then it will have to be manually removed which might cause an even longer delay than using wing nuts.

1. Use nuts instead of wing nuts BUT use a portable drill to zap them on and off. Ideally use magnetic nuts so that they'll not fall out of the socket.
2. Use a clothes hanger approach maybe whereby on forcing the lever, the 'thing' will clamp on or clamp off. Is something like this made for your Industry? I don't know.
3. Perhaps a socket having 2 or 3 interference 0-rings might work. Push on. Pull off. These could be made from plastics, ie. PVC. 0-rings should be off-the-shelf sizes otherwise this gets to be too expensive.

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).