Mesh Flooring Clips Becoming Loose 1

[marksav]

Hi All

First post...so hello everyone

Not rocket science but a problem nevertheless: over our plant (petro chem) we don't seem to be able to ensure adequate clipping down of open mesh flooring on the plant structure. This clearly becomes a safety issue. I am happy to accept that part of this will be not clipping down after stripping/refitting for maintenance of associated equipment but we also seem to have lots come loose, presumably due to vibration.

Does anyone on the forum have the same problem on process plants, other applications for open mesh flooring. I would like ideas on a solution for a more robust, but non permanent, fixing clip. Fit and forget, that doesn't become loose and can be readily removed to take the floor out.

Let me know if I need to provide more detail and thanks in advance.

 

[MikeHalloran]

You're talking about bar grate, right?

It's going to vibrate, just from normal traffic, even if no machinery is nearby.
And bolted clips installed dry will loosen under vibration.
You could use self-locking nuts, most of which are a PITA in one way or another.

Simplest solution is a dab of Loctite PST on every male fastener just before assembly.
The Teflon within it provides a small anti-seize effect. The Loctite within will hold the fastener against vibration, but the bond is not crazy strong, so disassembly is still possible. The Loctite also provides corrosion protection to the assembled threads, making the fasteners usually reusable, and separable without a nutcracker.






Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[marksav]

Thanks Mike, that's helpful. Are you/is anyone aware of other possibilities; perhaps a change of clip design?