Spiralock threads 1

[JeanMicheling]

Hello,

Does someone have ever tried the spiralock threads. I read they work well but I'd like to have a feedback from the practical world.

 

[CoryPad]

Yes, I have used them for an application. They work better than regular threads, but not as well as thread adhesives, so we switched.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[ivymike]

They worked pretty well in at least one case that I'm familiar with.

 

[mrainey]

The problem I remember was the company not having the taps in stock when we needed them.


Software For Metalworking

http://mrainey.freeservers.com

 

[tclapp]

We use them all the time where I work as most of our stuff is in a high vibration environment. They work awesome because the whole thread engagment is applying force instead of just the first few threads as in a typical thread-form.

As another user posted, it can be difficult sometimes though to find machine shops that have the taps. We usually deal with just a few machine shops so they keep 'em on hand. It's sometimes tough to tap deep holes and use bottoming taps with them.

They also make Sprialock nuts which also work great for stud applications.

In 15 years of using it we've never had a failure.

 

[arto]

They depend on the preload to load the thread ends & keep everything tight, so they need a metal-to-metal joint to work right [i.e., won't work well in a gasketed joint where creep relaxation occurs]

 

[JeanMicheling]

What about the cost? Is there a big difference?

 

[unclesyd]

Here is the NASA take on Spiralock Fasteners.

http://www1.jsc.nasa.gov/r/seh/pg122s95.html

 

[CoryPad]

unclesyd's link is incorrect. It should be:

http://www1.jsc.nasa.gov/er/seh/pg122s95.html

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[rpmiller]

We used to use Spiralock extensively here but ran into problems like availibility and price (as mentioned already).

Our biggest problem: tap quality. We use a lot of high strength materials and our machine shops were complaining of constantly breaking Spiralock taps. Of course, if you're using softer materials, this is no issue.

I've heard rumours that Spiralock is looking into bettering their taps but in the meantime we have considered changing drawing callouts from "Spiralock threadform" to "thread locking thread form" since there are other manufacturers. Emuge is an example (

http://www.emuge.com/)

 

[frankjconway]

In addition to the taps (which I have had problems with as well), don't forget that you need to get the special thread gages from Spiralock as well. We had our QC folks break a gage and the leadtime for replacement was quite a while at the time.

Frank