What applications present the biggest challenge in terms of machine productivity?Carl/Ringfeder: Industrial applications, such as highly corrosive environments requiring special stainless steels, are the biggest challenges. Applications in which a locking device is dimensionally too large to fit into a component, or in which the torque requirements are beyond the capability of any device on the market, can also present a challenge.Blair/Ruland: The bolt pattern on locking devices can bring many challenges. Because of the time required to loosen and tighten the bolts, locking devices are not well suited for applications that require regular adjustments. Confined areas can also pose problems because of limited access to the bolt heads. Another challenge for locking devices is equipment with extended length shafts, which can be difficult to service because of the disassembly required, especially if the shaft is supported at both ends.

What applications present the biggest challenge in terms of machine productivity?Carl/Ringfeder: Industrial applications, such as highly corrosive environments requiring special stainless steels, are the biggest challenges. Applications in which a locking device is dimensionally too large to fit into a component, or in which the torque requirements are beyond the capability of any device on the market, can also present a challenge.Blair/Ruland: The bolt pattern on locking devices can bring many challenges. Because of the time required to loosen and tighten the bolts, locking devices are not well suited for applications that require regular adjustments. Confined areas can also pose problems because of limited access to the bolt heads. Another challenge for locking devices is equipment with extended length shafts, which can be difficult to service because of the disassembly required, especially if the shaft is supported at both ends.

Jeff/KTR: Prevent rust and make sure fasteners are tightened to the specified torques after a minimum operation time. Replace the device if it starts to slip. Reconfirm the selection, and be sure to check the dimensions and surface finish of the bore and shafts.Doug/Zero-Max: Keep the connection screws properly torqued for maximum holding forces, and use a connection with a minimum airtoolsaws number of adjusting screws.Jim/Stafford: Replace socket screws when sockets become worn. Don''t use wrenches with rounded corners. Don''t use a screwdriver to spread collars, or a hammer to move them along a shaft.Keith/U.S. Tsubaki: Higher quality locking devices are practically maintenance-free. There is no need to periodically retighten airtoolsaws locking bolts or replace the unit, even in high-vibration applications. End users can extend service life even longer by keeping exposed surfaces clean and corrosion airtoolsaws free.