Abstract: A blind fastener and method for making such fastener that has a flanged outer sleeve and a flanged inner sleeve that are secured together, wherein the outer sleeve has a socket that receives a lug from the inner sleeve to provide joint axial movement and wherein the outer sleeve has a plurality of slits that receives at least one radial projection from the inner sleeve to prevent rotation between sleeves. The inner sleeve has a thinner upper portion and a thicker lower portion with a score line therebetween to facilitate the separation of this portion. The inner sleeve has a central threaded bore to receive a threaded bolt for fastening purposes and to upset the outer sleeve relative to the flanged portion thereof to secure such fastener to a thin workpiece.

Abstract: A manually manipulatable nut and bolt fastener for a battery terminal clamp provides an nut configured to engage one of the fingers of a typical bifurcated battery terminal clamp and a bolt engaging the other finger to move the fingers relatively responsive to nut-bolt motion. The nut-bolt combination is formed of flexibly resilient polymeric material to deform to accommodate axial and lateral repositioning and alignment of the bolt as the battery clamp fingers move relatively to each other. The fastener eliminates normal corrosion associated with metallic fasteners for battery terminal clamps.

Abstract: The fastening together of structural elements formed from carbon-carbon is accomplished by a fastener constructed from 2-D or 3-D carbon-carbon in the form of a high angle helical threads on one end and a countersunk head with a carbon-carbon central insert on the other end with the threaded end inserted through the carbon-carbon structural elements to be joined. A metal is painted on the threads and the shank on the fastener. A collar formed from carbon-carbon is fitted over the course threaded end of the fastener with the distal end of the threads extending therefrom. While passing a heating current through the fastener, the head and the collar of the fastener are forced together. The fastener is heated to an elevated temperature in the presence of an Oxygen gas cover which causes the powered metal to expand up to 100% binding the fastener to the carbon-carbon components, collar and insert.

Abstract: A molded nail pack for use in an automatic nail gun that has a feeder for delivering nails in sequence into a chamber and a hammer for driving a nail in the chamber into a receiving member. The molded pack includes a plurality of nails that are supported in a spaced apart relationship by a first upper web and second lower web molded integrally with adjacent nails. In a second embodiment of the invention, the nails are connected by a vertically disposed web extending between overlapping heads of adjacent nails in the pack. Each web has a weakened section located so that a nail positioned in the gun chamber separates cleanly from the pack when struck by the gun hammer thereby preventing the gun from becoming jammed.

Abstract: A fastener clip adapted to be mounted onto a substantially plate-shaped carrier and by means of a fastening element is used for fastening of a structural part to the carrier. In order to be able to withstand sufficiently high screwing-in forces by the fastening element and in order to be able to connect the fastening element in a secure manner with the fastener clip, the fastener clip has on its leg a hollow-sleeve portion preferably with a central hole which extends over a length adjusted to the length of the fastening element.

Abstract: It is known for colored plastics caps to be pushed by a customer onto heads of metal screws, after the screws have been secured to sheets of colored cladding or roofing. It is also known for the caps to be molded around the screw heads by a manufacturer. In the present invention, a screw/cap assembly is formed by bonding an initially separate cap onto the head of a screw by means of an adhesive, such as an epoxy resin sufficiently strong to allow the screw to be driven while the cap is in place. The intention is that the manufacturer would maintain stocks of the caps and stocks of the screws of different types, and only secure predetermined caps onto the heads of predetermined screws in response to specific orders from customers.

Abstract: For the connection of two tubes (1, 2), one coupling piece (3, 4), consisting of an external thread (7) adhered, vulcanized or fused onto the end of the tube and a pipe coupling (8) screwed onto this by means of a slide adhesive is each connected with the tube ends. By means of the one coupling piece (4), a coupling lock (5) is slid from behind, which, by means of a flange (12), abuts on a shoulder unit (11). On the free end, the coupling lock (5) supports two swivelable levers (15) with eccentric cams (16), which abut on the shoulder unit (10) of the other coupling piece (3) and press this axially against the first coupling piece (4). By means of this construction, a non-tapered cross-sectional area is achieved in the tube coupling.

Abstract: A nut type plastic fastener has a vertical penetrating space and a plurality of holding pieces facing one another with the space. The facing surfaces of the holding pieces are provided with ridges for engagement with threads of a stud. The lower portions of the holding pieces are connected by means of small-thickness flexible pieces to the lower portion of the fastener body defining the space. When a stud is passed through a gap defined between the holding pieces, the holding pieces are separated from one another as a result of the flexing of the flexible pieces.

Abstract: A mounting screw for mounting an electrical wiring device having non-metallic components, to an electrical outlet box and combination of root electrical wiring device and screw. The screw includes a head and a shank, with a lip projecting downwardly from the bottom surface of the screw head spaced from and encircling the shank, and a series of ribs extending radially outward between the shank and the lip. Advantageously the mounting screw is in combination with an electrical wiring device having non-metallic mounting straps so that when the screw is installed by a power tool, the lip-and-ribs arrangement on the screw bites into the mounting strap material to produce resistance to the turning of the power tool signaling the operator that the screw is secure.

Abstract: An anchor nut-cage fixing system is provided for positioning on a metal sheet from one of the faces of this metal sheet with a view to receiving bolts presented from this same face and comprising: a nut (1) with wings adapted for cooperating with an elongate hole (3) formed in the metal sheet (4); a plastic material cage (5) split by windows (6) and connected to an external collar (7). This collar is covered by a flat metal cap (9) perforated so as to let the bolts pass therethrough and having axially bent flanges (12) whose axial height is equal to or slightly less than the thickness of the collar, one at least of these flanges being bent to a little more than 90.degree. so as to imprison the collar.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a device on a wall in which the device includes a wall mounting pad having at least two fastener receiving openings. A plastic base plate is provided with at least two integral screw anchors that extend transverse to the rear side of the base plate at locations corresponding to the spaced locations of the fastener receiving openings in the mounting pad. Screw fasteners are adapted to be screwed into the wall anchor to expand the wall anchors into firm engagement with the opening in the wall and to provide mounting fasteners for attaching the mounting pad to the base plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the attachment of plastic outer body panels to automotive vehicle subframes including positioning a cup within apertures in the subframe, applying a thixotropic heat curable plastic/adhesive to the cup, heat curing the plastic/adhesive in situ while forming a blind aperture in the plastic/adhesive, and securing the body panel to the subframe through threaded insertion of a fastener into the blind aperture.

Abstract: A threaded fastener is made of a composite material made of layers extending parallel to the fastener axis and having elongated filament fibers. A portion of the fibers extend parallel to the axis of the fastener to provide tensile and shear strength to the fastener, and a portion of the fibers extend parallel to the load-bearing thread faces to enhance tensile strength to the threads.

Abstract: An improved closet bolt has a generally oval head, a shank including a threaded fastening portion extending from the head and generally concentric with respect thereto, and anti-turn ears or protrusions extending radially outwardly from a portion of the shank between the threaded shank portion and the head, the threaded portion adjacent the anti-turn ears having on opposite sides thereof a plurality of sawtooth or ramp members, the ramps sloping toward the bolt head, and wherein the bolt is constructed of a suitable high strength plastic material. Methods for using the improved closet bolt result in quick and efficient toilet installation, removal and repair.

Abstract: A cover for the end of a bolt to which a nut is attached is provided. The cover includes a body having an open end which is communication with an internal cavity. The internal cavity includes a first section of the shape of the nut and a second section. The second section of the internal cavity is cylindrical and is of a diameter between the outer and inner thread diameters of the bolt. In operation, the cover is forced over the bolt and nut such that the first internal cavity section surrounds the nut and the second internal cavity section engages the threads. By virtue of the interference fit provided, the cover may not readily be removed.

Abstract: The fixing of an object such as a thermophonic insulation cushion or blanket to a structure such as as stringer within the fuselage of an aircraft is carried out by means of a one-piece device (10). The latter comprises a support member (12) resting on a circular arc-shaped portion (a3) of the stringer (a), a fixing member (14), which is fitted into a hole (a4) in the stringer and an attachment member (16), such as a serrated pin, on which the cushion is held by a washer (20).

Abstract: A fixing device for use in fixing insulating boards and waterproof sheeting, if required, to be fixed with the insulating boards on a sheet panel forming a cover plate for a flat roof, includes a sleeve inserted into a drilled hole extending through the waterproof sheeting, the insulating board, and the sheet panel, the lower end of the sleeve projecting beyond the sheet panel and including an expandable part which is opened out beyond the drilled hole diameter by tightening a nut on a bolt which passes through a plate or disc-like abutment element and the bore of the sleeve. The fixing device is made such that it can be detached again so that the roof covering can be repaired, renewed, and reconstructed, if required, without causing significant damage to the sheet panel.

Abstract: A retaining pin useful for retaining semiconductor packages within a carrying sleeve has a solid cylindrical shank and a spherical head. The shank has a shoulder that commences a predetermined distance below the head and tapers gradually to a truncated end.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic nailer system for use in the joinery industry. The system includes a strip including a plurality of plastic ferrules which receive a complementary plurality of nails. Each ferrule is provided with a step which is adapted to co-operate with a surface of a substrate to form a groove for receiving a flange on a trim, each ferrule also having the thicker part thereof tapered to assist in fitting the trim. The ferrules are arranged in a longitudinal row and are connected to each other by at least one severable plastic web. The system further includes an automatic nailer specially adapted to drive the nails individually into a substrate while at the same time severing its associated ferrule from the next adjacent ferrule. Preferably, the automatic nailer includes a cartridge for feeding a plurality of strips into the automatic nailer.

Abstract: A fastener for insulated roofing comprises a non-metallic, screw-threaded shank, having a penetrating point at one end of the shank and a transverse plate carried at the other end of the shank. The shank and transverse plate are preferably integrally method out of a polyetherimide resin formulation which has a tensile strength of at least 15,000 psi. as tested by ASTM D638. Such a fastener has a great advantage in terms of cost and lack of corrodability, while still exhibiting the required strength. Also, a universal driver socket is provided.

Abstract: A plastic clip for securing a panel or like member to a stud or like securement member is disclosed. The clip comprises a first member having a head portion having a through hole and a pair of locking portions extending from the head portion and capable of being pivoted relative to the head portion and a second member having an insertion portion to be inserted through the through hole and a locking portion to be locked to the securement member. By inserting the insertion portion of the second member into the through hole of the first member after insertion of the pair of locking portions of the first member through a mounting hole of the member to be secured, the pair of locking portions are pivoted away from each other so as to clamp the member to be secured. In this state, the locking portion of the second member is secured to the securement member, thus securing the member to be secured to the securement member.

Abstract: The utility of a cover for vents or drains is improved by having a unitary, integral fastening means which can be used to either secure the covering so securely that mutilation of the cover may be required to remove the cover or that the cover may be easily removed and replaced. The cover can be formed from any polymer with any desired surface configuration, i.e., hole size and shape, and can be used to modify existing covers or as the original cover for a hole or vent. The fastening means when integral is made of the same material as the cover and can be easily expanded and secured by pressure elements. Since the normal sleeve has been replaced by the integral fastener which is part of the cover, no relative rotation of the sleeve and pressure means can occur.

Abstract: A plastic encapsulated nut and washer assembly includes a plastic retainer or body for holding a hex nut and washer in axially aligned abutting relation ready for assembly with an external threaded member. A portion of the plastic retainer provides an annular seal around the washer when the nut is tightened on a threaded member and an extension bore is formed in the plastic material for providing a lock-nut function when the threaded member is extended into the extension bore from the threaded bore of the hex nut.

Abstract: A composite blind plastic rivet having a ductile plastic sheath fully covering the blind head on the rivet to preclude protrusion of fibers upon formation thereof.

Abstract: A joint for joining together lengths of fiberglass reinforced pipe or assembling joint components to a length of fiberglass reinforced pipe has abrasive threads capable of cutting matching threads into the surface of the pipes being joined. The abrasive threaded coupling requires no shaving or other surface preparation of the pipes to be joined for assembly of the joint. If a bonding adhesive is used in the joint, the joint is not sensitive to and will not be damaged by the movement of the joint before the adhesive has cured. The abrasive threaded joint can be modified for use as a pipe coupling, fitting, flange, adapter or a quick and effective repair coupling.

Abstract: An expansion fastener includes a fastener body which has a pair of integral axial anchoring sections. An expander pin is drivable into a throat of the fastener body to force apart the anchoring sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the attachment of plastic outer body panels to automotive vehicle subframes including positioning a cup within apertures in the subframe, applying a thixotropic heat curable plastic/adhesive to the cup, heat curing the plastic/adhesive in situ while forming a blind aperture in the plastic/adhesive, and securing the body panel to the subframe through threaded insertion of a fastener into the blind aperture.

Abstract: A method for providing a junction between metal fittings in a composite structure is disclosed which reduces susceptibility of the junction to electrical arcing during a natural lightning strike. A bore is formed in the composite structure which has a diameter approximately equal to a portion of the metal fitting. In a first embodiment, the bore is provided with internal threads. The metal fitting is provided with cooperative threads which engage the bore to form an interference fit. The metal fitting is continuously rotated into the bore to generate substantial heat therebetween until the metal fitting is fully seated. A substantially void-free interface between the metal fitting and the composite structure results which is preconditioned to a lightning strike. The junction is capable of withstanding current flows of up to 30 kA for the particular part described without the occurrence of electrical arcing.

Abstract: An essentially cylindrical, light weight, composite fastener formed of an interior cylindrical core member, a cone-shaped molded insert plug member in the first or head end of the core, and an exterior cup-shaped overwrap member. Threads are formed at the second or threaded end of the fastener. All of the components are fabricated of an organic resin material with high-modulus fibers embedded therein. The fibers of the exterior member are long and continuous while the fibers of the other members are short and chopped. All the fibers are essentially parallel with the axis of the fastener. The resin material is preferably polyetheretherketone and the fibers are preferably graphite. Also disclosed is the method of manufacturing the above described fastener.

Abstract: The present invention is a fastening assembly for securing a door trim panel to a door body inner panel. The assembly includes a male member having a head portion adapted to be removably secured to a slot in the door trim panel. The male member has a cylindrical portion having a plurality of barbs spaced longitudinally along the cylindrical portion. The assembly also includes a female member having means for removably securing the female member to the door body inner panel. The female member has a cylindrical portion with a longitudinal axis and a pocket formed therein along the longitudinal axis. The pocket includes a means for engaging a groove between a pair of adjacent barbs on the male member for adjusting the door trim panel relative to the door body inner panel.

Abstract: The invention is a composite rivet comprising a tubular preform having a longitudinal axis and an aperture therethrough aligned with the longitudinal axis. The preform further comprises a head portion, a head forming portion and a shear portion therebetween. The preform is composed of filamentary material in a resin matrix with the filamentary material in the head forming portion in a helical pattern about the longitudinal axis. A mandrel is mounted in the aperture with the mandrel having an end extending outward from said head forming portion.

Abstract: A composite blind rivet wherein a ductile metallic sheath fully covers the blind head forming portion of the rivet before and after deformation thereof so as to preclude protrustion of said fibers upon formation of said blind head. The sheath is initially expanded radially along a thin-walled portion thereof during blind head formation by the hydrostatic pressure generated by axial compression of the rivet's composite core, whereafter axial compression of the sheath supplants the hydrostatic core pressure to radially outwardly buckle the sheath into a blind head preferably of frusto-conical cross-section. Subsequent to blind head formation, the sheath elastically maintains a radially inward bias on the rivet's composite core while elastically axially biasing the anvil from the workpieces, whereby clamp-up force is maintained notwithstanding nominal plastic cold flow of the rivet's composite core during use.

Abstract: The disclosed invention comprises a molded plastic holding device 10 having an axially extending inner space 11 to receive a profiled bolt, especially a sawtooth bolt. The inner space 11 has a plurality of guide stays OR ribs 3 distributed about its circumference and running in the axial direction to engage the bolt in the lengthwise direction. There is also arranged in the inner space 11 at a location prior to the guide stays 3, in the push-in direction A of the bolt, a profile guide zone 1 with spring finger elements 2. The profiled guide zone 1 is defined by radially resilient and deflectable corrugated shell parts (13 to 18) which carry the spring finger elements 2.

Abstract: The clutch disc for a friction disc clutch comprises friction linings attached to a lining carrier by connection elements. The connection elements are provided with a synthetic plastics conical head, seated in a conical opening of the friction lining. A shank, on the side of the lining carrier turned away from the friction lining, has been deformed into a closing head. The portion of the shank forming the closing head can consist of synthetic plastics, too, or can be formed by a metal hollow rivet anchored in the head. The synthetic plastics head wears out along with, and increases, the wearable volume of the friction lining.

Abstract: A threaded fastener comprises a head component for the application of torque to the fastener, an externally threaded shank portion, a resilient linking member for interconnecting the head component and the shank portion a certain axial distance apart and for resiliently biasing against axial displacement of the shank portion from the head component a distance other than such certain axial distance, and a torque transmitting mechanism for transmitting torque from the head component to the shank portion. The torque transmitting mechanism is able to transmit sufficient torque from the head component to the shank portion to cause axial displacement of the shank portion in an aperture in a work piece against the resilient biasing of the resilient linking member, whereby the resilient member is elongated and put in axial tension.

Abstract: A clip comprises a clip body having an enlarged diameter head portion at one end and a stud reception hole extending from the center of the other end toward the head portion. Integrally attached by means of hinge portions to the outer periphery of the clip body are outwardly extending locking portions and engagement seat portions integral with stem portions of the locking portions and extending away from the head portion. The locking portions are folded together with the engagement seat portions at the hinge portions so as to be locked to the head portion.

Abstract: A fastener designed to be securerd into a hole in an aircraft panel can be manufactured from an integral engineering thermoplastic structure which includes a centrally located cylindrical body carrying flanges at its ends. One of these flanges has diametrically opposed notches leading through it. Ribs are located on the flanges so that when the fastener is within a hole in a panel and a fluid resin composition is forced in to one of the notches the flow is divided into two separate streams, each of which flows in a labyrinth-like manner in reaching the other notch.

Abstract: A tamper-evident container assembly comprises a container and a cap. The container has a dispensing end that includes an opening through which the contents of the container can be dispensed, a threaded surface, and a frangible tab extending outwardly from the threaded surface. The cap is internally threaded with the threads of the cap being complementary to those of the threaded surface of the dispensing end of the container and being formed prior to the cap being placed on the dispensing end of the container. The cap has a vertical notch therein extending from the lower edge thereof of a size sufficient to receive at least a portion of the tab so that the tab is readily visible therethrough. The cap is initially placed axially over the dispensing end of the container so that the tab is received within the notch in the cap.The cap can not be initially removed from the container without separating at least a portion of the tab from the threaded surface of the dispensing end of the container.

Abstract: An anchoring bolt including an expansion sleeve and an expander member insertable into the sleeve to expand the latter. The anchoring bolt has an inner thread at the end which faces the end face of the wall of the supporting structure to which an object is to be fastened by the anchoring bolt. A removable spacer is inserted into the borehole of the supporting structure after the anchoring bolt and is engaged with the inner thread thereof so as to determine a distance between the end of the inserted anchoring bolt and the end face of the supporting structure. This distance corresponds to the distance that the expander member is to be drawn into the expansion sleeve.

Abstract: A securing device includes an outer cylinder having a hollow cylindrical portion with a flange provided at one end, and an insertion member having a rod-like portion to be inserted into the outer cylinder. The hollow cylindrical portion of the outer cylinder has a plurality of slits open at the other end, an inwardly projecting portion provided at the other end, and a plurality of engagement ribs projecting outwardly from the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion. A rod-like portion of the insertion member has a head portion provided at one end, an intermediate large diameter portion having an outer diameter which is greater than the inner diameter of the inwardly projecting portion of the outer cylinder, and a small diameter portion having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the inwardly projecting portion of the outer cylinder. The small diameter portion is provided upon the side of the large diameter portion which is located nearer the head portion of the insertion member.

Abstract: A synthetic resin rivet comprises a rivet body having a hollow cylindrical portion and an integral flange portion extending radially outwardly from the upper end of the cylindrical portion and a pin for radially expanding the cylindrical portion of the rivet body when inserted thereinto. The rivet body has a double-layer structure constituted by two different synthetic resins, one relatively hard and the other relatively soft. At least an outer layer of the cylindrical portion and a cap layer closing an end opening of the cylindrical portion is fabricated from the soft synthetic resin so as to provide reliably effective annular sealing defined between the cylindrical portion of the rivet and the interior peripheral surfaces of the holes defined within panels within which the rivet is to be disposed.

Abstract: A wall fastener comprising a hollow conical member, a cylindrical sleeve member disposed substantially within the conical member, an anchoring member attached to the sleeve member for engaging the inner surface of a hollow wall and a rotatable threaded member extending through aligned openings in the conical member, sleeve member and anchoring member for tightly securing the fastener to the wall. The anchoring member is comprised of a central housing and a plurality of resilient curved feet flared outwardly from the housing. The feet are bendable toward the axis of the threaded member to allow the anchoring member to be inserted through a hole in the wall. When the anchoring member has cleaned the hole, the feet are spring-biased to return to the outwardly flared position to engage the inner surface of the wall.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for securing layers of roofing material to a deck includes a nut for insertion in and engagement with a pre-drilled hole in the deck and a threaded bolt for engagement with the nut. The nut is provided with resilient legs that are disposed both above and below the hole and that deflect outwardly upon being engaged by the bolt to prevent removal of the nut from the hole. The shank of the bolt is provided with a groove that engages edge portions on the nut legs to prevent counter rotation of the bolt.

Abstract: An implantable polycarbonate fastener for holding erosion cloth on the ground. The fastener has a long vertical leg, a shorter vertical leg extending parallel to the long leg, and a horizontal top leg extending between them. The long vertical leg has a tapered lower end segment with a downwardly and outwardly inclined inside face to cause the long leg to bend away from the shorter vertical leg as it is driven down into the ground, thereby making the implanted fastener harder to pull out of the ground.

Abstract: A plastic clip to be tightened against a bolt comprises a plastic body having a base having a through hole to be penetrated vertically by the bolt, at least one upright post extending upright from the top of the base adjacent to the through hole, a cylindrical portion united to the outer end of the upright post and having a hole formed above and coaxial with the through hole in the base for receiving the bolt, and a flexible arm extending in a curved fashion from one side of the upright post between the base and the cylindrical portion to slightly project with respect to the outer shape of the cylindrical portion having a curved inner surface provided with a thread to be meshed with the male thread of the bolt, and a plastic operable cylinder fitted on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion and lowered along the upright post to urge the flexible arm against the periphery of the bolt.

Abstract: A screw anchor including a four-legged compressible shank whose normal shape is diamond-like, the front legs of the shank being joined together by a front apex hinge, the rear legs being joined to the front legs by side apex hinges. The rear legs terminate in feet whose adjacent soles normally assume the form of an inverted V-inlet. A socket whose bore lies in axial registration with a hole in the front apex of the shank is secured by a pair of normally outstretched resilient webs to the respective rear legs. To install the anchor, its side apex hinges are manually compressed to collapse the shank into a tongue which is then inserted through a hole drilled in the wall until the socket is seated therein and the shank which is now behind the wall resumes its diamond-like shape. Then a screw for holding the fixture against the wall is inserted in the socket bore and turned therein until its tip is intercepted by the inlet which is dilated thereby to admit the screw.

Abstract: This invention relates to a one-piece molded nut made of plastic which is used to secure one member to another in cooperation with a stud. The nut includes a cylindrical portion having an inner space and an engagement piece extending across the open end of the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A continuous nail for an automatic nailing machine is disclosed in which each nail (2) of a continuous nail (1) is integrally moulded with a resin in which reinforcing material is mixed to improve its strength. The resin is selected from thermoplastic materials such as polyamide resin to result in good compatibility with the materials to be nailed. Moreover, the sectional configuration and surface characteristics of the shaft (4) of each nail (2) is shaped and finished to make the nail (2) difficult to pull out. Also, the configuration of the head (3) of the nail (2) is shaped and/or colored to give it a good nailing finish on the plaster board pasted with paper.

Abstract: A push nut and a male member are disclosed having cooperating buttress threads. The push nut is divided into sectors, each of which has multiple segments that comprise the nut's thread. The adjacent edges of the successive sectors are connected to each other by a resilient corrugation arranged to distribute the stress equally between the ends of each thread segment and equally among the thread segments of each sector.

Abstract: A plastic resin hole plug to fill a hole in a flat thin panel comprises a one-piece unitary injection-molded plastic member having a top closure wall whose bottom surface has a flat edge which rests on the panel. In one embodiment the plug has a cruciform shank portion which extends from the top closure wall portion, the shank portion having a plurality of ribs which retain the plug in the hole. In another embodiment the shank has an elongated hollow cavity and a flat-sided chisel-like point.