Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a driver socket is configured to provide a visual indicator on a portion of a locknut upon application of a predetermined torque to the driver socket relative to the locknut. The driver socket has a member which is positioned proximate to the first end, with a portion thereof protruding into an aperture of the driver socket. The member is configured to engage a drive configuration of a locknut in order to apply nut torque to the locknut upon rotation of the drive socket and to form a mark on the drive configuration of the locknut in order to provide a visual indicator on the locknut that the locknut has been subjected to the desired torque during initial assembly. The driver socket is preferably attached to a ratchet arm of a fastening tool which provides a mechanical advantage in applying the desired torque.

Abstract: An isolator assembly which may be used, for example, to secure a fuel rail to a cylinder head. The isolator assembly includes a bolt, washer and compressive elements. When using the isolator assembly to mount a fuel rail, preferably initially the washer and a first compressive element are retained on the bolt. A shaft end of the bolt is then inserted into a mounting boss of the fuel rail, and a second compressive element is engaged with both the fuel rail and a threaded portion of the bolt. The bolt is then threaded into the cylinder head, causing the second compressive element to come into contact with the cylinder head and compress, along with the first compressive element. When fully installed, the first compressive element isolates the fuel rail from the bolt itself (and the washer), and the second compressive element isolates the cylinder head from the fuel rail.

Abstract: A rivet delivery apparatus and method which is configured to drop a rivet into a position such that the rivet can be threaded onto a guide wire and shot along the guide wire, such as to a rivet tool for broaching. Preferably, the rivet delivery apparatus includes a means to clamp the guide wire at two positions—a first position before a rivet is threaded onto the guide wire, and a second position after the rivet has been threaded onto the guide wire. Specifically, preferably the guide wire is clamped in a first position, and the rivet delivery apparatus includes a plate which shifts, causing a single rivet to fall in place for threading onto the guide wire. Then, the guide wire is unclamped, moved to the second position such that the rivet threads onto the guide wire, and the guide wire is clamped. Then, the rivet is shot along the guide wire, the guide wire is unclamped, moved to the first position, and clamped again so that a new rivet can be received and threaded onto the guide wire.

Abstract: A magnetic rivet retention system for a rivet gun, wherein a magnet is provided in a frame that is engageable with a powered handle. The magnet attracts a rivet and aligns the rivet relative to a punch and die of the rivet gun. The magnet is disposed in an internal chamber in a front bushing. The front bushing is threadably engaged with a back bushing, and both are disposed in a chamber which is provided in a C-frame. A compression spring is also disposed in the C-frame, thereby providing that the rivet gun is spring return.

Abstract: A C-frame for use in association with a fastener setting machine, such as a rivet setting machine. The C-frame is configured such that it can be used as a suspended C-frame or as a pedestal mounted C-frame. Specifically, the C-frame is configured such that it can be easily mechanically mounted on and electrically connected to a pedestal. The pedestal has a docking mechanism and the C-frame has corresponding structure which mates with the docking station to mechanically mount the C-frame to the pedestal. In addition, the pedestal includes an electrical connector which connects to, or mates with, a corresponding electrical connector on the C-frame. Preferably, buttons are provided on both the C-frame and the pedestal and docking the C-frame on the pedestal works to effectively transfer control of the rivet setting machine from the buttons on the C-frame to the buttons on the pedestal.

Abstract: A lockbolt which includes a head portion and a shaft which extends from the head portion. The shaft includes at least a portion which is threaded and has a multi-lobular profile. A collar is swageable onto the multi-lobular threaded portion, and thereafter the lobes provide that the collar does not tend to vibrate loose from the threading. The fact that the section which has a multi-lobular profile is also threaded provides that the collar (or a conventional threaded nut) can be selectively rotatably removed and re-installed on the lockbolt. Before swaging, the collar may initially include a cylindrical bore, or a bore which is multi-faceted, preferably generally corresponding to the profile of the multi-lobular portion of the lockbolt. The lockbolt may also include a frangible pintail, wherein the multi-lobular threaded portion is disposed between the head portion of the bolt and the frangible pintail.

Abstract: A lockbolt which includes a head portion and a shaft which extends from the head portion. The shaft includes at least a portion which is threaded and has a multi-lobular profile. A collar is swageable onto the multi-lobular threaded portion, and thereafter the lobes provide that the collar does not tend to vibrate loose from the threading. The fact that the section which has a multi-lobular profile is also threaded provides that the collar (or a conventional threaded nut) can be selectively rotatably removed and re-installed on the lockbolt. Before swaging, the collar may initially include a cylindrical bore, or a bore which is multi-faceted, preferably generally corresponding to the profile of the multi-lobular portion of the lockbolt. The lockbolt may or may not include a frangible pintail.

Abstract: An adjustable strap handle that can be used in connection with a packaging frame. The strap handle provides not only that the effective length of the strap is adjustable, but also provides that no tool needs to be used to install the strap. Additionally, a dual head self-pierce rivet is described that can be used in connection with a packaging frame, specifically to secure cardboard edge pieces to thin sheet metal or cardboard corner pieces and provide structure with which strap handles can engage. The dual head self-pierce rivet has a shank and a poke at its end. The poke is configured to pierce through the cardboard edge pieces of a cube frame, advance into the edge pieces, and flare into a profiled anvil. While a lower head of the rivet seats against the cardboard, an upper head contains and holds a strap handle in a ring groove.

Abstract: A fastener which includes a recess that includes a plurality of alternating lobes and recesses, where each of the flutes and lobes is twisted or angled. The fastener can be driven using a conventional multi-lobular driver. Alternatively, a driver which also has angled or twisted flutes and lobes can be used to engage the recess and drive the fastener. A punch pin includes a head that has a plurality of alternating lobes and recesses that are twisted or angled. The head of the punch pin is configured to punch the recess into the head of the fastener. A device retains the punch pin such that the punch pin can rotate out of the recess after the punch pin punches the recess into the head of the fastener.

Abstract: A tool made of powdered metal, such as a modified T15 HSS in powdered form, and having a multi-lobular end profile for punching multi-lobular recesses into workpieces, such as into the heads of fasteners. The tool is homogenous and contains only carbides which are relatively small, such as in the 1-4 micron range. Also provided is a method of fabricating such a tool. The method requires that a powdered metal bar is cut and then the cut piece is worked to provide the multi-lobular tool. The final part is theoretically 100% dense, as opposed to being only 95-98% dense as in metal injection molded parts. In use, the final part, due to how it is fabricated, has increased column strength and increased impact resistance.

Abstract: An automatic rivet loading module which includes a pusher mechanism, a gripper mechanism, a mandrel receptacle, mechanisms for moving mandrels in the mandrel receptacle, and a tool activation device. The gripper mechanism receives a rivet, and a mandrel is moved through the rivet such that the rivet threads onto the mandrel. The gripper mechanism moves out of the way while the pusher mechanism pushes the mandrel down. The pusher mechanism then retracts, and the gripper mechanism closes and is ready to receive another rivet. This process is repeated until the mandrel is full of rivets. The mandrel receptacle is rotatable such that the loaded mandrel swings to a position under the tool activation device to be loaded into a rivet tool. As the loaded mandrel is swung under the tool activation block, a new mandrel is swung under the gripper mechanism, in position for loading with rivets.

Abstract: An in-line sorter for fasteners which includes a track for receiving the head of a fastener. Fasteners move along the track, past one or more stations which reject those fasteners which do not meet certain specifications. Specifically, four stations may be provided—a first station for rejecting fasteners which have bolt portions which are too short; a second station for rejecting fasteners which have too long a head or too long a shaft portion extending above the head; a third station for rejecting fasteners which have bolt portions which are too long; and a fourth station for rejecting fasteners which have too large a head or washer portions which are either too small or too large. More or less than four stations may be provided. Also, the stations may be provided in a different sequence. Still further, in some cases, stations may be combined.

Abstract: A threaded insert which has a cutting edge on its external surface. The cutting edge is configured to punch a hole in a workpiece while leaving a slug intact, still connected to the workpiece structure. The cutting edge is configured such that no backup die need be utilized to form the hole in the workpiece. The threaded insert includes an internal threaded portion, and a deformable side wall which is configured to deform upon installation of the threaded insert, to forming a blind-side bulb against the workpiece, and against the slug. The threaded insert is configured such that an installation tool can be threaded into the threaded insert, the threaded insert pierced through the workpiece. Then, the installation tool is actuated to cause the deformable side wall of the threaded insert to plastically deform and form the blind-side bulb.

Abstract: A clip which is configured to keep a headlamp adjuster together during installation (and preferably also shipping), thereby allowing for one hand, easier installation. The clip can be left on the assembly after installation, or it can be removed, whichever is preferred. The clip is configured such that leaving it in place will not interfere with standard operation of the headlamp adjuster. A method of installing a headlamp adjuster with one hand is also provided.

Abstract: A thread forming screw having a minimum surface hardness of HRC 56. The screw can form threads in a workpiece having a surface hardness which exceeds HRC 23. A method of surface hardening a screw includes carbon enriching the screw to at least a 0.48 carbon level, and then quenching the screw. Then, the screw is tempered such that the surface hardness does not exceed the core hardness by more than 3 Rockwell C points, and both the surface and core are at a Rockwell C33-C39 hardness. Subsequently, the point is induction hardened, and the screw is quenched again. The screw is again tempered such that the lead threads and the first 3-4 full threads are at a Rockwell C56 minimum hardness, preferably to a depth of at least 0.008 inches, and the core of the fastener is at Rockwell C33-C39 hardness. Finally, a finish is applied.

Abstract: A self-piercing pin and method of installing same. The pin includes a body portion, a pierce ring, a flange, and a lock groove which is disposed between the pierce ring and the flange. An angled surface is provided between the pierce ring and the lock groove. A top side of the flange is generally flat so that the flange can be set flush to the workpiece, and to enhance the side load strength of the pin once the pin is installed. A bottom side of the flange is beveled, angled or flat, thereby minimizing the amount of workpiece material which becomes displaced during installation. Upon installation, the pierce ring shears the workpiece, and the material of workpiece flows to the lock groove portion of the pin, thereby forming a mechanical lock between the pin and the workpiece. A driver and a die are used to install the pin.

Abstract: A pulling head that can be used with a wide range of fasteners and power tools having different stroke lengths and/or power ratings. The pulling head has a set of internal jaws which has serrations that are configured to grip a wide range of fastener types and sizes. The effective stroke of the pulling head is determined by the power tool to which it is engaged, rather than by the structure and design of the pulling head. The pulling head preferably has two jaws and a jaw follower with a leading surface which provides two beveled surfaces. As a result, the trailing surface of the jaws need not be conical, thereby providing that the jaws need not be machined after they are cast, thereby providing a very low cost manufacturing solution.

Abstract: A tool and method for installing collapsible inserts. The tool includes a stabilizing handle which is threaded onto a tool body. The tool body is threaded onto a tool shaft. In use, a collapsible insert is threaded onto the tool and the insert is positioned in a hole in a workpiece. An actuating handle of the tool is then rotated, while holding the stabilizing handle, to cause the collapsible insert to collapse, thereby installing the insert relative to the workpiece. Once the insert has been collapsed using the tool, the actuating handle is rotated in the opposite direction, while holding the stabilizing handle, to disengage the tool from the insert. Then, a hanger is threadably inserted into the collapsed insert and a threaded rod is threaded into the hanger. Alternatively, the threaded rod is directly threadably engaged with the collapsed insert, without need for a hanger.