Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a masonry fastener having a helical portion. A workpiece is positioned between a pair of tools mounted for relative movement. Both tools have faces defining a plurality of raised and recessed portions that extend generally diagonally thereacross. A frame supports the tools such that the face of one tool generally opposes the face of the other tool face. Relative movement of the tools causes the workpiece to rotate and move across the faces where it is deformed by the interaction of the respective raised and recessed portions of each tool. The result is a masonry fastener having at least a portion of its body formed into a substantially helical shape.

Abstract: A one-piece fastener adapted to be driven into a drilled hole in masonry material. The fastener includes features which define a helical flight causing the fastener to rotate as it is driven in place. The fastener shank is configured to cause abrasion of the pre-drilled hole and is dimensioned such that a radially compressive force acts on the wall of the masonry hole to provide for enhanced retention of the fastener after it is set in place. A radially enlarged shoulder is provided on the fastener adjacent its driving end to tightly engage the entrance end of the masonry hole to provide firm radial support for the driving head and structure which it supports.

Abstract: A method of forming a receiver tube for a motor vehicle trailer hitch assembly. The method involves a forming operation in which a length of square tube stock is mechanically formed to define a reinforcing bead around the hitch receiving end of the tube. The process further partially forms and sizes the inside surface of the tube. The resulting receiver tube improves over prior art multi-piece constructions in terms of appearance and corrosion resistance.