Abstract: A nut-and-bolt fastener is provided. The nut and bolt are configured with a plurality of interlocking teeth that provide unidirectional travel of the nut with respect to the bolt. In particular, the configuration of the teeth arrest separation of the nut from the bolt while permitting the nut to move toward the head of the bolt into a fastened engagement. The teeth are non-helical and arranged concentrically around the longitudinal axis in evenly-spaced steps or segments along the longitudinal axis and around the shaft of the bolt and bore of the nut. Integral winged washers are provided on the bolt head as well as on the nut. Variations with different rake angles of the teeth as well as an expandable nut are also provided.

Abstract: A spring nut for attaching a threaded object to a structure can include first and second arms extending from the base, and a wedge element. The wedge element can be configured to selectively operatively urge the first and second arms apart to release the threaded object from between the first and second arms.

Abstract: Cable connector installation tools are provided. In one aspect, a tool includes removable nubs configured to set trim distances from the end of a cable to a blade in the tool. In another aspect, a tool includes jaws configured to force end connector components together, one of which being temporarily engaged by an interface nub.

Abstract: A spider is screwed to a drive shaft, includes a first screw that advances in one direction of an axial direction of the drive shaft when the spider rotates relative to the drive shaft in one direction of a circumferential direction, and is fastened to the drive shaft by the first screw. A nut is screwed to the drive shaft, includes a second screw that advances in the other direction of the axial direction of the drive shaft when the nut rotates relative to the drive shaft in one direction of the circumferential direction, and is fastened to the drive shaft by the second screw.

Abstract: A self-locking connection between the external thread of a bolt and the internal thread of a nut is established by providing at least one face of the internal and/or external thread with a self-locking portion which is adjacent the root of the respective thread. The self-locking portion has a first facet which makes with the central axis of the respective thread an angle of between 5.degree. and 30.degree., preferably an angle of between 8.degree. and 15.degree., and at least one additional facet which is adjacent the first facet and is inclined relative to the central axis at a greater second angle. The self-locking action is established in that the crest of the other thread is urged toward and is deformed against the self-locking portion of the at least one face in response to adequate axial stressing of the nut and/or the bolt. The polygonal peripheral surface of the nut has an odd number of sections not a single one of which is parallel to any other section.

Abstract: A self-locking connection between a bolt and a nut is obtained by making at least one face of at least one flight of the external thread of the bolt and/or the internal thread of the nut incongruous with the adjacent face of the other thread. This results in a clamping action along a helix at the root and/or at the crest of the other thread. The connection is self-locking in two directions if both faces of one or more flights of one of the threads are incongruous with the adjacent faces of the other thread.