
22 minute read
PRODUCTS + TOOLS
THE LAtest product and technology developments
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EVERWIN’s light 90mm coil framing nailer
EVERWIN states its newest framing coil nailer, FCN90LB, is answering the demands of modern users – with it being light enough for decking, powerful enough for framing, as well as precise enough for siding.
EVERWIN Pneumatic believes the FCN90LB’s growing popularity is thanks to its versatility and innovation. “Weighing only 3kg, the FCN90LB is 26% lighter in weight than other models in its class – making it the ideal tool for overhead work,” explains EVERWIN. Designed for both wire and plastic collated nails, the FCN90LB also features EVERWIN’s patented ‘Precision Nailing Technology’, which aims to minimise formation of driver marks – giving the exterior of houses a much cleaner finish. The contact tip is also designed much slimmer compared to conventional tools, giving the user a clearer line of sight. Specifically compatible with collated screw nails, the FCN90LB provides a solution to decking repairs and promotes a stronger fastener holding force. The tool also features a tool-free depth adjustment to drive nails to desired configuration.
A professional collated partner
Working together with a European research and development team, Kinfast has the skill and innovative vision to consistently make high-quality products – such as its collated drywall self-drilling screws.
Kinfast’s collated screws are held together with a durable plastic strip that has been designed to fit perfectly into auto-feed screw guns – making them suitable for all leading brands, including Hilti, DEWALT®, Makita, SENCO and Festool.
Kinfast Hardware (Shenzen) Ltd is also able to supply collated drywall self-drilling screws, which can be used to fasten plasterboard to timber. The collated screw strip is designed to work quickly and effectively with collated autofeed guns – enabling users to hang drywall faster and with minimal force, as less force is needed to drive the screws in.
“Our screws are strictly controlled and inspected during production and before assembling, to make sure they work well,” comments Kinfast. “Making products with consistent high-quality requires good process control techniques combined with advanced equipment. That is why we have advanced inspection measuring and testing equipment in-house to qualify all incoming raw materials, while our modern metrology laboratory ensures that all parts meet exact specifications.”
www.kinfast.com
New screw driving system for collated fasteners
Simpson Strong-Tie has introduced the Quik Drive® Cordless PROCCS+ Multi-Purpose Combo System – a lightweight, cordless version of its Quik Drive® auto feed screw driving system for collated fasteners.
Designed for applications in decking, underlayment, and subflooring, this new product improves speed, reliability, and user comfort, and offers a reliable drive with fewer kick outs – delivering the same durability and dependability as its corded system. Combining new advancements in battery technology, with low torque fastener designs, the Quik Drive® Cordless drives approximately 1,200 two inch screws per full battery charge. Eliminating electrical cords reduces setup time and removes tripping hazards. The kit also comes with two power packs, allowing for battery swapping on the jobsite. The product features quick loading collated screw strips, precise countersink adjustment and the Quik Drive® auto advance mechanism.
“With this next generation Quik Drive® combo kit, users can offer enhanced industrial design and ergonomics along with reliability and reduced user fatigue,” explains Brandon Ward, fastening systems product manager for Simpson Strong-Tie. “Designed for easy stand up driving, the Quik Drive® Cordless PROCCS+ lets contractors drive more screws per battery charge than ever before.”
The combo kits include the PRO300SG2 and PRO200SG2 Quik Drive® attachments, both equipped with a 2,000rpm, 20V brushless DEWALT® cordless DCF624 driver motor and G3 lightweight extension. Simpson points out the new kits will also include two 5 Amp hour lithium ion batteries, a battery charger, screw quiver and a protective soft case.
COLLATED FASTENERS, NAILERS, STAPLERS + SYSTEMS FEATURE Driving the transition to cordless convenience
DEWALT®, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, has introduced the ATOMIC COMPACT SERIES™ 20V MAX brushless cordless 23 gauge pin nailer. With its high output brushless motor, the DCN623 pin nailer is capable of driving 23 gauge pin nails from ⅝ inches up to 1½ inches in length into a variety of woods, including solid oak.
Ryan Masters, senior product manager at Stanley Black & Decker, explains: “Our users need the convenience and freedom offered by a cordless pin nailer that eliminates the use of compressors and hoses traditional pneumatic products require. This new nailer delivers on those needs and is just one of the most recent innovations from DEWALT® that is helping to fuel the transition to a cordless jobsite.”
The tool also boasts an impressive runtime with the ability to drive 2,000 nails per charge to help maximise uninterrupted work time. For jobsite efficiency, the low nail lockout system with LED indicator informs users when it is time to reload and, in addition, this pin nailer features a tool-free jam release that helps to reduce downtime by quickly clearing jams, as well as tool-free depth adjust for precise nail placement.
COLLATED FASTENERS, NAILERS, STAPLERS + SYSTEMS FEATURE Cut the cord with SENCO Fusion
SENCO’s Fusion F-35XP framing nailer combines pneumatic performance with cordless convenience, as well as a robust design and durable construction – making it ideal for professional framers and contractors.
Featuring optimised power and performance, SENCO’s nailer is suitable for a variety of applications including framing, panelised construction, truss building, subflooring, sheathing, decking, fencing, pallets and crate assembly. The Fusion F-35XP framing nailer also features up to 600 shots per full charge, as well as Fusion cordless air power technology, which means the tool operates like a true pneumatic with no ramp up time – providing the power to sink nails completely into hard substrates, including engineered lumber.
As well as this, the tool features a smart framer to reduce jams and alert users to any problems; a pressure relief valve and refillable air port to simplify service repair and tool maintenance; and a brushless motor for efficient and consistent performance.

Superior fastening from Makita
Makita has introduced the new 18V LXT® brushless 6,000rpm autofeed screwdriver, model XRF03Z, which it states delivers superior fastening speed to handle a variety of materials and applications.
Using a Makita brushless motor to achieve a maximum fastening speed of 6,000rpm, the autofeed screwdriver can be used in a variety of work environments and can drive up to 2,250 screws with Push Drive™ technology on a single charge of an 18V LXT® 5.0Ah battery. Push Drive™ enables the user to operate the tool but only has the motor running when the fastener engages for longer run times and reduced noise.
“The autofeed screwdriver is a great addition to the line-up of fastening tools in the LXT® system,” said Rudy Jansen, residential construction product manager at Makita Inc. “The autofeed screwdriver can handle a variety of drywall, decking and framing applications faster, allowing the user to increase productivity with less fatigue.”
Switching from a work environment that requires different materials to be installed is also achievable with the autofeed screwdriver, as it can accept screws ranging from 1 inch – 23/16 inches. The depth that the fastener is installed can be adjusted using a one touch wheel that allows the fastener to either sit at the surface of the material or below depending on the application.
Engineered for continuous use, the autofeed screwdriver is both compact and ergonomic and weighs only 4.9lbs, with battery, for reduced operator fatigue. The handle is designed with the user in mind with a comfortable Fastener And Fixing Mag Ad AW.pdf 13 06/01/2021 12:22 rubberised grip and a lock-on button for continuous use.




















SPIROL launches new website
SPIROL recently launched its new and improved corporate website – a culmination of over 74 years of engineering knowledge and experience in the fastening, joining and assembly arena.
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imple to use and easy to navigate, the new site makes it effortless to connect with SPIROL’s global locations; request technical support; submit an RFQ; as well as purchase product through the company’s integrated eCommerce website. Available in 10 languages, the new corporate website has a specific ‘Fastener and Assembly Resource Centre’ for easy access to product catalogues and design guides, 2D/3D drawings, instructional videos, white papers, application success stories, as well as FAQs.
The site also provides an easy method of connecting with the global application engineering team to help design not only the engineered fastener, but also to make the critical recommendations for the interface between the fastener and assembly components to ensure the product goes together and stays together for the intended life of the assembly.
www.spirol.co.uk
Committed to customer satisfaction
With its crucial machined components and high-tensile fasteners, UMAA Engineers specialises in creating non-standard, unique fasteners based on customer requirements – always putting the customer first.
Indian-based UMAA Engineers is ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949:2016 certified and specialises in producing critical fasteners for earth moving equipment, road making machines, tractors, oil and gas energy applications, valves and two wheelers. The company produces hot forged, cold forged, and machined fasteners for diverse OEM applications.
UMAA has established a reputation for producing big and distinctive fasteners and exporting them across the world, including France, Germany, the United States, North Macedonia, Slovakia, and Saudi Arabia, by meeting the demand for fasteners that are more sophisticated, challenging and unique.
“Alloy steels, medium carbon steels, low carbon steels, and boron steels, are the basic materials we employ. Through our unwavering quality and prompt delivery, we hope to establish ourselves as a ‘go to’ source for special fasteners and critical parts for all railway and heavy equipment manufacturers. Our goal is to develop enduring business relationships with our valued customers by offering them a product that serves as a testament to our dependability, commitment and excellence,” comments Mr Palaniappan, CEO at UMAA Engineers.
New versatile tool – even in difficult spaces
Stahlwille has expanded its ½ inch ratchet range with the 516 telescopic ratchet, primarily designed for use in the commercial vehicle sector, as well as bolt tightening operations on industrial installations.
Complying with DIN 3122/ISO 3315 regulations and suitable for torques up to 512Nm, Stahlwille Eduard Wille GmbH & Co KG recommends the new tool for professional users who frequently work with high torques. The tool features a changeover switch for right and left rotation, which is located on the top of the head in a slight recess. In doing this, accidental changeover is prevented.
The shaft of the ratchet can also be adjusted in five steps from 410mm – 630mm, where each step is 55mm. The variable length allows for additional application possibilities where the use of a ratchet is not normally possible or only possible to a limited extent. The extension action is fast and safe thanks to the slide bearings and ‘end stop’ protection. The length is adjusted by means of a rocker at the front end of the shaft. Due to the telescopic shaft, the tool is versatile, even in difficult spaces with limited room to move.
The ratchet also features a two component convex handle for ease of use, which provides a secure grip, even when hands are dirty or wet. In addition, the grip components are resistant to oils, greases, brake fluids and Skydrol – a hydraulic fluid used in the aviation sector.

TR launches interactive animations for engineers
TR Fastenings has launched new interactive 3D animations to serve as a training and educational tool for buyers and design engineers when it comes to products and installation methods.
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ith the advent of emerging technologies, manufacturing is becoming more complex. The integration of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) is enabling manufacturers to simplify these processes. TR Fastenings Ltd, part of Trifast Plc Group, is therefore embracing and taking advantage of this growing trend with its animation know-how.
Produced by TR’s in-house visualisation team, 3D models have been created to enable the user to accurately visualise products in different settings and formats. Ever wondered what a self-clinch fastener looks like cut in half, or visualised the appearance of when it is fully assembled? TR believes it’s this product visualisation that will assist companies at the design stage and will be invaluable. Various options enable the user to interact with the products such as assemblies, cutaways, magnification, material types and installation.
Currently, there are approximately 50 products with the 3D product visualiser available on the TR website. The company’s intention is for these to be an integral part of its ongoing content strategy – as the industry evolves visualisation technology to meet design engineering demands. These interactive animations also include installation animations where an entire installation process can be shown, end-to-end. What can often be difficult to explain is now much clearer and easier to understand using visual representation. TR’s installation animations are a way of demonstrating a virtual assembly and sub assembly in a simple way. These ‘real time’ technical animations demonstrate products, processes, and concepts, which can often be complex and hard to visualise.
“We are delighted with our new series of 3D product visualisers and animations. This represents a real step change in how designers and engineers can work with us. VR and AR technology has advanced significantly in recent years, but our industry has not fully captured that potential. We will continue to develop our offering to ensure we bring innovative concepts to life,” says Glenda Roberts, global projects and marketing director at TR Fastenings.


Is a gasket the same as a washer?
Although gaskets and washers share some similarities, they serve different functions. Here APM Hexseal discusses why gaskets and washers are often assumed to be the same thing and how they serve very different purposes.


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askets are used to prevent leaks around mating surfaces, whereas washers are used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener. Most washers won’t have the ability to prevent fluid or gas leakage; therefore, gaskets are the better choice for sealing applications.
The shape and size of washers are also different compared to gaskets. Most washers are small and feature a uniform circular shape to enable them to fit around bolts. Gaskets are not used with bolts, meaning they are available in a wider variety of shapes and sizes. In terms of materials, washers are almost always made of metal; whereas gaskets can be made of metal, metal alloys, rubber and other materials.
Common types of gaskets include flange gaskets, constant seating gaskets, spiral wound gaskets and soft-cut gaskets. Gaskets are used in nearly every industry, with applications including aerospace equipment, wind turbines, medical equipment, electronics, automotive and heavy equipment.
Common types of washers include plain washers, locking washers, spring washers and torque washers. Bonded sealing washers are used throughout many industries such as aerospace, agriculture, automotive, construction, marine, military and mining. Their durability and effectiveness also make them suitable for applications such as HVAC equipment, marine electronics, construction and industrial equipment, hydraulics and braking systems.
Custom moulded gaskets from APM
Moulded gaskets feature high durability and can withstand a wide range of operating environments. APM Hexseal is a provider of durable high-quality sealing hardware, including custom moulded gaskets and washers, with an experienced team of designers, engineers, and manufacturing experts, who can work with users to develop a reliable, rugged and high-quality gasket – based on specific application requirements.
Along with custom moulded gaskets, APM also offers a self-sealing hexagonal nut, the Seelnut®. This innovative product is made from
Although gaskets high-quality rubber, which is moulded into the cavity of the nut itself. These nuts feature threads moulded directly into the rubber and washers share and they provide a positive seal along the threaded section of the Seelnut®, as well as some similarities, with the contact surface. This eliminates the need for gaskets, extra surface preparation and sealing compounds. they serve different Washers from APM functions.” As part of its product line, APM Hexseal also produces patented Seeloc® washers, featuring moulded silicone rubber bonded to specially formed stainless steel washers. These washers work in conjunction with standard studs, screws, or bolts, to create an airtight seal unlike any other. By forming an effective seal, Seeloc® washers ensure optimal performance of electrical and mechanical equipment. They are UL recognised, making them a perfect choice for NEMA rated applications. Types of Seeloc® washers available include: Metric Seeloc® washers: These washers are available in all standard metric measurements to ensure an easy selection process for manufacturers around the world. They can withstand a broad range of temperatures and can resist fungus, dust, most acids and oils, oZone and more. These washers are also available in heavy-duty. Imperial Seeloc® washers: These washers can handle torque values at least 50% higher than our original Seeloc® washers. They are ideal for various sealing applications, including medical equipment, chemical handling, construction equipment and food processing. These too are also available in heavy-duty. “Washers and gaskets have different functions, but whichever one you need, APM Hexseal can help with its innovative solutions.”
www.apmhexseal.com

Command™ touchscreen technology available from BBI
With touchscreen technology rapidly entering the work world, Ironclad® Performance Wear – available at Brighton Best International UK Ltd (BBI) – has introduced the Command™ Series line of work gloves, which it says is the first glove line to utilise embedded nanoparticle technology into the glove palm.
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reated after Ironclad® realised there was a significant gap in work glove technology, the Command™ Series line of work gloves stops workers from having to remove their gloves to enter data or capture images on phones, tablets or data entry devices – increasing their productivity and hand safety.
“Our Command™ technology incorporates touchscreen into the very fibres of our gloves. By fusing conductive nanoparticles into the fibres of the synthetic leather, we are able to ensure that not only is conductivity present throughout the entirety of the material, but also that the material stays conductive throughout its entire lifespan. Our touchscreen won’t wear off, rip off, or wash off like typical touchscreen work gloves,” comments BBI. “We employ a similar technology in out knit gloves. Conductive nanoparticles are introduced at the beginning of production – ensuring that there is a consistent, homogeneous mix during the coating process. This makes sure that for as long as the glove is useful, it will remain fully touchscreen compatible.”
To determine the effectiveness of the technology, Ironclad® performed a series of comparison tests that pitted the Command™ touchscreen materials against several other conductive materials, including several competitors’ gloves, non-touchscreen gloves, metal, and even the human hand without a glove. “It was immediately noticeable that the Command™ gloves not only perform exponentially better than the competition, they are also significantly more conductive than the human hand itself. Command™ technology is designed to ensure that you have a high performing and durable work glove that meets all the demands you can throw at it,” states BBI.
www.ironclad.com



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REYHER’s extensive stainless steel range
REYHER has a comprehensive range of stainless steel items in stock, including screws, nuts and washers of duplex steel D6 in the property Class 100.
Duplex is a mixed microstructure of ferrites and austenites, with this combination uniting the advantages of both materials. The yield strength is 0.2% higher than austenitic materials of the same ductility. In addition, the fatigue strength under corrosive conditions is also higher in duplex steels.
REYHER points out that thanks to their higher basic strength compared to austenites, higher end strengths are comparatively easy to achieve with duplex steels. For example, strength Class 100 is a very useful extension and achieves strength values with a tensile strength of 1,000 MPa and an elongation limit of 800 MPa, which are only slightly lower than those of a carbon steel screw of Class 10.9.
REYHER’s product range also includes fasteners of austenitic steels in materials A2, A4 and A5. The duplex items (material D6) with hardness Class 100 are available in nominal diameters ranging from M6 – M16.
www.reyher.de

Extraction tools for the toughest fasteners
GEARWRENCH, part of Apex Tool Group, offers a reliable range of extraction tools under its Bolt BiterTM range that have been designed to remove fasteners and screws that have been frozen, corroded or malformed.
As part of the range, the GEARWRENCH Bolt BiterTM screw extractors are designed to grip stripped, frozen and damaged screws successfully – using patented tapered sides so the tool sits easily and safely onto damaged screws, while the side and tip cutting edges provide powerful and consistent extraction.
The bi-directional design enables an easy removal of fasteners from the extractor after use and allows for fasteners to be retightened in an emergency, if needed. With ¼ inch and 7/16 inch hex base options, Bolt Biter™ screw extractors can be used with a ratchet, wrench or power tool and are available in both a four piece and ten piece set.
“We talked with professional mechanics and industrial technicians, and they all pointed to massive flaws in their screw extractor tools,” comments Jarret Wolf, senior product manager at GEARWRENCH. “With their help our Bolt Biter™ screw extractors go above and beyond in addressing those issues to provide a solution that is as effective as it is durable.”

Fully automatic processing of blind rivet nuts
The second generation SBM25 insertion system for blind rivet nuts and studs from WEBER offers the fully automatic processing of blind rivet nuts and studs for various applications.
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lind rivet nuts offer users multiple benefits and are an indispensable component of modern fastening technology. When inserting blind rivet nuts, work is often carried out with exceptionally thin components, which are only accessible from one side or are already coated, thus requiring continuous monitoring of the work process. With the SBM25 insertion system, rivets and other fasteners are now fed via a push-in system, which reduces feed times. Both the applied force and the feed rate are also controlled. As with the previous model, threading and insertion of the components is carried out via two separate EC drives and the setting process can be configured via the operating panel.
Additionally, WEBER Schraubautomaten GmbH insists customers utilising the SBM25 will be able to monitor the setting path and insertion force for the joint. The system offers the ability to visualise multiple displacement or force curves, enabling ease of use and error analysis. The device works according to the ‘spin-pull’ principle, so symmetrical deformation of the shank and surface friendly processing are ensured. The setting process takes place without hydraulic support.
Hexagon and round nuts in the sizes M5, M6, M8, M10 are processed as standard sizes for the insertion system. Customised solutions for other shapes and sizes are also available on request.
“The new SBM25 is our response to customer requests we have received in recent years. We have invested over 20 years of intensive experience in this product area into the system,” explains Michael Steidl, product manager at WEBER.
NORMA recognised by Boeing
NORMA has been recognised by Boeing for its supplier performance in 2021, receiving a Supply Performance Achievement Certificate – as well as earning a spot in the Boeing Premier Bidder Program.
Boeing issues the Supply Chain Performance Achievement award annually to highlight suppliers who have achieved superior performance. This year, Boeing recognised 240 suppliers who achieved either gold or silver level. NORMA Group was one of 43 suppliers to receive the gold level of recognition
NORMA Group also earned a spot in the Boeing Premier Bidder Program, which provides Premier Bidder members with an opportunity to increase their business with Boeing, including visibility of upcoming bids and an invitation to conferences with key Supply Chain leadership. NORMA joins approximately 140 suppliers that have met and sustained the high-quality, delivery and performance criteria required for inclusion in the Premier Bidder Program.
“These recognitions represent a great honour for us and reinforce the fact that our products meet the stringent quality requirements of the aviation industry. Our hose clamps are used in the cabins and help to transport people and cargo safely from ‘A’ to ‘B’. We are extremely proud of this achievement. The recognitions are also an incentive for us to continue optimising our products and services. We look forward to further strengthening and expanding our cooperation with Boeing in the future,” says Dr Michael Schneider, CEO of NORMA Group.







