The principle of bearings is simple, and they’re used widely in vehicles, electricity generators and a large variety of machinery. They’re vital for many industries but they’ll only work effectively in a particular application if you use the correct type of bearing from the wide range that’s available.

Types of Bearings

Choose the best type of bearing for your application:

• Ball bearings generally rotate very quickly but cannot support very high loads, the balls rolling along a raceway and providing contact with the object being supported. They offer a variety of cage types, quiet and smooth operation at high speeds, durability in harsh environments and come in different types:
• Deep-grooved ball bearings are the most common type and are used in applications where high speeds and low power loss are needed. Their simple design means they are easy to install and maintain, can handle radial forces and moderate axial loads in both directions and are available in a variety of configurations.
• Angular contact ball bearings allow transfer from one raceway to another at a particular angle and are often installed in pairs or multiple sets.
• Thrust ball bearings absorb axial forces in one direction and have a housing washer with raceway grooves for the balls. They are available in single and double-direction designs.
• Our Roller bearings available in Australia provide line control that offers higher load ratings than ball bearings although at lower speeds due to increased friction. Industrial roller bearings are available in various forms:
• A cylindrical roller bearing has a high radial load capacity and is suitable for high-speed applications with low noise and low heat generation. A cylinder bearing uses line contact between the rolling elements and the raceways to optimise the distribution of stress factors and allow a high radial load rating.
• Tapered roller bearings absorb high radial and axial forces in one direction but can be arranged in pairs to support forces in both directions.
• Needle roller bearings have long and thin rolling elements so are useful where space is restricted. They have a high load rating and are suitable only for radial forces.
• Self aligning roller bearings are used when the shaft and housing may be out of alignment or the shaft may bend. Misalignment may be up to seven degrees and axial load capacity for a self aligning bearing is relatively low due to a small contact angle.

Bearings for All Applications and Conditions

The different types of bearings are available in various forms and materials so they can be optimised for different applications. These include trailer bearings that are available in complete kits that may comprise taper roller bearings or ball bearings with seals and clips so they’re ready to use.

For marine applications, a marine bearing kit will generally be manufactured from marine grade 316 stainless steel that is very resistant to the corrosion resulting from seawater and salt spray as well as being able to operate in extremes of temperature.

Bearings are so vital for so many applications that it’s essential that exactly the right ones are selected. At Industrial & Automotive Parts (leading automotive parts supplier) , we can advise on suitability and provide customised versions when necessary. We aim to make your application work as efficiently as possible.

An industrial chain may have single or multiple strands depending on the application and may be made in a variety of materials that include nylon, polypropylene, hardened steel and stainless steel or a combination of materials. The actual material chosen will depend on a number of factors such as noise and heat generation, horsepower transmission influence, environmental conditions and cost. In many instances, however, a stainless steel roller chain will be the best choice.

Where Stainless Steel Roller Chains are Better

A stainless steel roller chain has several advantages that make it suitable for use in specific situations:

• It’s very resistant to corrosion and is often preferred for use in acidic or alkaline environments where other materials will deteriorate.
• The material can withstand harsh conditions and is very easy to clean. For this reason, it’s often used in food processing or pharmaceutical industries where hygiene and cleanliness are essential.
• Stainless steel can withstand extreme temperatures — up to 400�?� Celsius and down to -20�?� Celsius — and will still operate effectively without cracking, unlike many other materials.
• It has low magnetic permeability and so is suitable for applications that require the use of materials that aren’t easily magnetised (often for medical or electronic equipment).
• Although not as strong as carbon steel and so may wear more quickly, stainless steel roller chains can be heat treated and pre-stressed. This will give even better temperature resistance and will prevent stretching and premature breakage.

Taking Care to Choose Correctly

Although stainless steel roller chains are perfect for many applications, particularly in the food, medical and chemical industries, they may not always be the best choice. They may wear more quickly than carbon steel versions unless they are heat treated. They can also retain more heat, which reduces the tensile strength and resistance to wear.

The wear life of a roller chain needs to be known so future breakages and production downtime can be avoided. Since this can be affected by the quality of the product and the materials used, it’s always important to choose the best quality from reputable suppliers. You should also be aware of coding standards, which indicate the size of the chain and its characteristics (whether, for example, lightweight or a heavy-duty version).

At Industrial & Automotive Parts, we’re renowned industrial chain suppliers in addition to everything else we provide. Consequently, we have a wide range of roller chains of varying types, sizes and materials such as agricultural chain. We can give you all the advice you need and can recommend the ideal roller chain for your particular application.

In many cases, a stainless steel roller chain will be the best option. If it’s not, we’ll tell you what is because we want you to have the best equipment for your needs so you can operate at peak efficiency.

In applications where motion control is required; disc, silt, backlash-free, and jaw coupling are utilised to deliver precise torque or transmission. For power transmission, like in pumps, grinding machines and material-handling machines, it is preferred to use chain, gear, grid coupling, jaw and elastomer tire couplings to deliver greater average torque.

However, this is just one way to differentiate the many different types of couplings available. There are other critical factors to consider to effectively manage your operations, so in this article, the team at Industrial & Automotive Parts have provided you with our best tips to learn how to choose the ideal coupling.

How to Choose a Coupling For Your Application

What is the Application?

The first thing to consider when you need to choose a new coupling is the features of the application. For example, is the coupling going on the end of a water pump that will be running two hours a day, or on a crusher that runs 18 hours a day under extreme conditions, with constant vibrations and load? The difference is critical to ensuring your coupling works exactly how it’s meant to.

Try to identify the features of your application, such as exposure to shock-loading, temperature conditions and shear features. Different types of couplings come with various attributes and levels of tolerance, too, so it's crucial to align your application with the right coupling for elements such as:

• Torque
• Shaft misalignment
• Stiffness
• RPM
• Inertia
• Space requirements
• Shaft mounting

When inadequate couplings are used in applications, it can result in coupling failure, damage to expensive applications and equipment, and endanger people nearby.

The required torque and RPM

As couplings are responsible for transmitting torque, knowing the torque and RPM requirements of your application helps to identify the coupling that will meet that need. Once you know the input power and RPM of the drive, the size of the coupling needed will become clear. When matching your application with the coupling, make sure you relate it to the nominal torque rating, as maximum ratings display the peak torque that the system can handle.

Mounting of the Coupling

There are two main ways to mount a coupling onto a shaft. You can either mount it with a taper lock bush or directly onto the shaft bored and keyed. Traditional taper lock mounting is well suited to unidirectional applications with no alternative loads and minimal shock. If using a taper lock, however, loss of torque must also be considered.

For loads that reverse in direction and that endure shock, keyless locking devices are a suitable mounting method as they are backlash-free. If mounting directly onto the shaft, the amount of torque the coupling can handle will not be affected. Size restrictions must be taken into consideration to make sure the coupling does not interfere with other pieces of equipment.

Environment

When you need to choose a coupling from the different types available, the environment that it performs under needs to be considered. For example, in abrasive environments, gear couplings would be recommended as they are enclosed and there are seal kits available. If the requirements of the coupling state FRAS (fire-resistance and anti-static) requirements, such as in underground mining, then a tyre coupling with a FRAS rated element may be used.

In addition, it’s important to consider operating environment variables such as ambient temperature, chemical compatibility and the frequency of operation (how often it starts and stops) to learn which coupling is best suited.

Under some conditions, a safety factor may need to be applied to accommodate durability and added stresses exerted on the coupling during operation. Applications that have excessive stopping forces, such as the flywheel effect, need an additional level of tolerance added to the nominal torque, so a coupling with a larger rating is suitable.

Maintenance requirements

Future maintenance must be noted when you choose a coupling. Different types of couplings allow the customer to reduce downtime costs when replacing elements, motors, gearboxes and other components.

Some coupling elements can be replaced without dismantling or removing the drive, whereas others will need the drive to be removed or shifted for the element to be replaced. An advantage of being able to replace a coupling element in situ is not having to re-align the drive after reinstalling the element, so there’s less room for error and downtime costs.

Shaft alignment

The three different types of alignments to take into consideration are axial, radial and angular. Shaft misalignment occurs when the shafts joined by a coupling aren’t evenly aligned, and only flexible types of couplings can manage some of this movement and vibration, yet they each have a limit. Depending on the amount of misalignment expected in your application, you’ll have a better understanding of the type of coupling required.

Different types of couplings allow for greater misalignment than others, including sliding disc and universal/lateral couplings. These are suited to applications with expected misalignment; however, it means their backlash-free life will be reduced. Flexible types of couplings are the most preferred option for misaligned systems.

Torsional stiffness

Couplings must have an appropriate torsional stiffness capacity to be able to work in your application without causing resonance and failure. This is becoming an emerging issue in the industrial industry as more machines are used to rapidly stimulate cam profiles, which is how torsional vibration is introduced. 

Couplings pick up on the frequency of the entire system, so when the application consists of noise and vibration, the wrong coupling can fail as a result. If you can identify the resonance frequency and index of your application, you can determine a suitable coupling with an appropriate torsional stiffness.

Price

It’s tempting to use the initial price as a determining factor to choose a coupling, but a smaller initial cost can result in larger additional costs later. Although some couplings are cheaper than others, these can often be prone to damage and failure and come with more installation and maintenance needs, which can make them more expensive in the long run.

Spending more money upfront on a coupling that requires less downtime during maintenance, breakdowns and element replacement will save time and money in the future. However, if the application is not critical and the cost of service and downtime is minimal, then a generic, run-of-the-mill coupling may be a more cost-effective choice.

Learn More or Explore the Different Types of Couplings Available with Industrial & Automotive Parts

Browse through our extensive collection of different types of couplings available online with Industrial & Automotive Parts. Should you need any more information on how to choose the right coupling for your application or even if you're looking for electric motor suppliers, please contact us directly and we’ll be happy to provide a recommendation.

This means their selection is important to ensure a proper shaft and housing fit, and several factors should be considered to arrive at the right bearing for your application. Industrial and Automotive Parts’ selection guide will cover a range of bearing features including trailer bearings that can be assigned to the different needs of equipment to help you arrive at the most suitable bearing for your requirements. For example, the lock designs of different wide inner bearings can provide the most direction for which option your application needs. We’ll also discuss the permissible speeds, bearing load and axial displacements that different inner ring bearings can accommodate to guide your selection.

How wide inner ring bearings work

Before we delve into the inner bearings selection guide, let’s first cover how wide inner ring bearings work. They have an internal ring that extends beyond the outer ring. Given the extra width of the inner ring, they provide additional shaft support with a larger contact area, meaning they spread the load over a larger area and can accommodate more load, making them appropriate for heavy-duty applications. They’re well suited to large construction vehicles, earthwork machinery, and the agriculture, material handling, industrial transmission and fluid machinery industries.

The extended side of the inner ring bearing consists of seals and flared lips which maintain a strong contact, as well as the outer edge of the inner ring to prevent contaminants from entering the bearing, while still holding the lubricant inside. They can be designed with either single or double seals to prevent the input of debris. They can also come without seals or shields as open bearing types, which won’t protect against the intake of dirt or retain lubricant, but will have higher speed capabilities.

Wide inner bearings selection guide

Designs and types

The type of locking device in inner ring bearings is an important distinction between the types, which work to control how the bearing series locks into the shaft.

Set screw locking

Ball bearings with set screw locking devices are well-suited to both constant and alternating directions of rotation within an application. They lock onto the shaft before application with screws in the inner ring that secure it to the shaft.

Eccentric locking collar

In these bearings, the extended inner ring has an eccentric step to house the locking collar. You can lock the bearing by turning the locking collar in the same direction as rotation with an additional screw to secure it in place. Eccentric locking collar devices are designed for applications with a constant direction of rotation, not ones that alternate directions.

These types have a seal on both sides to retain lubrication and prevent dirt from entering. They can also often be built with lubrication holes to extend their use.

Tapered bore

Tapered bore bearings have an inner ring that’s extended to equal lengths on both sides and, like set screw locks, they’re suitable for constant and alternating directions of rotation. They’re sealed on both sides in order to work towards maintaining cleanliness and prolong lubrication.

Once mounted on an adapter sleeve, they allow the full limiting speed to be achieved in applications. With rings extended symmetrically on both sides, these bearings run more smoothly as the degree of tilt is reduced. So, for applications where smooth operation is paramount, tapered bore bearings are a suitable choice.

Permissible speed

Wide inner ring bearings come with a limiting speed in their product descriptions, which is often influenced by the seal design. The shaft tolerance also affects the permissible speed for set screw and eccentric collar types. Permissible speed changes under different temperature conditions too, so it’s important to know the temperature of your application, as well as the speed you need it to operate under before selecting the appropriate bearing.

Bearing Load

Understanding the load capacity for bearings is imperative to not overload the bearing and damage the application. While these load capacities can be found in each product description, it’s important to know the additional factors at work, too.

A minimum load should be imposed when acceleration is considered rapid or when speeds are likely to increase beyond 75 per cent of the limiting speed. Additionally, the axial load should not exceed 25 per cent of the static load. Understanding the load range of your application is important to help you select the most appropriate bearing.

Axial displacement

Inner ring bearings aren’t designed to handle axial displacement of the shaft it accommodates. This means the distance between bearings should be shorter than when using other types to prevent excessive axial loads from causing bearings to fail, which can often occur due to thermal expansion.

In applications where you expect larger axial displacement, an inner ring bearing with set screws is the most suitable to put to work, but the system should have low speeds and light loads to accommodate this. In this case, ensure the shaft that contacts the inner ring is lubricated to ease the motion.For more information on how wide inner ring bearings work beyond that provided in our selection guide, please contact us at Industrial & Automotive Parts today.

Industrial & Automotive Parts is an industry equipment supplier specialise in providing parts and resources to ensure your vehicle operates at its best and preserves its components, including many different adhesives and sealants. Here we answer the question, ‘what is retaining compound?’ in more detail, as well as explore why it’s used and provide variables to consider when choosing a product.

What is a retaining compound?

As mentioned above, bearing retaining compounds bond active metal surfaces together where there’s no oxygen present. This makes them excellent at binding the metal components of vehicles and machinery, but don't perform well with other materials, such as rubber, plastic or glass. Curing to form strong bonds, the compound delivers precision in the joints between car components to manage well in challenging environments, like high-vibrational equipment. Ultimately, sealed components will continue to handle high-strength requirements and temperature resistance whilst encountering various substrates.

Retaining compound vs. thread locker

Retaining compounds and thread lockers are both adhesives used in mechanical equipment, but they generally have different applications.

Retaining compounds are used to bond compounds together, such as bearings, cylinder liners, and shafts, in order to achieve greater strength and resistance to high temperatures.

In contrast, thread lockers are a fluid applied to fastener’s threads to prevent loosening, leakage or corrosion. They hold tools like nuts, bolts and screws in position whilst under stress, performing a similar function to washers and fasteners. Thread locking fluid is also an anaerobic chemical, meaning it will not require oxygen to cure.

As such, you must recognise your desired application and substrate before choosing between a retaining compound vs thread locker. For example, if your objective is set towards high strength bonding, a retaining compound will be the option to select.

What is Retaining Compound Used For?

Retaining compounds have many various applications because of their strong bonding capabilities. As they fill the space between components while bonding them together, they allow for a much larger transmission of loads, which makes the entire machine run more efficiently and smoothly.

Industrial applications include:

Preventing Fretting Corrosion

As high loads are applied under recurring surface motion, fretting corrosion can occur and wear away the metal. Retaining compounds can be used to create a barrier between the two metal surfaces, preventing them from coming into direct contact, which is especially important for minimising the oxidation of exposed surfaces.

Manufacturing

A selection of bearing retaining compound will likely be utilised within a single manufacturing facility. They are best applied in machinery and components holding an assortment of sleeves, bearings, and pins, in addition to slip fit, close fit, shrink fit and press-fit applications. Essentially, retaining compounds can be utilised where any form of flexible and reliable adhesion is required.

General Maintenance, Repair & Operation of Machinery (MRO)

Retaining compounds offer fast and efficient repairs to key areas of machines utilised in a variety of industries, keeping them in working order for longer periods of time and improving wider productivity.

Automotive

High temperatures are a common aspect of machinery in the automatic industry, making retaining compounds an effective gap-filling solution for components. They can also offer alternatives to save on wider costs, such as shaft repair, rather than replacing the whole component.

Types of retaining compounds

To cater for the various applications and components, there are many types of retaining compounds that serve various needs of different industries. These products can come with qualities such as high strength, high-temperature resistance, low viscosity, fast cure speeds and effective gap filling. Industrial & Automotive Parts provides high-quality retainer compounds designed for these specific applications:

• General-purpose and tight gaps
• Large bond gaps
• Easy disassembly
• Worn and damaged parts
• Contaminated surfaces

How to choose the appropriate retaining compound

The key to determining the right retaining compounds for your needs is to assess the function and application to be bonded. These applications include:

High Strength Retaining Compounds

Retaining compounds created to have high strength are commonly used for components that are to be permanently bonded together. In these situations, retainer compounds securely cure the two parts together and reduce the abrasion between metals, even while components endure consistent movement.

Permanent bonds include components that aren't to be separated for the entire duration of the machinery’s useful life, and a high strength compound will ensure they don't come apart. For components that will need to be taken apart, such as during service maintenance or when replacing components in the joint, a compound with a lower strength is preferred for easy disassembly.

High-Temperature Retaining Compounds

High temperature retaining compounds are available in a selection of different formulas and hold various characteristics, yet each with superior handling of higher ambient temperatures. These options are best suited for automotive and MRO applications, given a high thermal operation of components can be expected.

Gap size

Adhesives typically come with different viscosities as thinner compounds can fit into tight gaps, while thicker ones can fill more space. Large gaps often need to be filled in mechanical equipment as it’s difficult to perfectly fit parts. Retainer compounds that seal large gaps have a high viscosity, usually above 2,000 mPA.s and can bond parts with a gap larger than 0.15 millimetres.

Compounds with lower viscosity can fill smaller gaps between parts effectively. General-purpose and tight gap retainer compounds are critical for parts that are in close contact, as these compounds are thin enough to enter these gaps while sealing the joint and reducing damage.

Cure speed

Typically, when applying adhesive to vehicle parts, cars are unavailable and parked so there is enough time for compounds to cure. Fast curing speeds are often used in production lines and industrial equipment that doesn't allow much downtime, so parts can be serviced quickly. These compounds turn into a solid quickly and secure the joint in minutes.

Vehicle components typically benefit from higher strength compounds with longer curing times. For industrial equipment, you can minimize downtime by selecting a fast-curing speed for bonding parts together, however, ensure it also has high strength and temperature resistance if required.

Review our wide selection of bearing retaining compound, electric motor suppliers or ball bearings online available, or for more information on what a retaining compound is and retaining compounds vs thread locker, contact us at Industrial & Automotive Parts today.

Industrial & Automotive Parts specialise in supplying our clients across Australia with various components, including instant adhesives. In this article, we explain what instant adhesives are and provide parameters to help in selecting the right adhesive for your needs.

What is an instant adhesive?

Instant adhesive is a type of compound that cures rapidly and secures components before they can move and displace, breaking the bond. They're commonly known as superglues, but you may also find their technical name as cyanoacrylate adhesives. Due to their rapid bonding, they’re a highly convenient resource for many applications that need to be secured in place, fast, and when downtime is expensive. They’re great at joining nearly all substrates, but excel at small to medium-sized components.

Selecting the Right Adhesive

With a large variety of instant adhesives available, selecting the right one can take some deliberation. Here we explore certain parameters to consider:

Substrates

The substrates to be cured together is one of the most important influences on selecting the right adhesive, as some adhesives are only designed to bond specific types of materials together, such as wood, plastic or metal. As automotive and industrial applications typically revolve around various forms of metal machinery, the substrates often require an instant adhesive suitable for metal bonding. ‘Metal’, however, is a fairly generic term, so it is important to find the appropriate option for the substance you have in mind, whether it be iron, steel, aluminium, or copper.

Performance

Machinery may require flexibility for bending loads, high-temperature operations, impact and shock resistance, high vibration control, or even a combination of the above. Instant adhesives are also designed to suit different applications and performance characteristics. Understanding the role your components play in the wider system is therefore important in selecting the right adhesive types.

For example, do you need the adhesive to create a structural bond? Then you will need to know the composition of the substrates to determine the best right adhesive to form the appropriate bond.

Will there be a high degree of stress placed on the bond once the wider machinery is in use? Consider options that have a strong balance of tensile and shear strength. You can also consider whether there are torsion or compressive forces on the components, in which case, a more flexible adhesive should be used.

What is the frequency of that stress? Certain adhesives will only withstand extreme stress for a limited period, or prove unable to tolerate the type of stress, such as autoclaving. 

What are the temperature requirements? An adhesive with a low-temperature cure is unlikely to tolerate high ambient temperatures, but it is important to remember that many materials that operate well in the heat can break down and crack should low temperatures cycle in.

Position of joint

The position of the joint is something that is often neglected, yet in some cases, it can inhibit the adhesive from curing. Gel adhesive products are well-sited to bonding parts overhead or vertical where they can stay in position as it cures. In these locations, gravity has too much of an effect on liquid adhesives, causing them to drip away from the gap. If appearance is important, like on visible surfaces, low bloom and odour instant adhesives are common choices as they maintain an appealing cosmetic appearance.

Cleanliness and contamination

Substances generally need to be cleared and prepared for bonding before adhesives can be applied properly. Depending on the parts, they may need physically cleaning or a more advanced chemical treatment, such as abrasion, chemical etch or plasma treatment.

Size of gap

The size of the gap to be bonded or sealed by instant adhesive translates to different viscosity suitability in the product. Low viscosity adhesives are well-suited to general-purpose bonds and small sizes as the liquid can enter the space easily and bond securely. For larger gaps, a more viscous adhesive is required so they can remain in place while the glue is curing without dripping away.

Thermal cure or UV cure

Instant adhesives come as either thermal cure or UV cure types. UV cure compounds bond quickly, but they must be exposed to light, so your substrates will have to allow the exposure of UV light and not be trapped under other components. Thermal cure adhesives can come in different types; some cure at room temperature and others at high heat. If your substrates will be damaged under heat, ensure you use a room temperature thermal cure or UV cure product.

Service life

Identify the life duration required for the bonded joint as adhesives can deliver a range of working life spans, where this time is often directly correlated to curing time for thermal cure adhesives. For machinery and vehicles that are difficult to disassemble or have expensive downtime, you likely need a long working life, which means it might take longer to cure when at room temperature. UV cure products don’t have the same variance in working life.

Stresses on the joint

The final key factor to determine the right instant adhesive is to assess how much stress the joint is put under to identify the right strength of the product.

For more information on selecting the right adhesive for your applications, please contact us at Industrial & Automotive Parts today.

Shackles are often related to carabiners in smaller hoisting jobs, such as rock climbing. Without an effective carabiner, the rope that secures the climber would be meaningless. Similarly, shackles provide a durable and strong connection between two points and can be opened to disassemble the lift and securely closed to ensure the safety and security of the lifting system.

While this is the general function of lifting shackles, there are different types of shackles available, and each is applicable to different types and conditions of lifting operations. Most shackles fall within two types of configurations: D-type shackles (also known as chain shackles) and anchor or bow shackles. Industrial & Automotive Parts stock lifting equipment for commercial usage across Australia, so here we’ll explore bow shackles vs D-shackles and explain the differences between these two popular types of shackles.

Body Types: Bow shackles vs D-shackles

What are Bow Shackles?

Bow shackles are known for their circular shape (although not a complete circle) in the body of the shackles, which provides more space for the free movement of attachments on the shackle. A key advantage of bow shackles is their ability to handle multiple slings and loads from various directions. Bow shackles avoid the issue of overwhelming side load because of the shape of the body that allows heavier loads at different points of the bow’s circumference, accommodating this differing directional pull.

They’re often used on multi-leg slings as the circular shape can handle multiple attachments, and are commonly applied in rigging because they provide a simple way to fasten chains and straps securely. They’re also ideal for wide lifting straps as the bow shape holds more space compared to D-shackles, which have a narrower opening. The fabric shouldn't pinch in lifting and rigging jobs as it can cause material failures and the sling to break.

As mentioned above, bow shackles come in a range of shapes and sizes and they can support various load limits, but you should always ensure you have a shackle that can handle the load capacity you require. They also come in various colours, which can be helpful in complex lifts and live event rigging where shackle visibility is critical.

What are D-Shackles?

In single leg slings, D-shackles are typically the preferred choice as they can hold one sling attachment strongly and securely. They’re shaped like the letter D (hence the name), with a semi-circular ending that holds sling attachments and two strands of the same length connecting to the opening buckle. When the strand lengths are longer, they can resemble a loop shape with one round end cut off, which gives them their alternative name, 'chain shackles'.

D-shackles are excellent at handling a load in a linear direction to the shackle length, and are the preferred choice for large load lengths. They’re the most common type of shackle for this reason, as they’re well suited to many everyday tasks as well as commercial usage for loads lifted in line. However, they can find side or racking loads more difficult and are prone to bending or failing with consistent load in a side direction.

D-shackles typically come with a clevis-type pin or threaded pin and are generally made with stainless steel, alloy steel or galvanised and zinc-plated steel. Ensure you know your intended load so you can match an appropriate D-shackle with the right load capacity, as well as the lift plan to study the directional pull before selecting your final choice.

Exploring the different sizes of shackles

Bow and D-shackles come in various small, medium or large sizes and are often found with different pin sizes. Measurements provided in D-shackles reflect that of the body and not the pin, as the body provides critical information about weight capacity. It’s imperative to consider the size of shackles used and your lifting requirements to ensure the specifications are suitable to effectively hold your load.

To begin in selecting the right size shackle, refer to the manufacturers' guidelines and identify the safe working load (SWL). If your intended load of the lift or rig is below the SWL, it can sufficiently handle your operation. Just be sure to double-check the shackle’s SWL matches your expected capacity when you receive it, as it should be printed on the shackle itself.

You can also measure the warping and bending of your shackle over time by noting and storing the pin length and distance between the shackle's eyes and body. If your shackle's eye-to-eye distance exceeds the distance in the product description, your shackle has been warped and weakened and shouldn’t be used.

Shackle pin types

For both body types, a shackle pin or bolt is inserted through the eyes in different ways. The screw pin type is one of the most common pins used to secure shackles, also known as the threaded bolt. Screw pin shackles are excellent for temporary applications and moving from one lift to another as they provide easy fastening and loosening. When a screw-type is appropriate, you'll only have two parts to worry about – the body and the pin – which provides simplicity, speed and safety.

The safety bolt type is another common shackle pin and is the preferred choice for permanent rigs. They’re also excellent in situations that can expect some load movements as they don’t have the potential to unscrew as threaded bolts can. Safety bolt pins consist of a split pin holding a nut and bolt in position – which turns it into a multiple part shackle, making it more time-consuming and difficult to use, but offering a higher guarantee of staying secure.

Learn More on Bow shackles vs D-shackles from Our Experts at Industrial & Automotive Parts

For more information around which shackles would be right for your required application, feel encouraged to contact our experts at Industrial & Automotive Parts today.

Sling chains have a flexible design which means they can lift very bulky and heavy objects regularly, with strength and durability to withstand any impact felt during the lift operation. They provide the ultimate safety as well as convenience for operators moving items around in different commercial settings.

Industrial & Automotive Parts stock different types of lifting slings and chain slings, each fully compliant to Australian safety and products standards, because our clients are in different industries and require various options. To help you evaluate your needs for your operation or workplace, consider these seven tips for choosing sling types below.

7 Tips for Choosing Sling Chains

1. Identify the application load

It’s imperative to understand the intended load weight of your lift when selecting an appropriate chain sling, as the sling will need to be included in the lift plan. You can first determine the maximum working load of the object to be moved as well as its length, the number of lifting points and the lifting point angles. From here you can understand how much load the sling will handle and each localised lifting point, which will provide a better understanding of which sling to choose by assessing their individual load capacities.

2. Evaluate your headroom

Understanding the physical space available in your lift is essential to planning and executing a safe lift. Headroom refers to the distance between the object to be lifted and the crane’s hook lifting the load. When you have ample headroom, you have more freedom to select your preferred or more suitable chain sling as you can then move the hook to accommodate the length of the chain.

When you have smaller headroom for your lift, you may need to opt for shorter slings and grab hooks so there isn’t excess chain length, and your lift has optimised tension. You can also choose to include lifting beams in this situation to assist your lift.

3. Consider the load type

The characteristics of the load and its contents can influence the type of chain sling required for your lifting operation. Consider traits like your load’s fragility, temperature conditions, resistance capacity and the conditions of the object surface to gain a more comprehensive understanding of lift requirements. If your items are at a high temperature, then you should avoid plastic and polyester slings to avoid the material failing.

Items with abrasive or rough surfaces are best suited to chain and wire rope slings as these are resistant to abrasion wear. Where slings may encounter abrasion damage from hitching and slinging, polyester slings are the recommended choice. Try to evaluate any load characteristics that may provide restrictions to your sling to help you determine the right choice for each lift.

4. Consider your workplace environment

In industrial and commercial settings, lift conditions can vary broadly from one workplace to another and even in one individual company. It’s important to consider any adverse or restrictive workplace conditions that could affect your lift and the materials of the sling. Consider the amount of storage space, how large your lifting area is and the physical conditions of your workspace.

In wet environments, most chain slings are a great choice because they provide excellent grip and don't absorb water. In busy workplace environments or mining and industrial settings where lifting loads are heavy, chains with a high grade are preferred because you can lift more weight with smaller and less bulky slings, helping you maintain a tidy workplace.

5. Learn the chain grades

If you followed tip number one, you’ll know the intended load of your application, which can then help you align the sling with a matching grade. The most common grades for lifting slings are 80, 100 and 120, each with its own breaking threshold. Grades represent the chain’s strength per volume of material – so you could lift a 1,000kg load with a 20cm, 80-grade chain, but the sling may be too large and bulky and reduce the safety of the lift. You could lift the same load with a smaller 100-grade chain or an even smaller 120-grade chain because their strength increases respectively.

It might be tempting to always select a grade 120 chain, but they can be less cost-effective, and sometimes a bulkier and larger sling can help in positioning the load efficiently. Understanding these grades and the specific grades of each sling will help you determine the most suitable chain for your lifting application.

6. Understand the different types of slings and their components

Chain slings are built with different designs to accommodate various types of lifts, objects, loads and movements. As well as chain grades, each sling has slightly different components that require different installation to secure loads. Standard lifts typically require a master link or multi link, chain connector, chain and bottom hook to provide all the tools to manage a safe and efficient operation.

When your lift involves more than two sling legs, a larger Master link or multi link is most suitable, while a grab hook is ideal for lifts where control is a priority as it limits bends and twists in the chain. If you’re working in a tight space without extra room, a sling hook offers the largest throat opening so you can conveniently remove loads with limited access.

7. Opt for quality requirements

When procuring the chain slings your company will use to manage dangerous and heavy-duty lifts at your workplace, there’s no room for poor quality equipment. Ensure you source chain slings that meet the Australian Standard and have been designed to fulfil your load lifting needs.

Typically, premium slings are built with heavy-duty alloys making up their chain and metal components. Industrial & Automotive Parts supply commercial parts to businesses across Australia, so we only stock high-tensile roller chain that have been manufactured to meet Australian regulations. Our clients can immediately use any of our equipment such as FRAS belt, 3 phase motors, marine bearing kit which always has up-to-date test certificates without questioning the quality of their lifting slings. Contact us for more information on our selection today.

Bearings are an integral part of efficient equipment and machinery functionality. Using the correct bearing is essential for maximising performance, minimising damage and improving productivity. Alongside a reduction in productivity and profitability, the wrong size or type of bearing can prompt frequent maintenance requirements, and even cause equipment seizures and operational downtime.

Selecting the right bearings for your equipment is a delicate task as there are some critical distinctions you need to make to identify the most suited bearing. The process of mechanical operations relies on a combination of forces to work successfully. Speed, temperature and pressure and the variances between them need to be considered.

Industrial & Automotive Parts supply businesses across Australia with high-quality industrial equipment, including many different types of bearings for successful operations. Here, we provide a bearing selection guide that can help you break down your bearing requirements and arrive at the most suited product. This bearings guide will explain the factors necessary for the options available, as well as the different types of bearings that can achieve the requirements.

Factors that impact bearing selection

First up in this guide are the factors that should be considered when selecting the best bearing for your equipment:

Bearing load

Bearing load refers to the amount of force the bearing can safely handle. The total load is made up of a radial load (the force acting at 90 degrees to the shaft), axial load (the force exerted in parallel to the shaft) and moment or combined load (the load as a result of the first two loads working in a system together).

A bearing needs the strength to sufficiently handle the load range of these three load types. In complex operations, bearing systems may need to provide balanced variations in load conditions.

Speed range

Bearings operate effectively within a particular speed range. High-speed systems require bearings that are designed to operate at the required speeds, while slower systems are best suited to bearings that perform well within their range. This is due to the different impacts that minor misalignments have at different speeds, which have much larger effects at fast rotations.

Temperature

Bearings are a primary source of heat. Bearing selection requires an understanding of how temperature variations affect the parts of the system. While they generate a great amount of heat themselves, their response to heat from other parts can also dictate your bearing selection. Again, different options are designed to withstand various temperature ranges and lubrication tuning to ensure the system operates effectively.

Bearing seal

A bearing seal houses the ball bearing and ensures the cleanliness of lubricant which plays an essential role for long bearing life and maintaining an efficient operation. An appropriate seal will be functional for the type of lubricant used, the ball bearing and the environment of the equipment.

Balancing cost, performance and maintenance

Like most procurement procedures, the bearing selection process is a task in balancing the requirements of your business. You can consider industrial maintenance processes at your workplace. If you regularly service your equipment, you might prefer to opt for a low-cost bearing that you can easily replace.

When performance is critical and machinery protection is a priority, a robust bearing will require less maintenance but will prove more expensive. You can also consider the convenience of inspecting and lubricating the bearing, as well as if you can manage this yourself or require a service provider.

Types of bearings and their capabilities

After considering the factors of bearing selection in this guide and identifying the needs of your equipment, systems and business, compare the main types of bearings below to find the right one for your application:

Ball bearings

Ball bearings online perform exceptionally well under high speeds as they’re designed with a specific precision that supports the rotation required. They’re suited to manage moderate radial and axial loads but aren’t ideal for higher pressures. Ball bearings often come with seals to house and protect the ball and require lubrication to help them operate and prolong their life.

Roller bearings

Roller bearings are designed for moderate or high rotating speeds and have the capacity to handle high radial load capacity. Some designs can manage light axial loading, but they don't typically perform well for moderate or higher axial loads. Roller bearings require a planned and regular lubrication application to support their functionality.

Thrust bearings

Thrust bearings are a piece of equipment that combines balls or rollers into a ringed bearing. They’re used in axial load applications and the roller thrust types have a higher load capacity than their ball thrust counterparts. They can be used without lubrication in low-speed systems, but require lubrication for higher speeds.

Bushings

Bushings are bearings that rely on two parts sliding against each other to assist in the rotational movement of surfaces. They're ideal for linear, rotating or oscillating movements and straight bushings are suited for radial loads only, while flanged bushings can manage a combination of axial and radial loads. Ensure you select bushings with the appropriate rotation speed and load capabilities. These bearings don’t require lubrication for effective operation.

Spherical plain bearings

Applications that perform rotation and oscillation movements often use spherical plain bearings. The bearing rotates along a sliding surface, which restricts its speed capabilities. Most spherical plain bearings require lubrication for operation, but some maintenance-free options are available if that's a priority for you.

Rod ends

Rod ends include a spherical ball that's responsible for aiding movement and installed into a housing. This housing is often available in male or female threads and the bearing is suited to oscillation during low-speed rotation. Rod ends are also available in maintenance-free styles and others that require lubrication.

Linear bushing bearings

Linear bushing bearings combine multiple rows or circulating rollers or balls. Due to the number of balls or rollers used, they deliver precise linear motion with a low-friction production. This helps them reduce the heat they emit and can perform better under temperature and sustain their lives for longer.

Pillow blocks and flanges

Pillow block bearings, flanges and bearing inserts are a more comprehensive unit with bearings mounted in a housing. They’re available in various configurations and attachments that can assist the installation into different equipment. These configurations provide a range of bearing features that can suit wide requirements and preferences.

If you would like further information beyond what you have found in our bearings selection guide, please contact a member of our team at Industrial & Automotive Parts today, and we will be in touch shortly or just check our online store as we stock wide range of industrial and automotive parts including:

• Worm Gearbox
• Trailer Bearings
• Marine Bearing Kit
• Electric Motor Suppliers
• 3 Phase Motors
• V Belt Supplies
• Cam Follower
• Roller Chain
• Taconite Bearing Seals
• Cylindrical Roller Bearings
• Agricultural Chains & Sprockets
• Industrial Chain
• Agricultural Chain
• Agricultural Chains and Sprockets

Lifting slings have an important role that requires caution and thorough knowledge of appropriate techniques when operating. The equipment you use can vary in age, condition and strength, and some slings may have deficiencies that operators haven't experienced before. Slings manage heavy loads under compromising situations, so as a rigger or operator it’s essential to use them correctly in order to lift safely.

Following best practices and operating principles can help riggers ensure they perform safe lifts and movements. It can minimise the risk of a lift failure and the likelihood of damaging the sling. Industrial & Automotive Parts provide a multitude of industrial equipment and rig parts to assist in safe lifts. Here, we explain the techniques on how to use a lifting sling for hoisting and rigging safely.

General rigging, lifting and slinging techniques

There are some overall best practices for rigging and hoisting with slings described below:

• The load weight should always be less than the described capacity of the sling. A load that weighs more than the rated capacity will cause more stress than the sling is designed to hold and can cause an unsafe lift
• Avoid sling angles less than 45 degrees
• Avoid shock loading
• Pad and protect sharp corners near the sling. Sharp edges risk cutting the sling and either causing it to snap or weaken
• Avoid shortening or extending slings with twisting or knots. This can be done only when the manufacturer states that it’s allowed
• Store slings in appropriate locations to avoid physical damage, corrosion or moisture and heat weakening. Storing them inside and in a dry room with ventilation is good practise

How to use a lifting swing

Now let’s explore the process to use various lifting sling types for hoists: 

Wire rope slings

Wire rope slings have tremendous strength and flexibility because of the wire material used. They’re also highly durable and take a long time to wear down compared to other types of slings. Wire rope slings are made up of three main components; the core, wire and the strand. The core and wire are both components that make up the rope, the core being the internal foundation made of fibre or wire rope to hold the rope together.

The wire is often made of carbon steel installed around the core, laid helically to form a strand. Usually, around 20 wires make up a strand and six strands surround the core. As wires can bend efficiently, they avoid fatigue and wear from the bending stress of the rope being pulled to hold a load. However, they do wear over time, and riggers need to determine the ropes capability before use. You can determine a rope’s safe working load by dividing the breaking strength by five which will provide a value that has a sufficient safety buffer. Performing pre-use assessment of the rope is critical to safe rigging, and it should be conducted by the operator of the sling.

Once the safety of the rope has been checked, general best practices should be applied while securing the load. A trained operator can determine the most appropriate lifting and slinging techniques for the job, but they must make sure it's rigged for maximum control and to prevent movement. Finally, ensure the lifting point remains above the centre of gravity to reduce the swing and movement and minimise the risk of damages and injury.

Synthetic web slings

Synthetic web slings are excellent tools for flexibility and bending around objects. They’re made of polyester or nylon and typically include elastic stitched into the material. This elasticity allows them to produce a small stretch, up to around 3 per cent, which provides resistance against shock movements. Synthetic web slings are sensitive to high temperatures and damage easily when exposed to heat. In hot conditions, metal mesh slings are a suitable alternative.

To inspect the safety of web slings, riggers can look for any discolouration of the fabric from melting or charring. If any signs at all are present, the sling shouldn't be used as its strength is uncertain. If holes, cuts or tears are present, this can be a sign of reduced strength but they don't need to be disregarded immediately. Instead, experienced operators can inspect the inner threads for wear or damage. If any wear damage is found to the inner threads, it's unsafe to use the sling.

If the sling is deemed safe, operators should follow the general rigging, lifting and slinging techniques while securing the load. It’s important not to use any knots with these slings as it greatly reduces their load capacity. Keep the load below the rated loading provided by the manufacturer and apply a rig that’s suited to the job.

Chain slings

A chain sling is made up of a strong chain link connected to lift hooks. Made of alloy steel, they’re used for their strength and ability to operate under heat. Chain slings rely on the integrity of each individual link, which means that one damaged link in the chain makes the entire sling invalid for safe use. Before their use, operators should inspect each chain link for defects.

An excellent method of inspection is to measure the length of the chain link and ensure it matches the specified length provided by the manufacturer. If the length doesn't match, it can indicate a link is broken or stretched and when the length is outside the allowed tolerance as specified by the manufacturer, it cannot be used. Operators can decide on the most appropriate rigging and slinging techniques for their workload. Chain slings can simply be used by connecting the attached hooks to the hitch.

Hitches

Hitches are a tool that attaches to slings to assist in the hoisting operation. They're a piece of material that connects the hook of the sling to the load or the support of the load and they can be combined with taglines to prevent load movement and rotation that damages the slings and causes unsafe lifts.

If a rig requires more than one sling, it can attach to one lifting hook and the hitch becomes a bridle. The load will be evenly distributed to the slings while the one lifting hook can remain above the centre of gravity of the load, held by the bridle. To create a bridle hitch, ensure the sling angles are calculated so the legs aren't overloaded. You can adjust the leg lengths with a hoist to distribute the load between slings appropriately.

For more information on how to use a lifting sling, as well as best practice rigging and slinging techniques,  contact us at Industrial & Automotive Parts today.

Circlips are also known as retaining rings, snap rings, retaining clips, and C-type

You can split an external circlip at a certain point in that it springs open and fits around a shaft. Then, it closes into a fitted annular recess around the shaft. Meanwhile, you can clinch an internal circlip to fit inside a bore before it springs back into a shape, forming a shoulder in the housing.

In simpler terms, external rings are snug around the shaft and press against it, while internal rings fit inside a cylindrical bore and push outwards.

How to measure internal circlip size?

Internal circlips are retaining rings that fit inside a cylindrical bore or housing and push in an outward motion.

The best way to find the internal circlip size you need, is to measure the inside diameter of the bore (not the circlip groove). For example, a 30mm bore will require a 30mm circlip (keeping in mind that the 30mm circlip will not measure 30mm on the outside diameter as it is not yet compressed).

If however, you want to measure the circlip itself to see what bore it suits, the correct way is by measuring from the outside on one side, then to the inside on the other.

Most if not all circlip grooves and circlips will be machined/made to a standard. Please note if your application has a circlip that is not standard (heavy duty version) then the width and depth need to be measured on the shaft/bore and the circlip.

Refer to the charts below for a simple circlip guide .

How to measure external circlip size?

External circlips fit snug around the shaft and press against it instead of outward, unlike the internal circlip.

The best way to find the external circlip size you need, is to measure the outside diameter of the shaft (not the circlip groove). For example, a 30mm shaft will require a 30mm circlip (keeping in mind that the inside diameter of the circlip will measure less than 30mm as it has not yet expanded).

If however, you want to measure the circlip itself to see what shaft it suits, the correct way is by measuring from the outside on one side, then to the inside on the other.

Most if not all circlip grooves and circlips will be machined/made to a standard. Please note if your application has a circlip that is not standard (heavy duty version) then the width and depth need to be measured on the shaft/bore and the circlip.

Refer to the charts below for a simple circlip guide.

How to tell what circlip fits a shaft or bore?

One common problem is having incorrect measurements relative to the shaft or bore when it comes to circlips. You can measure a retaining clip's outside diameter (OD) or inside diameter (ID). However, it doesn't necessarily mean that your calculations will match with the shaft or bore. That's why it's essential to learn the proper ways of measuring the internal circlip size and how to measure external circlip size.

Take a look at this example:

The outside diameter of an internal circlip measures 30mm. This does not suit a 30mm bore, it suits a 28mm bore.

The inside diameter of an external circlip measures 30mm. This does not suit a 30mm shaft, it suits a 32-33mm shaft.

• The right way to measure a shaft is by calculating its OD, not the circlip groove.
• The right way to measure a bore is by calculating its ID, not the circlip groove.

Circlips and circlip grooves are typically made to a standard. If your application involves a non-standard circlip (i.e. heavy-duty version), please measure the width and depth on the shaft or bore and the circlip.

Circlip Size Chart

How to measure internal circlip size? How to measure external circlip size?

To assist you in measuring internal and external circlips, please refer to the respective circlip size chart by clicking on these links:

• Internal Circlip Chart
• External Circlip Chart

Please take note of these important columns:

• For internal clips - Column B, refers to the actual bore inside diameter; Column D, is the circlip measurement.
• For external clips – Column S, refers to the actual shaft diameter; Column D, is the circlip measurement.

How to install internal circlips?

To install internal circlips the right way, please follow these steps:

1. Pick a pair of internal circlip pliers to fit into the circlip end holes.
2. Attach the plier tips into the holes on the end of the circlips you are set to install.
3. Close the circlip plier handles by squeezing them gently.
4. Contract the circlip as desired.
5. Guide the circlip into the groove.
6. Release the pliers.

How to remove internal circlips?

To remove internal circlips properly, please follow these steps:

1. Pick a pair of circlip pliers.
2. Use these plier tips in gripping the holes on the clip ends to be removed.
3. Release the circlip from the groove by gently squeezing the plier handles.
4. Remove it from the bore.

How to install external circlips?

To install external circlips correctly, please follow these steps:

1. Pick a pair of external circlip pliers to fit into the circlip end holes.
2. Insert the tips into the grips of the circlip ends to be used.
3. Expand the circlip by opening the edge with a gentle squeeze.
4. Place the circlip in the groove, and you're done.

How to remove external circlips?

To remove external clips the right way, please follow these steps:

1. Pick a pair of external circlip pliers that fit into holes at the end of the circlip.
2. Grip the holes on each circlip end to be removed.
3. Remove the circlip from the groove by carefully squeezing the pliers.

Get Your Industrial Supplies from Industrial & Automotive Parts

Industrial & Automotive Parts are the leading industrial equipment suppliers in the market. For quality and safe circlips, check out our extensive range of products including:

• Ball Bearings Online
• Self Aligning Bearing
• Bearing Retaining Compound
• 3 Phase Motors
• Worm Gearbox
• Trailer Bearings
• Marine Bearing Kit
• Electric Motor Suppliers
• 3 Phase Motors
• V Belt Supplies
• Cam Follower
• Roller Chain
• Taconite Bearing Seals
• Cylindrical Roller Bearings
• Agricultural Chains & Sprockets
• Industrial Chain
• Agricultural Chain
• Agricultural Chains and Sprockets

Find the right circlip that suits your needs:

• Internal Circlips
• External Circlips

Do you want to consult with an expert? Contact us today and a member of our specialist team can help you.

Up to you, but I think it is helpful to refer the person to the tables as this is definitely the easiest way to find the correct circlip. Although we are answering the questions, ultimately if a person actually wants to find out they should look at the charts. Perhaps link to the chart section below or direct to the charts?

Up to you, but I think it is helpful to refer the person to the tables as this is definitely the easiest way to find the correct circlip. Although we are answering the questions, ultimately if a person actually wants to find out they should look at the charts. Perhaps link to the chart section below or direct to the charts?

So, what does a thread locker do? Thread locking fluids serve as an adhesive to hold bolts, nuts, and screws in place. With this material, you can prevent loosening and other similar effects of stress and vibration.

It can also act as a replacement for traditional washers and fasteners. As an anaerobic chemical, thread lockers thrive without oxygen or free air. It forms a strong film filling the gaps between connection threads, locking them in place.

The various strains of thread lockers have different curing times, maximum strength, and temperature ranges.

Read on to learn what type of thread locker you should use!

What type of thread locker should I use?

You can choose from a wide range of thread locking fluids to best suit your needs.

Here's a list of the available thread lockers in our online store and where you can use them:

• 8222 Thread Locker

  • Low strength, fast curing
  • Specially formulated for controlled friction and torque/tension ratio during assembly
  • Best used for bonding and sealing of threads
  • Ideal for small screws and fasteners under 6mm (¼”), particularly those loosening under vibration

• 8242 Thread Locker

  • Medium strength, fast curing
  • Specially formulated for plated parts
  • Best used for vibrating or moving components
  • Ideal for fasteners between 6mm-20mm (¼-¾)

• 8243 Thread Locker

  • Medium strength
  • Specially formulated for bonding and sealing threads of less active materials like stainless steel
  • Highly resistant to gases, heat, hydrocarbons, oils, water, vibrations, and several other chemicals
  • Ideal for fasteners between 6mm-20mm (¼-¾)

• 8262 Thread Locker

  • Medium to high strength compound
  • Specially formulated for heavy-duty applications like bolts in transmission, construction equipment, or railroad assemblies
  • Ideal for fasteners with diameters up to 25mm (1”)

• 8263 Thread Locker

  • High strength, fast curing
  • A permanent compound that can fully replace double nutting and welding in some applications
  • Best for preventing corrosion and leakage
  • Has improved oil tolerance
  • Has high resistance to gases, heat, hydrocarbons, oils, water, vibrations, and several other chemicals
  • Ideal for fasteners up to 25mm (1”)

• 8270 Thread Locker

  • High strength, fast curing
  • A permanent compound that can fully replace double nutting and welding in some applications
  • Best for preventing corrosion and leakage
  • Has high resistance to gases, heat, hydrocarbons, oils, water, vibrations, and several other chemicals
  • Perfect for your fasteners that hold diameters at 25mm

• 8272 Thread Locker

  • High strength, fast curing
  • Has a high temperature of up to 204 degrees
  • Best used in sealing and locking studs, nuts, joint fittings, etc.
  • Prevents loosening and leakage
  • Has high resistance to gases, heat, hydrocarbons, oils, water, vibrations, and several other chemicals
  • Ideal for fasteners up to 36mm (1-¼)

• 8277 Thread Locker

  • High strength, fast curing
  • A permanent compound that can fully replace double nutting and welding in some applications
  • Best for preventing corrosion and leakage
  • Has high resistance to gases, heat, hydrocarbons, oils, water, vibrations, and several other chemicals
  • Averts slackening and outflow from the disruptions of components in movement
  • Suitable for locking and sealing larger bolts and studs
  • Ideal for fasteners up to 25mm (1”)

• 8290 Thread Locker

  • Medium strength, fast curing
  • A wicking grade thread locker
  • Penetrates threads by capillary action
  • Best used for sealing hairline cracks, small nuts and bolts, securing setscrews and other assemblies after being set up
  • Ideal for fasteners up to 6mm (¼ )

Out of all these fluids, you’ll find that the most commonly used thread lockers are as follows:

• For small threads - 8222 Thread Locker
• For medium threads - 8243 Thread Locker
• For large threads - 8263 Thread Locker

How to use thread locker?

Before learning how to use a thread locker properly, you must prepare your workspace first. Clear all surfaces of any oil, chemical, or other debris. You must apply the fluid to the male thread of fasteners instead of the female thread to which you would insert it.

It's also best to start with a clean set of male and female threads. You can use mineral spirits, carb, or brake cleaner in disinfecting your area and industrial supplies. You can opt for an aerosol spray cleaner or primer to shorten the setting time. This chemical can clean the threads as well.

Here's a detailed guide of how to use thread locker:

1. Add enough fluid to the joint so you can wet the threads as well. A single drop is normally a sufficient amount.
2. Tighten normally.
3. Remove the fastener by simply unthreading it.
4. The pieces will fall apart quickly as you feel a fair amount of initial resistance.
5. Clean and reapply each time you assemble the parts.
6. Do not touch the bolt to the dispensing nipple on the container. Doing so will transfer metal ions to the plastic. With such contamination, you'll end up with a wasted vial of thread locker.

Thread Lockers can be used in an array of applications. Please always ensure that you are using quality and safe industrial supplies from your most trusted specialists in town.

Industrial & Automotive Parts is your expert partner in industrial supplies. For further assistance, don't hesitate to contact us. Our team of specialists are ready to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a wicking grade thread locker?

This thread locker is suited for applications to nuts and bolts after their assembly is completed. A wicking grade thread locker penetrates the threads using capillary action.

Why does thread locker go hard in the bottle?

Thread Locker fluids that are contaminated with foreign material might harden inside a bottle. That's why you must avoid touching the tip of the bottle on the thread then sucking the fluid back in when applying the thread locker. This occurrence is the easiest way for contamination to manifest in the bottle.

Another reason could be when the bottle has been left under direct sunlight or left open. These instances will lead to the hardening of the fluid over time.

How to soften thread locker?

In cases of a hardened thread locker, the best way to return it in liquid form is with heat. Most thread lockers have temperature ranges of 150-200 degrees. Use an open flame on the components with a thread locker to turn it back into fluid or with a chewing gum texture.

There may be some chemicals with components that can soften the adhesive fluid. But as some types have high resistance to such, it may take some trial and error for them to work. You can use hand tools to disassemble thread lockers with low to medium strength.

This compound fills the gaps between the threaded pipe and fitting connections. With a reliable thread sealant, you can prevent the leakage of any fluid and gases. These materials can also lubricate the threads, giving an easier and quicker assembly process.

Thread sealants have two primary forms: paste or liquid compound and tape.

Where do you apply thread sealant?

Thread sealants are usually applied to pipes and fittings. You can also use it on bolts and sensors for specific functions.

Other industrial applications of thread sealants are as follows:

• Automotive industries
• Chemical processing
• Distribution industries
• Industrial plant fluid power systems
• Gas compression
• Marine industries
• Petroleum refinement
• Textile
• Pulp/paper
• Utilities or power generation
• Waste treatment

How to choose the suitable thread sealant for your application?

Choosing the most suitable thread sealant for your application is vital for safety and function. To determine which type you should use for each function, consider the following factors:

• Temperature

Liquid sealants can withstand extreme temperatures, making them ideal as high-temperature sealants. Meanwhile, a standard PTFE tape can perform best within the range of -200°C to + 260°C. Avoid going higher than that with tape sealants to prevent decay.

• Pressure

For high-pressure thread requirements, it's best to opt for liquid thread sealants. This variant holds better resistance from vibration compared to PTFE tape.

• Curing time

If you need a quick fix, the PTFE tape is your best option. Liquid sealants are not applicable for quick assembly and usage due to their curing time of up to 24 hours.

• Ease of application

PTFE thread seal tapes are relatively easy to install compared to other plasters.

• Wear and tear

While liquid sealants cure longer than the others, you can ensure they won't crack or shrink. On the other hand, PTFE tape is more prone to tearing during installation. It also tends to enter the system, eventually clogging it.

• Cost

PTFE thread seal tapes might be the most inexpensive option, but their use is also limited. Liquid thread sealant, on the other hand, is the most cost-effective. Its range of applications covers several materials, pressures, and temperatures.

• Media

For hydraulics, the most commonly used thread sealant is liquid. Both PTFE tape and liquid sealants have approved variants for DVGW application. Still, you must take note of the possible temperature and pressure limits of each approval.

• Approvals

You can use various sealants for your particular needs. Still, you must ensure that each type passes certain approvals of your requirements. The most common licenses are for gas application (DVGW), water application (WRAS), oxygen (BAM), and drinking water (NFS).

What thread sealant should you use?

To determine which type of thread sealant you should use for specific applications, please refer to this list:

• 8-5811 Thread Sealant

  • Potable water, variable pressure
  • An anaerobic sealant
  • Best used on stainless steel threads
  • No need for surface activation
  • Ideal for applications in gases, water, LPG, oils, hydrocarbons, and other chemicals
  • Excellent in preventing migration of the sealant before or during curing

• 8452 Thread Sealant

  • Fast curing, all thread types, low viscosity
  • Best used for hydraulic and pneumatic fittings in high-temperature environments
  • Provides low-pressure resistance to all thread types immediately after application
  • Ideal for applications in gases, water, LPG, oils, hydrocarbons, and other chemicals
  • Excellent for threads up to 25mm (1")

• 8567 Thread Sealant

  • Thick white paste consistency
  • High lubrication, coarse fittings, high viscosity
  • Contains PTFE promoting advanced lubrication
  • Ideal for coarse metal threads, pipes, and fittings, also for all metal types
  • Provides an instant, low-pressure lock and seal to ensure no leakage occurs before cure
  • Prevents corrosion and will not shrink
  • Ideal for threads up to 76mm (3")

• 8569 Thread Sealant

  • General purpose, multi-use, low viscosity
  • Best used for applications on fine metal threads that require a guaranteed and lasting seal
  • Ideal for hydraulic and pneumatic fittings
  • Resistant to loosening from vibration and shock
  • Prevents corrosion and will not shrink
  • Ideal for threads up to 19mm (¾ )

• 8577 Thread Sealant

  • Has thick viscosity and is yellow
  • An anaerobic sealant
  • Delivers instant low-pressure resistance for all metal threads on pipes, joints, and fittings
  • Best used for potable water and gas with a WRAS approval
  • Ideal for threads up to 76mm (¾ )

• Pink PTFE Thread Seal Tape

  • A heavy-duty density tape
  • Made up of 100% PTFE
  • Ideal for sealing connections between 12.7mm (½) and 51mm (2")

• White PTFE Thread Seal Tape

  • An all-rounder
  • Best used for less critical applications than the pink tape
  • Made of 100% PTFE
  • Ideal for sealing connections up to 9.5mm (3/8'')

• Yellow PTFE Thread Seal Tape

  • A premium high-density tape
  • Made of 100% PTFE
  • Best used for critical applications with natural gas, oxygen, or large and coarse threads
  • Ideal for threads between 12.7 mm (½") and 51mm (2")

How to apply thread sealant?

To have a successful thread sealant application, please follow these steps:

1. Determine the type of sealant that best suits the requirements of your application. Remember the factors that you need to consider listed above.
2. Clean and degrease your threads to ensure the proper adherence of your sealant to the materials.
3. Apply your thread sealant.

1. For tape sealants: Wrap the PTFE tape around the male thread in a clockwise direction. During this phase, the tape should assume the shape of the thread. Avoid covering the end of the thread with tape so it won't go into the system. Make sure that enough tape can fill the gap between the threads. Otherwise, the excessive tape will not make a full threaded connection, thus making the assembly prone to tear. When the conjunction is made, you can't unscrew it anymore.
2. For liquid sealants: Use a brush to apply the sealant to the male threads. Make sure that only enough liquid sealant can fill the gap between the threads. The excessive sealant may exit the threads, thus wasted. You can no longer unscrew the connection after it is made.
1. Check for leakage

How to remove a fitting with thread sealant?

You need to remove the existing thread sealant before applying a new layer on an undone threaded connection. To properly remove a fitting with thread sealant, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the parts by unscrewing the threads.
2. Apply a solvent-based media on the area to dissolve the sealant material. You can either spray the solvent or submerge the parts in it.
3. Wipe clean the threads once the sealant is dissolved.
4. Rinse with water and let dry.

For a safe and guaranteed seal, get quality thread sealants from your trusted specialists. Industrial & Automotive Parts have the best materials in the market suited for your every need.

Need expert assistance? Reach out to our experienced team to discuss your specific requirements.