Alternative Fasteners for low compressive forces?

One problem with a nut and bolt fastener is that getting the nut tight so it won't come loose puts the bolted together bits under a lot of compressive forces. You can reduce that with lower torque and loctite. Another problem with the solution is that you need access to both sides to hold and tighten unless the nut can be clipped or placed in a channel where it can't turn (or the head in the case of an L bolt).

A snap lock pin on the other hand can hold without those compressive forces. Put a pin in the top and the prongs can't release. But to be easy to use there must be enough of a gap for the prongs to clear the surface and expand so there's not only no compressive force, but typically slop. So vibration can be a problem and cause wear.

Is there something in between the two solutions? Ideally, something that only needs accessibility from one side? Rivets aren't good as they're not easily removable and you need a lot of space on one side (I have no visibility on one side and about 5" on the other). Right now, L Bolts with loctite is my solution, but wondering if you knew of a different fastener that would be better/cheaper. Looking for something in stainless so it won't rust, needs at least 100 lbf tensile strength.

Thanks in advance!

I used a couple zip ties. Decent tension and some give.

What are you fastening?
Nord locks are the first thing that come to mind.
A castle nut and cotter pin or safety wire are the second.
Nyloc nuts or jam nuts could also be an option.

42OhmsPA said:

What are you fastening?

Click to expand...

Looking for a way to fasten a panel with mounting holes on the bottom edge of the frame to an offset block, long story but I'll post it if the final solution looks good.

42OhmsPA said:

Nord locks are the first thing that come to mind. ... Nyloc nuts or jam nuts could also be an option....A castle nut and cotter pin...

Click to expand...

Good solutions, possibly better than loctite.

Still like the simplicity/ease of a snap lock pin with some sort of locking pin and compressible washer to provide consistent compression. Something like:
or + or

Fender clips seemed ideal as they can make a snug grip, but I don't think Nylon would work. While the tensile strength (10k psi) is impressive, the service temperature (~120°F) is too low. Also needs a longer shank than what you'd find on a fender clip.

In the OP I said stainless, but that would cause galvanic corrosion so all in aluminum or plastic (PET?) would be better.

Aviation uses a concentric captive floating nut on a riveted plate. I have a buttload of those I bought surplus about 20 years ago.

svetz said:

Looking for a way to fasten a panel with mounting holes on the bottom edge of the frame to an offset block, long story but I'll post it if the final solution looks good.


Good solutions, possibly better than loctite.

Still like the simplicity/ease of a snap lock pin with some sort of locking pin and compressible washer to provide consistent compression. Something like:

or

+

or

Fender clips seemed ideal as they can make a snug grip, but I don't think Nylon would work. While the tensile strength (10k psi) is impressive, the service temperature (~120°F) is too low. Also needs a longer shank than what you'd find on a fender clip.

In the OP I said stainless, but that would cause galvanic corrosion so all in aluminum or plastic (PET?) would be better.

Click to expand...

I have lots of these on my ATV and they work great. Might work for you.

How about DZUS quarter turn flush fasteners ?
Used a lot in aviation, racers, and the military for securing panels to a frame, or other panels.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dzus_fastener
A you tube video: