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Lock bolts vs Traditional Bolts: Which is Better?

March 27, 2025

In industrial fastening systems, choosing between specialised fasteners and traditional bolts significantly impact structural integrity, maintenance costs, and long-term performance. At Swagefast™, we specialize in high-performance fastening solutions including our Swagebolt Pins & Collars for demanding sectors like petrochemical plants and power generation facilities.

Understanding the Core Technologies

Swagebolt Pin and Collar Fastening Systems

  • Our advanced Swagebolt Pins and Collar technology features:
  • Two-piece mechanical design (Pin + Collar)
  • Vibration-resistant permanent fastening
  • One-sided installation capability (ideal for areas where access is restricted to one side)
  • Superior shear and tensile strength
  • Common variants of the Collars being Standard or Flanged

Traditional Bolt Systems

Conventional bolted joints:

  • Require torque application and periodic re-tightening
  • Need access to both sides of the joint
  • Prone to vibration-induced loosening
  • Limited performance in extreme environments

Technical Comparison

Feature Lock bolts Traditional Bolts
Installation One-sided swaging Two-sided torque application
Vibration Resistance Permanent, maintenance-free Requires lock washers/threadlockers
Tensile Strength 100% collar engagement 30-35% thread contact
Corrosion Resistance Excellent (ideal for petrochemical fasteners) Varies by material
Reusability Permanent installation Reusable
Industry Applications Power generation fasteners, structural, aerospace General purpose, non-critical

Industry-Specific Advantages

Power Generation Fasteners

  • Withstand turbine vibrations
  • Eliminate maintenance downtime
  • Meet strict safety standards for energy infrastructure

Petrochemical Fastener Solutions

  • Resist corrosive environments
  • Maintain seal integrity under pressure fluctuations
  • Reduce inspection frequency

Blind Fastener Applications

  • Install where only one side is accessible
  • Create flush finishes for aerodynamic surfaces
  • Ideal for repair and maintenance scenarios

Why Choose Swagefast™ Pin and Collar Solutions?

  1. Proven Performance – Our fasteners are trusted in critical applications worldwide
  2. Custom Engineering – We tailor solutions for specific load and environmental requirements
  3. Complete SystemsFrom Swagebolt Pins & Collars to other specialized fasteners
  4. Technical Support – Our technical specialist help optimize your fastening strategy

For mission-critical applications in power generation, petrochemical, and industrial manufacturing, Swagefast™ delivers unmatched reliability. Our Swagebolt Pins & Collars provide permanent, vibration-resistant solutions that outperform traditional bolted joints.

Contact our engineering team today to discuss your specific fastening requirements and discover the Swagefast™ advantage.

Want to make sure you’ve selected the correct fasteners for your applications?
Our team is ready to assist you.
Give us a call on +27 (0) 11 668 4600 or email sales@swagefast.com.