Lock bolts vs Traditional Bolts: Which is Better?

Mar 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.

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