A method for preloading a bearing includes releasably, threadably, and directly attaching an attaching member to a circumferential outside surface of an exposed end of a threaded shaft of an axle or spindle. A frame is axially separated from, and coupled to, the attaching member. A plurality of extensions extends from the frame axially past the attaching member toward the wheel hub assembly. An adjustment mechanism moves the frame and the plurality of extensions axially towards the wheel hub assembly to contact the wheel hub assembly and/or the bearing to apply a preload to the bearing within the wheel hub assembly.

A nut locking assembly may comprise a pin, a nut, and a lock ring. The pin may include an outer diameter threaded surface and a plurality of radially inward extending grooves formed between the outer diameter threaded surface and an end of the pin. The nut may include an inner diameter threaded surface and a plurality of radially outward extending grooves formed between the inner diameter threaded surface and an axial end of the nut. The lock ring may include a plurality of outer diameter protrusions and a plurality of inner diameter protrusions.

A nut locking assembly may comprise a pin, a nut, and a lock ring. The pin may include an outer diameter threaded surface and a plurality of radially inward extending grooves formed between the outer diameter threaded surface and an end of the pin. The nut may include an inner diameter threaded surface and a plurality of radially outward extending grooves formed between the inner diameter threaded surface and an axial end of the nut. The lock ring may include a plurality of outer diameter protrusions and a plurality of inner diameter protrusions.

An improved fastener comprising a fastener body orientated about a central axis and having a tool-engaging portion, a threaded fastening portion and a shroud-receiving portion; a shroud concentrically mounted in the shroud-receiving portion to rotate relative to the fastener body under an applied external torque and having an outwardly extending annular shoulder; the shroud-receiving portion comprising an inwardly deformed stop radially overlapping the outwardly extending annular shoulder of the shroud; and the deformed stop of the shroud-receiving portion and the annular shoulder of the shroud forming a shroud-retaining element restraining the shroud from movement in at least a first axial direction along the central axis.

An improved fastener comprising a fastener body orientated about a central axis and having a tool-engaging portion, a threaded fastening portion and a shroud-receiving portion; a shroud concentrically mounted in the shroud-receiving portion to rotate relative to the fastener body under an applied external torque and having an outwardly extending annular shoulder; the shroud-receiving portion comprising an inwardly deformed stop radially overlapping the outwardly extending annular shoulder of the shroud; and the deformed stop of the shroud-receiving portion and the annular shoulder of the shroud forming a shroud-retaining element restraining the shroud from movement in at least a first axial direction along the central axis.

An apparatus for creating holes in a workpiece includes a knockout punch tool having a movable piston. The apparatus also includes a draw stud assembly having a connector attachable to the movable piston, a draw stud, and a quick connect mechanism including mating first and second thread segments on the connector and the draw stud, respectively. The connector and the draw stud are movable between a first relative orientation where the mating first and second thread segments are misaligned to permit axial movement between the connector and the draw stud, and a second relative orientation where the mating first and second thread segments are aligned and engaged to inhibit axial movement between the connector and the draw stud.

A coupling bolt or pin, in particular a ball pin, with a coupling head, such as a ball head, and a thread shaft. The thread shaft comprises a thread in a longitudinal portion of the thread shaft, which extends parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the thread shaft. Within the longitudinal portion of the thread a thread inhibition is provided by means of which a frictional connection between the thread and a counter thread engaging therein and being present at a radial inner wall of a thread opening is increasable. A disc-shaped support structure is provided between the coupling pin and the thread, a radial extension of which is adaptable to a diameter of the thread opening so that the coupling pin is supportable against a lateral load with respect to the axis of the coupling pin within the thread opening.

A coupling bolt or pin, in particular a ball pin, with a coupling head, such as a ball head, and a thread shaft. The thread shaft comprises a thread in a longitudinal portion of the thread shaft, which extends parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the thread shaft. Within the longitudinal portion of the thread a thread inhibition is provided by means of which a frictional connection between the thread and a counter thread engaging therein and being present at a radial inner wall of a thread opening is increasable. A disc-shaped support structure is provided between the coupling pin and the thread, a radial extension of which is adaptable to a diameter of the thread opening so that the coupling pin is supportable against a lateral load with respect to the axis of the coupling pin within the thread opening.

A lock ring tightening mechanism includes a rotary pawl carrier disposed in a radial guide track and moveable by a piston connected to the rotary pawl carrier and a ratcheting lock ring configured for rotational actuation in a tightening direction by actuation of the rotary pawl carrier by the piston. A return spring is configured to return the rotary pawl carrier to a starting position and wherein repeated rotational actuation of the ratcheting lock ring serves to maintain tension in a fastening

A locking system comprising a block made of a polymer substance having an upper surface and a lower surface. In a normal condition, the block has the following structure. A bore, having a first axis, extends through the block and passes through the upper surface and the lower surface, the bore being shaped to include a taper, whereby an upper end of the bore has a larger diameter than a lower end of the bore, and the bore has an internal surface that is smooth. And, a slot, having a second axis, extends through the block and passes through the upper surface and the lower surface, the slot having a generally planar configuration with a width and a thickness, the slot being positioned such that the first axis and the second axis are co-axial, whereby the slot and the bore form a single continuous opening extending through the block.