Fasteners aren’t limited to traditional nuts and bolts. There are dozens of different types of fasteners, each of which features a unique design. In the aerospace industry, for instance, quarter-turn fasteners are commonly used.
What Are Quarter-Turn Fasteners?
Quarter-turn fasteners are the fasteners that require a quarter-turn rotation to fasten or unfasten. They are used to hold parts together — just like all fasteners. Quarter-turn fasteners simply live up to their namesake by requiring a quarter-turn motion. You can turn them one-quarter of the way around to fasten or unfasten them.
The Different Types of Quarter-Turn Fasteners
There are several different types of quarter-turn fasteners. One of the most common types is cam-lock. Cam-lock fasteners feature a cam-shaped stud. As you turn the stud, they will lock into place. The cam-shaped stud will essentially slide into a receptacle. You can unlock a cam-lock fastener by turning it in the opposite direction, which will release the stud from the receptacle.
In addition to cam-lock fasteners, there are push-turn fasteners. Push-turn fasteners are simple and easy to use. They are characterized by a “push-and-turn” operation. Pushing and turning a push-turn fastener will lock it. And like with other types of quarter-turn fasteners, you can unlock push-turn fasteners by turning them in the opposite direction.
Dzus fasteners fall under the category of push-turn fasteners. They are used extensively in the aerospace industry. Dzus fasteners feature a stud with a groove or slot that’s connected to a spring-loaded mechanism. As you turn the stud, it will engage the groove or slot.
How Quarter-Turn Fasteners Work
Most quarter-turn fasteners work by engaging in a stud in a receptacle. The stud will slide into the receptacle as you turn them. You only need to turn them one-quarter of the way around, which is why they are known as “quarter-turn fasteners.”
Quarter-turn fasteners are used to hold parts together. When the stud slides into the receptacle, the quarter-turn fastener will lock into place. You can release the stud from the receptacle, by turning it in the opposite direction. Quarter-turn fasteners are simple, and while they are available in different types, they all use this basic turning motion to lock and unlock.
In Conclusion
When researching fasteners used in the aerospace industry, you may come across quarter-turn fasteners. Cam-lock, push-turn and dzus fasteners are all quarter-turn fasteners. They are used to hold parts together. Quarter-turn fasteners, however, only require a quarter-turn motion to lock and unlock.
