Commun issues

How to prevent bolted joints loosening in tanks and armored vehicles exposed to heavy vibration and shock?

Military vehicles are exposed to constant vibration, shock, and movement, especially in tracked platforms and off-road environments. Traditional locking methods rely on friction, which fails when vibration overcomes it. Nord‑Lock® wedge-locking washers use tension instead of friction. When subjected to vibration, the system actually increases clamping force instead of losing it.

Explore wedge-locking technology

What causes bolt failure in high-vibration environments?

In military vehicles, repeated dynamic loads cause micro-movements in bolted joints. Over time, this leads to preload loss, fatigue cracks and eventual failure. Nord‑Lock® wedge‑locking washers maintain preload and eliminates the root cause of failure not just symptoms.

How to achieve accurate preload in large bolts used in tanks or heavy military vehicles?

Achieving uniform preload in large fasteners is difficult with conventional tightening methods. Variations in preload can compromise joint performance and lead to loosening, fatigue, or costly rework. Boltight® hydraulic tensioners deliver controlled and consistent preload, ensuring reliable joint performance and reducing installation variability.

Explore hydraulic tensioners

How to simplify installation when access is limited in armored vehicle assemblies?

Restricted access and limited working space make it challenging to use traditional torque tools effectively. This can result in uneven tightening, increased safety risks, and longer maintenance times. Superbolt® mechanical tensioners enable high and accurate preload using standard hand tools, allowing safe, efficient, and consistent tightening even in confined spaces.

Explore mechanical tensioners

How to reduce maintenance time on critical bolted joints in armored vehicles?

When preload is inaccurate or joints loosen over time, frequent re-tightening and inspection are required. This increases downtime, raises maintenance costs, and reduces operational availability. Using Nord-Lock Group technologies such as wedge-locking washers and tensioners ensures reliable preload and minimizes loosening, reducing maintenance needs and improving uptime.

Why is preload accuracy so important in tanks and armored vehicles?

Bolted joints in armored vehicles are exposed to extreme dynamic loads and demanding operating conditions. Incorrect preload can lead to fatigue, structural damage, and failure of safety-critical components. High-precision tensioning solutions like Boltight® and Superbolt® ensure accurate preload, supporting safe operation and long-term reliability.

How to ensure compliance with defense standards and certifications in tanks and armored vehicles?

Defense applications require proven performance under extreme conditions. Nord-Lock Group solutions are tested according to key military shock and vibration standards, including MIL‑STD‑901D and NASM 1312‑7, as well as UK MOD Def Stan 00‑35. NSN and NCAGE codes support secure, compliant sourcing for artillery and weapon systems.