Scanning for Ideas: Quarter-Turn Fasteners for Easy Access

Dzus Quarter-Turn Fasteners from Southco, Concordville, Pa. (southco.com), are affordable alternatives to threaded fasteners for enclosures that require repeat access with minimal effort. A cam-action interface between the stud and receptacle draws the fastener tight within a 90° arc of rotation. It also engages a detent at the end of the ramping path for a sure fit. Springaction receptacles help the fastener resist vibrations.

Ease of assembly reduces installation time and costs. For technicians who use the fasteners, quick and repeatable access provides more-efficient field maintenance than threaded fasteners — a common requirement on access panels, automotive underbody shields, aircraft cowlings, and machine safety guards. And captive components eliminate delays or damage from hardware being lost or dropped into operating equipment.

Edited by Stephen J. Mraz