Electric Tool Cover

An innovative manufacturer of hand-held construction tools approached SPIROL for assistance on securing a plastic cover to one of their tools. The original design utilised (3) self-tapping Phillips-head screws to fasten the cover to the body of the tool. However, the screws did not provide the necessary retention to hold the plastic cover onto the assembly, and as a result, they were experiencing high rates of failure.

SPIROL had observed that an ongoing challenge for tool manufacturers was in securing plastic components together; particularly when high vibration and pull-out forces were present. Prior to this particular customer approaching us, SPIROL’s Engineering Team had already designed a solution for these types of applications.

The development of the SPIROL barbed Series FH400 Headed Barbed Pin was a result of years of intense design, development, and thorough performance testing. This Headed Barbed Pin provides the best possible retention in plastic assemblies. The critical feature of this pin is in the fetter barb design. This attribute results in the least amount of insertion force, yet it provides maximum retention due to the host material back fill/recovery around the barbs once fully installed. The plastic fills the voids between the barbs such that the assembled product can resist tremendous amounts of force before disengaging from the pin. In fact, the plastic host is usually deformed beyond functionality long before the pin becomes dislodged.

In addition to the superior retention qualities, Headed Knurled Pins are also much easier to install than screws. They are installed into standard drilled, moulded or punched holes. No reaming or tapping of the hole is required. They install faster than screws and eliminate issues associated with cross-threading or skewing. Also, unlike most screws, Headed Knurled Pins do not require lock washers to keep them from backing out of the assembly which makes them easier and less costly to install.

Complimentary Applications Engineering Support: SPIROL Engineers will review your application needs and work with your design team to recommend the best solution.