Cross threading. It occurs every day in many factories as products are assembled with threaded fasteners. At some sites it is so common that for the more troublesome applications, special repair screws of the same pitch, but one size larger in diameter, are stocked for replacement purposes. The rework and repair costs can be huge, but are often accepted as standard operating procedure.
Now, there is a fastener designed to prevent cross-threading and its associated costs - the TRU-START® Fastener. The unique TRU-START® point design not only prevents cross-threading in tapped holes, but also locates and aligns the fastener when entering a tapped hole. The absence of threads along one side of the fastener prevents the fastener from engaging the nut threads while the fastener is at an angle. The orientation and angle of the point were developed in relationship to the fastener's thread helix angle. All these features add up to cost savings, because cross-threading, even in a small percentage of assemblies, can be very expensive. Cross-threading can damage or destroy an assembly causing unnecessary down time, expensive repairs, and/or the complete loss of an expensive component. An even higher cost can result from cross-threaded joints that are not detected at assembly, because cross-threading is not always readily apparent during assembly. Often the joint appears satisfactory and offers little evidence that the joint formed is incapable of withstanding its intended design loads.
TRU-START® fasteners were developed in response to end-user demands to reduce costs by preventing cross-threaded joints. TRU-START® fasteners can be supplied with grade strength and finish to suit.