What’s a Lock Sleeve?

A lock sleeve houses the workings of a locking mechanism and secures an object in place. It is used in various applications, such as an automobile’s ignition lock, a lathe’s tailstock, a front door’s locking mechanism, and electrical systems. Lock sleeves can be made of metal or plastic and may have protective covers or weatherproof […]

What’s a central lock?

Centerlock can occur in jet engines during an in-flight fire, causing catastrophic failure if the engine cannot be restarted. Metal components can shrink and interfere with each other, making restart impossible. Pilots follow procedures to prevent burnouts, but multiple errors can cause central lockout. Jet engine designers work to prevent failures. Centerlock is a complication […]

What’s a lock bolt?

Lock bolts are two-piece metal fasteners used to securely join two surfaces without welding. They have high tensile and shear strength, resist vibration, and can be installed with pneumatic-hydraulic or manual riveters. They are a practical and economical option for many applications. A bolt is a two-piece metal fastener consisting of a round collar and […]

What’s a spindle lock?

An axle lock, also known as posi-trac, applies power equally to both sides of the driveshaft. Limited slip differentials unlock the appropriate inner tire during turns, while full spools link the left and right axes permanently. Axle lockup is an option on heavy-duty trucks and OEM performance vehicles. An axle lock, or axle lock as […]

Auto lock for doors?

Automatic door bottoms seal gaps between doors and floors, preventing damage and blocking out odors, insects, light, dust, and sound. They can also improve energy savings. They are versatile and fit various door styles and sizes, but careful consideration is needed when choosing the correct type for a project. They are available at hardware stores […]

What’s a lock?

Locks are channels controlled by gates used to direct water for water control, material processing, and power generation. They can be natural or man-made and require maintenance. Locks are used to prevent flooding, retain and redirect water, and power devices like water wheels. They were also used in gold mining and timber transportation. A lock […]

What’s a lock washer?

Lock washers prevent threaded connections from loosening due to vibration, temperature cycling, and wear. They come in different types and sizes, such as split lock washers, star lock washers, and tabbed lock washers. They resist force through friction and can create a mechanical gripping force. They are extensively used in aircraft manufacturing and structural applications […]

What’s a soft lock?

Software hang can cause a significant decrease in computer performance and prevent further processor capacity from being used. It occurs when multiple processors attempt to modify a single data source, leading to corruption. Specialized operating system software can minimize software blocking by distributing data to processors in smaller pieces, ensuring each processing unit always has […]

What are Lock Pliers?

Locking pliers securely hold objects without needing a human grip. Different styles are available for various applications, with Vise-Grip being a popular brand. They can act like a second pair of hands and be used to loosen stubborn bolts. Quality varies, with routine maintenance recommended for longevity. Locking pliers are pliers designed to be locked, […]

What’s a lock screw?

Locking screws are adjustable fasteners with a threaded barrel and countersunk head. They are used for fine adjustments to a clamp’s tension and to hold a part in place or regulate flow rate. Clips and washers are used to prevent direct contact with vulnerable surfaces. Hose clamp screws tighten hoses to restrict flow, and set […]

What’s gimbal lock?

Gimbal lock can occur in devices that move in multiple directions, such as gyroscopes. Gyroscopes aid in navigation and maintain a horizontal orientation, but can experience gimbal lock. This can also occur in telescopes and radar antennas. Pilots performing stunts manually lock the gyro instruments to avoid gimbal lock. In space navigation, gyroscopes maintain a […]

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