5 Common Uses for a Universal Joint Socket

Over 73,000 Americans work in the nut and bolt production industry, so it’s no surprise that these parts hold almost every industrial machine together. Unfortunately, many of them are necessarily in hard-to-reach places. This can make machine maintenance challenging.

Luckily, a universal joint socket can help manufacturing workers remain efficient. Read on to learn some typical applications for these project parts.

1. Reaching Odd Angles

The primary use of a universal joint socket is to reach hard-to-reach bolts on a piece of equipment. When a standard socket does not fit, you can apply these adjustable joints to any ratchet’s extension.

This lets you adjust the angle at which you approach a socket so you can break bolts and nuts loose. You no longer have to worry about being unable to reach bolts in confined, awkward spaces since you can drive sockets at an angle.

2. Increasing Maneuverability

These project parts can also work together to boost your ability to maneuver around machinery. You can attach a universal joint to another universal joint.

Stacking them on top of one another lets you have an easy-to-use ratchet extension. You can break nuts and bolts loose, regardless of how hard they are to get to.

3. Easy Equipment Repair

Industrial equipment needs routine maintenance to function appropriately. Part of repairing potential problems is removing and replacing inefficient parts of a machine. To do this, users must access, break loose, and remove nuts and bolts holding machine parts together in odd places.

It’s also critical that you replace the bolts themselves periodically. They will eventually become loose because of regular wear and tear, which can cause broken machinery or slower operations. A universal joint socket makes this possible.

The main alternative to a universal joint socket is a standard universal joint in conjunction with a standard socket. This means more parts to purchase and assemble, wasting money and time. A universal joint socket means easy access to project parts with a single tool for simple equipment repairs.

4. Boosting Machine Engine Efficiency

Industrial machine engines are among the most essential parts to repair, replace, and maintain. They also have several nuts and bolts holding various parts in place.

Unique engine shapes make this challenging. Engines are frequently positioned beneath other equipment parts, so you need a universal joint socket for easy access.

These joint sockets can compound to extend deep into the machine and engine.

5. Increasing Brake Effectiveness

Replacing worn-out brakes is also critical in industrial settings. If you do not, your machines will stop slowly because of worn brake pads and discs. Unscrewing and removing them from equipment can be challenging if your machinery is in a hard-to-reach place. Using joint sockets means you may save yourself the need to move heavy machinery so you can replace brake parts.

Invest in a Universal Joint Socket

There are several common uses for a universal joint socket in industrial applications. Now that you know how they can improve your warehouse or industrial plant’s efficiency, it’s time to get a quote for improving your professional environment. Contact Kor-Pak today to learn more about the costs of purchasing mechanical parts.

Common Types of Tower Cranes and Their Versatility in the Industry

Cranes have existed in some form for over 5,000 years. The Mesopotamians were the ones who first used them to water crops in what is now Iraq.

The invention of modern tower cranes is credited to Hans Liebherr in 1949, who sought an easier way to rebuild Germany after the Second World War.

Liebherr’s namesake company is still a major player in the industry. Not all tower cranes are created equal, though. Companies select them based on the task they need to perform.

Hammerhead Tower Crane

Named for their distinct appearance, hammerhead cranes are static ones used on large construction projects. Those who’ve served in the Navy might have seen them on battleships. They saw heavy use in WWII, not only because it made building ships easier but also as a way to launch planes from the ships.

The complicated setup means that companies often prefer hammerhead cranes in situations requiring long-term crane use. The best example of this is the freight industry.

Hammerhead cranes dominate the freight industry, with many cargo vessels equipped with them. According to the US Department of Agriculture, this sector is growing. While the number of ships fitted with cranes shows little change, the size of those ships and the amount of cargo they carry is increasing. 

Luffing Tower Crane

A luffing crane is a static crane similar to a hammerhead crane. The difference is that the jib on a luffing crane is angled and can be raised and lowered by narrowing or widening the angle.

This gives the crane a significant advantage in confined workspaces where architecture or natural features prevent the use of hammerhead cranes.

The more compact design allows this crane to lift heavier objects than its counterpart. While this makes a luffing crane safe for civilians, it doesn’t help the operator much. For this reason, it’s essential to keep the machine well-maintained and repair it when necessary.

Telescopic Crane

Telescopic cranes have many applications in the modern world. Firetrucks have telescopic cranes built into them for rescuing trapped civilians and fighting fires at higher elevations.

These differ from construction cranes because the cab is located at the end of the tower/jib. This puts the operator in significantly more danger.

On Acquisition

The specialization of tower cranes has created an interesting situation for construction companies. The variety of cranes and their specialties make keeping a private crane supply impractical. The company will spend more time maintaining a machine than using it.

Tower crane rentals are the best option in this market. Manufacturers know this and have turned tower crane rental into a significant portion of their business model.

Types of Tower Cranes and Their Uses

The demands of today’s industrialized world call for an assortment of tower cranes and other heavy equipment. Each crane type was built to work in a specific situation, and each has its own adaptations.

Kor-pak is a leader in crane replacement parts. Contact us.

Typical Applications for Caliper Brakes

If you’re looking for a powerful brake caliper that can handle various applications, caliper brakes are a perfect choice. Commonly used in industrial settings, you can also find caliper brakes in vehicles and other machinery. Here are some of the most common applications for caliper brakes.

Keep reading to learn more about a few typical applications of caliper brakes.

The Capabilities Of Caliper Brakes

You can find brake calipers in various applications because they can handle a wide range of tasks.

Also, they have remarkable stopping power. Suppose you have an application that requires high torque. In this case, caliper brakes are an excellent choice because they provide consistent braking force.

Another benefit of caliper brakes is that they’re modular. This means you can configure them to meet your specific needs.

Additionally, caliper brakes offer high stiffness and low weight. So if you’re looking for a brake caliper that’s both powerful and strong, you have many options.

Types Of Brake Calipers

Vehicles

As you most likely know, caliper brakes are commonly used in the automotive industry. They provide reliable braking power. In addition, you can find caliper brakes on many different types of vehicles, including motorcycles and various recreational vehicles.

Machinery

You can also find industrial brake calipers on construction equipment and agricultural settings. They’re also used often for material handling equipment.

Industrial Settings

You’ll often see caliper brakes used in industrial settings. They provide reliable braking power and are capable of withstanding high temperatures.

Hose Reels

Industrial brake calipers can provide a constant braking force. This kind of force is necessary for winding and unwinding heavy hoses.

Indexers

Indexers are devices that move workpieces in a specific direction. For example, you’ll frequently see caliper brakes used in assembly lines and machine shops with this equipment.

Printing Presses

Caliper brakes are also used in printing presses. Again, this is because caliper brakes can provide a consistent braking force, which is necessary for the printing process.

Wind Energy

Companies also use caliper brakes for wind energy. With brake calipers, operators can regulate the speed of the turbine. In this way, caliper brakes help to improve unit efficiency.

CNC Machinery

CNC manufacturing companies often make use of caliper brakes. This equipment enables them to maintain the position of workpieces.

Choosing The Right Caliper Brakes

It can prove challenging to figure out the right caliper brake for your application. In some instances, you could need a custom-built solution. Fortunately, some designers can help.

A designer will assess your specific needs and help you choose caliper brakes capable of meeting those needs. Additionally, a designer can provide a custom-made caliper.

Creating The End Product

After understanding your needs, an engineer might begin the caliper brake design process by researching the best caliper brake for your specific application.

For example, you could need an automatic braking function for your application. This may involve a review of existing caliper brake patents and designs and other related facts.

However, for a custom solution, they’ll make a prototype of the caliper brake. Then, they’ll use the prototype to test caliper brake design concepts and caliper brake materials. Finally, after the engineer is satisfied with the prototype results, they’ll begin production of your caliper brake.

We Can Help You Build The Perfect Caliper Brake For Your Needs

We hope our brief guide on industrial caliper brakes has given you a better understanding of this equipment. If you need caliper brakes for your unique industrial application, Kor-Pak can help.

We specialize in OEM and custom-manufactured caliper brakes and other industrial equipment. We can also help you source specialty equipment such as automatic brake parts.

Please contact us today to discuss your industrial equipment sourcing needs.