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Uses For A Plastic Grommet

What is a grommet? It depends on where you are when you ask. If you’re at the beach, people would likely tell you it’s a young surfer, while if you were at the hardware store, the clerk would tell you that it’s a ring or edge strip that lines a hole. A grommet in the context of a ring is often used on sheets of thin material, such as textile fabric, metal, carbon fiber composite, honeycomb, and wood. Often made of metal, rubber, or plastic, it comes flared or collared on both sides so it will stay in place. Its main functions are to protect the hole from abrasion and to cover its sharp edges as well.

Grommets come in all sizes and hole configurations. Most of the time, grommets are the standard round shape, but in other cases, the hole edging may be round, but the grommet shape itself is square, hexagon, etc. Additionally, there’s also another kind of grommet that is best used for bigger holes of irregular shape. This is a continuous, stamped or extruded strip called grommet edging.

We see grommets everywhere and simply take their presence for granted. Look at lace-up shoes, for instance. Those eyelets we slip the string through are technically small grommets. When we put up a tarpaulin, the holes typically have grommets or the material might tear. In electrical applications, the grommets used are referred to as insulated bushings.A plastic grommet is commonly used for electrical equipment for the material’s insulating property.

A plastic grommet is frequently preferable to a metal one since it is resistant to corrosion, chemicals, harsh outdoor elements, and abrasion. If you don’t want rust on your material, you best use plastic. High quality plastic grommets are also long-lasting and sturdy. Of course, as mentioned above, their main draw for use with electrical equipment is their great electrical properties. Rubber also works, but plastic tends to be less yielding than rubber, although rubber’s tendency to adhere to the material is a definite plus in many instances. Plastic is generally more reliable, especially in outdoor conditions since rubber tends to get brittle with exposure. Both materials don’t really require special tools for installation.

Grommets in electrical equipment are often used to protect cables and to minimize vibration. Wires that pass through raw holes can become chafed and torn, something that you don’t want where electricity is involved. Meanwhile, grommets that lessen vibration are used for mounting shock-sensitive items, such as computer disk drives, andacoustically isolating things that are susceptible to microphonism.

Grommets are clearly everywhere. They may be nondescript items, but their clever function makes so many aspects of daily life so much more efficient.

Organize Cables Properly And Attractively With Wire Clips

The holiday season is nigh and most households will be bringing out a bunch of flashy décor to get into the festive spirit. All sorts of ornaments (garlands, trees, luminaries, wreaths, etc.) will be installed throughout the property, and of course, twinkly lights and other types of lighting will also be used.

And speaking of lighting, that’s always tricky to properly install, especially if you want your home to be seriously merry and bright for the season. The long, never-ending strips of lighting have to be attached to strategic spots in and outside your home so they can achieve the best aesthetic appeal. On top of that, you would have to make sure that they are all organized well because jumbled-up cables are not only an eyesore, but they can be a safety hazard as well; people can trip on them, and all the knotted wires can prevent the lights from properly working and actually become the cause of fires.

When organizing cables for Christmas lighting better, there are various accessories you can use, and some of them are wire clips. These cable organizers come in a wide range of designs (there are those shaped like birds, leaves, and butterflies) and colors so not only will they keep all those lighting wires in properly in place, but they can also make sure that the “look” you want is maintained. You can find silver and gold wire clips, as well as those painted green and red to match the popular color scheme of the holidays.

These wire clips can be used anywhere and everywhere; you can attach them to your walls, floors, gutters, fireplaces, door frames, window frames, etc. And aside from keeping your cables grouped nicely together, they can also hold other decor you may want to use. If you want to line floor, wall, and ceiling borders with garlands, or hang ornaments like
Christmas balls, stockings, wreathes and others, these wire clips will surely come in handy. You can also even use them to gather your draperies.

And, if you’re feeling particularly resourceful, no doubt, you will be able to find a multitude of other uses for these wire clips. So if you need to buy some to organize your cables this Christmas, you can be sure that you get products that you can use to your advantage beyond the season.

Keeping It Together With Nylon Rivets

Building homes and corporate or commercial establishments will always call for the use of wires and other components to help deliver electricity, telecommunications capabilities, and other utilities to the space. Most of these wiring’s will be kept out of eyesight or reach so that they will not interrupt the flow of movement through the spaces, create tripping or other safety hazards, or produce an eyesore for the people who will be frequenting the place. Molded wire protection products make these possible.

An important component of wire protection is proper fastening. Products that are specially designed to enable proper fastening throughout a wide range of applications will make the task of keeping wiring’s organized and out of the way easier. One such example of an ideal fastening provision is the nylon rivet.

What is it?

Nylon rivets are meant to fasten two or more pieces of material together; examples would be plastic sheets, fiberglass, sheet metal, composition materials, and PC boards. They can also be used to fasten different substrates such as stone, gypsum, brick, lumber, concrete, steel, or even wood and metal frameworks.

Why are they recommended for use?

Those in need of convenient and reliable fasteners will find using nylon rivets to be ideal because they are ready for immediate use. Unlike traditional fasteners used for building and other applications (like nails and screws), nylon rivets do not require an additional tool to drive them into place (like hammers and screwdrivers). All you need to do is stick a rivet into a ready drilled or punched hole, press the rivet down with a finger, and its legs will automatically expand to securely fasten two components together.

Removing the rivet, should you need to do so, is equally simple. For most snap rivets, all you need to do is pull on the rivet head section and the rivet will quickly release. This is especially notable in releasable type rivets which can be used multiple times rather than just once.

Another advantage of using rivets is that they are assigned a flammability rating so users can determine their level of heat resistance and suitability for specific applications.

Safe and effective components

Nylon rivets are excellent fasteners for materials of various thicknesses. Aside from being extremely simple to install on one side of the work piece, these rivets are also carefully designed to provide security even in vibrating or considerably mobile conditions. And because they are also essential to electrical or industrial applications, it’s to the user’s advantage that nylon rivets are able to resist corrosion and effectively insulate. And of course, it doesn’t hurt that the rounded or flat rivet heads provide a finished, clean look for your fastened materials. All in all, nylon rivets really work well at keeping things together.

How To Install Plastic Rivets

Conventional rivets are typically used to secure wooden or metal materials together, although they are also used in a variety of applications ranging from clothes and bags to plastics and even sculpture and other types of artworks. Metal rivets look like two-headed nails.

Rivets are often used as an alternative to welding, especially when fastening materials made out of metal, and are installed in a variety of ways, depending on the material that is to be fastened.

Plastic rivets, like their conventional counterparts, are also used in a variety of applications including electronics, computers, furniture, toys and vehicles. The chief advantage of using these rivets is that they can hold materials together securely, making it difficult to separate these.

If it is your first time to use a plastic rivet, here are a few helpful tips and guidelines to ensure success. Apart from the rivets, you will also need a rivet gun. When buying a rivet gun, make sure that the one you buy will not damage the surrounding paint around the materials you are trying to fasten.

Before buying rivets, it is worthwhile to count the number of holes that you will bore on the material you are working on. This will give you a fair idea of how many rivets you will need to purchase.

Once you have determined the correct number of holes and after you have purchased rivets and a rivet gun, the next thing to do is to check your rivet gun and make sure that it is working properly. The way to do it is to put the skinny end of the rivet into the rivet gun. Remember, the end that is threaded is the one that should enter the hole first.

Next, place the rivet into the hole while holding the other end into the rivet gun. From there, push the rivet gun until it is in direct contact with the surface of the material you are trying to fasten. Before shooting the rivet gun, turn it counterclockwise and then pull the rivet gun’s handle slowly.

After this, release the handle of the rivet gun and press again. Next, press the handle of the rivet gun and pull it way. Repeat this process until you have fully secured the materials you are fastening and all the holes have been covered. Finally, inspect your work and make sure that the materials are fastened securely and no rivet is sticking out.

What Is A Rubber Bushing?

A rubber bushing, sometimes simply called a bushing, is a kind of vibration isolator. Its main purpose is to serve as an interface between two parts, acting as a buffer and absorbing some of the energy produced by the interaction of two parts. It separates two parts while allowing a limited amount of movement, thus minimizing vibration and even noise.

Rubber bushings come in a variety of forms. Typically, they are fashioned into an annular cylinder shape and are encased in metal cases or in outer tubes. In other applications, the bushings have an internal crush tube which protects them from being crushed.

The use of rubber bushings is often preferable to solid connections as noise and vibration are lessened. They can also eliminate the use of lubrication between two parts.

But despite these advantages, rubber bushings do have a few disadvantages that are well worth considering before using them. One of these disadvantages is that they can wear out easily, especially when used in an environment where oils are used. They are also susceptible to extreme temperatures.

Used in the suspension system of vehicles, rubber bushings can adversely affect vehicle performance, especially the handling during cornering and breaking.

Rubber bushings are widely used in the production of vehicles. Typically, they are found in anti-roll bars, shock absorber mountings, double wishbone suspensions, gear sticks and in the internal combustion engines of some cars.The use of rubber bushings in vehicles can be credited to Walter Chrysler, who encouraged the use of rubber vibration isolating mounts, cutting down both vibration and noise especially when the vehicle already has a load. Eventually, rubber bushings were used in parts that generated vibration and noise.

They are also used in skateboards where they aid in the tilting of the trucks and turning the board. Rubber bushings may also be used to help transfer load from one area in a structure to another, thus reducing strain.

These bushings can also be used as shock absorbers, vibration insulators and abrasion resistors. Used with wires, pipes and tubings, rubber bushings can act as seals.

Rubber grommets are similar to bushings and are also used in a variety of functions. One of the most common functions of grommets is to protect eyelets from wear and tear as parts or objects pass through these. They may also be used in wires, rods and pipes that go through firewalls and plates, acting as seals.

The Advantages Of Nylon Fasteners

Nylon is a synthetic material that was first developed and introduced in the market as a type of fabric in the thirties. And although nylon is still heavily used in the fashion industry, it is also used in a variety of other industries, including the automotive industry and the manufacturing of carpets.

Nylon is also used in creating fasteners which are commonly used in electronics. Nylon fasteners offer several advantages. These include a high amount of insulation and resistance to corrosion. Compared to aluminum, another material heavily used in electronics, nylon is lighter, stronger and offers high wear resistance.

Nylon can also be customized to suit product design. You can find nylon hardware in various finishes ranging from lustrous to dull finishes.

Many manufacturers prefer to use nylon hardware because they do not burn. Instead, they melt, making them ideal for the production of fire-resistant items. Flame retardants may be added in the manufacturing of these fasteners. Other manufacturers use these for products which have outdoor applications because they can resist fading caused by exposure to sunlight and can resist corrosion caused by a few chemicals.

Nylon hardware may be manufactured using a variety of plastics. For example, acetal may be used to bolster durability while minimizing water absorption. Polyvinyl chloride or PVC is used to enhance the hardware’s ability to resist the elements. Polypropylene, on the other hand, helps increase both durability and strength. This type of nylon fastener is often used in electronics, telecommunications, computers and cars.

Other manufacturers use fiberglass in the production of nylon to further enhance the material’s performance.

But despite the versatility and other appealing qualities of nylon hardware, due caution must be dispensed when using them for some applications. What applications are these?

The use of nylon hardware should be avoided in applications where moisture should be avoided. Nylon can attract water molecules, which in turn can make it swell. The use of nylon hardware is inadvisable for maritime applications.

Nylon can become brittle and yellowish when exposed to the sun’s UV rays. The use of the hardware should also be avoided in environments where they are exposed to acids and halogens.

Nylon hardware have a capacity to withstand temperatures up to 223 degrees Celsius. They also have a fair amount of tensile strength that is up to 10,000 PSI. If the application requires a fastener with a higher amount of PSI, consider using a different type of fastener.

The Common Uses For Plastic Fasteners

What are plastic fasteners, what are the common uses for them? These items are found everywhere, accomplishing a variety of functions. They include such normal everyday items such as cable ties, screws, washers, etc. The nylon cable tie, for one, is one of the most widely used fasteners. They usually serve as locking ties for organizing cables or securing tags to items. They come in a variety of widths, lengths, colors, etc. It’s a nifty tool and it’s surprising for many people to find out that a single tie can be so strong as to hold a couple of hundred pounds.

Another popular use for plastic fasteners involves the circuit board. Plastic circuit board hardware is typically used for spacing, securing, guiding, and supporting electronics. Plastic is obviously the material of choice for fasteners used for these purposes since it provides electrical insulation, something that is not true for metal fasteners. Most fastener styles generally snap into place through the circuit board panel holes, and it’s just as easy to squeeze the locking device to unlock them. Other fastener types, meanwhile, involve the use of threaded hardware or adhesives to secure things in place.

We see washers, screws, nuts, and rivets all over the place. They’re great for fastening materials together. They are used for holding such things as particle board, rubber, metal, wood, and plastic items together. Meanwhile, nylon fasteners used to seal a hose onto a nib or barb are called hose clamps. These are often used with household appliances, such as washing machines, and automotive parts.

These plastic fasteners are often made of tough molded nylon that is designed to resist corrosion, chemicals, abrasion, and vibration. Of course, they may be crafted out of different materials as well, but plastic is definitely a popular choice because it is usually more lightweight and is not prone to rusting. As mentioned, it also has great electrical properties, making it ideal for fastening items connected to the power supply. It also has limited torque. Depending on the quality of plastic used, it can be as sturdy and durable as its metal counterpart. It’s important to note, however, that when plastic fasteners – or any fastener, for that matter – are used to hold large items, it is important to use the proper size.

Plastic fasteners come in all kinds and each one is designed for a purpose, so it’s paramount that you know which item to use for specific situations. They perform all sorts of mundane jobs imaginable, and people tend to take their presence for granted. Every now and then, it’s good to note that these things are the reason why things aren’t falling apart.

5 Alternative Uses Of Stainless Steel Cable Glands And Their Accessories

If you’re one of those folks with a fierce “waste not, want not” principle, then perhaps you’re always trying to come up with uses for items that you have to replace with new ones, or excesses, so their presence will not just be clutter. With a bit of resourcefulness, practically anything can find a new purpose.

For example, you have extra stainless steel cable glands or old ones that you replaced because you wanted to try a newer product for your cables. Those old or extra cable glands need not go to waste because you can recycle or up-cycle them.

Unleash your inner Martha Stewart or Mary Padian (the “Junkster” in “Storage Wars Texas”) and create new function for these solid pieces. To help you get started, provided below are five alternative uses for these stainless steel cable glands and their accessories.

Knobs for drawers — With a strong adhesive like the E6000, you can attach stainless steel cable glands to the drawers so they’re easier to pull out. These alternative knobs can also provide a new look to your cabinet.
Jewelry — The cable gland itself and some of its accessories, like the locknut, would serve as nice chunky pendants, rings, and earrings. Use a leather cord or lanyard, string the cable gland or locknut through, and you get a funky looking bracelet or necklace with an unusual pendant.
Napkin rings — Make your table setting fancier by rolling up your table napkins and securing then with clean cable glands than you can jazz up with gemstones, string and beads. Or if you want a raw, industrial look, you won’t even need to add anything to the cable glands; just slip them through the rolled napkins and they’re set. The same principle can be used in organizing rolls of paper and fabrics.
Flower arrangement accessory — Take out the sealing insert, stuff it in a narrow-mouthed vase, and creating a beautiful ikebana with groups of flowers, leaves, and ornamental stems that stay in place will be so much easier.
Pedestal for trays — Elevated trays are quite popular these days for they save a lot of space yet hold a lot of things. And to make your own special trays, cable glands will prove to be helpful. With super glue, attach the cable glands of the same size and height at the bottom of a tray or plate. Let the glue dry, and then spray paint the whole thing for a completely polished look.

Why Use Nylon Cable Glands?

Large cable range. UV stabilized. Metric thread with lock nut and seal. Does any of this sound familiar to you? If so, then you may work with or use cable glands.

Cable glands are devices that you can attach to the end of a cable, to secure it to the equipment, as well as keep the wires tidy, and not all over the place. These handy devices can be used for telecommunications, control, instrumentation, and data cables, and electrical power. Essentially, most industries will be using them frequently.

Aside from the main types of cable glands, stainless steel, brass, and aluminum, there is also nylon. Instead of stainless steel or brass, why should you use nylon cable glands?

Nylon cable glands can come in different colors, like red and blue, which means you can actually color code your cables. When used in certain facilities, a color-coded system of cables, for your data or telecommunications application, would certainly make maintenance work a lot easier — more efficient.

A nylon cable gland may also bear the highest IP rating, about as high as IP68. What is this IP rating, you ask?

IP rating, also known as Ingress Protection, is used to define the levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against invasion from foreign bodies, such as dirt and moisture. Now, each number attached to the IP rating indicates the degree of protection; the first number, i.e., the number “6” in IP68, means intrusion protection. The number “0” means no special protection, number “3” means protection from entry by tools with a diameter of 2.5mm or more, and the number “6” means it is completely dust tight.

The second number, i.e., the “8” in IP68, indicates the level of protection from different types of moisture. The number “1” means protection against condensation, number “5” means protection against low pressure water jets, and the number “8” means that it is protected against prolonged effects of immersion, under pressure.

Another great benefit to using a nylon cable gland is that it may have a flammability rating of UL94 V0, which is the standard for safety of flammability and, in the event of burning, will stop within 10 seconds, on a vertical specimen.

Cable fittings, connectors, or glands may seem like a small thing to think about. But it is the small things that actually deliver the most suitable and sensible solutions. When it comes to your cabling requirements, be it data cables or electrical cables, don’t forget cable glands — and think nylon.

A Checklist For The Proper Selection Of Cable Glands

Installing any component into a structure requires careful planning and selection. Failure to do so can lead to unnecessary additional costs and duplicate efforts, derailing the accomplishment of the project and causing overall inconveniences to everyone. So even for the little details, like cable glands, it’s imperative to pay them due attention because the goal for any construction project is to get the job done the right way, cost-effectively, and quickly.

Cable glands are nothing exceptionally fancy, really, but choosing the appropriate style and size can contribute significantly to the overall proper maintenance of cables distributed throughout the structure, and compliance to industry standards. If you are tasked to choose cable glands for a building project, provided below is a checklist that can help you select the appropriate size and design to meet your project’s requirements.

Always start off by correctly identifying the type of cable to be used.
Be sure to know the construction, size and material properties of the cable.
Do find out if electricians want to color coordinate cables so identification and organization would be easier, especially now that cable glands come in a variety of colors.
Establish the location of the cables and the conditions within that location. Will they be exposed to dampness and would you need water-resistant, corrosion-proof cable glands for the job? Is it really hot where the cables will be installed? Temperature has always been known to have a direct impact on the integrity of cables and all the other components that support them.
If the cable is armored, also be sure to consider the following:

- Type, size and material of the armor

- Actual diameter of the inner bedding and lead covering

- Short circuit fault current rating of the armor

- Size of the overall cable diameter

- Material of the mating electrical enclosures, because dissimilar metals tend to have a negative reaction to each other

- Is protective plating necessary to be applied to the cable gland or not?

- Type and size of the cable entry hole in the mating electrical equipment

- Ingress protection rating of the site standard

- Is a single or double seal cable gland required?

- Are fixing accessories, earth tags, and shrouds required?

- Is an entry thread seal needed for IP66 (or IP67/68)?

- Will you need a thread conversion adaptor/reducer to make the installation?

- Are stopper plugs needed to close off unused cable entries?