Tongues

Tabs for bolts – locking elements as individual parts

Tabs are the separately available locking elements that hold a joint pin in a form-fitting manner in its bearing point. They sit on the bolt head, are fixed via screws or pins and, depending on the design, replace the classic split pin or circlip lock. At SULEJ Ladebordwand you will find tabs in different thicknesses, geometries and hole patterns, matched to common bolt designs on the market – as wearing parts for the joint points of a tail lift.

Designs and materials – flat, bent or forged

Depending on the application, tabs are designed as flat sheet steel parts, as bent shaped parts or as forged components. The wall thickness depends on the locking force to be transferred, the hole pattern on the contact surface on the support. Steels with galvanising, phosphating or browning are common, in some designs with powder coating. The contact surface to the bolt head is flat so that the tab rests over the full surface and does not generate point loads.

What to consider during selection and replacement

Important factors are the exact hole spacing, the tab thickness and the contact geometry to the bolt head. Deformed or torn-out tabs must without exception be renewed, as they otherwise no longer hold the bolt in a form-fitting manner. Before installation, the contact surface on the support is checked for contamination and rust. The fastening screws are tightened with the specified tightening torque, damaged threads must be re-cut or set anew.

Benefits at a glance

• Form-fitting locking of the bolt without split pin or circlip
• Flat, bent and forged versions for different bearing points
• Corrosion-protected surfaces for long service life
• Hole patterns matched to common bolt designs on the market

A dimensionally accurate, undamaged tab keeps the bolt securely in the bearing point and as an individual part is a cost-effective alternative to a complete bolt replacement.