BIG KAISER Engineering Manager: “Don’t Neglect Pull Studs”

As our Engineering Manager, Alan Miller, likes to say, “You’re only as precise as your least precise component.” One of the most often overlooked of said components is the pull stud, a.k.a. retention knob. Some go as far as to call it a commodity. But, think about it; it’s the only part actually connecting the machining center and the tooling. Add to that the fact that grip pressures have increased by nearly 1,000 lbs in the last 20 years, and shops may need to reevaluate how they inspect and select pull studs in their machining operations. The old adage, “If it’s close, it’s right,” no longer applies. 

Considering the smallest imperfection can lead to chatter or vibration that fouls up a precision job, and the worst case scenario is nothing short of catastrophic, Alan took to the pages of February’s Shop Metalworking Technology and its “Tech Tips” section to share some insight with readers.

In the article he discusses how different gripping mechanisms along with frequent tool changes affect the average three-year life span of a pull stud bolt. He touches on torque wrench vs. wrench and hammer installation and which is best for meeting revised ASME standards. Alan also explains the effects of long-term alkaline coolant usage.

To read more about these and other factors to consider when inspecting or replacing pull studs, read the full article here.

This brief video is also a useful resource for understanding the finer points of pull studs, what to look for, and why they should be held to exacting standards just like the rest of your machine tools.