Large bolted joints with a nominal size ≥ M24 (1”) can only be tightened by hand with great effort. The torque required to tighten the connection is simply too high, so electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically operated torque tools must be used.

However, the use of a high-torque tool, which traditionally transfers the reaction torque that occurs when tightening via a supporting reaction arm, represents a major safety risk even for experienced operators. HEICO-LOCK® Reaction Washers enable safe and convenient tightening of large bolted joints with commercially available electric, pneumatic and hydraulic torque tools – without requiring an additional reaction arm resp. other awkward mounts on the tool or component.

The reaction torque of the torque tool is supported by a special dual socket that interlocks with the gear-shaped outer contour of the HEICO-LOCK® Reaction Washers. As a result, the tightening torque is introduced axially with-out an additional bending moment acting on the bolt during tightening. At the same time, the reaction washers, like all locking devices in the HEICO-LOCK® product range, offer an effective and permanent protection against self-loosening due to vibration and dynamic loads that often occur in machines and systems during operation.