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What is a Quick Access Fastener?
February 27 2025
A quick access fastener (QAF) is a mechanical fastening device designed to provide fast and easy installation or removal. Unlike traditional fasteners, like screws or bolts, quick access fasteners feature a built-in release mechanism, allowing them to be easily engaged or disengaged with a simple action, such as a quarter turn, push, or snap. This makes them highly efficient in applications requiring frequent access, maintenance, or inspection.
These fasteners offer a secure and reliable hold while providing quick, convenient access to a panel. Available in various configurations, including quarter-turn fasteners, captive screws, and snap latches, quick access fasteners can be manufactured from materials like stainless steel or plastic. Vibration-resistant design ensures that they remain tightly fastened even in demanding environments, and all QAF’s are retained in their panel after removal to prevent hardware loss. This feature also helps meet the Machinery Directive.
Key Benefits:
- Easy Operation: Hand operable or tooled options available for easy access, speeding up installation and removal.
- Time Efficiency: In applications that require regular access, efficiency from quick access fasteners add up to significant time savings.
- Vibration Resistance: Ensures the fasteners stay in place under constant vibration loads.
- Tactile Feedback: As the system locks over centre, users can feel a click under their fingers in most options, ensuring they know when it’s fastened.
- Variable Sizes and Materials: QAF’s are customizable for diverse applications and environments with multiple finishes available on steel components.
Southco’s Range and When to use them…
Southco offers a broad variety of quick access fasteners, tailored to meet the specific needs of different industries. Some of the solutions Southco provides include:
Standard Line (D4)
- The original Dzus (r) fastener system, available in multiple diameters, head styles, and receptacles in steel-plated or stainless steel.
- High cycle life provides a long-lasting use in heavy use applications.
- Head is oriented to latched position for clear indication of security status.
Panel Line (D5)
- High strength and vibration resistance for demanding applications.
- Flare-in assembly eliminates dropped or lost hardware components.
- Tool-restricted access with visual latched indication.
- Multiple receptacle style options.
- Aerospace finishes available.
Rapier (D2)
- Low installation cost
- Vibration and corrosion resistant
- Fast, repeatable access
- Optional large head diameter provides ‘float’ to accommodate misalignment.
- Hand or tool operable head styles and choice of receptacles.
PANEX Fasteners
- Available in 4 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm stud sizes with multiple receptacle styles.
- Available in steel and stainless-steel materials.
- Corrosion-resistant, stainless-steel versions for outdoor usage.
- Head is oriented to latched position for clear indication of latched status.
Tech Line (D9)
- Designed for light-duty applications in the consumer electronics industry.
- Tool-free operation with set clamping force to prevent over tightening.
- Captive stud assembly eliminates dropped or lost hardware components during operation.
Lion Fasteners (81/82/85)
- High cycle life provides a long-lasting use in repetitive access applications.
- Available in three sizes with multiple head styles and receptacle choices.
- Head is oriented to latched position for clear indication of security status.
- Available in steel and stainless-steel materials.
- Corrosion-resistant stainless-steel versions available for outdoor usage.
Dart (D1)
- Lightweight thermoplastic provides high strength to weight ratio.
- Available with multiple head styles and receptacle choices.
- Complementary stud and receptacle materials minimize noise and wear.
- Ergonomic grip designs for easy actuation.
- Rated for thousands of operating cycles.
Pilot (D7)
- Easy press-in installation and crisp, positive engagement of fasteners with no tools required.
- Fastener studs disengage with a simple quarter turn while receptacles stay captive in panels.
- Tool-actuated head styles available for controlled access.
- Unique cam allows for three different fastening points with a simple press.
Arrow (D7)
- Tool-actuated head styles available for controlled access.
- Receptacles and fasteners both install from top side of panel for convenient access.
- Fastener studs disengage with a simple quarter turn while receptacles stay captive in panels.
- Unique design allows the panel to be easy reposition into another install hole without needing a receptacle.
Relative Performance Comparison
Some key performance factors that help determine a Quick Access Fastener’s suitability for different applications include cycle life, tensile load, vibration resistance, corrosion and chemical resistance, and total material thickness (TMT) tolerance. Understanding these factors is crucial to meet specific operational demands, such as how frequently the fastener will be used, the environmental conditions, and the load it needs to withstand.
These factors also differ for each type of cam fastener—External Spiral Cam, Internal Spiral Cam, Spade Cam, and Push to Close/Quarter Turn to Open. These unique features make them ideal for specific applications and industries.
Overall, the speed, convenience, accessibility, security, diversification of use, and aesthetics of quick access fasteners make them an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, especially those where frequent access is required or where security is a concern.
Selecting a Southco Quick Access Fastener means choosing reliability, innovation, and versatility. They are designed with features such as high vibration resistance, tool-free operation, and corrosion-resistant finishes, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. With a commitment to excellence and a track record of success, Southco remains a trusted partner for businesses seeking top-of-the-line fastening solutions.
