As an authorised distributor of a range of quality branded engineering consumables, industrial supplier BMG is concerned about the proliferation of counterfeit merchandise and the dangers associated with using inferior goods.

“While visiting various plants, we have noticed that many engineers and foremen believed they were using genuine Nord-Lock washers. However, on closer inspection it was clear that in many cases, they were using inferior copies,” says BMG fasteners sales manager Maryna Werner, adding that “catastrophic failure of critical bolted joints is a risk when inferior copies are used, especially when the quality and origin is unknown or when no support or warranties are available.”

She points out that the Nord-Lock bolt securing system is based on “advanced wedge-locking technology” and designed to safely secure bolted joints that are exposed to severe vibration and dynamic loads in extreme conditions.

The system reduces the risk and effects of bolt failure by limiting downtime and material damage, while lowering maintenance requirements and ensuring enhanced safety.

“Nord-Lock washers are rigorously tested throughout the production process, with quality and safety approval from independent institutes and certification authorities. This gives our customers the assurance that they are using the market's safest bolt securing elements. In fact, the Nord-Lock group is so confident in the quality, reliability and efficacy of its locking washers that they offer a full life cycle warranty on their washers,” says Werner.

The Nord-Lock washers, which are supported nationally by BMG, are laser-engraved with the Nord-Lock brand and batch numbers to ensure they are identifiable and traceable. Werner adds that data sheets and material certificates are available on request.

“We encourage consumers to take special care when sourcing products from non-authorised suppliers. There is no way of knowing whether counterfeit copies of original Nord-Lock washers have gone through proper testing or what materials they’re made of, which jeopardises their safety and reliability,” she warns.

Nord-Lock has developed various measures to prevent non-verified Nord-Lock washers from reaching end-users, ranging from educating the market about counterfeit issues to original product design features.

BMG notes that the Nord-Lock range of securing washers is the only brand on the market that currently displays the European conformity marking CE. The CE marking certifies that these wedge-locking washers adhere to stringent European safety and quality regulations.

The BMG team encourages consumers to take special care when sourcing products from non-authorised suppliers. By choosing original Nord-Lock washers for a safe and reliable bolting solution, consumers have the assurance of compliance and safety. With a locking mechanism that uses tension instead of friction, Nord-Lock washers keep bolted connections tight and secure.

BMG also offers a technical advisory service to determine the dimensions and load conditions of existing or required bolted joints. Current tightening methods are evaluated and bolt preloads, for absolute reliability and durability, are calculated by its team.

“Authentic Nord-Lock washers are a safe and reliable bolting solution that also saves time and money,” Werner concludes.