The retail sector, particularly at the point-of-sale, has long been a prime market for Heyco's innovative range of plastic fasteners and the Company's recent appointment as an approved UK distributor for ITW Fastex has introduced a host of new fixings eminently suitable for this sector.

Rivets, panel fasteners, latches and clips for graphics, counter units, signs, display stands and other such fittings can now be offered in abundance.

Two items designed specifically to aid rapid assembly are a removable ratchet rivet and a 1/4 turn captive panel fastener.  The 2-part ratchet rivet will swiftly secure two or more panels simply by having the head pressed into the shaft - the head can then be unscrewed for easy dismantling.  A neat finish is presented both sides of the assembly.

The 1/4 turn panel fastener serves a similar purpose, remaining captive in a 9.0mm square hole until a 1/4 turn secures it into position.  It can be removed just as easily making it a highly appropriate fixing for inspection or access panels and a viable alternative to metal or plastic latches.

Visually appealing
Offering a longer (i.e. in length) option for the securing of graphics panels and displays is the ratchet screw fastener, similar to a conventional nut and bolt but moulded as a one-piece arrangement in polycarbonate.  The screw is pushed into the nut to set but can be unscrewed for easy removal.  Its clear material allows this fastener to blend unobtrusively with its surroundings.

Even more unobtrusive is the arrow fix pine tree clip which push-fits into a blind hole on the reverse of a display panel so cannot be seen at all from the front.  Snap-fit fingers hold the clip firmly in its retaining wall while the 'pine tree' shaft ensures that the mounted panel remains securely in position until such time as it needs to be 'popped' off its support.

Open and Shut
The opening and closing of lightweight doors and control panel covers is achieved by a variety of plastic closures including a push-lock access panel fastener and a selection of latches and strikes.

Push-lock fasteners provide a reliable long-life closure with fast, easy installation, simply snapping into a pre-drilled hole with no need for screws or bolts.  Three different spring resistances cater for different push/pull requirements.

Latches and strikes are intended for more heavy duty applications.  Both parts are designed for rapid assembly, the self-retaining latches snap-fitting into position while the strikes offer a choice of snap-fit or 1/4-turn fixing.

Finally let's look at two items which are not, strictly speaking, fasteners but which do have a particular relevance to the applications under discussion.

First a plastic hinge complete with four integral fixing rivets, which can be considered as a low-cost alternative to an expensive metal hinge.  The integral rivets reduce inventory and simplify assembly.

Heyco has also introduced a lens clip, complete with bulb retention device, which will push-fit into a panel to be illuminated by the neon bulb behind it.  Eight different lens shapes in clear polycarbonate or tints of red or amber can be selected to provide 'power on' identification.

Full details of all these items and many more new fasteners will be found in Heyco's just published 'New Products' Guide.  This is available free on request by clicking here.