Prevent Loosening and Breakage in Bobsled Edge Components
*Some images are for illustration purposes only.

Overview
Bobsleds are precision-engineered machines built for high-speed, high-impact sports. The edge section of a bobsled experiences extreme forces from both vibration and directional impacts while sliding on ice. Maintaining secure fastener integrity under such conditions is crucial to performance and athlete safety. HARDLOCK Nuts were introduced to solve the persistent issue of bolt loosening and breakage under these dynamic loads.
Challenge: Bolt Loosening and Breakage in Edge Components
- Multi-Directional Forces: The edge part of the bobsled is repeatedly subjected to both axial and perpendicular forces, which commonly cause traditional fasteners to loosen.
- Need for Controlled Flexibility: The fastening area requires a small degree of play to absorb surface irregularities on the ice. Tightening too firmly would compromise the shock-absorbing function, while too little torque risks loosening.
- Safety Risks: Loosened or broken bolts during a run pose severe safety hazards for athletes traveling at high velocities.
Solution: HARDLOCK Nut Implementation for Edge Fixing


HARDLOCK Nuts were adopted for fastening the edge components of the bobsled.
- Their wedge-locking mechanism provides secure fastening even in the presence of constant vibration and shock loads.
- Unlike conventional nuts, HARDLOCK Nuts enable controlled tightening at any position, preserving the necessary play in the joint.
- This ensures both shock absorption and long-term bolt integrity, even under extreme dynamic conditions.
Results: Enhanced Stability and Safety in Competitive Bobsledding
- Complete Loosening Prevention: The problem of fastener loosening under high-speed vibrations has been eliminated.
- Flexible Installation: Fasteners can now be tightened at optimal positions, preserving structural play for impact absorption.
- Improved Reliability: Reduced risk of fastener failure contributes to safer, more consistent performance on the track.
HARDLOCK Nuts deliver elite fastening performance in extreme sports environments, where both stability and flexibility are essential for safety and speed.
