Following the 2020 ban on mercury vapor lamp production, many public facilities—including school gymnasiums—have transitioned to LED lighting. While LED bulbs offer a significantly longer service life (up to 10 years), the structural integrity of light fixtures has remained a concern. Traditional single-nut and spring washer setups frequently loosen due to metal fatigue and temperature fluctuations between day and night.

In school gyms—often designated as evacuation centers—loose light fixtures pose a serious safety hazard. To ensure safety for students, teachers, and communities, many public institutions have adopted HARDLOCK NUTs, leveraging over 50 years of proven vibration and loosening resistance.

• Frequent Maintenance: Fluorescent and mercury vapor lamps required replacement twice a year, along with nut and washer inspections.
• Loosening Over Time: Daily thermal expansion and contraction caused nuts to loosen, especially in high-ceiling spaces.
• Safety Risks: Maintenance workers faced dangerous working conditions involving scaffolding and scissor lifts.
• High Labor Costs: Repeated fixture checks and nut tightening created ongoing labor and operational expenses.

By integrating HARDLOCK NUTS during the switch to LED lighting, public facilities achieved:

• Secure, Long-Term Fastening: HARDLOCK’s wedge-locking principle prevents loosening due to vibration or thermal cycling.
• Synchronized Maintenance Cycles: With LED bulb life extended to 10 years, fasteners no longer require biannual inspections.
• Reduced Labor and Risk: Eliminated the need for frequent overhead work, significantly reducing the risk of injury and setup time.
• Massive Cost Savings: Maintenance labor costs were reduced by up to 95%, offering both financial and safety benefits.

With HARDLOCK NUTS securing overhead lighting, school gyms are now safer for everyday activities and emergency shelter use. The upgrade ensures peace of mind for students, staff, and communities—backed by a fastening solution with a half-century legacy of safety and reliability.