Regal unveils adapter lock for spherical bearings

With the Klamploc adapter, there are neither parts to remove and then install nor parts to bend on the bearing. Photo courtesy of Regal Beloit

Regal Beloit Corp. introduced the Klamploc adapter lock for Sealmaster mounted unitized spherical roller bearings (USRB).

The Klamploc adapter lock was designed to simplify the installation process while improving shaft lock reliability. It accomplishes these goals with two unique design features, according to Regal.

The first feature includes key installation steps that are written on the lock collar. Regal always recommends fully reading the installation instructions before attempting an installation. Often, after bearings are removed from their boxes prior to installation, the boxes and the installation sheets get discarded by users. Or, the sheets might be reviewed ahead of time, but the installation specifications do not get memorized or are unavailable when needed at a jobsite.

Because the Klamploc adapter has installation steps clearly marked on its collar, the installer can simply read the specs from the bearing itself.

The second key design feature is a split collar with a cap screw to close the split. With the Klamploc adapter, there are neither parts to remove and then install nor parts to bend on the bearing. Other market options require one or more parts to be removed before installation. This not only introduces additional non-value-added steps, but it also creates a situation where these parts, often small, can be lost.

“Other market options require a tab to be bent down to achieve the final lock, but bent tabs can be subjective,” says Jason Annes Sr., product manager at Regal Beloit. “With the Klamploc adapter, the final lock of the collar is achieved by simply tightening the screw to the specified torque, eliminating the competition’s several steps.”

In addition to offering simplified final locking, Regal says the split Klamploc collar has a benefit unique to the industry. When tightening the collar cap screw, the split collar compresses and grips the adapter sleeve, which can provide additional clamp force to the shaft when combined with the properly set adapter lock.

Sealmaster USRB bearings with the Klamploc adapter lock launched in bore sizes of 5 in. and below. Sizes above 5 in. will be launched in 2020, Regal says.

In addition, a spanner installation tool is available. This tool, when used with a 0.5-in. drive breaker bar, speeds up the installation process by tightening the collar in one step rather than using several blows from a hammer and drift.