Partnerships and Technology Transfer

Technology Summary

A project in Fermilab’s Main Injector tunnel required the insertion of 100s of “channel” nuts into a “Strut Channel.” For years, Fermilab engineers and technicians had to insert these nuts using their fingers, which is a repetitive and, eventually, painful process.

The Invention

Fermilab’s Channel Nut Tool is used by screwing a channel nut to the end of the tool. Once affixed, one inserts the channel nut into the strut channel, pushes and turns 90 degrees clock-wise, and then pulls while unscrewing the tool from the channel nut.

Benefit

Competing tools use magnets to hold the nut in place and work exclusively with nuts that have the spring behind the nut. Fermilab’s Channel Nut Tool, in contrast, is entirely mechanical and works with all styles of channel nuts.

Applications and Industries

Fermilab’s Channel Nut Tool can be used anywhere channel nuts are used.