What Is A Gudgeon Bolt, And What Does It Do In A Screw Conveyor?
Question
We are replacing some screw conveyor components and were told that we may need new gudgeon bolts for the coupling connections. What are gudgeon bolts, and what is their purpose?
Answer
A gudgeon bolt is simply another name for a coupling bolt. A coupling bolt passes through the screw pipe and shaft, connecting and locking the components together so torque can be transmitted from the drive to a screw, and from one screw section to the next.
Coupling bolts are not just a standard fastener holding two parts together. It is part of the rotating drive connection and is designed to withstand shear loads as the screw conveyor starts, stops, and operates under load. The shank length of a coupling bolt is equal to the screw center pipe outside diameter. KWS supplies high strength Grade 5 coupling bolts as standard for most applications. Properly installed and sized coupling bolts help maintain alignment and provide a secure mechanical connection between rotating components to promote long-term reliability.
For more information about KWS’s coupling bolts look at any of the following links –
Screw Conveyor End Lugs & Coupling Bolts | Component Guide
Grade 5 Coupling Bolts for Screw Conveyors and Screw Feeders | KWS Manufacturing Company, LLC
Coupling Bolts Fasten Screws to Shafts so Torque Can Be Transferred
Coupling Bolts Withstand Shear Loads Due to Torque Generated by the Drive Unit
Shank Length of a Coupling Bolt is Equal to Screw Center Pipe Outside Diameter
KWS Supplies High Strength Grade 5 Coupling Bolts as Standard
