Fastener with tool guide tail

Abstract

An illustrative exemplary embodiment of a fastener includes a pin having a head and a tail opposite the head. The tail portion includes a first peak, a second peak, and a groove between the first peak and the second peak. The first peak includes a surface having a first profile on at least one side of the first peak. The second peak includes a surface having a second profile on at least one side of the second peak. The second profile is different from the first profile. A pitch between a peak portion of the first peak and a peak portion of the second peak is different from a pitch between a root portion of the first peak and a root portion of the second peak.

Description

Background Art

[0001] A variety of fasteners are available for different applications. Some fasteners are installed by cold forming a portion of the fastener, such as a collar or sleeve that is located on the fastener body on a pin. A tool that grips and applies tension to the pin provides the force used to cold form the fastener body. A typical tool has a puller that has a set of peaks and grooves that mate with the peaks and grooves on the tail of the pin.

[0002] If the tool is not properly aligned with the fastener pin, the peak of the puller may collide with the peak on the pin instead of being received into the groove on the pin when the puller is closed onto the pin. This peak-to-peak engagement may cause damage to the pin, the tool, or both. Summary of the invention

[0003] An illustrative exemplary embodiment of a fastener includes a pin having a head and a tail opposite the head. The tail includes a first peak, a second peak, and a groove between the first peak and the second peak. The first peak includes a surface having a first profile on at least one side of the first peak. The second peak includes a surface having a second profile on at least one side of the second peak. The second profile is different from the first profile. A pitch between a peak of the first peak and a peak of the second peak is different from a pitch between a root of the first peak and a root of the second peak.

[0004] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described above, a surface on at least one side of the first peak is inclined at a first inclination angle relative to the axis of the pin, a surface on at least one side of the second peak is inclined at a second inclination angle relative to the axis of the pin, and the second inclination angle is different from the first inclination angle.

[0005] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described above, the surface on at least one side of the second peak or the surface on at least one side of the first peak is configured as a cam surface that pushes the pulling tool toward the head or tail when the peak on the pulling tool contacts the surface.

[0006] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described above, the surface on at least one side of the second peak or the surface on at least one side of the first peak includes a first segment starting from the peak of the peak and a second segment between the first segment and the root of the peak, and the first segment and the second segment are inclined at different inclination angles relative to the axis of the pin.

[0007] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described above, the first peak includes a first height, the first height defining the position on the first peak that is radially farthest from the axis of the pin, the second peak includes a second height, the second height defining the position on the second peak that is radially farthest from the axis of the pin, and the second height is different from the first height.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, a pitch between peaks of the first peak and the second peak is greater than a pitch between roots of the first peak and the second peak.

[0009] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, an assembly includes a fastener according to any preceding paragraph and a tool, the tool having a puller including a plurality of puller peaks. When the puller is closed onto the tail, one of the puller peaks is positioned to be received in the groove between the first peak and the second peak. The puller peak is longer than at least one other of the puller peaks. The groove between the first peak and the second peak is deeper than at least one other groove on the tail.

[0010] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, the puller has an interior facing the pin, the interior of the puller has a hardness in the range of 53 to 70 HRC, and the pin has a hardness in the range of 32 to 52 HRC.

[0011] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, the hardness of the interior of the puller is in the range of 60 to 70 HRC, and the hardness of the pin is in the range of 43 to 50 HRC.

[0012] In addition to or instead of one or more features described above, a method of installing a fastener according to any of the preceding paragraphs includes: positioning the fastener body in a desired position relative to a structural component; positioning a puller portion of a tool near the tail; retracting the puller portion until a puller peak contacts one of the first peak or the second peak; and camming the puller peak along the surface on at least one side of one of the first peak or the second peak to guide the puller peak into a groove between the first peak and the second peak.

[0013] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described above, the puller portion includes a plurality of puller peaks, and camming the puller peaks along the surface on at least one side of one of the first peak or the second peak guides other of the plurality of puller peaks into grooves between corresponding other of the plurality of peaks on the tail.

[0014] An illustrative exemplary embodiment of an assembly includes a fastener and a tool. The fastener has a pin and a fastener body, the pin having a head and a tail opposite the head, the tail including at least one bearing surface, and the pin having a first hardness. The tool includes a puller having an interior configured to engage the bearing surface for pushing at least the tail in a direction along the axis of the pin, at least the metal on the interior of the puller having a second hardness harder than the first hardness.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above, the first hardness is in the range of 32 to 52 HRC, and the second hardness is in the range of 53 to 70 HRC.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, the first hardness is in the range of 43 to 50 HRC and the second hardness is in the range of 60 to 70 HRC.

[0017] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described above, the tail portion includes a first peak, a second peak, and a groove between the first peak and the second peak; the at least one supporting surface includes a plurality of supporting surfaces; each of the supporting surfaces is on at least one side of a corresponding one of the peaks; the supporting surface of the first peak has a first profile; the supporting surface of the second peak has a second profile; and the second profile is different from the first profile.

[0018] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described above, a surface on at least one side of the first peak is inclined at a first inclination angle relative to the axis of the pin, a surface on at least one side of the second peak is inclined at a second inclination angle relative to the axis of the pin, and the second inclination angle is different from the first inclination angle.

[0019] In addition to or in lieu of one or more of the features described above, a surface on at least one side of the second peak or a surface on at least one side of the first peak is configured as a cam surface that pushes the pulling tool toward the head when a peak on the pulling tool contacts the surface.

[0020] An illustrative exemplary embodiment of a fastener installation tool includes: a tool body; a nose portion near one end of the tool body, the nose portion being configured to be at least partially received on a first type of fastener and a second different type of fastener, each type of fastener including a fastener pin having at least one bearing surface on a tail of the fastener pin; and a puller, the puller being at least partially supported within the nose portion to be movable relative to the tool body for contacting at least one bearing surface on the tail of either type of fastener and pushing at least the tail of the fastener in a direction along the axis of the fastener pin.

[0021] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, the tail of the fastener pin includes a plurality of peaks, the plurality of peaks including a first peak, a second peak, and a groove between the first peak and the second peak, the at least one supporting surface includes a plurality of supporting surfaces, each of the supporting surfaces is on at least one side of a corresponding one of the peaks, the supporting surface of the first peak has a first profile, the supporting surface of the second peak has a second profile, and the second profile is different from the first profile.

[0022] In addition to or in lieu of one or more of the features described above, the support surface on at least one side of the second peak or the support surface on at least one side of the first peak is configured as a cam surface that urges the puller toward the head when the peaks on the puller contact the support surface.

[0023] The various features and advantages of at least one disclosed exemplary embodiment will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 A plurality of fasteners and fastener installation tools are schematically illustrated.

[0025] Figure 2 Selected portions of a fastener and a fastener installation tool are schematically illustrated in partial cross-section prior to engagement between the tool and the fastener.

[0026] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 Features showing engagement between tool and fastener.

[0027] Figure 4 Shows a tool with peak to peak engagement with the fastener Figure 2 characteristics.

[0028] Figure 5Selected features of an exemplary pin configuration and corresponding tool configuration are shown.

[0029] Figure 6 Selected dimensional relationships of exemplary embodiments are shown.

[0030] Figure 7 It is a summary of the tools and fasteners (such as Figure 2 and 3 Flowchart of an exemplary method of coupling between those shown in ). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1 A plurality of fasteners 20 of different types that may be used in different situations are shown. One of the fasteners, which may be referred to as a blind fastener, includes a pin 22 having a head 24 near one end and a tail 26 opposite the head 24. A fastener body 28, which in this example includes a collar and sleeve, is received over a portion of the pin 22 between the head 24 and the tail 26. The tail 26 includes a plurality of peaks 30 with grooves 32 between adjacent peaks 30.

[0032] Can be called locking bolt Figure 1 Another fastener shown in FIG. 1 includes a pin 34. A head 36 is located near one end of the pin 34 and a tail 38 is opposite the head 36. A fastener body 40, which is a collar in this example, is received over a portion of the pin 34 between the head 36 and the tail 38. The tail 38 includes a plurality of peaks 42 with grooves 44 between adjacent peaks.

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily limited to the exemplary fastener types shown. For example, in some embodiments, the fastener includes a sleeve and a collar integrated into a single fastener body, while in other embodiments, the fastener includes a collar and a sleeve that are separate parts.

[0034] The fastener installation tool 50 includes a nose assembly 52 that is configured to be compatible with the tail 26 of a blind-type fastener and the tail 38 of a locking bolt-type fastener. The configuration of the nose assembly 52 allows the tool 50 to be used with a variety of fastener types, including Figure 1 for use with those fastener types shown in ).

[0035] The puller 54 of the nose assembly 52 is configured to be compatible with the peaks 30, 42 and grooves 32, 44 on each type of fastener. The versatility of the nose assembly 52 is unique compared to conventional tools that are designed to be used with one type of fastener. Having a nose assembly 52 that can be used for a variety of fastener types provides efficiency by reducing the time an operator spends changing tools and requiring less tool inventory.

[0036] Figure 2-5 A portion of the fastener 20 and a portion of the tool 50 are shown. For discussion purposes, Figure 2-5 2 and tail 26 of a blind type fastener are shown. The features and functions shown and described are equally applicable to another type of fastener, for example, a locking bolt including a pin 34 and tail 38.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown in , the nose assembly 52 of the tool is positioned relative to the fastener 20 such that at least a portion of the tail 26 is received within the puller 54 . Figure 2 The condition shown in FIG. 5 includes the puller 54 in an expanded or open condition such that the puller 54 and the pin 22 are able to move relative to each other.

[0038] In this example, the tail 26 includes a plurality of peaks 30 having a first profile. One of the peaks 30' has a second profile that differs from the first profile in at least one aspect. The interior of the puller 54 includes a plurality of peaks 56 that are configured to be received within grooves 32 between the peaks 30 on the tail 26. The interior of the puller 54 includes grooves 58 between the peaks 56. The grooves 58 are configured to receive the peaks 30 on the tail 26 when the puller 54 engages the tail 26. One of the peaks 56' on the interior of the puller has a different configuration than the other peaks 56 because the peak 56' is intended to engage the peaks 30' on the tail 26 having the second profile.

[0039] When Figure 2 When the puller 54 and the tail 26 are arranged as shown in FIG. Figure 3 , which corresponds to the desired or proper engagement between the puller 54 and the tail 26 of the pin 22. In this position, the puller 54 can then apply axial tension to the tail 26 for cold forming at least a portion of the fastener body 28 to secure the fastener body 28 in a desired position relative to the structural component or workpiece.

[0040] Figure 4 A different alignment of the puller 54 and the tail 26 is shown. In this alignment or relative position, when the puller 54 is closed to engage the pin 26, the peaks 56 on the interior of the puller 54 directly contact the peaks 30 on the tail 26. This peak-to-peak engagement between a typical pin and a tool does not allow the puller to properly engage the tail to install the fastener. In some cases, the peak-to-peak engagement may result in damage to the tool, the pin, or both.

[0041] The illustrated exemplary embodiment includes at least one feature that reduces or eliminates the likelihood that the tool and tail will remain in an undesirable peak-to-peak alignment. The second contour on the peak 30' on the tail 26 helps pull the puller 54 from the Figure 4 The undesirable position shown in Figure 3 The positions shown in FIG. 5 are moved to achieve the proper desired engagement between the puller 54 and the tail 26 .

[0042] As from Figure 5 As will be appreciated, each peak 30 includes a bearing surface 60 on the side of the peak that faces the head 24 of the fastener (i.e., faces the left according to the drawings). The bearing surface 60 is inclined at a first inclination angle A relative to the axis 62 of the pin 22. The inclination angle can vary along the bearing surface 60. For example, some embodiments include a curve along at least some of the bearing surfaces 60. The inclination angle of such a curved surface corresponds to the orientation of a tangent at a selected reference point on the curve. Depending on the location along such a bearing surface 60 used as a reference point, the angle will be different relative to the axis 62 of the pin.

[0043] The second different profile of the peak 30' includes a bearing surface 64 facing the head 24 that differs from the bearing surface 60 in at least one aspect. In this example, the second profile includes the configuration of the bearing surface 64. The illustrated bearing surface 64 includes a first segment 66 beginning at the peak of the peak 30' and a second segment 68 between the first segment 66 and the root of the peak 30', which is where the peak 30' and the adjacent groove 32' meet. At least the first segment 66 is inclined at a second inclination angle B relative to the pin axis 62.

[0044] As from Figure 5 It will be appreciated that the first inclination angle A is steeper than the second inclination angle B. The second profile of the surface 64 of the peak 30' acts as a cam surface. Figure 5 As shown in FIG, the anvil or anvil insert of the nose assembly 52 and the force applied by the tool 50 closes the puller 54 onto the tail 26 and pushes the peak 56' along the surface 64, thereby moving the puller 54 toward the head 24 of the pin 22 (i.e., to the left according to the figure). The second different profile of the peak 30' helps to move the puller 54 relative to the pin 22. Figure 4 and 5 The position shown in Figure 3 As the peak 56' moves along the bearing surface 64, the puller 54 moves into the desired engagement with the tail 26, rather than being maintained in a peak-to-peak alignment.

[0045] At least one peak 30' having a profile different from that of at least one other peak 30 minimizes or eliminates the likelihood that the puller 54 will remain in peak-to-peak alignment with the tail 26 as the puller 54 is closed onto the tail 26. Although the second profile of the surface 64 is provided on the peak 30' closest to the end of the tail 26 in the illustrated example, it is not necessary to have a second different profile on the peak farthest from the head 24 or closest to the end of the tail 26. Other exemplary embodiments include a second different profile on the peak 30 that is immediately adjacent to the last peak on the tail 26. For example, the peak 30' would be at Figure 5 The position of the peak 30 is shown to the left of the peak 30 ′ in FIG.

[0046] The terms “first” and “second” as used in this specification to refer to peaks or profiles are intended to distinguish them for discussion purposes and do not impose any limitations on the relative locations of the peaks along the length of the tail 26 or the axis 62 .

[0047] like Figure 5 As indicated in , the illustrated exemplary embodiment includes a first pitch C between the peaks of the peaks 56 and 56' on the puller 54. The peaks 30 having the first profile may also have a pitch C between the peaks of the peaks 30, but this spacing may be different on some fasteners. The pitch C also defines the distance between the locations where the root of each peak 30 meets the adjacent groove 32. That dimensional relationship ensures that when the puller and tail are properly engaged, the peaks of the peaks 56 and 56' on the puller are received in the desired position within the corresponding groove 32 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 3 shown).

[0048] The second profile on the apex 30' on the tail 26 results in a pitch or spacing D between the peaks of the apex 30' and the peaks of the adjacent apex 30. The pitch D is greater than the pitch C. This larger spacing or increased pitch D creates a mismatch between the peaks of the apex 30' and the corresponding peaks of the apex 56' on the puller, even when the rest of the apex 30 is directly aligned with the apex 56 on the puller. Thus, the second profile and different pitch D facilitate movement of the apex 56' on the puller 54 along the bearing (and cam) surface 64 as the puller 54 is closed onto the tail 26.

[0049] The peaks 56' on the puller 54 have engagement surfaces configured to engage when the puller is in a closed and engaged position (such as Figure 3 26 ) is received on the second section 68 of the bearing surface 64. The surface contour is configured to provide adequate engagement between the bearing surface on each peak 30, 30' of the tail 26 and the corresponding peak 56, 56' of the puller 54.

[0050] like Figure 6As shown in FIG. 1 , the illustrated exemplary embodiment includes another feature that helps minimize or eliminate the possibility that the puller 54 will remain aligned peak to peak with the tail 26. In this embodiment, the height H of the peak 30 of the first profile is 1 Height H greater than 30' at the top 2 In this case, the height corresponds to the radial distance from the pin axis 62 to the peak of the peak 30, 30' at the position farthest from the axis 62. The height H of the other peaks 56 on the puller 54 4 In comparison, the peak 56 ′ on the puller 54 has a greater height H 3 . Height H 3 and H 4 This corresponds to the different lengths of the peaks, wherein in the exemplary embodiment shown, the peak 56 ′ is longer than the other peaks 56 .

[0051] The greater height or greater length of peak 56' ensures that peak 56' will engage peak 30' before or at least simultaneously with peak 56 potentially engaging peak 30. As described above, this height difference of the various peaks facilitates movement of peak 56' along surface 64 in the event that puller 54 and pin 26 are misaligned.

[0052] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the grooves each have a varying depth. The grooves adjacent to the peak 30' have a depth D 1 Greater than the depth D of at least one other groove 2 In this embodiment, most of the grooves have the same depth D 2 The different groove depths are adapted to the different heights H of the peaks 56' and 56 on the puller 54. 3 and H 4 .

[0053] Another exemplary embodiment includes a peak 30' having a greater height than other peaks 30 on tail 26. When peak 30' has a greater height, it will be engaged first by puller 54 when tail 26 and puller 54 are aligned so that peak-to-peak engagement can occur.

[0054] Figure 7 is a flow chart 70 which summarizes the steps in installing a Figure 2-526 is configured as shown in the figure. At 72, the collar of the fastener is in a desired position relative to the structural component, such as placed in a hole. The tool 50 is positioned relative to the fastener at 74 to position the puller 54 near the tail 26 of the fastener. At 76, the puller is retracted until the puller peak contacts the peak on the tail of the fastener. At 78, the puller peak is cammed along the surface of the peak on the tail to guide the puller peak into the groove between the two peaks on the tail. The camming movement occurring at 78 pushes the puller 54 into the desired alignment with the tail 26, such as Figure 3 The situation shown in .

[0055] Figure 7 The process summarized in overcomes the peak-to-peak alignment. The exemplary puller 54 shown can be initially axially aligned with the tail without the risk of peak-to-peak engagement. For example, the peaks 56 and 56' can be directly aligned with the grooves 32 intended to receive the peaks on the puller 54, and the puller can be closed without contacting the surfaces on the peaks. Another possible alignment can cause the peak 56 to contact the surface on the peak of the end facing the tail when the puller 54 is closed. The features of the disclosed exemplary embodiments ensure that the puller 54 can be fully closed in any of those puller-to-pin alignments, including the undesirable peak-to-peak alignment.

[0056] Another feature of an exemplary embodiment is that at least the interior of the puller 54 is hardened to be harder than any fastener that will be installed using the puller 54. In one exemplary embodiment, the puller 54 undergoes a gas nitriding hardening process. The gas nitrided metal of the puller 54 is very hard. In an exemplary embodiment, the hardness of at least the interior of the puller 54 caused by gas nitriding is between 53 and 70 according to the Rockwell hardness scale (i.e., 53 to 70 HRC). In some embodiments, the hardness of at least the interior of the puller 54 is between 60 and 70 HRC.

[0057] Having a gas nitrided puller allows for the use of a pin 22 that is harder than many conventional pins. In some exemplary embodiments, the pin hardness is between 32 and 52 on the Rockwell hardness scale. In some embodiments, the pin hardness is between 43 and 50 HRC. There are structural advantages to having a pin of this hardness. The gas nitrided puller is able to withstand the forces associated with contact between the puller 54 and the tail 26 even if there is peak to peak engagement for at least a portion of the fastener installation process. If the puller 54 is not harder than the pin 22, the puller 54 and the tool 50 may be damaged in the event of peak to peak engagement between the puller 54 and the pin 22.

[0058] In some exemplary embodiments, the gas nitriding process applied to the puller 54 produces a gas nitrided superhard metal at least on the inner surface of the puller 54 and extending at least partially into the puller components. Figure 2-5 The entire puller structure shown in FIG. 1 has the hardness resulting from the gas nitriding treatment. In other words, the gas nitriding treatment extends through at least Figure 2-5 The entire metal portion of the puller 54 shown in FIG.

[0059] A fastener tail whose peaks include at least one peak having a different profile than the profile of at least one other peak and a corresponding pitch difference between the peak and the root of the peak reduces or eliminates the likelihood that the puller and the tail will remain in peak-to-peak engagement during the fastener installation process. The exemplary peak configuration includes more than one feature that helps ensure the desired engagement between the puller and the fastener tail. At least one of these features can be used in an embodiment to achieve the benefits provided by the disclosed exemplary embodiments. Subcombinations of less than all of these features may be used, and those skilled in the art with the benefit of this description will be able to select which features are useful in their particular implementation.

[0060] The features described above, such as at least one peak having a different profile and a gas nitrided puller, each contribute to better wear resistance and reduced fatigue of the fastener and puller. Avoiding peak-to-peak engagement reduces the wear and fatigue that the puller would otherwise experience over time. Using a harder puller allows the use of a harder fastener pin, which helps to enhance the durability of the fastener during and after installation.

[0061] More than one embodiment is disclosed above. Any feature of each disclosed embodiment may be combined with at least one feature of another disclosed embodiment to implement another embodiment. Various combinations not specifically described above or not shown in the accompanying drawings are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, not every feature of each disclosed embodiment is required in each implementation.

[0062] The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the essence of the invention. The scope of legal protection afforded this invention can only be determined by studying the following claims.

Claims

1. A fastener, include: a pin, the pin comprising a head and a tail opposite to the head, in: The tail portion includes a plurality of peaks, the plurality of peaks including a first peak, a second peak, and a groove between the first peak and the second peak, The first peak includes a surface having a first profile on at least one side of the first peak, the second peak comprising a surface having a second profile on at least one side of the second peak, The second profile is different from the first profile, and A pitch between a peak of the first peak and a peak of the second peak is different from a pitch between a root of the first peak and a root of the second peak.

2. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein The surface on at least one side of the first peak is inclined at a first inclination angle relative to the axis of the pin, The surface on at least one side of the second peak is inclined at a second inclination angle relative to the axis of the pin, and The second inclination angle is different from the first inclination angle.

3. The fastener of claim 2, wherein the surface on at least one side of the second peak or the surface on at least one side of the first peak is configured as a cam surface that pushes the pulling tool toward the head or the tail when a peak on the pulling tool contacts the surface.

4. The fastener according to claim 2, wherein The surface on at least one side of the second peak or the surface on at least one side of the first peak includes a first section starting from a peak of the peak and a second section between the first section and a root of the peak, and The first section and the second section are inclined at different inclination angles relative to the axis of the pin.

5. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein The first peak comprises a first height, the first height defining a location on the first peak that is radially farthest from the axis of the pin, The second peak includes a second height that defines a location on the second peak that is radially farthest from the axis of the pin, and The second height is different from the first height.

6. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the pitch between peaks of the first and second peaks is greater than the pitch between roots of the first and second peaks.

7. An assembly comprising the fastener of claim 1 and a tool having a puller, the puller comprising a plurality of puller peaks, wherein When the puller is closed onto the tail, one of the puller peaks is positioned to be received in the groove between the first peak and the second peak, The one of the puller peaks is longer than at least one other of the puller peaks, and The groove between the first peak and the second peak is deeper than at least one other groove on the tail.

8. The assembly according to claim 7, wherein The puller has an inner portion facing the pin, The interior of the puller has a hardness ranging from 53 to 70 HRC, and The pin has a hardness in the range of 32 to 52 HRC.

9. The assembly according to claim 8, wherein The hardness of the inner part of the puller is in the range of 60 to 70 HRC, and The hardness of the pin is in the range of 43 to 50 HRC.

10. A method of installing the fastener according to claim 1, the method include: positioning the fastener body in a desired position relative to the structural component, Position the puller portion of the tool adjacent to the tail, retracting the puller portion until a puller peak contacts one of the first peak or the second peak, and The puller peak is cammed along the surface on at least one side of one of the first peak or the second peak to guide the puller peak into the groove between the first peak and the second peak.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the puller portion includes a plurality of puller peaks, and camming the puller peaks along the surface on at least one side of one of the first peak or the second peak guides other of the plurality of puller peaks into grooves between corresponding other of the plurality of peaks on the tail.

12. A component comprising a fastener comprising a pin and a fastener body, the pin having a head and a tail opposite the head, the tail including at least one bearing surface, the pin having a first hardness; and A tool includes a puller having an interior configured to engage the bearing surface for urging at least the tail portion in a direction along the axis of the pin, at least the interior of the puller including a metal having a second hardness harder than the first hardness.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the first hardness is in the range of 32 to 52 HRC, and the second hardness is in the range of 53 to 70 HRC.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the first hardness is in the range of 43 to 50 HRC, and the second hardness is in the range of 60 to 70 HRC.

15. The assembly of claim 12, wherein The tail portion includes a plurality of peaks, the plurality of peaks including a first peak, a second peak, and a groove between the first peak and the second peak; The at least one support surface comprises a plurality of support surfaces; each of the bearing surfaces is on at least one side of a corresponding one of the peaks; The support surface of the first peak has a first profile; The support surface of the second peak has a second profile; and The second profile is different from the first profile.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein The surface on at least one side of the first peak is inclined at a first inclination angle relative to the axis of the pin, The surface on at least one side of the second peak is inclined at a second inclination angle relative to the axis of the pin, and The second inclination angle is different from the first inclination angle.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the surface on at least one side of the second peak or the surface on at least one side of the first peak is configured as a cam surface that pushes the pulling tool toward the head when a peak on the pulling tool contacts the surface.

18. A fastener installation tool, include: Tool body; a nose portion proximate one end of the tool body, the nose portion configured to be at least partially received over a first type of fastener and a second different type of fastener, each type of fastener including a fastener pin having at least one bearing surface on a tail portion of the fastener pin; as well as A puller is at least partially supported within the nose portion to be movable relative to the tool body for contacting the at least one bearing surface on the tail of either type of fastener and urging at least the tail of the fastener in a direction along the axis of the fastener pin.

19. The fastener installation tool of claim 18, wherein The tail portion of the fastener pin includes a plurality of peaks, the plurality of peaks including a first peak, a second peak, and a groove between the first peak and the second peak, the at least one bearing surface comprising a plurality of bearing surfaces, Each of the support surfaces is on at least one side of a corresponding one of the peaks, The support surface of the first peak has a first profile, The bearing surface of the second peak has a second profile, and The second profile is different from the first profile.

20. The fastener installation tool of claim 19, wherein the bearing surface on at least one side of the second peak or the bearing surface on at least one side of the first peak is configured as a cam surface that pushes the puller toward the head when a peak on the puller contacts the bearing surface.

Images