Apex: u-Guard Socket Covers
THE GLOBAL LEADER IN ENHANCING OPERATOR SAFETY ON THE ASSEMBLY LINE
APEX® u-GUARD™ free-spinning covered drive tools increase operator safety by significantly reducing or eliminating pinch points when operators are wearing gloves.
APEX u-GUARD provides a protective barrier between genuine APEX fastener tools and your finely finished workpiece, thereby delivering the proven APEX performance plus the best protection available against in system damage. The free-spinning design provides maximum protection for polished and highly sensitive surfaces.
APEX has solutions for all aspects of safety on an assembly line when it comes to fastener drive tools. In addition to our line of Covered Bits, Bit Holders, Sockets, Extensions, and Universal Wrenches, we also offer u-GUARD Gap Covers that will eliminate the gap between a socket and an extension or between the right-angle power tool and a socket / extension.
The APEX u-Guard line of covered drive tools has evolved into the tool of choice for enhancing operator safety in almost all leading assembly plants.
APEX u-GUARD ADVANTAGE
• Increased operator safety
• Reduced in-system damage and marring
• Enhanced plant productivity
• Free-spinning design for improved ergonomics and safety
• Superior durability leading to significantly lower cost of ownership
WHY APEX u-GUARD UGS MOLDED COVERED DRIVE TOOLS?
Over the past decade, the APEX u-GUARD UGS Series of molded covered tools have been rapidly adopted by leading aerospace, appliance, automotive and heavy equipment assembly plants around the world. These tools allow the drive tool to spin freely inside of the covers, significantly reducing or eliminating contact from the rotating tool during a fastening operation. In addition to improving operator safety, these tools help minimize in-system damage and marring caused during fastening.
THE COVER STORY
—LOW DUROMETER, THERMOPLASTIC URETHANE (TPUELASTOMER) MATERIAL THAT RESISTS DENTS DURING INCIDENTAL SIDE IMPACTS.
— ABSORBS SIDE IMPACTS AND DOES NOT PRODUCE RAISED BURRS WHEN IMPACTED.
— MOLDED TO THE TOOL FOR REDUCED ENVELOPE DIMENSIONS YET STILL ABLE TO EXHIBIT “FREE-SPINNING” CAPABILITY FOR IMPROVED OPERATOR SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS.
— COVER IS NON-REMOVABLE TO PREVENT UNWANTED TAMPERING ON THE LINE.
— LOW SUSTAINED COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION BETWEEN THE COVER AND THE TOOL PRODUCES MINIMAL LOSS OF TOOL EFFICIENCY.
— SIGNATURE ORANGE COLOR MAKES FASTENER CONTACT EASIER AND STATION MONITORING SMOOTHER.
— PART NUMBERS ARE CLEARLY MARKED FOR EASE OF IDENTIFICATION.
APEX u-GUARD UGH MACHINED COVERED TOOLS
The APEX u-GUARD UGH Series of high durometer covered tools are machined for tight tolerances. Made from a high-performance engineered thermoplastic material, these free-spinning covered tools offer a thin protective cover for tight clearance applications. u-GUARD UGH tools can be configured to suit a unique customer application where a standard u-GUARD UGS tool may not be available.
CUSTOM SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS
If you have a unique covered drive tool need, one of our applications specialists or your local Apex Sales Representative will work with you to determine the most suitable solution for your particular needs.
QUALITY APEX TOOLS UNDER THE COVER
• APEX fastener drive tools are made from tool grade alloy steel and then machined for a precision fit that exceeds industry standards.
• Tools are heat treated using our proprietary process for the proper hardness based on the application. Not too brittle to break nor too soft to wear out after one shift.
• APEX tools run true with minimal wobble for more efficient fastening cycles. Improper fit can lead to premature fastener and fastener tool failure.
Select Case Studies
Body Assembly
PROBLEM: Customer expressed safety concerns due to snagging of operators’ gloves while guiding a Tap.
APEX SOLUTION:
• Developed a covered tap holder that includes a spring-loaded non-marring sleeve which covers all of the Tap except the tip
BENEFIT TO CUSTOMER:
• Increased operator safety since the cover prevents gloves from getting trapped
• Improved plant productivity due to significant reduction in safety incidents
INTERIOR COMPONENT ASSEMBLY
PROBLEM: Customer needed a quick release chuck with a free spinning cover to improve operator safety and reduce marring.
APEX SOLUTION:
• Developed a free-spinning, covered driver that allows the user to activate the quick-release feature
BENEFIT TO CUSTOMER:
• Customer can change-out power drive bits quickly
• Anti-mar cover replaces typical knurled surface without compromising functionality
• Free-spinning design significantly improves operator safety
FINAL ASSEMBLY - VARIOUS APPLICATIONS
PROBLEM: A standard Universal Wrench with a 30 degree angle failed to deliver the required torque. Customer also required a covered tool for reduced marring.
APEX SOLUTION:
• Developed a covered Universal Wrench that provides a 20 degree angle
BENEFIT TO CUSTOMER:
• Custom tool is providing the required torque
• Socket & shank are covered with a free-spinning orange cover - enhancing safety and anti-mar protection
