AeroCatch-1 latches are supplied with high quality, lightweight, anodized-aluminum strike pins.  When subjected to severe or repeated impacts, these pins may be stressed beyond their design criteria and can eventually fail. Car-to-car, or car-to-barrier contact, as can occur in competition events, are instances where overstressing may result. Also, aluminum strike pins must NEVER be bent to achieve proper fit. Bending significantly compromises the pin’s material strength and integrity and may result in pin failure. Finally, aluminum pins should not be mounted at or near full extension: a leveraged or shear-type load on the pins may exceed their capacity and result in failure.

For use where repeated shock or bending loads are anticipated, use of stainless steel or steel strike pins is strongly recommended:  Their larger size (7/16-20) and material strength allows them to withstand greater abuse at a relatively small weight penalty.  These pins are available through AeroCatch dealers, or directly through Coast Fabrication, Inc..

AeroCatch® 3: Shear and Tension Latch

AeroCatch3, the latest addition to the AeroCatch® family of fasteners, is an innovative, aerodynamic, high strength tension latch for fastening panels. Click here for full details and pricing.

In the still picture of the car, you can see four AeroCatch3 securing the car’s front and rear bodywork.