Fastening items in space is a difficult task, which led NASA engineers to develop a fastener that can be pushed on, rather than turned. These
quick connect fasteners enjoy the flexibility and strength of threads while eliminating the weakness and slowness of cross threading. The new device also resists movement under vibration and has been adopted by NASA for space walking and robotic in-space assembly. In addition, a tool to apply the fastener was first developed for flight aboard a Space Shuttle in 1989. The product is now in use by firefighters, nuclear power plant repair technicians, and other applications where speed of
attachment and removal of threaded items are a must.
