Lock-N-Stitch

LOCK-N-STITCH Inc. is a company based out of Turlock California and founded by Gary J Reed in 1990. LOCK-N-STITCH Inc. specializes in metal stitching, which is a process where cracks in metal objects caused by stress are repaired. LOCK-N-STITCH process of metal stitching uses a series of locks and pins. A pin is a threaded bolt which can provide a pushing or a pulling pressure to the center of the pin. The pins are bolted down in a series along the crack then ground down to a smooth surface then another layer of pins are bolted down between the gaps of the previous pins then are ground down to make a smooth surface. The locks are a strip of metal with circular edges. The two locks are placed perpendicular to the crack and three are placed overlaying each other and then placed into the already driven holes.
Locks
LOCK-N-STITCH's locks are designed to be placed across a crack in order to stabilize it and prevent expansion of the crack. A special drill jig is used in order to create a hole pattern in the casting to place the locks in a laminated or stacked fashion. As you place layer after layer of locks into the drilled holes the thickness of each lock increases from the very first one into the hole to the very last. The initial lock is more thin just to fit into the casting. The very final surface lock are relatively thicker because it is intended to be used as the final cap to finish off the sealing process. The surface lock is the most useful out of all the locks when being used on an level that is uneven. The locks are manufactured with high-quality materials the material to ensure satisfactory performance. They are punched or wire Electric Discharge Machine (EDM) specially cut from aircraft quality steel plate 4130. The locks are used whenever strength is an absolute requirement. The locks may not be applied when bent over corners or curves. They may only be used on a flat surface.
Pins
LOCK-N-STITCH manufactures two main types of pins which have very specialized uses. The two pins are C series pins and L series pins. L series pins are used around inside or outside corners, holes and need additional structural integrity. When an L series pin is tightened into the casting they seal on the threads because of the pin is larger than the tapered hole. The result of that is a spreading of pressure around the crack. It is very important that there is enough structural integrity or else there may be a spreading of the crack. The design of the L series pins allows an easy installation at steep angles to the surface. The steep angles make the L series pin common for repairing cylinder heads. The sturdy combustion chambers of cylinder heads allow the optimum structural strength. The L series pins come in many different diameters with various thread lengths and are made with either 2024 T4 aluminum, which is a sturdier grade, or soft machinable steel that has the same rate of expansion as cast iron with the same resistance of corrosion and same hardness level. The C series pin will not cause any spread in a crack. They actually do the opposite. Their spiralhook threads create a pressure that draws in the sides of the crack together permanently locking them together by exerting a pressure that pulls. C series pin have an intricate sealing mechanism. When the shoulder of the pin interacts with the casting it hooks the sides upwards pulling them in with a radial drawing force on the cast iron. It pulls in over the entire length of the threads. Cracks that extend from any type of hole require the use of the C series pin design. Also cracks that are formed on the corner of the cap fit in any main bearing should be repaired with C series pins.
Company
LOCK-N-STITCH is based out of Turlock California.
The Chief Executive Officer of the company is Gary Reed, the President is Louise Reed, the Secretary is Brandi Rollins. LOCK-N-STITCH employs 37 people in the US, and is classified as a Dow Jones Industry.

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