Lok-Ring® Plug Assembly

NOTE: A Lok-Ring plug, in effect, simulates the spigot end of a Lok-Ring pipe or fitting, with the outside face of the plug "bulkhead" plate roughly even with the bearing face of the plug abutment (simulating the weld ring on a pipe end). The Lok-Ring plug is normally shipped with the Lok-Ring bolted down (in effect, "backwards") on the beveled plain end barrel of the plug. This Lok-Ring is completely removed prior to insertion of the plug completely up inside a socket, then the Lok-Ring is inserted and spread completely into the socket locking groove (in effect, "behind" the plug) to restrain it in the socket.

Assembly Instructions:

1. Remove (unbolt) the Lok-Ring completely off the plug by wrenching or manipulating only the outside closure nut opposite the "locked" (nut) side of the closure mechanism.

2. Prepare spigot and sockets, insert gasket and lubricate the plug spigot end and gasket in accordance with basic Fastite (and Lok-Ring) joint assembly instructions. See Fastite Joint Pipe Assembly Instructions.

3. Push or pull the plug completely up inside the socket. Due to the "short" nature of the push-on joint plug, some means is normally necessary to stabilize or brace the plug so that it does not pivot or "buck sideways" in joint assembly. A longer pipe, the end of which can be placed against the outside face of the plug, or a (large bearing face) timber braced between the plug face and the flat lower face of a backhoe bucket are normally quite effective for this purpose. Of course, if the end of a pipe is used to push the plug in, any conventional pipe assembly means could be used to pull or push the pipe and the plug into the socket. Sufficient socket locking groove "width" should be clearly visible after pushing the plug up inside the socket to allow insertion of the Lok-Ring.

4. Compress the ends of the loose Lok-Ring together and push it completely into the socket locking groove to restrain the plug in the socket.

5. Wrenching only the inside spreader nut opposite the locked side of the closure mechanism, mechanically spread the Lok-Ring into firm contact with the inner socket surface of the socket locking groove.

6. Inspect the installed Lok-Ring making sure that the ring is completely inserted in the socket locking groove and completely restrained by the socket restraint lip from one end of the ring to the other end all around the joint. If the ring is out of the groove at any point, correct this condition prior to applying any pressure load to the plug.