Hardlock Industry Co.,Ltd.
Manufacturer and distributor of loosening prevention nuts and related technologies.
Last updated September 2, 2026
Overview
Hardlock Industry Co., Ltd. is a Japanese company founded in 1974 by Katsuhiko Wakabayashi. It develops, manufactures, and sells loosening prevention screws. The company is known for its HARDLOCK Nut and other products. It is headquartered in Higashiosaka, Osaka, with a Tokyo branch and domestic sales outlets across Japan, as well as overseas agents in 16 countries.
History
Hardlock Industry was established in 1974 by founder Katsuhiko Wakabayashi in Nagata, Joto-ku, Osaka, and began selling HARDLOCK Nuts. In 1977, the company was renamed Hardlock Industry Co., Ltd. with capital of 4 million yen, and opened the Higashiosaka plant. In 1979, it started manufacturing and selling the bearing loosening prevention nut 'HLB'. In 1982, it opened a Tokyo branch. In 1985, the HARDLOCK Nut was adopted for the Tokaido Shinkansen 300 series. In 1988, it was adopted for the Seto Ohashi Bridge. In 1990, the head office and factory were moved to the current location in Higashiosaka. In 1998, it was adopted for the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. In 1999, it started manufacturing and selling the railway product SLN (Space Lock Nut). In 2000, the trademarks 'HARDLOCK' and 'Space Lock Nut' were registered, and new products HLS and HL-P were launched. In 2001, agents were established in the UK, Australia, and South Korea, and ISO9002 certification was acquired. In 2003, 4 million sets were delivered to Taiwan High Speed Rail. In 2006, the HARDLOCK Nut was adopted for Chinese high-speed rail vehicles. In 2008, a Junker-type loosening test machine was introduced and the main factory was expanded.
Products and positioning
HARDLOCK Nut
A loosening prevention nut that uses a wedge structure to prevent loosening.
HLB
Bearing loosening prevention nut.
SLN (Space Lock Nut)
Railway product for loosening prevention.
HLS (Hard Lock Set Screw)
Set screw product.
HL-P (Hard Lock Pin Lock Bolt)
Bolt product with pin lock mechanism.
SLB (Space Lock Bearing Nut)
Bearing nut product.
Flagship businesses
- HARDLOCK Nut
Sources
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