The History of EVER-TITE: Revolutionizing the Fastener Industry
When it comes to industrial couplings, few names resonate with the same level of reliability and innovation as EVER-TITE. Since its inception in 1937, EVER-TITE, a name synonymous with durability and innovation, has played a crucial role in transforming the fastener industry. Since its inception, EVER-TITE has consistently provided innovative solutions for industries ranging from construction to aerospace. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how EVER-TITE came to be, its technological advancements, and the impact it continues to have on modern engineering.
Let’s explore why EVER-TITE sets the industrial couplings standard:
- The Challenge: A Vision for a Better Fastening
- What is EVER-TITE?
- Early Innovations: The EVER-TITE Bolt
- Expanding Horizons: Aerospace and Military Applications
- Technological Advancements and Growth
- EVER-TITE Today: Continuing A Legacy of Quality and Innovation
- APG’s Industrial Couplings
- The Basic 8 Couplings
- Conclusion: A Legacy Built on Innovation
- Key Takeaways
1. The Challenge: A Vision for Better Fastening
The history of EVER-TITE can be traced back to the early 20th century, when fasteners were primarily simple mechanical devices that served their purpose but lacked the precision, reliability, and durability that industries needed. As manufacturing and construction methods grew more complex, the need for advanced fastening solutions, couplings, became clear.
EVER-TITE’s story begins in the 1930s with the vision of a company focused on creating high-performance fasteners that could provide long-lasting solutions for critical applications. The idea was to engineer a more advanced fastener, a coupling, that would stay securely in place under extreme conditions—whether in high-pressure environments, severe vibrations, or under thermal stress. This vision laid the foundation for what would become one of the most trusted names in coupling technology.
2. What is EVER-TITE?
Founded in 1937, the EVER-TITE Coupling Company was already designing and submitting patents, by Herbert J. Krapp, a famous theater architect and designer, from an idea for a simple garden hose fitting. EVER-TITE couplings are considered the first, modern cam and groove quick disconnect coupling device.
Improving on prior couplings from the late nineteen twenties, John T. Krapp, son of Herbert J. Krapp, patented what would become what we know as the modern day Basic 8. This new style of coupling design integrated an internal gasket, quickly detachable couplings, utilizing engageable socket member cams, and a fluid tight seal.
EVER-TITE's cam and groove couplings quickly gained popularity due to their ease of use, reliability, and ability to handle a wide range of fluids and pressures. They became a standard in many industries.
3. Early Innovations: The EVER-TITE Bolt
In 1933, EVER-TITE introduced its signature product, the EVER-TITE Bolt, a component that secures the coupling together. The bolt’s groundbreaking design included features that ensured superior resistance to loosening, a common problem with traditional fasteners. The innovative design utilized an internal locking mechanism that allowed the bolt to remain tightly fastened even in the most demanding conditions. This was a game changer for industries where fasteners were regularly subjected to vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and heavy loads.
At the time, EVER-TITE's engineering breakthroughs set the company apart from competitors. The EVER-TITE bolt that secures the coupling together quickly gained a reputation for being highly reliable, durable, and capable of withstanding the rigors of demanding applications like heavy machinery, transportation, and oil drilling.
4. Expanding Horizons: Aerospace and Military Applications
As industries evolved, so did the demand for more specialized couplings. The outbreak of World War II presented a unique challenge for the EVER-TITE company. EVER-TITE couplings gained early traction and acceptance within the United States military because of the couplings’ ease of use when compared to existing pneumatic couplings. These pneumatic couplings not only had to be applied and removed with tools, but were also inflexible and reduced not only the maintenance people, but also their use of vehicles and equipment.
The need for EVER-TITE couplings surpassed the company’s capacity to supply. So, at the request of the U.S. government, the EVER-TITE company released its patent to allow other manufacturers to aid the military effort by supplying cam and groove couplings. After the war, manufacturers across the globe realized the general usefulness of the quick disconnect design and began to expand their use cases.
By the mid-20th century, EVER-TITE was already making its mark in the aerospace in addition to military sectors. And with the onset of the space race and the rapid expansion of aircraft technology, the need for fasteners that could perform in extreme conditions became even more pronounced. EVER-TITE answered this challenge by adapting its products to meet the stringent requirements of these industries.
The company’s couplings were soon used in a wide variety of aerospace applications, including aircraft construction, satellite technology, and missile systems. These high-stakes industries required couplings that could withstand high temperatures, intense pressure, and corrosive environments—precisely the type of conditions EVER-TITE fasteners were designed for. As a result, EVER-TITE gained a reputation for delivering reliable, high-quality fasteners that met the toughest industry standards.
5. Technological Advancements and Growth
EVER-TITE’s commitment to innovation continued throughout the 20th century. The company continuously improved its designs, incorporating new materials and manufacturing techniques to keep up with the ever-evolving needs of its customers.
In the 1980s and 1990s, EVER-TITE invested heavily in research and development. This focus on technology and product improvement led to the introduction of new fastener systems that further improved the efficiency and safety of critical applications. The company began offering custom solutions for industries such as automotive, construction, and oil and gas, expanding its reach and solidifying its position as an industry leader.
In 2003, the EVER-TITE company was acquired by American Packing & Gasket, APG and is a proud member of their industrial couplings product portfolio. You can view the original patent here.
American Packing and Gasket Company’s acquisition of EVER-TITE’s coupling products combined EVER-TITE’s diverse couplings line with APG’s various fluid-sealing products.
6. EVER-TITE Today: Continuing A Legacy of Quality and Innovation
Today, EVER-TITE is recognized globally as one of the premier manufacturers of high-performance fasteners. The company’s products are used in a wide range of industries, from energy and infrastructure to aerospace and defense. EVER-TITE has remained a trusted partner for companies that require fastening solutions that meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and durability.
The company’s continued commitment to innovation has enabled it to stay at the forefront of the fastener industry. With an ongoing focus on research and development, EVER-TITE continues to introduce cutting-edge fastening technologies that are designed to meet the evolving needs of modern engineering. The company's couplings are used in various applications, including:
- Industrial Manufacturing: For connecting pipes and hoses in factories and plants
- Construction: For temporary connections in construction projects
- Agriculture: For irrigation systems and equipment
- Food Processing: For handling food and beverages
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries: For transferring chemicals and pharmaceuticals
- US Military: For the couplings’ ease of use and continued advancements
- As well as aerospace, automotive, and oil and gas, and many other industries
7. APG's Industrial Cam and Groove Couplings
EVER-TITE: Superior performance, durability, and peace of mind
Our premium, Cam & Groove couplings are designed for demanding industrial applications that require top-notch quality and reliability. With over 80 years of experience in precision engineering and manufacturing, we provide the highest-quality couplings that meet the toughest standards in any industry.
TOUGH-TITE: A cost-effective solution that doesn’t compromise on quality
Our rugged and affordable Tough-TITE cam and groove couplings are the ideal solution for industries that demand tough and durable products at a reasonable price. With a focus on durability and value, Tough-TITE products are designed to withstand harsh conditions and provide reliable performance for a range of industrial applications.
U-TITE: Dependable solution that meets your needs without breaking the bank
Our high-value U-TITE cam and groove couplings provide a reliable and affordable solution for a wide range of industrial applications. With a focus on affordability, U-TITE products offer a great combination of quality and cost-effectiveness.
8. The Basic 8 Couplings
There are many different types of cam and groove couplings on the market, but the most popular ones are called the “Basic 8” couplings. These are the couplings that are used in majority of applications without modification. These basic 8 couplings are ready to go at a moment’s notice and are available in a variety of metals or plastics. Below are the listed basic 8 couplings from EVER-TITE and APG.
Male Adapter x Female Thread |
Male Adapter x Female Thread |
Female Coupler x Hose Shank |
Female Coupler x Female Thread |
Male Adapter x Hose Shank |
Male Adapter x Male Thread |
Dust Cap |
Dust Plug |
9. Conclusion: A Legacy Built on Innovation
From its humble beginnings in the 1930s to its current status as an industry leader, EVER-TITE has had a profound impact on the fastener industry. Through continuous innovation and a commitment to quality, EVER-TITE has redefined what is possible in the world of fastening technology.
As industries continue to evolve, EVER-TITE’s legacy of creating durable, reliable, and high-performance fasteners will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of engineering and manufacturing. With a foundation built on over 90 years of expertise, EVER-TITE remains a name that engineers and manufacturers can rely on for the most demanding fastening applications.
Key Takeaways
- EVER-TITE’s Origins: Founded in the 1930s with the vision of creating high-performance, durable fasteners.
- Revolutionary Design: The EVER-TITE Bolt introduced in 1933 was a game changer in fastening technology, offering superior resistance to loosening.
- Aerospace and Military: EVER-TITE quickly expanded into aerospace and military industries, meeting the demanding standards of these sectors.
- Continuous Innovation: Through the decades, EVER-TITE has kept pace with technological advancements, remaining a leader in the fastener industry.
- A Legacy of Quality: Today, EVER-TITE’s products are trusted globally in critical applications across industries such as aerospace, defense, construction, and energy.
- APG's Industrial Cam and Groove Couplings: Set the Standard for Industrial Couplings
- Get in Touch with Our Experts: Have a question or need a custom fastener solution? Contact our team of experts today, and let’s discuss how EVER-TITE can help solve your toughest fastening challenges.”