About DZUS
About DZUS
The quarter-turn fastener was invented by William Dzus sometime between 1932 and 1935, after he identified a need in the aircraft industry for a quick-acting, self-locking device that could replace slower bolted or screwed panel fasteners. Dzus began manufacturing the device himself out of a small garage in West Islip, New York, and incorporated the Dzus Fastener Co., Inc. in 1936, expanding to a plant in England by 1939 as demand grew.
The spiral cam locking fastener became standard equipment on Allied aircraft during World War II, and under the leadership of William's son Theodore, the company expanded the product's reach beyond aviation into general industrial and motorsport applications after the war, with additional manufacturing locations in Scotland, France, Germany, and Japan. The DZUS brand was brought under Southco through acquisition in 2004, and the Dzus Fastener Co. continued producing fasteners and springs through 2015 under that ownership.
DZUS quarter-turn fasteners show up on access panels, electronics enclosures, and race car bodywork wherever a panel needs to be removed and reinstalled quickly without tools beyond a simple quarter-turn screwdriver action. On ChatMRO, buyers can search by DZUS part number or describe the panel thickness and application and get matched to the right fastener.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a DZUS fastener used for?
A DZUS fastener is a quarter-turn, spring-loaded panel fastener originally developed for the aircraft industry to allow quick removal and reinstallation of access panels without conventional screws or bolts. It has since become widely used on motorsport bodywork, electronics enclosures, and industrial access panels.
Who invented the DZUS fastener and when?
William Dzus invented the quarter-turn fastener sometime between 1932 and 1935, building the first units himself in a small garage in West Islip, New York before incorporating the Dzus Fastener Co. in 1936. The design became standard equipment on Allied aircraft during World War II.
Is DZUS still an independent company?
No, the DZUS brand was brought under Southco through acquisition in 2004, after decades of independent operation under the Dzus family's leadership. The Dzus Fastener Co. continued producing fasteners and springs through 2015 under that ownership structure.
How does a DZUS quarter-turn fastener work?
A DZUS fastener uses a spring and a cam-shaped receptacle so that a quarter turn of the fastener's head locks or releases the panel, rather than requiring multiple full turns like a standard screw. This design lets a technician remove or reinstall a panel in seconds with a simple screwdriver motion.
How do I find the right DZUS fastener through ChatMRO?
Search by the DZUS part number or describe the panel grip length and application you need, and ChatMRO will match it to the correct quarter-turn fastener. Our RFQ form is available if you'd like our team to help confirm the right grip length and head style.