Split Small Bush – Small Plastic Bush for Door Bar Clamp

What is a Split Bush?

A split bush (also known as a split small bush or split bearing bush) is a small but crucial structural component in the door locking system of a standard ISO shipping container. This cylindrical component is typically made from durable, self-lubricating plastic, most often high-density nylon or polyamide. Its primary purpose is to serve as a low-friction protective liner between the rotating lock rod and the fixed bearing bracket that holds it in place on the container door.

Catalog Number: HZ000067

Construction Features:

• Cylindrical casing with a longitudinal slot along its entire length (“split”).
• Inner diameter precisely matches the diameter of the container’s lock rod.
• Outer diameter allows for precise and firm insertion into the bearing bracket.

The split bush is designed as a “sacrificial” wear part. Its main function is to absorb friction and mechanical stress that arise from the frequent opening and closing of heavy steel container doors. It prevents direct metal-on-metal contact between the lock rod and the bearing bracket, which would otherwise lead to rapid wear, corrosion, and potentially seizing of the locking system. Thanks to the slot, the bush can be very easily installed and replaced on-site without the need to dismantle the entire lock rod.

Contents

• Basic Function and Mechanical Purpose
• Anatomy, Materials, and Variants
• The Split Bush in the Container Door System
• Installation, Maintenance, and Replacement
• Importance in Container Conversions and Modifications
• Related Terminology and Confusions
• Conclusion: The Invisible Hero of Container Accessibility

Basic Function and Mechanical Purpose

The function of the split bush is crucial for the smooth and safe operation of the entire container locking system. Its role consists of several complementary aspects:

Friction Reduction

The split bush forms a bearing surface between the lock rod and the bracket. The material (nylon/plastic) has a significantly lower coefficient of friction than steel, which allows for easy rotation of heavy doors with minimal resistance and without sticking or squeaking.

Wear Prevention

The bush is designed as a “consumable part.” It prevents seizing, abrasion, and permanent damage to both the lock rods and brackets, which are often welded to the door frame, making their replacement significantly more expensive. Replacing the plastic bush is quick and inexpensive.

Consistent Door Operation

Properly functioning bushes are key to smooth, predictable, and safe door operation, which is essential in logistics, storage, and container handling.

Advantage of the Split Design

The longitudinal slot allows the bush to be fitted directly onto the rod, without the need for complex disassembly of the locking mechanism. This simplifies and reduces the cost of maintenance.

Anatomy, Materials, and Variants

Although seemingly a simple component, the split bush has several variants adapted to different types of containers and door systems.

Physical Characteristics

Dimensions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and door type.

Material Composition

• Nylon (PA6, PA66):
  • Self-lubricating surface (no need for additional lubrication, does not accumulate dirt).
  • High resistance to impact, deformation, and wear.
  • Excellent chemical resistance (resists salt water, acids, alkalis, UV radiation).
  • Wide operating temperature range (-40 °C to +100 °C).
• Polyethylene/Polypropylene: Some manufacturers use these plastics for more economical variants.
• Metal Bush (exceptionally): In some specific applications where increased mechanical load is present.

Types and Variants

• Split Small Bush:
  • Designed for short bearing brackets.
  • Standard equipment on most ISO containers.
• Split Large Bush:
  • For long bearing brackets, especially on some heavy doors and special containers.
• Complete Kits:
  • Short bracket with bush.
  • Long bracket with bush.
  • Complete kit for overall door renovation.

The Split Bush in the Container Door System

To fully understand the importance of the split bush, it needs to be placed within the context of the entire container door system:

Main Components of the Door Mechanism

Principle of Operation:

• When the handle is turned, the lock rod rotates within the bearing brackets.
• The bushes ensure smooth movement of the rod and prevent it from rubbing against the metal bracket.
• Poor condition of the bushes leads to increased effort during operation, corrosion, and in extreme cases, even destruction of the handle or blockage of the doors.

Installation, Maintenance, and Replacement

Split Bush Installation Procedure

1. Identify the bearing bracket with a worn or missing bush.
2. Remove the old bush using a screwdriver or pliers (it is often brittle/cracked).
3. Open the new bush at the slot and snap it around the lock rod.
4. Slide the bush towards the bracket and press it into the bracket’s cavity until it seats securely.
5. No screws, riveting, or rod disassembly is required – replacement takes only a few minutes.

Signs of Wear and Need for Replacement

• Increased resistance when turning the handle/rod.
• Audible squeaking, rubbing, or metallic sound.
• Visible cracks, fragments, or deformation of the bush.
• Excessive play/rattling of the rod in the bracket.

Maintenance and Extending Lifespan

• Regularly remove dirt, salt, and dust from the door mechanism (especially for containers used in maritime transport).
• Check the condition of all bushes during every service inspection or container conversion.
• In case of intensive operation (e.g., storage containers), we recommend preventive replacement of all bushes.

Critical Role in Container Conversions and Modifications

With the growing trend of using shipping containers for construction, storage, pop-up shops, or mobile offices, the reliability of the door system becomes crucial not only for logistics but also for daily operation.

Examples of Use:

• Container Housing: Daily door opening places high demands on smooth operation and safety.
• Storage and Workshop Containers: Frequent use = faster wear of bushes.
• Commercial Operations (shops, ticket offices): Door failure means loss of revenue.
• Special Purposes (generator containers, chemical storage): Maximum security and long component lifespan.

Recommendations for Conversion:

• Always replace all bushes, seals, and potentially handles and brackets.
• Use only original certified parts from reputable manufacturers.

Related Terminology and Confusions

The Invisible Hero of Container Accessibility

The split bush is one of the most underrated, yet most important parts of a shipping container. This small plastic component is the cornerstone of the door system’s functionality, whether it’s for global shipping, warehousing, or modern container construction. Its proper maintenance and regular replacement ensures:

• Safe and smooth door operation.
• Protecting your container investment from premature wear.
• Minimizing downtime and reducing service costs.

The cleverness of the “split” design allows for quick maintenance without complicated disassembly and proves that even a small part can be crucial to the operation of the entire system. Don’t forget – during any modification, service, or conversion of a container, checking and possibly replacing all bushes should be a matter of course.

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Spare part for the shipping container door No. 1 – CAM – door lock cam

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Spare part for the shipping container door No. 3 – Bearing Bracket Outer L

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Spare part for the shipping container door No. 5 – Bearing Bracket Outer S

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Spare part for the shipping container door No. 6 – Split Small Bush

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