Wedge-lock fastener and associated installation and assembly methods

A method for installing a wedge-lock fastener comprising:

• inserting a tongue and at least two tongs of the wedge-lock fastener through a hole defined by a workpiece;
• altering a position of the tongue relative to the workpiece by controllably moving an adjustable spacer member relative to a shank of the wedge-lock fastener, thereby adjusting a distance by which the adjustable spacer member extends beyond the shank;
• and
• retracting the at least two tongs relative to the tongue such that respective forward ends of the tongs are urged outwardly to operatively engage the workpiece.

A method for installing a wedge-lock fastener comprising:

• providing a workpiece defining a hole that opens into a counterbore proximate a first surface of the workpiece;
• inserting a tongue and at least two tongs of the wedge-lock fastener through the hole defined by the workpiece;
• retracting the at least two tongs relative to the tongue such that respective forward ends of the tongs are urged outwardly to operatively engage the workpiece;
• and
• removing at least a forward end of the tongue that extends beyond the first surface of the workpiece.

A method for assembling a plurality of workpieces comprising:

• positioning at least first and second workpieces to align respective holes defined by the workpieces, wherein a first surface of the second workpiece also defines a counterbore into which the respective hole opens;
• installing a wedge-lock fastener through the respective holes defined by the workpieces to thereby clamp the workpieces together, wherein installing the wedge-lock fastener comprises positioning respective forward ends of a tongue and at least two tongs of the wedge-lock fastener completely within the counterbore;
• and
• placing a third workpiece on the first surface of the second workpiece while the wedge-lock fastener is installed.