Ask the Fastener Distributor | Which Fasteners Deliver the Longest Assembly Life?

Machines contain very few fasteners in comparison with the other materials and components included, but OEMs rely heavily on those tiny parts. Are you searching for the most durable product to prolong assembly life? Your fastener distributor is available to help you choose from the wide range of fasteners commonly used on machinery. Common Choices […]

Machines contain very few fasteners in comparison with the other materials and components included, but OEMs rely heavily on those tiny parts. Are you searching for the most durable product to prolong assembly life? Your fastener distributor is available to help you choose from the wide range of fasteners commonly used on machinery.
Common Choices

Most machinery contains rivets, screws, bolts and pins of various sizes and lengths. You’ll be choosing between two basic techniques of assembly, including either a two-part combination (nut and bolt) or a self-retaining fastener. The goal remains choosing the method or product that provides the highest level of durability with the shortest assembly time and the lowest material cost.

Your fastener distributor will be quick to point out that pins are the most economical choice. Quality pins are also durable, although it’s best to ensure that the proper style of pin is used.

Pin Styles

Self-retaining pins work well for general applications. These fasteners provide the best combination of strength and flexibility when loads are applied.

Solid pins – one of the most common pins on the market, this style includes dowels and grooved pins. Solid pins may be too rigid for a dynamic load, especially in heavy-duty applications such as mining. Shock is often transferred to the mating parts when dynamics loads are present, or the hole is warped due to the pressure and fastener failure results.

Spring Pins – Coiled spring pins and slotted spring pins are commonly used in applications with heavy dynamic loads. The fasteners should be heat treated to add strength, but the design allows for movement. Since they are assembled manually, slotted pins require more work to install and provide a lower level of flexibility than coiled spring pins. Coiled pins work well in both hard and soft materials where dynamic loads are present.

To prolong assembly life machinery designers need to consider the most durable fasteners. Pins provide a high level of durability, and coiled spring pins offer the most flexibility under dynamic loads. Your fastener distributor will have access to samples and specifications of all the fasteners available for your application, allowing you to make the best possible choice for the long term.