Fastener failure results in downtime and increased maintenance costs, two things businesses would rather avoid if possible. Your fastener distributor offers plenty of advice to help you choose products and materials that will reduce the occurrence of fastener failure. One rule of thumb not widely known outside of the fastener industry is that fine threads […]

Tapping screws create mating threads as they are driven in, creating a tight fit. Your fastener distributor carries these hardened metal screws in various designs, including: Thread cutting designs Thread forming designs Thread swaging or rolling designs You’ll also find tapping screws in a wide range of heads and drives, with or without locking features. […]

Your fastener distributor offers a wide variety of fasteners for every application. From a corrosion-resistant stainless steel hex bolt to a selection of dependable rackmount screws, this industry professional has what you need. But what about those special circumstances where a standard fit won’t cut it? What are the different types of locking fasteners available? […]

Friction can be advantageous in an application or it can present a challenge. Your fastener distributor understands that the occurrence of friction only presents a problem after the development of high thread tension. At that point friction will present an obstacle to rotation. And it’s also at that point that you need to deal with […]

Good contractors are focused on quality, but speed plays an important role in the process. Will strong building fasteners help installers get the job done quickly? Or are durable tools the better investment? Both represent an expense, but is one more valuable than the other? Should contractors be sure they are using top quality tools […]

In almost every application a fastener is used to clamp components together. There are the odd applications where a fastener needs to function as an axle or lever support, but for the most part fasteners act as clamps. When it comes to grade selection your fastener distributor is the best source of direction. They will […]

Steel bolts dependably react to the conditions of the application. For every 30,000 psi in tensile stress a steel bolt with be stretched out by 0.001 inches multiplied by the length in inches. Does this make the length of building fasteners a factor in reliability? Yes, it does. For example, if two bolts of the […]

A typical structure uses a lot of building fasteners. And the designers and contractors working on the project use fastener markings to distinguish between each type and application. But what do those fastener markings mean? Basics of Markings Most bolt markings are found on the fastener head. They can be a combination of numbers and […]

A stalled North American economy and gloomy conditions around the world have had an affect on every industry. The building fasteners industry is no exception, but you may be surprised to hear how those trends leave their mark in an industry that supports many others. Residential Construction Housing starts have been down during the first […]

Experts in the fastener industry often engage in a debate over which is better, fine threads versus coarse threads. There are pros and cons for each thread type and many professionals prefer building fasteners with a certain thread, as opposed to the other. Examine the differences and decide for yourself. Pros and Cons of Fine […]

Building fasteners play a major role in the assembly of a wide variety of structures. Different classes of thread fits apply various tolerances and allowances to the internal and external threads. There are three main classes, which are then split into A (external) and B (internal) subclasses. What Is a Thread Fit? Thread fit is […]

Neoprene is used in a variety of applications, from clothing to household items and building fasteners. The most common type of hardware made with this highly durable and beneficial material is the neoprene washer. But not all neoprene washers are equal and there are other options available for use with liquids and corrosive substances. Generic […]

Businesses are always on the lookout for ways to save money. Cutting material costs is a valuable step and each dollar saved is a dollar more added to the bottom line. An online fastener distributor can help your company to reduce expenditures. The trick is to know the best and most efficient ways to manage […]

The alternative energy industry is growing and expanding every day. And contractors, retailers and designers involved in the industry will rely on a fastener distributor at various stages throughout their projects. The knowledge, expertise and guidance that this professional lends to the industry are invaluable. So how do those working in alternative energy go about […]

Quality control is an essential part of every manufacturing and assembly process. Building fasteners need to be put to the test, ensuring their strength and reliability meets and exceeds industry standards. These small but vital elements of machines and structures should be dependable even in extreme conditions. And quality control helps to ensure that each […]

Every industry is different. Even when there are similarities between various industries, different conditions, expectations and standards set them apart. Businesses can often benefit from building relationships with suppliers that understand the unique needs of their industry, but is that always necessary? How does a firm decide whether or not they are better to order […]

There are various stages to an alternative energy project and building fasteners play an important role in every stage. From assembly to transportation, construction and maintenance, structures such as wind turbines and solar panels rely on quality fasteners to operate well. Assembly Stage Alternative energy projects are assembled to a certain extent before being offered […]

In the engineering world the subtle differences between compliance and certification can cause a major variance. Building fasteners used on a project may help a structure or system to attain compliance, but certification is another thing entirely. The issue of conformance tends to muddy the waters as well. Designers, contractors and fastener distributors need to […]

Building fasteners are subject to moisture, pressure, wind and other forces that will wear away at the metal. In order to offer greater strength and durability these fasteners are often treated. Plating and heat treatments are two of the most common ways to increase the reliability of building fasteners, even in the most extreme conditions. […]