Ask the Fastener Distributor | What is the Ideal Thread Engagement?
Your fastener distributor offers advice on all sorts of issues and problems related to fastener use, including this common question. What is the ideal thread engagement for any given application? While many answers are straightforward and direct, this one depends on the application and standards that apply. What is Thread Engagement? Thread engagement specifies the […]
Your Fastener Distributor Explains the Basics of Machine Screws
Machine screws make up a large portion of the business handled by your fastener distributor. These fasteners are nearly all-purpose, and come in a wide range of styles, sizes and materials designed for a variety of uses. Find out the basics of machine screws to understand more about this well used product. Using Machine Screws […]
Ask the Fastener Distributor | What Is the Difference Between a Flat Washer and a Gasket?
What Is The Difference Between A Flat Washer And A Gasket? Although they may look similar, a flat washer and gasket serve different purposes on a wide variety of applications. Both are coupled with bolts or screws and shaped like a ring, with an O.D. (or outer diameter) and center hole. But your fastener distributor […]
How Your Fastener Distributor Can Help With Just In Time Inventory Management
Inventory management and control involves substantial costs to businesses in a wide range of industries. From manufacturing to construction, renewable energy and railroad, countless companies in many industries rely on a fastener distributor to help keep those costs in line. The Just In Time Inventory Management Philosophy Unless a business is purely service, inventory is […]
Fastener Distributor FAQs | What Is Stress Relaxation?
Stress relaxation is a condition that results in joint deterioration and possible fault or fastener failure. Your fastener distributor can help to identify the conditions and applications where stress relaxation is commonly found, helping you to avoid this problem and the subsequent costs and inconveniences. When Does Stress Relaxation Occur? This condition occurs when bolts […]
Ask the Fastener Distributor | What Is a Set Screw Used For?
Widely used in all types of industries, the set screw is most often installed to secure two objects together without the need to drive completely through one the objects. For example, a gear is usually secured to a shaft using a set screw. Your fastener distributor will carry a selection of set screws to suit […]
The Advantages of Buying From a Full Service Fastener Distributor
DIY solar panel systems and customized PV panel fields have become more common in the last decade. Average homeowners are drawn to the benefits of using solar energy and commercial businesses in a variety of industries are taking advantage of improving technology. Your fastener distributor plays an important role in this process, helping residential and […]
Using Traditional Solar Panel Fasteners Vs Solar Integrated Roofing
Traditional solar panel installation uses mounting racks and various fasteners to secure individual panels or blocks of panels to your roof. Solar integrated roofing, on the other hand, combines roofing materials with PV cells to provide an all-in-one solution. Faced with the choice between these two designs, consumers must weigh the pros and cons, consider […]
Examining the Role of Industrial Fasteners | Tiny Components With Massive Influence
Industrial fasteners are used in a wide variety of products, from machinery to aircraft and vehicles, as well as building structures. These tiny components provide support, mobility and secure essential joints. Fastener failure can bring massive equipment to a standstill, while tall structures can be brought low when improper or inadequate fasteners are installed. Considering […]
Your Fastener Distributor Knows How to Find Out the Torque Value of a Bolt
There will be instances when it’s essential to discover the torque value of a bolt, especially a bolt that has already been installed. Your fastener distributor will recommend using a torque gauge to read the bolt, but you must know when that reading is accurate. To check how much torque has been applied to a […]
Understanding Common Abbreviations Your Fastener Distributor Uses
Your fastener distributor will offer advice and direction during the design, prototype and manufacturing stages. But you’re bound to come across an array of abbreviations during that communication, dealing with everything from the materials to fastener size, design and a range of other specifications. Understanding these abbreviations is helpful for OEM staff. General Abbreviations […]
How Your Fastener Distributor Measures Fastener Diameter
Fasteners come in all different shapes and sizes, yet your fastener distributor can catalogue millions of products using a set of measurements and specifications. Fastener diameter is one of those specifications, although you may be surprised to learn that your fastener distributor uses three different types of diameter to differentiate products. Thread Diameter This measurement […]
Fastener Distributor FAQs: When To Use a Grade 2 Hex Head Bolt
The hex head bolt holds an important place in the fastener industry. Contractors, OEMs, maintenance staff and many others use hex bolts on a regular basis. Your fastener distributor offers this common fastener in different grades or strengths in order to provide affordable solutions to specific applications and situations. Hex Head Bolt Grades Hex head […]
Managing the Cost of Poor Quality With Your Fastener Distributor
A fastener distributor offers a wide range of products suited to your industry. The distributor works hard to ensure that quality materials, reliable designs and expert manufacturers are represented on their shelves, and they are ready to help you manage the cost of poor quality. Certain industries deal with this concept more than others, and […]
How a Fastener Distributor Can Help OEMs Go Green
Businesses of every size are focusing on changes to help them go green. Depending on the type of industry your business is in, it can pay to depend on your fastener distributor for advice and direction on going green. Whatever industry your company falls under, the benefits of becoming cleaner and more environmentally conscious are […]
Why Stainless Steel Heavy Hex Bolts Tend To Seize
Why Stainless Steel Heavy Hex Bolts Tend To Seize Some contractors and assemblers complain about stainless steel heavy hex bolts seizing during the tightening process. This happens with other stainless steel bolts as well, although galvanized heavy hex bolts do not seem to have the same problems. Frequent seizing is often a result of galling, […]
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Neoprene Washer
Using A Neoprene Washer: The Pros & Cons Washers have a specific purpose when used with bolts in a standard application. Plain washers are installed to more evenly distribute load, spreading beyond the underside of the bolt head and past the nut face. A neoprene washer adds another level to this common purpose, although the design […]
Specialty Building Fasteners Needed For Cracked Concrete
The International Building Code released in 2006 states that structural anchors used in buildings must be designed using the “Ultimate Strength Design” method. In simple terms, this code ruling means that if conditions exist where concrete is likely to crack, any building fasteners used in that concrete must meet certain specifications. Cracked Concrete Causes Designers […]
Create a Finished Look With Modular Building Fasteners
Modular buildings represent a growing industry, with more residential, commercial and industrial buildings of this type being erected every year. The unique design and construction of modular structures allow for quick and affordable installation, while certain types of modular building fasteners provide the finished look building owners are looking for. Building Fasteners Used In Modular […]
Ask Your Fastener Distributor | Can I Reuse Nuts and Bolts?
Your fastener distributor is one of the best resources available to field questions regarding the safe and effective use of fasteners. When the time comes to dismantle and/or reassemble, the question of whether or not to reuse nuts and bolts tends to come up. Is it possible? Does your distributor recommend reusing products, and why […]