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 […]
Internal Tooth Lock Washer Vs External Tooth Lock Washer
Differences Between An Internal Tooth Lock Washer & An External Tooth Lock Washer Tooth lock washers are made with small, sharp teeth formed around the inner hole or outer diameter (O.D.), depending on the type. An internal tooth lock washer has teeth around the center hole, while the external tooth lock washer boasts of teeth around […]
Are New Solar Panel Fasteners Better Than Traditional Mounting Systems?
As the solar energy industry expands, new products are being introduced and consumer confusion rises. Installation contractors and retailers often wonder which solar panel fastener systems to recommend – the newly design fasteners or traditional mounting systems. Which provide maximum reliability and minimum maintenance? And how does this choice affect price? Differences Between the Various […]
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 […]
Uncommon Solar Panel Fasteners Essential to Installation
Solar panel systems require a long list of fasteners for assembly and installation. Small PV panels are mounted with end brackets to create a flush application, and racking systems hold up larger panels and PV arrays for an adjustable system that allows for optimum airflow and durability. These applications also require other, uncommon fasteners, […]
How Fasteners Can Reduce Maintenance Requirements in Your Solar Panel System
Solar panels generally operate with very little fuss, providing your home or business with affordable, renewable energy. But wise PV panel owners plan for regular maintenance such as panel cleaning, adjustments and tweaks. Quality solar panel fasteners influence the maintenance requirements and extend the life of your system. General PV Panel Maintenance Requirements Your solar […]
Top Four Benefits of Using a Square Nut
Advantages Of Using A Square Nut Nuts and bolts come in a wide range of shapes and designs, including the commonly used hex shape. Using a square nut (along with a square head bolt) provides quite a few advantages in certain applications, from railway lines to electronics and construction projects. Find the hardware solutions you’re looking […]
Fastener Distributor FAQs | Cap Nut Vs. Acorn Nut
Cap Nut Vs. Acorn Nut All fasteners serve several purposes – some are very specific, while others are broad. A cap nut serves to create a smooth finish and cover exposed bolt ends. The taller profile of an acorn nut provides better protection for bolt threads. When You Should Use A Cap Nut Find the hardware […]
How an Experienced Fastener Distributor Helps the Alternative Energy Industry
Alternative energy continues to gain traction in both the commercial and residential marketplace. But this burgeoning industry needs support and expertise in order to continue growing. An experienced fastener distributor can help your company to succeed in alternative energy. With the rising cost of oil and gas and the negative environmental impacts of using coal, […]
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 […]
Common Fastener Problems to Avoid When Installing Solar Panels
All contractors face a set of common fastener problems on every jobsite. Some are universal across the construction or home improvement industry, others are more specific to their industry or field. The solar energy industry deals with a wide range of unique and specially designed innovations that present fairly distinctive problems to the installation contractors. […]
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 […]
How to Design for Extreme Conditions with Solar Panel Fasteners
Solar panels and other alternative energy systems face extreme conditions. Wind, wet weather, high temperatures and constant sun exposure wear heavily on solar panel fasteners and all components of design. How can you ensure your design delivers maximum dependability and strength, even in the face of these extreme conditions? Using quality materials from established manufacturers […]
Pros and Cons of Using a Serrated Flange Nut
Pros And Cons Of Using A Serrated Flange Nut Flange nuts are used for a variety of applications, depending on the style purchased. A serrated flange nut does not offer premium locking capabilities, like flange lock nuts, but does provide several benefits when used in the proper manner. What Are Serrated Flange Nuts? Find the […]
How to Choose the Ideal Coupling Nut
Coupling nuts are required when connecting two threaded rods together. Slightly different than a sleeve nut, a hex coupling nut offers right hand threads and can be tightened or loosened using standard socket sets and wrenches. These specialty fasteners are useful in many applications, provided the right grade and length is chosen. Different Grades of […]
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 […]
Your Fastener Distributor Can Help With Custom Solar Panel Installation
Solar panels and other alternative energy systems face extreme conditions. Wind, wet weather, high temperatures and constant sun exposure wear heavily on solar panel fasteners and all components of design. How can you ensure your design delivers maximum dependability and strength, even in the face of these extreme conditions? Using quality materials from established manufacturers […]
Fastener Distributor FAQ | Should You Order Rolled Threads or Cut Threads?
Threaded bolts of all types, including rods, bent and headed bolts, are manufactured with either rolled threads or cut threads. Designers and contractors will notice advantages and disadvantages to both types. Misconceptions abound as well, and your fastener distributor is an excellent source of advice, helping you to order the right bolt for your application. […]
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 […]
Understanding the Differences Between a Finished Hex Nut and Other Nuts
What Is A Finished Hex Nut? The finished hex nut is perhaps the most commonly used nut in the world today. Found in structural, machinery and automotive applications, hex nuts and heavy hex nuts couple with bolts to create a tight, secure joint. And the finished hex nut provides adequate strength for many different types of […]