Fasteners

What is a fastener?

According to Wikipedia, “A fastener is a hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together. In general, fasteners are used to create non-permanent joints; that is, joints can be removed or dismantled without damaging the joining components.”

Many different fasteners are available on the market, making it difficult to decide which type is best for your specific application. This article will discuss selecting the right industrial fastener supplier for your needs.

When choosing a supplier, it is vital to consider the quality of their products and the level of service they offer. It is also essential to find a supplier who can provide custom-made fasteners if needed.

Small fastener, big responsibility

Fasteners are just a commodity, right?

Well, maybe.

They’re usually not as sexy as the parts they join.

But, if you face a product failure, angry customers, or costly field repairs–then a tiny part can turn into a big headache.

If your supplier can’t guide you to the optimal mechanical properties and corrosion resistance to get your job done, you might be in for some “discomfort.”

That’s why we’ve developed a unique system…

It’s time to stop the struggle and achieve a solution to keep your customers happy.

What is a fastener manufacturer/supplier?

To deliver your finished fastener, fastener manufacturers use cold and hot heading equipment, proprietary secondary operation machines, forging presses, CNC screw machines, and other manufacturing equipment. They should be able to produce customized fasteners and materials in conformance to various industry standards, including but not limited to ASME, ANSI, ASTM, IFI, IATF, and ISO, as required by customer specifications. A fastener manufacturer often produces a large volume of products using automated technology or controlled systems for higher output. 

Fastener design

Manufacturers can also create threads for threaded fasteners by using various methods, including roll forming, cutting, turning, and molding. They usually make metal fasteners with roll forming, which requires cold shaping under pressure to create the right curved profile. They use threaded patterns on blank metal. Fasteners are typically formed of metal but are sometimes composed of plastic when the design calls out for such.

Fastener standards

All industrial fasteners purchased must be compatible with the standards of the applications, industry, or location in which they are purchased. For military applications, fasteners are required to meet federal military requirements. They’ve called it the Milspec fastener. Most industries use standards such as ASME, ANSI, SAE, ASTM, IFI, IATF, or ISO, which are issued for fastened products. Also, ensure that you buy the correct fastening system by speaking to the engineers at your fastener manufacturer’s plant. Customers may specify fasteners in one of two measurement systems: metric (millimeters) and imperial (inches).

Fastener types

It is helpful to put fasteners into two categories: threaded and threadless.

Threaded fasteners

Threaded fasteners are one of the most commonly used types of fasteners. They are made up of a threaded fastener and a nut. The threaded fastener is inserted into a hole in the object to be fastened, and the nut is then used to tighten the two objects together. Threaded fasteners come in a variety of standard and custom sizes, depending on your application..

There are many benefits to using threaded fasteners. They are strong and durable, making them ideal for use in applications where a high level of strength is required. They are also easy to install and remove, making them ideal for use in situations where access is limited. Threaded fasteners are also relatively inexpensive, making them cost-effective for many industrial applications.

Some examples of threaded fasteners include:

• Anchors
• Bolts
• Nuts
• Studs
• Screws
• Socket products
• Self-tapping screws
• Self-threading screws
• Self-drilling screws
• Sheet metal screws
• Machine screws
• Special Screws
• Automotive fasteners
• Roofing screws
• Drywall screws
• Acoustic ceiling screws
• Insert-molded knobs

Threadless fasteners

Threadless fasteners are usually cylindrical pins with or without a head. They are inserted into one or more pre-drilled holes to join materials. The most common threadless fasteners are pins, dowel pins, and rivets.

Threadless fasteners are simple, versatile, and easy to install. They are an ideal solution for a variety of applications.

Pins and Dowel pins are the simplest and most versatile types of threadless fasteners. You can use them to join wood, metal, or plastic, and they come in various diameters and lengths. To install a pin, simply insert it into the predrilled hole and tap it in with a hammer until it is flush with the surface. Dowel pins are commonly used to orient one part relative to another — either linearly or rotationally (i.e., clocking).

Rivets are used to join metal. Rivets have a head on one end and a stem on the other. The stem is inserted into the predrilled hole, and then the head is hammered down, which causes the stem to expand and lock the rivet in place. Rivets come in a variety of diameters and lengths.

Some examples of threadless fasteners include:

• Pins
• Dowel pins
• Rivets
• Clevis Pins

Fastener accessories

Fastener accessories are used to facilitate fasteners either mechanically or cosmetically.

Washers are small discs or plates with holes in the center that distribute the load of a threaded fastener such as a screw or nut. Washers also help to prevent damage to surfaces by preventing the fastener from coming into direct contact with the surface.

Spacers are cylindrical or tubular-shaped fastener accessories that are used to create space between two components or to align components during assembly. Spacers are available in a variety of lengths and diameters.

Plugs are fastener accessories that are used to fill holes. Plugs can be made of a variety of materials such as plastic, metal or rubber.

Lock washers are fastener accessories that are used to prevent fasteners from loosening due to vibration. Lock washers have teeth or barbs that dig into the surface of the fastener and the component to which it is attached.

Some examples of fastener accessories include:

• Washers
• Wave washers
• Serrated washers
• Conical washers
• Spacers
• Plugs
• Lock washers
• Spring clips
• Decorative caps
• Rubber feet
• Other hardware

Pictured above: Fastener accessories made via metal stamping.

Specialty fasteners

A specialty fastener is custom-made with a unique geometry or material to fit its application or environment. An experienced industrial faster manufacturer has the engineering expertise to guide you and your team to a standard product, if that’s possible, but also has the capabilities to make a specialty product for your unique application or industry—which might include the following:

• Construction
• Precision
• Marine
• Metric
• Armament
• Firearms
• Ammunition
• Stainless Steel
• Corrosion Resistant
• Oil, Gas & Petro-Chemical
• Structural
• Galvanized Structural Bolts
• Agriculture
• Automotive
• Electric Vehicle market
• Construction
• Highway
• Heavy-duty truck
• Infrastructure
• Consumer Goods
• Energy
• Wind Power
• Solar Power
• Engine Aftermarket
• Lawn And Garden
• Transportation
• Aerospace
• Defense
• Commercial markets
• Specialty nuts

Fastener materials

The fastener material will affect its strength, corrosion resistance, and cost.

Fasteners are an essential part of any manufactured product. Still, it’s critical to consider the material they’re made of or the strength for the application.

For example, some materials can handle higher temperatures than others. So they can hold their shape better under stress. This makes them perfect choices when designing things like engine blocks or other mechanisms that need maximum dimensional stability in high-temperature operating environments.

Some commonly used fastener materials include:

• Stainless steel
• Steel alloys
• Carbon steel
• Exotic Metals
• Brass
• Copper
• Silicon Bronze
• Ductile Iron
• Malleable Iron
• Aluminum
• Plastic
• Nylon
• Rubber

Cold temperature considerations

Specific fasteners are specially designed to perform well when exposed to prolonged cold. However, without a suitable material, the fastener will not be able to do its job in temperatures below 30°. It will probably undergo toughness and ductility issues (i.e., become brittle and break). 

So for cold extremes, it’s best to avoid materials susceptible to low temperatures (e.g., low carbon steel). 

These materials generally perform well at low temperatures:

• Steel-Nickel alloys down to -100° F
• Stainless steels from -100° to -300° F

But, it’s always best to contact your expert fastener supplier for suggestions of materials optimized for specific temperatures and operating environments.

Fastener services

An exemplary fastener supplier can save you time on your production line.

If you need fasteners in bulk quantities, then we would like the opportunity to help you with these requirements.

But, if you need fasteners pre-packaged (e.g., bolts, nuts, and washers—already counted out in a polybag)—supplied to save your operator time, we can help you with those requirements also.

Speed up your customer approval process with documentation that we can provide —including First Article inspection reports, PPAPs, and certificates of compliance.

Here are just a few of our fastener services:

• Bulk quantities / Bulk fasteners
• Packaged Quantities
• Special Platings
• Kitting
• Nylon Patch
• Sorting
• ISO/Full Traceability
• RoHS Compliance
• Private Label packaging
• PPAPs
• Prepaid Shipments
• Special Box Requirements
• Direct Container Shipments
• Pre-production Samples
• Inspection Reports
• Special Head Marking
• Stock & Release
• Assemblies
• Drilling
• Poly Bagging
• FQA Compliance

Conclusion – not an easy task

We all know that finding the right industrial fastener supplier is not an easy task. You have to consider factors such as quality, engineering support, turnaround time, and prices before making your final decision! You need a partner who can provide an endless variety of options, excellent service, and the logistics to keep your factory running smoothly.

FAQs

What is a fastener company?

A Fastener Supplier is a company who distributes, manufacturers, or supplies fasteners through its unique competencies.. . What is an example of fastening?

Many industries often use fasteners, such as screws, bolts or nuts, to facilitate the assembly or disassembly of a joined product.. Non-permanent fasteners are threaded (bolts, screws, nuts, etc.) or are non-threaded (pins, rollers, rings).

What is an OEM fastener?

Many industries, including OEMs, require highly reliable, durable fasteners. According to project and application requirements, custom stainless steel fasteners could be necessary for the operation. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.

How are fasteners manufactured?

Cold forging molds steel into proper shapes at room temperature. Bolt heads are cold-headed to progressively form the steel by pushing it into different dies at high pressure. Threads are created by roll forming or cutting.

Hot forging is commonly used to produce industrial fasteners. In hot forging, the metal is heated to a high temperature and then shaped into the desired form. This process is often used for high-volume production, and it results in a strong and durable fastener. 

Screw machining is a process in which a machine tool cuts threads into a workpiece. This is done by feeding the workpiece into the machine and using a cutting tool to remove material from it. Screw machining is one of the most accurate machining methods, and it can be used to create internal and external threads. Advantages include its ability to achieve:

• tight manufacturing tolerances
• relatively high production levels
• unique thread profiles

Injection molding is another method that can be used to manufacture industrial fasteners, and it has some advantages over machining. Injection molding is faster, more precise, and produces less waste material. Injection-molded fasteners are also often less expensive than those that are machined.

Find a fastener fast

Whether you’re exploring options for a new product or you have an existing product that you’d like to put into production, The Federal Group USA can help you with your next fastener project. We’ve provided high-quality metal fabrication services to various industries for more than 40 years. Contact us today to request a quote for your fastener project.