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 quarter of 2011. As the cost of real estate continues to stay at low levels, new properties are not being bought and new homes are not being built.
There have been more multi-unit residential buildings erected in the opening period of 2011, although that number is still well below the data seen before the recession hit.
Both of these scenarios have a direct affect on the fastener industry. Residential construction is fairly major part of business for many manufacturers and distributors. When fewer homes are being built – of any size – you can expect revenues for fastener firms to shrink. But with multi-unit construction on the rise, the demand for fasteners will also increase.
Industrial Production Levels
Building fasteners are also used in various industrial settings. Recent data shows that industrial production has remained steady over the course of 2011, which means the machinery and robotics will require routine maintenance. Worn or faulty fasteners will need to be replaced, providing a steady source of sales for the distributors and manufacturers.
Expansion and facility repairs cannot be done without building fasteners. Contractors and retailers need to keep up their stock of well used products. And fastener distributors need to provide competitive prices and reasonable delivery times.
The boom seen in 2007 and 2008 is no longer an industry reality. But as the economy moves forward, including steady industrial production and an increase in multi-unit construction, the demand for fasteners continues to be strong.
Research and development propel the industry forward, with advancements in design and platings creating more durable and reliable products. As projects in the construction and industrial sectors make use of these buildings fasteners and discover the advantages the demand will increase, propelling the fastener industry into the future.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Building Fasteners FAQ | Coarse Versus Fine Threads
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 Threads
Many fastener experts agree that fine threads provide a higher level of strength in tension, due to the fact that building fasteners with a fine thread have a more substantial tensile strength. Fine threads are not as strong in terms of stripping.
Building fasteners with fine threads are designed with a larger minor diameter, which in turn develops greater torsional and traverse shear strengths. They are also easier to tap into both hard and thin-walled materials. Fine threads also provide a smaller helix angle, which then allows for closer adjustment accuracy.
Fine threads are more prone to damage during the shipping phase. And in terms of plating and coatings, fine threads can only take a thin layer of treatment before threading adjustments need to be made.
Pros and Cons of Coarse Threads
Building fasteners with coarse threads are very common and deliver a host of benefits. They strip less often, particularly in the sensitive internal threads. Coarse threads also tend to deliver a higher resistance to fatigue.
Coarse threads are better when working with a brittle material or one that may break apart under the threads. While they may not work as well in hard materials, coarse threads also tend to develop cross threads less often. Contractors find that assembly and disassembly tend to go quicker with coarse threads.
Coarsely threaded building fasteners often arrive with less shipping damage. This results in less waste for the middleman, as well as fewer returns on the retailer’s end.
Not the strongest choice in tension, coarse threads have nevertheless gained in popularity over the last few decades. They tend to be less expensive to manufacture, making them a more cost effective choice. Unless a fine thread is specified, or the contractor prefers a fine thread, coarse threaded building fasteners will be chosen more often than not.
Pros and Cons of Fine Threads
Many fastener experts agree that fine threads provide a higher level of strength in tension, due to the fact that building fasteners with a fine thread have a more substantial tensile strength. Fine threads are not as strong in terms of stripping.
Building fasteners with fine threads are designed with a larger minor diameter, which in turn develops greater torsional and traverse shear strengths. They are also easier to tap into both hard and thin-walled materials. Fine threads also provide a smaller helix angle, which then allows for closer adjustment accuracy.
Fine threads are more prone to damage during the shipping phase. And in terms of plating and coatings, fine threads can only take a thin layer of treatment before threading adjustments need to be made.
Pros and Cons of Coarse Threads
Building fasteners with coarse threads are very common and deliver a host of benefits. They strip less often, particularly in the sensitive internal threads. Coarse threads also tend to deliver a higher resistance to fatigue.
Coarse threads are better when working with a brittle material or one that may break apart under the threads. While they may not work as well in hard materials, coarse threads also tend to develop cross threads less often. Contractors find that assembly and disassembly tend to go quicker with coarse threads.
Coarsely threaded building fasteners often arrive with less shipping damage. This results in less waste for the middleman, as well as fewer returns on the retailer’s end.
Not the strongest choice in tension, coarse threads have nevertheless gained in popularity over the last few decades. They tend to be less expensive to manufacture, making them a more cost effective choice. Unless a fine thread is specified, or the contractor prefers a fine thread, coarse threaded building fasteners will be chosen more often than not.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Understanding Thread Fit in Building Fasteners
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 defined as the measure of tightness and looseness that exists between the mating threads. Fasteners can be assembled and disassembled quickly based on the class of thread fit.
Class 1 Thread Fit
This class of thread fit is the loosest. If an application requires rapid assembly and disassembly class 1 is a good choice. Only seen on fine or coarse threads 0.25 inch and larger, this class of thread fit makes up a very small percentage of all fasteners on the market. It is extremely rare to see mechanical fasteners in this class.
Class 2 Thread Fit
The most popular thread fit classes found on the market, class 2A and 2B make up a majority of the industrial and commercial fasteners manufactured. This class is known for combining optimum levels of fastener performance with the highest levels of convenience and affordability.
Most building fasteners will fall into this category. Some are categorized in class 1 due to the looseness and speed of assembly, but class 3 fits are not applicable for typical building applications.
Class 3 Thread Fit
The closest toleranced fasteners fall into this thread fit class, which is known for delivering critical levels of safety and strength. Used in the aerospace industry and on connecting rods, this class of thread fit makes up a small, but essential portion of the fastener market.
You will also find a class 5 thread fit on coarse thread fasteners with a size of 1-inch or less. Known to have an interference fit, this class is seen in very specialized applications.
Most building fasteners will come with a class 3 thread fit and work well in your application. If the specifications call for class 1, talk to your distributor about sourcing out that product for you. An essential part of fastener design, the class of thread fit is an important detail.
What Is a Thread Fit?
Thread fit is defined as the measure of tightness and looseness that exists between the mating threads. Fasteners can be assembled and disassembled quickly based on the class of thread fit.
Class 1 Thread Fit
This class of thread fit is the loosest. If an application requires rapid assembly and disassembly class 1 is a good choice. Only seen on fine or coarse threads 0.25 inch and larger, this class of thread fit makes up a very small percentage of all fasteners on the market. It is extremely rare to see mechanical fasteners in this class.
Class 2 Thread Fit
The most popular thread fit classes found on the market, class 2A and 2B make up a majority of the industrial and commercial fasteners manufactured. This class is known for combining optimum levels of fastener performance with the highest levels of convenience and affordability.
Most building fasteners will fall into this category. Some are categorized in class 1 due to the looseness and speed of assembly, but class 3 fits are not applicable for typical building applications.
Class 3 Thread Fit
The closest toleranced fasteners fall into this thread fit class, which is known for delivering critical levels of safety and strength. Used in the aerospace industry and on connecting rods, this class of thread fit makes up a small, but essential portion of the fastener market.
You will also find a class 5 thread fit on coarse thread fasteners with a size of 1-inch or less. Known to have an interference fit, this class is seen in very specialized applications.
Most building fasteners will come with a class 3 thread fit and work well in your application. If the specifications call for class 1, talk to your distributor about sourcing out that product for you. An essential part of fastener design, the class of thread fit is an important detail.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Understanding the Different Types of Neoprene Washer
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 Rubber
This material is used for affordable washers used in very basic applications. Mainly beneficial as a cushion or padding, generic rubber washers will not provide an adequate seal and are not resistant to decay.
A rubber washer will help to provide a tight fit without damaging sensitive materials underneath. It will not stand up to extreme temperatures and exposure to chemicals. SBR (also known as red rubber) is often used for plumbing applications.
Basic Neoprene
A neoprene washer provides a moderate level of resistance to petroleum-based products and some chemicals. It also flame retardant and able to withstand exposure to outdoor temperatures in nearly any climate.
Because it is durable against oils and fats, neoprene can be used in applications across the automotive industry, as well as in industrial settings and commercial kitchens.
Higher Grade Neoprene
Similar in appearance to basic neoprene, this type of material has been enhanced with greater strength and elasticity. In can be used in the same types of applications, but also delivers better durability and more flexibility. That allows a high-grade neoprene washer to be used in more extreme conditions with the same level of protection.
Chlorine and oxidized acids, as well as ketones and ester will attack both basic and high-grade neoprene items. Almost any type of rubber is vulnerable to these substances, although silicone has a resistance to oxidized chemicals at moderate to low levels.
The best type of neoprene for your application will depend on the conditions and exposure. You will need something more than generic rubber if the neoprene washer must hold up against certain grease and fats. But when oxidized chemicals or liquids are in the mix, upgrading to a high-grade silicone washer may be a better idea. Be sure your fasteners are made with materials that will hold up over time and deliver the performance you are looking for.
Generic Rubber
This material is used for affordable washers used in very basic applications. Mainly beneficial as a cushion or padding, generic rubber washers will not provide an adequate seal and are not resistant to decay.
A rubber washer will help to provide a tight fit without damaging sensitive materials underneath. It will not stand up to extreme temperatures and exposure to chemicals. SBR (also known as red rubber) is often used for plumbing applications.
Basic Neoprene
A neoprene washer provides a moderate level of resistance to petroleum-based products and some chemicals. It also flame retardant and able to withstand exposure to outdoor temperatures in nearly any climate.
Because it is durable against oils and fats, neoprene can be used in applications across the automotive industry, as well as in industrial settings and commercial kitchens.
Higher Grade Neoprene
Similar in appearance to basic neoprene, this type of material has been enhanced with greater strength and elasticity. In can be used in the same types of applications, but also delivers better durability and more flexibility. That allows a high-grade neoprene washer to be used in more extreme conditions with the same level of protection.
Chlorine and oxidized acids, as well as ketones and ester will attack both basic and high-grade neoprene items. Almost any type of rubber is vulnerable to these substances, although silicone has a resistance to oxidized chemicals at moderate to low levels.
The best type of neoprene for your application will depend on the conditions and exposure. You will need something more than generic rubber if the neoprene washer must hold up against certain grease and fats. But when oxidized chemicals or liquids are in the mix, upgrading to a high-grade silicone washer may be a better idea. Be sure your fasteners are made with materials that will hold up over time and deliver the performance you are looking for.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Typical Standards of Heavy Hex Bolts
Heavy hex bolts are treasured for their strength and durability. They are manufactured to certain specifications, making them distinctive from standard hex bolts. Although you may be able to find specific types of heavy hexes, there are certain standards found across the board.
Points and Shanks
Bolts typically have flat tips, although certain applications require a pointed tip. Lag bolts are used with lumber and the point is useful for installation. But heavy hex bolts are available in both blunted and pointed tips.
The shanks of hex bolts (both heavy and standard) are mostly straight. Fasteners can be manufactured within certain limitations – lengths of 12 inches and less can include a camber of no more than 0.006 inches per inch of shank. Bolts up to 24 inches long may have a camber of up to 0.008 inches per inch of shank.
Head Specifications
A heavy hex head is chamfered and the diameter of the round within that chamfer is equal to the maximum width across the flats, with minus 15 percent tolerance. Standards for the maximum and minimum across flats are dependent on the diameter of the bolt (also known as the nominal size).
For example, a 0.5-inch nominal size fastener should have a maximum of 0.875 inches across the flat and a minimum of 0.850 inches across the flat. A fastener with a 2-inch nominal size has a maximum of 3.125 inches across the flat and a minimum of 3.025 across the flat.
Body Diameter
A fin or swell may be included under the bolt head or die seam, within reasonable limits. It should not exceed the bolt diameter by 0.03 inches (for bolts with a 0.5-inch diameter), or 0.06 inches (for bolts from 0.75-inch to 1.25-inch in diameter), or 0.12 inches (for bolts from 2 to 3-inch in diameter).
In some cases a reduced diameter may be specified, although there are also limitations to that reduction. The diameter must not be reduced beyond the thread’s pitch diameter. These fasteners may also include a shoulder under the head in the full diameter, although this is at the discretion of the manufacturer.
Heavy hex bolts are made to certain specifications, making them distinct from standard hex bolts, hex cap screws and heavy hex screws.
Points and Shanks
Bolts typically have flat tips, although certain applications require a pointed tip. Lag bolts are used with lumber and the point is useful for installation. But heavy hex bolts are available in both blunted and pointed tips.
The shanks of hex bolts (both heavy and standard) are mostly straight. Fasteners can be manufactured within certain limitations – lengths of 12 inches and less can include a camber of no more than 0.006 inches per inch of shank. Bolts up to 24 inches long may have a camber of up to 0.008 inches per inch of shank.
Head Specifications
A heavy hex head is chamfered and the diameter of the round within that chamfer is equal to the maximum width across the flats, with minus 15 percent tolerance. Standards for the maximum and minimum across flats are dependent on the diameter of the bolt (also known as the nominal size).
For example, a 0.5-inch nominal size fastener should have a maximum of 0.875 inches across the flat and a minimum of 0.850 inches across the flat. A fastener with a 2-inch nominal size has a maximum of 3.125 inches across the flat and a minimum of 3.025 across the flat.
Body Diameter
A fin or swell may be included under the bolt head or die seam, within reasonable limits. It should not exceed the bolt diameter by 0.03 inches (for bolts with a 0.5-inch diameter), or 0.06 inches (for bolts from 0.75-inch to 1.25-inch in diameter), or 0.12 inches (for bolts from 2 to 3-inch in diameter).
In some cases a reduced diameter may be specified, although there are also limitations to that reduction. The diameter must not be reduced beyond the thread’s pitch diameter. These fasteners may also include a shoulder under the head in the full diameter, although this is at the discretion of the manufacturer.
Heavy hex bolts are made to certain specifications, making them distinct from standard hex bolts, hex cap screws and heavy hex screws.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
How to Save Money with an Online Fastener Distributor
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 your business relationship with this type of distributor.
How to Shop Prices
Online catalogues and price lists are often the starting point for negotiations. Your business may be able to get a better price by ordering bulk quantities or making a large commitment to buy. The distributor can often get a lower price from the manufacturer (or cut costs, if they are the manufacturer) by placing larger orders of popular products. Those savings are then passed on to the end user or contractor.
Use online prices to compare with other distributors as well. This can help you to negotiate the best price, but be careful that you don’t end up being a demanding customer. Work with the distributors and respect their business by not pushing the savings envelope too far. They have costs to cover and profits to report as well.
How to Order
You will almost always use a web-based purchase order system with an online fastener distributor. This is an efficient way to get your order processed. Calling in the order may cause duplicates and bog down their system, although some distributors offer a phone-in order service as well. Just be sure to choose which type of ordering you are going to use and stick to it.
One of the many benefits of an online fastener distributor is rapid delivery. You can often get your order quicker, due to the speed of web-based ordering. But sending in an order with time to spare helps both your employees and the distributor. Rush orders are possible, but do not need to be the norm. Stay organized and keep your stock up with the assistance of a trusted distributor.
Dealing with an online fastener distributor can help your company to save money. By handling the relationship well and obtaining price comparisons the cost of materials can be more effectively controlled.
How to Shop Prices
Online catalogues and price lists are often the starting point for negotiations. Your business may be able to get a better price by ordering bulk quantities or making a large commitment to buy. The distributor can often get a lower price from the manufacturer (or cut costs, if they are the manufacturer) by placing larger orders of popular products. Those savings are then passed on to the end user or contractor.
Use online prices to compare with other distributors as well. This can help you to negotiate the best price, but be careful that you don’t end up being a demanding customer. Work with the distributors and respect their business by not pushing the savings envelope too far. They have costs to cover and profits to report as well.
How to Order
You will almost always use a web-based purchase order system with an online fastener distributor. This is an efficient way to get your order processed. Calling in the order may cause duplicates and bog down their system, although some distributors offer a phone-in order service as well. Just be sure to choose which type of ordering you are going to use and stick to it.
One of the many benefits of an online fastener distributor is rapid delivery. You can often get your order quicker, due to the speed of web-based ordering. But sending in an order with time to spare helps both your employees and the distributor. Rush orders are possible, but do not need to be the norm. Stay organized and keep your stock up with the assistance of a trusted distributor.
Dealing with an online fastener distributor can help your company to save money. By handling the relationship well and obtaining price comparisons the cost of materials can be more effectively controlled.
Monday, September 5, 2011
How Alternative Energy Industry Experts Choose a Fastener Distributor
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 finding an established distributor that can service their particular needs?
A Passion For the Industry
Because it is ever expanding and moving forward at breakneck speed, all of those involved in alternative energy need to have a passion for it. This field is often more than just a career; it is a way of life and a conviction to change the shape of our world. The first step to finding the right distributor is to find one that shares that passion.
Perhaps the fastener distributor works exclusively with alternative energy clients. Or maybe it is one of their focuses, along with other complimentary industries such as marine and mining. The knowledge gained in these other markets will help those working in alternative energy – such as standing up to extreme weather conditions or carrying massive loads.
Access to the Leading Products
Your fastener distributor must have access to a variety of manufacturers. Even if they prefer one over the others or have the ability to manufacturer custom fasteners, your projects require the very best products. And the distributor needs to have those available.
The Almighty Dollar
Price is obviously a factor, although it is only one of many involved in choosing a distributor. They must be able to offer your company competitive prices in order to keep your projects in budget, but the product lines and service offered hold more weight. Ask about bulk discounts, seasonal buys and whether premium charges for rush orders will apply.
Use the discounts available (such as a percentage discount for early payment) to save as much as possible. But be sure to choose the firm that will deliver what your projects need as opposed to simply opting for the cheapest price.
Building a relationship with a leading fastener distributor is a wise move for companies working in the alternative energy industry. The support and expertise offered will allow those firms to move forward in this fast-paced and important field.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Examining the Elements of Quality Control In Building Fasteners
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 unit is manufactured to the same level of dependability.
Quality Control Defined
In simple terms, quality control is the processes and systems that are maintained in order to effectively meet the needs of those using and depending on the product. Quality control applies to building fasteners during the manufacturing stage. But these products are also a part of quality control during the assembly stage of other products (such as machinery and buildings).
What is the Difference Between Quality Assurance and Quality Control?
The processes and steps involved in quality control programs bring about quality assurance. This term refers to the goal and fasteners reach this stage by going through the systems of quality control.
Fasteners, and the products that contain them, can only be certified and found to be compliant once they have attained quality assurance. Fastener distributors and the independent agencies that award certification often use quality assurance as a benchmark.
What Are Random Samples?
A process that is commonly seen in quality control programs, random sampling is used to capture a fair representation of the quality in a batch or run. Random samples are the building fasteners chosen and tested within the quality control program.
The number of random samples and tests performed is often predetermined by the program and may differ from industry to industry. Those fasteners used in alternative energy may be subject to more rigorous testing than those used in other industries.
Sampling plans will reveal a number of statistics, including the LTPD (also known as the Lot Tolerance Percent Defective). This figure is calculated in order to determine how many units in a batch would be found defective by the sampling plan. Those units falling within the LTPD would fail or be rejected 90 percent of the time. The figure is also helpful in determining those units that would garner acceptance through the sampling plan most of the time.
Quality control is an important process when dealing with building fasteners. Each brand or manufacturer should be able to present the steps of quality control is order to attain quality assurance, allowing the market to rely on their products.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Do You Need An Industry Specific Fastener Distributor?
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 from a specialty fastener distributor?
Pros and Cons of Specialty Fastener Distributors
There are advantages and disadvantages to limiting your purchasing in this way. A fastener distributor with extensive knowledge of your industry can and will offer guidance and direction when issues arise. If a project has unusual conditions that require unique solutions it will certainly save time to have an experienced distributor on your team. But what about for the average project and standard orders?
Insider knowledge is not required when you are placing an order for common fasteners. In this case you’ll be more interested in acquiring the best price, the highest level of service and the most efficient method of delivery. A fastener distributor that specializes in your industry may be able to give this to you, but you’ll need to compare them to a distributor with a well-rounded product base.
Achieving a Balance
Perhaps you would be best to make connections down both pathways. Finding a fastener distributor that specializes in your industry may open up more opportunities in the field. You may gain access to innovations and solutions before the competition, boosting your credibility and keeping you on the leading edge of the industry.
On the other hand, being in contact with other distributors that carry a broad range of fasteners covering a wide variety of industries will allow you to more accurately compare the prices and services offered. They may be more local to your jobsites and are more likely to offer special deals in terms of ordering and prices.
Always be sure that any fastener distributor that you deal with is experienced and established. Ask others in your industry for recommendations and work hard to build a solid working relationship with these essential suppliers. Chances are that you will depend on them more than originally anticipated.
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