Disadvantages of Buying Heavy Hex Bolts From a Catalogue

There are situations where buying from a catalogue – whether online or paper – is advantageous. Products or brands that you are familiar with can be purchased from retailers you trust through a catalogue. But most contractors will confirm that there are distinct disadvantages to buying heavy hex bolts from a catalogue without first knowing the level of quality to expect.

Surprises in the Mail

Mail order delivery is convenient, given that you can order from the comfort of the office and have the product delivered to your door. However sometimes these orders can result in a nasty surprise in the mail. When you are ordering from an unknown source the quality is also unknown, and when it comes to fasteners anything less than top quality is substandard.

Heavy hex bolts are, like all other threaded fasteners, precise components. When the machining has not been done well or the galvanization is below par you can anticipate problems. Perhaps these fasteners will be difficult to install or maybe they will fit incorrectly, resulting in a problem with the machinery, structure or equipment you are assembling. 

Because they are used to support a lot of weight, this style of fastener needs to be made well. And catalogue orders from an unknown source are a risky bet. 

Brands You Can Trust

If you find a reputable fastener distributor who has a familiar brand in stock, by all means order through an online or paper catalogue. Just be sure that it is a brand of heavy hex bolts you’ve used, that way you can be confident in the quality behind the order.

There are certain instances where you can order a smaller quantity, as a test so to speak. This will allow you to try new brands from new suppliers without risking too much. The testing process takes time however, since you need to order that smaller quantity, wait for it to come and then reorder the larger amount once you are happy with the quality. You may need to do this numerous times before you are happy with the brand ordered.

Be sure to ask about the return policies of any catalogue retailer. If there is an issue you need to be able to send the unused product back for a full or partial refund. Most of the time a restocking fee applies, but it helps to have this information ahead of time. Make the most of ordering heavy hex bolts through a catalogue by limiting your risk, ordering a trusted brand and getting all of the information about the return policy.

Benefits of a Full Line Fasteners Retailer

Finding a reliable and reasonably priced source of fasteners is an important job for the purchasing manager. Contractors will need to order all sorts of line fasteners that apply to their specific industry throughout their busy season. A one stop shop is ideal. Retailers and distributors that carry all of the fasteners your company needs will be able to help you order more efficiently, as well as deliver other benefits that will increase the bottom line.

Efficient Ordering     

                                                                             

Well stocked fastener distributors are sort of like department stores – you can get groceries, household items and even clothing at the same place. In this case contractors can order the screws, brackets and washers they need to complete their project from one place, saving them loads of time.

Fill out just one purchase order and have your accounting department record just one invoice (unless there are back orders). One source that can deliver all of the products you need simply makes sense for businesses today.

Save Money

One of the major benefits of ordering from a retailer that stocks a full range of lines is the ability to save money. Every business likes to trim costs and contractors are no exception. By placing a large order that includes all of the fasteners required you will save money on freight. Shipping costs are on the way up with the rising cost of fuel and any way you can reduce those costs is beneficial. 

You may also receive better discounts on your order when the amount of fasteners is larger. Many distributors will offer a booking program, especially for seasonal line fasteners. If spring is your busy time and you put in a very large order or commitment to order, the distributor may be able to give you a discounted price. Some even offer extended payment terms that create a better cash flow situation for your business.

None of these advantages are possible without a fastener distributor that carries the line fasteners that you need. Find that retailer and you will be able to cash in on these benefits. It’s certainly worth the effort of searching when you count up all of the advantages available.

Washers serve an important purpose in many different applications from manufacturing to structural buildings and plumbing fittings. There are a wide variety of washer sizes and styles that work well in various applications. Neoprene washers are a unique combination of steel and rubber that serve a distinct purpose. What Does a Washer Do? Washers are mainly used to provide a bearing surface that is flat. This is especially important on applications where one (or both) of the mating surfaces is uneven. For this reason bevel washers are commonly used on sloping surfaces. Washers also prevent the fastener from becoming embedded. More importantly, the flat bearing surface offered by a washer spreads the load over a larger surface area, reducing the chance of breakage and strain. Often, the larger the bolt used the larger the washer needed. Uniqueness of Neoprene Washers Neoprene washers are steel washers coated or bonded with neoprene, a specific type of durable rubber used in wet suits, hoses and in elastomeric roofing membranes. They are most often seen in plumbing, although these specially formulated washers are also used in the alternative energy industry and with various electronics. The purpose of these washers in plumbing applications is generally to create a tight fitting seal. The flexibility of rubber means that the bearing surface can be compressed for a tight fit. The neoprene coating also provides effective protection against corrosion, a common problem in these applications. Neoprene washers are used with polycarbonate panels, most often on roofs and in windows as a replacement for glass. The composition of this washer allows for an effect seal to be created between the panels, around the edges and on any angled corners. They are only part of a system that ensures a polycarbonate roof or window is waterproof. But neoprene washers also play an important role in distributing the load of those fasteners that keep the panels together. Indispensable in many different applications, neoprene washers still live up to the basic purpose of all washers – to provide a flat bearing surface that allows for better load distribution and prevents embedment.

Manufacturers and purchasing managers need to have suppliers they can trust. These important relationships can help projects to go more smoothly, keep costs down and help managerial staff to maintain a lower stress level. Finding a fastener distributor that will be supportive and professional is an important step. The services and focus of a distributor are the best indicators of how well they will be able to work with your company or project.

Experience Counts

Find out how many years the fastener distributor has been in business. Consider the experience of each individual staff member as well. Those who have been around for a decade or more have a much better idea of the innovations and evolutions this particular industry has gone through. A business that has been established for years has also shown itself adept at meeting the needs of its customers. And that is the kind of service your project deserves.

Stock and Shipping

Fasteners come in countless different shapes, sizes, types and grades. The best distributor is one that includes thousands of in-stock products. A company that services your industry in particular is even better, with a clear view of what you need in terms of stock, variety and quantities.

Shipping can be an issue for overseas companies. Chances are that you will not be able to wait for product every time you put in an order. There will be times when you are placing the order well ahead of schedule, but other times you will need the fasteners next day or sooner. Expedited shipping needs to be available and affordable for many different industries.

Pricing and Customization

Obviously you are looking for the best price, but overall value tends to be more important in the long run. Does the fastener distributor have the product you need in stock? What are the charges for expedited shipping? Will you receive a discount for bulk orders? And how does the salesperson service your needs on a regular basis? These elements make for the top value and in turn, the best distributor.

Maybe you require a custom order for a unique project or prototype. A leading fastener distributor will be able to deliver on those needs as well. The very best distributors will also offer custom packaging on your hardware needs. These services are what sets great companies apart from the good ones, and only those great distributors will move your project to the next level.

Fastener FAQs | Using Neoprene Washers For Their True Purpose

Washers serve an important purpose in many different applications from manufacturing to structural buildings and plumbing fittings. There are a wide variety of washer sizes and styles that work well in various applications. Neoprene washers are a unique combination of steel and rubber that serve a distinct purpose.

What Does a Washer Do?

Washers are mainly used to provide a bearing surface that is flat. This is especially important on applications where one (or both) of the mating surfaces is uneven. For this reason bevel washers are commonly used on sloping surfaces.

Washers also prevent the fastener from becoming embedded. More importantly, the flat bearing surface offered by a washer spreads the load over a larger surface area, reducing the chance of breakage and strain. Often, the larger the bolt used the larger the washer needed.

Uniqueness of Neoprene Washers

Neoprene washers are steel washers coated or bonded with neoprene, a specific type of durable rubber used in wet suits, hoses and in elastomeric roofing membranes. They are most often seen in plumbing, although these specially formulated washers are also used in the alternative energy industry and with various electronics.

The purpose of these washers in plumbing applications is generally to create a tight fitting seal. The flexibility of rubber means that the bearing surface can be compressed for a tight fit. The neoprene coating also provides effective protection against corrosion, a common problem in these applications.

Neoprene washers are used with polycarbonate panels, most often on roofs and in windows as a replacement for glass. The composition of this washer allows for an effect seal to be created between the panels, around the edges and on any angled corners. They are only part of a system that ensures a polycarbonate roof or window is waterproof. But neoprene washers also play an important role in distributing the load of those fasteners that keep the panels together.

Indispensable in many different applications, neoprene washers still live up to the basic purpose of all washers – to provide a flat bearing surface that allows for better load distribution and prevents embedment.

How Mining Firms Rely On Quality Mill Line Fasteners

In an industry where everything is oversized and larger than life, you wonder whether tiny elements like a fastener will really make a difference. The off highway dump trucks used in mining are the largest in the world and the mine mills see a massive amount of flow every day. Interestingly, both can be completely put out of service by a bolt breakage. Even the smallest element can cause millions of dollars in losses when a problem with mill line fasteners is not looked after.

Typical Issues

The ball mill can be a serious source of problems related to fasteners. When the flanges in the ball mill do not fit breakage can become a frequent occurrence. This results in the line being shut down for a period of time while the bolt is replaced. Industry experts have stated that shutting down a mill line in a mining operation can result in thousands of dollars in down time every hour.

In order to reduce the occurrence of bolt breakage higher quality and specifically manufactured mill line fasteners must be used. Often load indicating fasteners will allow the maintenance staff to tighten the bolts to an exact number, resulting is less strain during production.

There have been various testimonies recording that the installation of load indicating fasteners in a ball mine have reduced or even eliminated the breakage that was so common beforehand. In some cases this has resulted in millions of dollars in savings for the mine in question.

Regrind mills are another area of the mine that typically experiences fastener issues. Again, bolts are the main culprit and a switch over to load indicating fasteners is a recommended solution. Often a shut down is needed to get all of the mill line fasteners replaced, but high quality bolts can effectively reduce down time in this mill as well as in other areas of a mining operation.

Mill line fasteners may be small in the scheme of things but these little pieces play a very big role in mining operations. An experienced fastener distributor will be able to help mining firms to solve typical issues in the ball mill, the regrind mill and any other location in the mine that involves fasteners and fastener failure.