Your Fastener Distributor Knows When To Use an Eye Bolt

December 10, 2012

Knowing when to use a regular or standard eye bolt and when to opt for something more specialized can be important for your project. Depending on which way the load is pulling, a regular or plain pattern eye bolt may not provide the stability and strength you need.

In applications where the load is pulling away from the eye, a standard eye bolt will work well. This design features enough material on the top of the eye to handle a load. Remember that a bent eye can be used in light duty applications, but for those applications where heavy loads exist, only a forged eye bolt will do.

Other applications have the load pulling toward the eye. In those cases a shoulder eye bolt should be used, as the large flared shoulder can handle the load. Using a nut and washer also helps to distribute load in a more efficient way. When dealing with either a standard eye bolt or a shoulder eye bolt, remember that a riggers load refers to the amount a single fastener can handle.

Tips on Using Eye Bolts

The full thread of your eye bolt must be engaged in order to achieve the stated capacity rating. Leaving some threads unengaged often results in fastener failure and torn threading in any type of load.

Avoid using an eye bolt if your application involves an angular lift. Eye bolts are designed for direct loads, and angular loads can easily bend the fastener at the shaft, resulting in fastener failure. Some eye bolts are tested to a 45 degree angle with no sign of rupture, but pushing the fastener beyond that point is unwise and unsafe.

Eye bolts come in both galvanized metal and stainless steel. Most are fully threaded, although others may come with a smooth shank for depth and extension. For special applications where a certain size of eye must be made, start with an eye bolt blank and alter to fit.

Consider the load direction in your application. If it pulls away from the bolt, ask your fastener distributor for a standard eye bolt. For those loads pulling toward the bolt, a shoulder eye bolt is well suited. Both are available in a broad range of sizes and materials.

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Understanding the Different Fastening Pins Available From Your Fastener Distributor

December 8, 2012

Your fastener distributor has a wide selection of fastening pins available in various sizes and materials. Knowing which one will suit your application can be challenging, and understanding the design and role of each helps to smooth out the selection process.

Take a closer look at these pins and find out which type is right for your application.

Cotter Pin

Shaped like the letter “R” or occasionally the letter “P” and featuring a space or gap between two straight sections, a cotter pin is often used in conjunction with a clevis pin or axle. Use a cotter pin as a stop for a loose joint. It is easily installed and difficult to shake loose, thanks to the distinct shape. It can also be used to clamp two metal pieces together, much like a paper clip.

Clevis Pin

A clevis pin is used as a type of simple axle. A head on one end acts as a stop, while a hole punched through the opposite end can be fitted with a cotter pin or simply tied off or moused to keep the clevis pin in place.

Spring Pin

A spring pin is formed with a groove or slot, allowing the pin to fit into holes of a smaller diameter than the pin itself. Once inserted, the spring pin opens and creates tension to hold it in place. Often used in machinery to keep components in place temporarily or during operation, spring pins come in many different sizes and materials.

Dowel Pin

A dowel pin is essentially a cylindrical rod, often fluted at both ends to facilitate entry into a hole. They can be made from wood for some-assembly-required furniture, but also come in various metals for assembling machinery. Many times a metal dowel pin is used to mark reference points required for precision operations.

Grooved Pin

A grooved pin is similar to a dowel pin, in that it can fit into a hole for reference. But grooved pins come in several shapes that allow the pin to lock in place. Ask your fastener distributor about all the different types of groove pins, including A, C, E, G, H and U.

Taper Pin

A taper pin or tapered pin is actually a dowel pin with one end slightly larger than the other. Used in mechanical engineering and machinist applications, a taper pin comes with a taper of either 1:48 or 1:50, depending on your application.

Your fastener distributor offers a range of pins for every application. Talk to them about the ideal style and size for your project and take a look at how other pins can help in the future.

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Solar OEM Fastener FAQs | Advantages of Using a Step Bolt Over a Carriage Bolt

December 6, 2012

Your projects combine electrical components with mounting systems made from aluminum, stainless steel and wood. Using the ideal fastener for the job is important for solar OEMs, and the subtle differences between a step bolt and a carriage bolt can make this choice somewhat confusing. Both of these bolts deliver advantages for certain stages of the project; the key is in knowing what those advantages are and where they come in.

Step Bolts 101

Step bolts and carriage bolts have a long shaft, often fully threaded with a square shoulder below the head. The blunt tip requires a pilot hole for installation and the typically round head found on both types of fastener sits on the joint surface. Both are generally used on wood applications, joining a wood structure together or mounting another material to the wood.

The differences between a step bolt and carriage bolt may be difficult to discern at first glance.

Notice that the step bolt has a lower profile head that holds the fastener in place and presents a smoother, more attractive joint surface. This works well for solar ground mount framing and can offer an advantage when using step bolts in a roof mount application. The larger, flatter head also resists pulling through, in cases where soft materials like plywood are being used.

Step bolts are commonly used in electrical towers and other structures within the power sector, making them a natural fit for the solar industry. Solar OEMs should be able to source this fastener quickly and affordably, although they are likely to find less selection in terms of length and diameter, when compared to the common carriage bolt. Ask your fastener distributor about stainless steel step bolts, an ideal fastener for many components of your solar projects.

Popular in the decking industry and in many outdoor structures, a carriage bolt comes in hot dipped galvanized and stainless steel. When the head size and smoothness of the joint surface is not an issue, carriage bolts may be the strongest, most available choice of fastener.

Solar OEMs are best to talk directly to their fastener distributor, examining the project specs together. If using a step bolt will present a more attractive finish or greater stability in high winds, put that fastener into your design. Your distributor might also recommend the common carriage bolt when the size and applications demands.

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Choosing Fasteners for a Critical Bolted Joint

December 4, 2012

A critical bolted joint requires more than a simple nut and washer combination, and choosing the proper fasteners can be a challenge. In order to protect against the problem of vibration, a locking nut or retention system needs to used. Depending on the application and whether or not lubrication is present, the best retention system could be one of several choices.

Friction-based Fasteners

Some locking fasteners are based on friction. The washer bites into or strains against another washer or surface, creating resistance to loosening. Many fastener distributors, manufacturers and designers hesitate when specifying friction-based fasteners, as vibrations and heavy lubricants can loosen the washers and cause fastener failure. But this type of locking fastener will perform well in applications where low levels of vibration exist.

In most cases, friction-based locking sets cannot be torqued to a specific level. Depending on the design, this type of fastener solution cannot be reused should you need to remove the fastener for maintenance. This type of fastener is affordable and popular in certain types of applications.

Tension-based Fasteners

These fastener sets perform in a similar fashion and effectively lock a bolt into place, but the design utilizes tension instead of friction. A notched washer or nut is fitted against the joint surface in such a way that should the bolt move or loosen due to vibration, the nut or washer will engage a second fastener and lock. The tension created between the first and second nut/washer pieces moving in opposite directions creates an effective lock.

The amount of lubrication does not affect the performance of this type of fastener. Many modern designs of this sort can be reused, making them more valuable. They also tend to go in faster than the average friction-based fastener, cutting the cost of installation. In general though, a tension-based locking fastener has a higher initial price tag than the above type.

Both service a critical bolted joint and protect your application, but one may be the better choice. Think about the amount of vibration the bolt is likely to be subject to and the amount of lubrication present. Choose between low cost friction-based fasteners or high performing tension-based fasteners.

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Fastener Distributor FAQ | What Type of Fasteners Perform Well in High Temperatures?

December 2, 2012

Applications where extremely high temperatures exist pose an interesting design challenge. Only certain types of fasteners will perform well in these conditions, and your fastener distributor is the perfect person to ask when choosing the ideal type.

Special Alloys

For extreme cases, such as in machinery or the aerospace industry, special alloys have been formed that allow fasteners to perform well. Heat-treated in high temperatures and forged together, these alloys are handpicked to withstand temperatures up to and including 1000 degrees Fahrenheit or 587 degrees Celsius.

Ask your fastener distributor about the premiums for heat-treated forged alloys, available in a wide range of fastener styles and sizes. Special orders must be placed for these fasteners and a significant wait time could be required.

It is best to get the ball rolling during the design phase, in order to reduce the amount of time waiting for the proper fasteners. It is also wise to order ahead of time for maintenance needs, as fasteners tend to have a shorter lifespan in high temperature conditions.

Coated or Treated Fasteners

Traditional hot-dipped galvanized fasteners can only handle so much heat. The ASTM specifications state that fasteners can be used in applications that stay within half of the melting point temperature of the coating.

In other words, zinc plated or hot dipped galvanized fasteners coated in zinc cannot be used in applications above 390 degrees Fahrenheit or 210 degrees Celsius. Because the elemental melting point of the coating stands around 780 degrees Fahrenheit, any fastener that is coated in that element must remain within that limit.

Stainless Steel

Your fastener distributor carries several types of stainless steel, including ferritic, austenitic, and duplex. Each type performs well at varying temperatures, depending on the circumstance. You can expect 304 stainless steel to have a maximum service temperature of about 870 degrees Fahrenheit or 465 degrees Celsius. Common Ferritic grades, such as 405 stainless steel, offer slightly lower maximum service temperatures at 815 degrees Fahrenheit or 435 degrees Celsius.

Talk to your fastener distributor about the ideal type of fasteners to use in your high temperature application. Whether special alloys, coated fasteners or stainless steel, many different metals can perform in extreme temperatures.

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Dealing With Industrial Fastener Corrosion After Hurricane Season

November 5, 2012

After a very rough autumn, many communities in North America continue to recover from the hurricane season. Issues like flooding and wind damage require extensive clean up and restoration, and leave building materials vulnerable to decay and deterioration. Industrial fastener corrosion becomes a major problem in post-hurricane areas, resulting in dangerous conditions and expensive repairs. Property owners and businesses need to understand how to deal with this issue now and into the future, ensuring the industrial fasteners in place are safe and stable.

Galvanized Fasteners

Although they do provide corrosion resistance in normal conditions, galvanized fasteners found in outdoor structures will begin to rust out at a rapid rate after exposure to a major storm. Flooding submerses these fasteners and storm surges expose the steel to salt water, often increasing the speed of corrosion.

Have a close look at the fastener head for signs, such as discoloration and misshaped components. Watch for loosening of the joint as well, since corrosion can take place on the threads and tip when the joint is under water for a time.

Replacement is the best option, but consider replacing a standard hot dipped galvanized industrial fastener with something a little stronger, such as stainless steel.

If your outdoor structure has been constructed with ACQ treated lumber (commonly used for fences, boardwalks and decks), always be sure to replace the fasteners with those approved for use with this chemical compound. When in doubt, ask our fastener distributor for a recommendation.

Stainless Steel Fasteners

This metal will withstand rain, hail, and even flooding better than the average treated steel. You can expect to get years of life from a stainless steel joint, even in marine environments. Businesses and property managers should weigh the benefits of using stainless steel against the additional cost of these industrial fasteners.

Full scale floods and storm surges are a common result of the hurricane season. Using stainless steel makes sense if your structure will be subject to those conditions on a regular or even annual basis. You will save the cost of continual replacement due to corrosion.

Hurricane season brings many challenges and your industrial fasteners can quickly corrode in flooding and heavy rain. Consider replacing corroded galvanized industrial fasteners with more resilient stainless steel and keep an eye on the integrity of joints to ensure that corrosion has not set in.

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Why the Demand for Renewable Energy Fasteners Continues to Grow

September 17, 2012

Renewable energy is a hot topic in today’s media, with political statements, health studies and big name developments taking controversial stances on projects across the globe. But the demand for renewable energy fasteners continues to grow, with innovations and expansions driving solar, wind and other renewable energy technologies into the future.

Cost Is Key

Take a look at the development in the renewable energy industry over the last few years. In 2008, capacity of solar and wind power source totaled less than 136 gigawatts. By the end of 2011, that number had surpassed the 300 gigawatt mark, more than doubling in less than four years. A significant amount of daily demand in certain nations is being handled by these systems, with thousands and thousands of wind and solar fasteners in use.

As renewable energy increases, the cost of energy at peak times of the day could be altered. Plants using conventional sources, such as fossil fuels, make the majority of their revenue at peak times, when prices and demand hover at the highest levels. Assuming subsidies remain in place, renewable energy plants can offer the consumer lower prices for peak time energy, resulting in an industry shift and encouraging new development.

In short, renewable energy continues to erode the stronghold that conventional energy processes hold in the marketplace, with demand for renewable energy fasteners and more innovative systems carried along for the ride.

Innovation Moves Forward

The thrust for greater environmental responsibility also drives innovation in the renewable energy field. And as new technologies and designs are introduced, the industrial fastener market must work hard to keep up. Wind turbines, solar panels and other renewable energy systems must have a solid base of support across the building materials industry in order to build trust and maintain durability.

New mounting hardware, stronger alloys and more efficient fastener designs help innovators and business leaders to push renewable energy forward. As these developments achieve success, demand grows and greater opportunities for innovation are presented. The cycle perpetuates itself, with consumer demand for environmental responsibility undergirding the entire process.

Despite apparent setbacks and some negative media attention, the market for renewable energy continues to expand. This results in higher demand for renewable energy fasteners and a more diversified energy system for the entire world.

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Three Benefits of Buying Industrial Fasteners Online

September 13, 2012

OEMs, contractors and purchasing managers look out for the best deal on essential supplies, including building materials and industrial fasteners. Shopping for these items on the web has exploded over the last few years, and the opportunities to realize a good deal on quality products have increased.

Check out these three benefits of purchasing industrial fasteners online and consider how this buying process could change your business’ bottom line.

# 1 – Time Savings

Websites have fantastic hours, providing information on pricing and product specifications around the clock. Are you running a small business, working long hours and having trouble fitting administrative tasks into your day? Shopping for industrial fasteners online allows you to fit this particular task into the most convenient time of your day. Forget about wasting time meeting with your sales rep or pouring over the latest catalogues; the web provides you with an efficient method of purchasing available 24-7.

# 2 – Wider Coverage

The web offers companies a chance to go international, facilitating imports and exports across a wide range of industries. Your preferred fastener distributor could be located overseas or right around the corner; distance is nearly immaterial with web shopping.

Be sure to check the fastener distributor’s or fastener manufacturer’s website to find out about freight charges and lead-time. It may be possible to pay a premium for expedited shipping, but you’ll need to have that information ahead of time when making purchasing decisions.

# 3 – Better Comparisons

Companies save money when supplies costs are compared on a regular basis. Checking up on the going rate for x, y, and z product helps to keep even the most trusted supplier competitive. Browse through various fastener distributor websites for price comparisons, and use that information to negotiate a fair price for your supplies.

Prices of industrial fasteners depend mainly on the price of raw materials, but market demand also comes into play. Be sure to check up on a regular basis and compare domestic companies with those overseas, keeping in mind that taxes, duty and freight will all have an effect on the final cost.

If your purchasing department has yet to make the leap into cyberspace, consider all of the advantages you are passing up. Buying industrial fasteners online simply makes sense.

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Railroad Fasteners Play an Important Role in the Future of Our Economy

September 10, 2012

With energy conservation high on the list of priorities for many states and counties, railroad and light rail transportation are making a comeback. Both passenger rail and freight rail lines are being developed across North America. All of the components, including railroad fasteners, are set to increase in demand and this shift in transportation development also affects the economy.

Today’s High-Speed Railroad

Established in Europe for decades, high-speed rail is now making inroads around the world. Changes include new designs with motors in every coach, as opposed to a single locomotive pulling the line of cars. These distributed power designs allow for more passengers and result in quieter, faster trains.

Private companies are involved in today’s railroad industry, developing engines for use on existing rail lines. This combination of public and private sector involvement spells good news for the industry, as more and more projects are implemented to expand or improve lines currently in place.

Production of new engines and railroad cars boosts the demand for quality railroad fasteners and components. Demand for skilled labor also increases, and these projects stretch for great differences and cross borders. All of this business activity drives the economy and affects various economic sectors.

Greater railroad coverage also helps commuters control costs and provides better transportation between the city and suburbs, triggering construction and countless other economic sectors.

Keeping up With Industry Changes

Railroad fasteners must keep up with development, providing the durability required for longer, faster trains carrying more passengers. These newly developed trains also demand line extensions, reaching a whole new portion of the state or nation.

Companies tendered to lay tracks by the government must source out quality fasteners and building materials, relying on a fastener distributor to provide top-notch products at a reasonable cost. Distributors trust manufacturers, who need to source their raw materials from local sources.

This flow helps to maintain or sustain economic growth, both in countries with established railroads and those still under development. When upgrading an older system to take advantage of new railroad innovations, the line and switches may need to be changed as well, with all of the relevant building materials and fasteners required.

Although the railroad industry is small in comparison to many others, shifts in innovation drive demand for rail components and railroad fasteners. Each bit helps to improve our economy, and businesses involved in the fastener industry are wise to take advantage of the opportunities as they arise.

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Fastener Distributor FAQs | Bugle Drywall Screw vs Modified Truss Drywall Screw

September 7, 2012

Drywall fasteners come in a wide range of styles, including nails with or without coatings and screws with various threads and heads. One common question that your fastener distributor hears is whether to opt for the ever popular bugle drywall screw or use the modified truss drywall screw. Let’s take a look at the benefits of each type before we decide which one is best suited for your application.

Advantages of Using a Bugle Drywall Screw

This style of drywall screw is commonly used with wood framing, and results in a nice flush finish. The cone-shaped head recesses into the drywall with no additional pressure, creating a smoother surface that requires less mud.

Bugle drywall screws come in a broad range of drivers, with Phillips head reigning as the most used option. This style of drywall screw goes in fast with a standard Phillips bit, using either a power screwdriver, electric screw gun or impact wrench, or with a simple screw driver and a lot of wrist work.

In general, bugle drywall screws cost less than other styles, including the modified truss design. You can also find bugle heads in packs of varying sizes, perfect for small and large drywall projects.

Advantages of Using a Modified Truss Screw

The modified truss drywall screw boasts a round, flared head, with the center slightly raised. This style is available in black or plain finish, as well as zinc plated for added durability. You may notice the term K-Lath associated with modified truss screws, referring to wiring applications where this style of screw is commonly used.

With a short shank and large head, this type of screw holds very well for single sheet drywall applications, especially on steel studs. These screws can also be used in the steel framing, such as joining the steel studs and track together. Versatile and dependable, contractors find multiple uses for the modified truss or pan-head drywall screw.

Both work very well on both residential and commercial drywall applications. Pay attention to the thread (coarse vs fine) when purchasing your drywall screws and consider the quantities required. If you can get away with a smaller, more economical box of the bugle drywall screw, opt for that. Otherwise, consider the advantages of using the modified truss drywall screw for your application.

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