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In an effort to control costs, purchasing managers and job supervisors are always on the search for reasonably priced materials, equipment and labor. But are cheap building fasteners really a wise way to save money? Can skimping on this element of your project cause more harm than you’re expecting and potentially put your entire building […]

In an effort to control costs, purchasing managers and job supervisors are always on the search for reasonably priced materials, equipment and labor. But are cheap building fasteners really a wise way to save money? Can skimping on this element of your project cause more harm than you’re expecting and potentially put your entire building site in jeopardy? So how do you decide whether to purchase lower priced items such as Headcote Screws, Heavy Hex Bolts or Tek Screws?
The answer depends entirely on where you are sourcing the building fasteners from and why they are cheaper.
Direct to the Jobsite
Sometimes you can find cheap building fasteners that are delivered direct from the manufacturer to your site. Skipping past the middleman will help to shave costs while still providing the highest quality fasteners available.
Online fastener distributors without a storefront and numerous staff can also help you source out the building fasteners cheap without any sacrifice in quality.
Beware of Imitators
This is where you can get into trouble. The Internet is an excellent source of building fasteners sold direct or distributed through streamlined companies, but it is also where the imitation products are found. When you find a site that is offering prices far below the industry standard, beware. If they cannot supply you within the detailed specifications for the fasteners, consider the offer to be a fake and move on.
If you do bring these lower quality fasteners to your site the overall finish of your structure will be suspect. Building fasteners are the tendons of your project, holding together the structure and allowing for maximum strength and function. By opting for imitation fasteners you could be putting the building at risk of failure or collapse as well as increasing the potential for other accidents.
The steel on imitation fasteners could be substandard, as well as any coatings or platings. Don’t compromise with the strength of your project – only install top quality fasteners and avoid the cheap imitations.
Keep the Quantity Up
Another way to cut costs on building fasteners is by using less. Responsible and professional builders will always follow the specs and install the proper amount of fasteners required. There are better ways to lower the overall cost of fasteners on your project than cutting back on the quantity. Follow specs and don’t compromise on strength or you put the entire structure at risk.
If cheap building fasteners are sourced through a reputable distributor and are built up to industry standards, it can be a smart cost savings. Avoid imitation fasteners and skimping on the quantity used. Then your project – and reputation – will be solid.

About the Author

Larry Melone
By Larry Melone
President

Started my career in the fastener world in 1969 at, Parker Kalon Corp. a NJ based screw manufacturer located in Clifton, NJ working in inventory control, scheduling secondary production and concluding there in purchasing. In 1971 I accepted a sales position at Star Stainless Screw Co., Totowa, NJ working in inside sales and later as an outside salesman, having a successful career at Star I had the desire with a friend to start our own fastener distribution company in 1980 named: Divspec, Kenilworth, NJ. This was a successful adventure but ended in 1985 with me starting Melfast in August 1985 and have stayed competitive and successful to date. Melfast serves the OEM market with approximately 400 accounts nationally.

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