
What are fasteners ?
Fasteners are hardware devices that mechanically join or affix two or more objects together. They are used in a variety of applications across many industries, including construction, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and household appliances. Fasteners are essential for creating secure and reliable connections and can be temporary or permanent, depending on the application.
Types of fasteners
Here are some of the most common types of fasteners, widely used across various industries and applications:

1. Bolts
Bolts are threaded fasteners typically used with nuts to hold materials together. They are inserted through holes in parts and secured with nuts.
- Hex Bolts: Feature a hexagonal head and are commonly used in construction and machinery.
- Carriage Bolts: Have a rounded head with a square neck to prevent spinning; used in wood connections.
- Lag Bolts: Large wood screws with hex heads, used for heavy-duty wood applications.

2. Screws
Screws are threaded fasteners that can be driven into materials without the need for a nut, creating their own thread.
- Wood Screws: Designed for wood, featuring coarse threads and a tapered point.
- Machine Screws: Have uniform threads and are used with tapped holes or nuts in metalworking.
- Self-Tapping Screws: Can create their own threads in the material.
- Sheet Metal Screws: Designed for securing metal sheets.

3. Nuts
Nuts are used with bolts to fasten materials together. They have internal threads that match the bolt’s external threads.
- Hex Nuts: Standard six-sided nuts used in conjunction with bolts.
- Lock Nuts: Prevent loosening under vibration, such as nylon insert lock nuts.
- Wing Nuts: Feature wings for hand-tightening, easy to install and remove.

4. Washers
Washers are used under the head of a bolt or nut to distribute the load and prevent surface damage.
- Flat Washers: Distribute the load evenly.
- Spring Washers: Provide tension to prevent loosening.
- Lock Washers: Prevent loosening through vibration, such as split washers.

5. Rivets
Rivets are permanent fasteners inserted into pre-drilled holes and deformed to hold materials together.
- Solid Rivets: Common in structural applications.
- Blind Rivets (Pop Rivets): Used when access is only available from one side.
- Tubular Rivets: Hollow, used in light-duty applications.
6. Anchors
Anchors are used to attach objects to concrete, drywall, or other materials.
- Expansion Anchors: Expand within the material to hold securely.
- Toggle Bolts: Have wings that expand behind the material.
- Wall Plugs: Plastic or metal inserts for screws in drywall.
7. Pins
Pins are non-threaded fasteners used for alignment or securing components.
- Cotter Pins: Inserted through a hole and bent to secure other fasteners.
- Dowel Pins: Used to align or join two parts.
- Split Pins: Provide a locking mechanism for other fasteners.
8. Clips and Clamps
Clips and Clamps hold parts together using tension or compression.
- Hose Clamps: Secure hoses onto fittings.
- Retaining Clips: Hold components onto a shaft or in a housing.
- Snap Rings: Fit into grooves to hold components in place.
9. Staples
Staples are U-shaped fasteners used to attach materials such as fabric, paper, or wire.
- Heavy-Duty Staples: Used in construction and upholstery.
- Office Staples: Used for paper and light materials.
10. Adhesives and Tape
Adhesives and Tape bond materials together without mechanical fastening.
- Glues: Include epoxy, cyanoacrylate (super glue), and wood glue.
- Tapes: Include duct tape, electrical tape, and double-sided tape.
Specialty Fasteners
- Threaded Rods: Long rods with threads along their length, used in various applications.
- U-Bolts: U-shaped bolts used to secure pipes or round objects.
- J-Bolts: J-shaped bolts used for anchoring.
Commons uses of fasteners
- Construction: Structural connections, framing, securing building materials.
- Automotive: Assembling engines, body panels, and interior components.
- Aerospace: High-strength, lightweight connections.
- Electronics: Securing circuit boards, enclosures, and components.
- Furniture: Structural assembly and durability.
Standards and Materials

Producing Standard
ASME | ASME B18.2.1 | Hex Bolts |
ASME B18.2.2 | Hex Nuts | |
ASME-B18.21.1 | Plain Washers | |
DIN | DIN931 | Hex Bolt with partial thread |
DIN933 | Hex Bolt with full thread | |
DIN912 | Hex Socket Cap Screw | |
DIN934 | Hex Nuts | |
DIN125 | Plain Washers | |
DIN127 | Spring Washer | |
DIN975 | Threaded Rods | |
DIN976 | Stud Bolts | |
DN3570 | U-Bolt |
Material Grade
Nickel Alloy Steel | UNS N02200/Ni 200 UNS N02201/Ni201 UNS N04400/Monel 400 UNS N05500/Monel K500 UNS N06600/Inconel 600 UNS N06601/Inconel 601 UNS N06625/Inconel 625 UNS N08825/Incoloy 825 UNS N08800/Incoloy 800 UNS N08810/Incoloy 800H ,UNS N08811/Incoloy 800HT UNS N08020 /Alloy 20 UNS N08031/ Alloy 31 UNS N06002/Hastelloy X UNS N06022/Hastelloy C22 UNS N06200/Hastelloy C2000 UNS N10276/Hastelloy C276 UNS N10665 /Hastelloy B2 UNS N10675/Hastelloy B3 | |
Stainless Steel | 304/304L 316/316L 316Ti 317/317L 321 347/347H 310 309 A453 660C 660D S31254 /254SMO 904L/1.4539/N08904 N08367 N08926/1.4529 | |
Carbon Steel | Grade 4.8 5.8 6.8 8.8 10.8 12.9 | |
Alloy Steel | A193 B7 A194 2H A320 L7/L7M | |
Duplex Steel | 2205 /S31803 S32750/2507 S32760 |
Conclusion
Fasteners are essential in creating reliable and durable connections in a wide range of applications, ensuring the structural integrity and functionality of assembled products and structures.
FAQs
Consider the following factors:
- Load Requirements: Determine the mechanical load the fastener must withstand.
- Material Compatibility: Ensure the fastener material is compatible with the materials being joined.
- Environmental Conditions: Consider exposure to moisture, chemicals, and temperature extremes.
- Installation and Maintenance: Decide if the connection needs to be permanent or removable.
- Standards and Regulations: Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards.
- Zinc Plating: Provides moderate corrosion resistance.
- Galvanization: Offers high corrosion resistance, often used for outdoor applications.
- Anodizing: Common for aluminum fasteners to increase corrosion resistance.
- Black Oxide: Provides a mild corrosion resistance and a black finish.
To prevent fasteners from loosening:
- Use lock washers or lock nuts.
- Apply thread-locking compounds.
- Ensure proper torque when tightening.
- Use fasteners with a locking mechanism.
Store fasteners in a dry, cool place to prevent corrosion. Organize them by type and size for easy access. Use labeled bins or compartments to keep them sorted.
FASTENERS SSM can provide
Type | Hex Bolt (full thread/partial thread) / Hex Nut / Hex Socket Cap Screw / Stud Bolt / Threaded Rod / U-Bolt / Flat Washer / Spring Washer | ||
Size | Stud Bolt | DIN: M6~M100 | ASME: 1/4″-5″ |
Hex Bolt | DIN: M6~M64 | ASME: 1/2″-2 1/2″ | |
Finish | Cold Galvanizing / Hot-dip Galvanizing / PTFE / Zinc Nickel / Black Coating / Plain |
Elevate your fastening solutions with our comprehensive range of products, including Hex Bolts (full thread/partial thread), Hex Nuts, Hex Socket Cap Screws, Stud Bolts, Threaded Rods, U-Bolts, Flat Washers, and Spring Washers. Our offerings comply with ASME and DIN standards, ensuring top-notch quality and performance.
Choose from a diverse selection of materials to meet your specific requirements, including Nickel Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, and Duplex Steel. Our commitment to precision manufacturing and adherence to international standards make our fasteners the preferred choice for various industries and applications.
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