What are fasteners ?​– The Ultimate Guide

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What are fasteners ?​– The Ultimate Guide

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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

ASMEASME B18.2.1   Hex Bolts    
ASME B18.2.2 Hex Nuts
ASME-B18.21.1Plain Washers
DINDIN931                Hex Bolt with partial thread
DIN933Hex Bolt with full thread
DIN912Hex Socket Cap Screw
DIN934Hex Nuts
DIN125Plain Washers
DIN127Spring Washer
DIN975Threaded Rods
DIN976Stud Bolts
DN3570U-Bolt

Material Grade

Nickel Alloy SteelUNS 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 Steel304/304L  316/316L  316Ti  317/317L  321  347/347H  310  309 
A453 660C  660D  S31254 /254SMO
904L/1.4539/N08904   N08367  N08926/1.4529
Carbon SteelGrade 4.8  5.8  6.8  8.8  10.8  12.9
Alloy SteelA193 B7  A194 2H  A320 L7/L7M
Duplex Steel2205 /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

TypeHex Bolt (full thread/partial thread) / Hex Nut / Hex Socket Cap Screw / Stud Bolt / Threaded Rod / U-Bolt / Flat Washer / Spring Washer
SizeStud Bolt DIN: M6~M100  ASME: 1/4″-5″  
Hex BoltDIN: M6~M64ASME: 1/2″-2 1/2″
FinishCold 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.

Experience reliability, durability, and superior performance in every fastening solution we deliver. Partner with us for high-quality products that meet the stringent demands of your projects. Contact us today to explore how we can provide tailored fastening solutions to enhance the efficiency of your applications.

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