Why You Should Always Choose Quality Fasteners When Ordering OEM Parts

A fastener plays a vital role in the construction of different everyday objects. From DIY to megaprojects, fasteners are used to hold or join two or more things together. You probably know them as nuts, screws, or bolts. Fasteners help reduce pressure and excess vibration during construction.

What Is A Fastener?

Fasteners are broadly categorized as either permanent or non-permanent. Permanent fasteners like nails and rivets are single-use and designed to join two or more parts permanently. Non-permanent fasteners like screws and bolts are designed to allow for easy removal and reuse.

Unlike permanent fasteners, non-permanent fasteners can be threaded or unthreaded. Threaded fasteners include screws and bolts, while non-threaded include retaining rings and pins. 

Read on to learn more about the most common fasteners, their different uses, and how good quality fasteners make safer and more durable products.

Most Common Types Of Fasteners and Their Uses

Below are the most common types of fasteners used in construction projects:

Bolts and Nuts

A bolt is a threaded fastener that works in tandem with a nut to hold pieces together. Bolts comprise a flat head, cylindrical body, and threads on its length. Insert the bolt through the parts you want to join, then use a wrench tool to fasten it with the nut on end. Common types of bolts include:

• Flange bolts
• Carriage bolts
• Hex head bolts
• Square-head bolts
• Wheel bolt
• Shoulder bolt

Popular nut types include:

• Coupling nuts
• Locknuts
• Wheel nuts
• Hex nuts
• Square nuts.      

Nuts and bolts are typically made from stainless steel, but a number of other materials can be used.

Washers

Washers are thin disc-shaped plates with a hole in the middle. They are used to distribute the nut or screw load. The outer diameter is twice the inner for precise locking. Washers can be plastic, rubber, or metal, depending on the project's requirements. They can also be used as wear pads, spacers, or locking devices. Common washers types include:

• Flat washers
• Lock washers
• Beveled washers
• Spacers 

Screws

A screw is a fastener that creates its threads while fastening into the material. Screws have a head and shaft with helical threads. Its threaded shaft gives it more holding power, unlike bolt. They come in different head styles and drive styles. Common screw types include:

• Deck screws
• Wood screws
• Masonry screws

Anchors

Anchors are majorly used in the construction industry to connect non-structural and structural materials to concrete and other materials. They embed themselves in the material and hold the pieces in place. Common anchors include:

• Screw anchors
• Masonry screw and pin anchors
• Sleeve anchors

Threaded Rods

A threaded rod is a fastener with threads cut on both ends. Threaded rods are used when more stability is needed. They help the project withstand high tension and pressure levels. Rods are available in different shapes, sizes, and are made of different materials. Typically, they fasten metal and wood objects together but they can also be inserted into concrete or wood to add stability. Common rod fasteners include:

• Fully threaded studs
• ACME threaded

Benefits of Using High-Quality Fasteners

During your construction project, using high-quality fasteners is essential. Your materials need to be held firmly to avoid breakages and accidents. High-quality fasteners make the products safer and more durable. Here are the benefits of using high-quality fasteners:

Safety

Poor quality fasteners manufactured with weak or cheap materials put your structure at risk. They pose a safety hazard to everyone using the tools. Broken, rusted, and cracked bolts and nuts are life-threatening if your project falls apart. High-quality fasteners hold parts together effectively and minimize the risk of accidents.

Efficiency

The efficiency of your project is dependent on the materials used, including fasteners. Poor quality fasteners can render your project useless. If the fasteners you use are of poor quality, they won't provide the required seal and grip to hold the parts together. High-quality fasteners will withstand environmental conditions and weight pressures, keeping your project intact and safe.

Durability

Quality fastener materials are essential for your project to be durable. If your bolts, nuts, rivets, or screws are low quality, they are susceptible to rust, cracks, wear and tear and will reduce your project's durability. High-qualisty fasteners will hold the pieces together firmly, making the structure more solid and durable.   

Don't Risk It; Let Big Bolt Help

Having quality fasteners is critical to building a quality product. Using quality fasteners is vital to the success, safety, efficiency, and durability of your project. At Big Bolt, we have a diverse variety of high-quality fasteners suited for all of your projects. Our experts will advise and guide you on finding suitable fasteners for your project. Contact us today to get help for your next project.