Are You Using the Right Fasteners?

With a large variety of options available in the fastener market it can be all too easy to pick the cheapest or easiest choice. However, this is not always the best decision due to safety concerns and the large replacement costs that may incur.

If you take a proactive approach to purchasing, you can not only increase strength, durability and safety, but you will also save money in the long run!

Here are some key factors to bear in mind when making your next purchase or upgrading your inventory.

It may seem like an obvious consideration but selecting the right size for your fastener is essential. Choosing an oversized fastener may cause product instability, but conversely an undersized fastener won’t provide adequate strength. Never compromise and always ensure you are finding the exact match in terms of length, diameter, thread type and thread pitch.

Strength is uncompromisable for any project, and insubstantial fasteners can result in joint failures which in turn leads to costly replacements. Always keep load capacity at the forefront of your decision such as choosing high-strength bolts for exceptional strength. All good fasteners should be manufactured to the relevant British or international standards to guarantee quality.

The right material will provide long term benefits to your application as it will improve longevity and strength while decreasing corrosion. Aluminium and stainless steel are common metals for many applications, however when combined they can cause galvanic corrosion. Make sure you address dissimilar metals and consider alternatives or preventative measures.

This can include temperature levels, vibration effects and weather conditions. Particularly in industries such as aerospace and automotive, it is crucial that fasteners can withstand these factors and sustain their integrity. Take into account the grand scheme of your project and note any environmental influencers that may require corrosion-resistance or strength enhancing measures.

Even though a fastener may be the smallest part of your overall project, it still plays a huge part in the bigger picture of your work! Prioritise the quality of your fastener and you are guaranteed a product that is durable, long-lasting and reliable. 

If you want to take the hassle out of purchasing your supply of fasteners, then Clevtec can help! We take away the struggle of selecting the right component and ensure you are getting a fastener with all of the essential requirements along with any bespoke requests.

Simply talk to our team today if you have a new project coming up or are questioning the status of your current fastener use. Get in touch here.