It all depends. Where you get the fasteners from and how they are made will determine whether this move to cut costs will cut quality as well.

Buying Direct to Save Money

There are legitimate fastener distributors out there who ship direct from the manufacturer to your jobsite or plant, which saves the added costs and mark up associated with a middleman or building supply stores.

So if you’re buying the same quality fastener, possibly even the same brand and product line, from a direct distributor (find a good online fastener distributor for fast ordering and shipping) and getting a better price than the hardware store around the corner, cheap fasteners are fine. They will not degrade the quality of your project in any way. And they will say you money. Good news.

The bad news is that not all contractors and manufacturers are doing it that way.

Buying Imitations to Save Money

You can find reputable, reliable and really affordable fastener distributors online. And you can also find distributors of imitation fasteners. These are the products that look and function similar to what you will buy from the big brands, but the quality is not there.

Maybe the steel is a low grade. Maybe the coatings have been applied hastily and won’t hold up. Maybe the fasteners are not quite to spec, which makes them virtually useless in many applications where not-to-spec means not useable. If you can’t get the exact specifications for the fasteners – in readable, up to industry standards format – skip it. Buying these fasteners is not the smart way to save money.

Cutting Fasteners Out to Save Money

Some builders will cut a few fasteners out of the project to save money. Over a large project, such as a sizeable boardwalk or deck, this can add to a decent amount of savings. But the problem is that the builder is sacrificing safety and structural integrity to save that money. Not good news.

Always follow the specs exactly and use the fasteners as stated, in the quality and quantity specified.

Your reputation as a builder is on the line and if the project fails, falls apart or causes injury, no amount of cost savings will be able to buy that back.

The bottom line? Cheap fasteners are a good idea when bought from a direct distributor at the same level of quality that is required by the specs. Don’t opt for imitations and keep the amount of fasteners up to the proper levels. Then your project and your profit margins will hold steady.

What Are Washers Exactly?

The small component that fits between a nut and the structural component being fastened is called a washer. Galvanized washers have been treated for corrosion resistance and offer longevity and strength – they are a must in exterior applications.

Does My Application Need a Washer?

Washers serve a few different purposes and almost any application that involves a nut will benefit from a washer. Washers serve to distribute load for a fastener. Whether it is a bevel washer (used with sloped surfaces) or a lock washer (generally used to keep the fitting tight) these components are essential to the overall fit and durability of that point in a structure.

Galvanized washers work well for exterior applications, serving as a spacer between the nut and the wood, steel or other material being fastened. They also act as a barrier against wear, which is important in many circumstances. Even if a nut is only removed sporadically, a properly fitted washer will keep the material underneath protected from wear. Even the slightest movement in the structure can also result in wear over time unless there is a washer to act as a pad.

If you are using a nut and bolt combination, washers will complete the set and provide the optimum durability.

Be sure that the material and finish of the washer matches the other components. Galvanized washers, for instance, work exceptionally well with galvanized nuts and bolts, but if your application is inside and corrosion is not anticipated to be a problem, skip the galvanized line and opt for something else. When using stainless steel bolts and nuts, choose a stainless steel washer to maintain the same levels of strength and corrosion resistance.

Washers in any shape, size and material offer vital support for your fastener. They keep a tight fit, protect against wear, distribute the load and act as a spacer. Galvanized washers work well with your exterior fasteners for a strong, durable fit. Don’t leave them out.

There are three common methods of getting these vital materials to your job site.

Building Supply Store Pick Up

Either you can drive down to the local building supply store or send one of the guys. More often than not, unless you’re looking for a small amount of a standard fastener, these big box stores won’t have what you need on the shelf. But because they’re handy, many contractors try them first.

Specialty deck fasteners are not on the inventory of popular building supply stores. And most of the time you can count on very little help from the employees (sorry guys, but you usually haven’t been trained in the ins and outs of fasteners and you probably don’t get paid enough to bother finding out for yourself).

If the product is in stock, great – this method is fast and efficient. If however, the big box building store doesn’t have the fasteners that you need, they’ll offer to put in a special order. The catch is that order will take an enormous amount of time and paperwork to get moving.

The verdict? A trip to the building store is not the best plan.

Fastener Rep Comes to You

Maybe you’re one of the lucky ones. Maybe the fastener rep drives by your jobsite every day and stops in with a current catalogue and price list. If this is the case, a rep should be able to answer your questions, fill you in on industry innovations and generally give you enough service to get the sale.

Let’s be realistic though – this isn’t usually how it works. Generally you’ll call the distributor’s office and set a time for the rep to come visit. They might be able to make it fast, but usually we’re talking at least a few days until they can get to you. Once they do make it, you might be able to put in an order on the spot and expect delivery within a few days. But if they don’t have the capabilities to do on the road ordering, you’ll be waiting until they get back to the office for the order to go in.

It’s bound to be an accurate order and the rep can troubleshoot any problems you’re having. They can show you the newest deck fasteners on the market and offer tips on ordering levels. But unless they’re on site within a few hours, there is still a better way to order deck fasteners.

Shop for Deck Fasteners Online

It’s true. The fastest and most accurate way to find the deck fasteners you need is online. There you can browse through a selection of specialty fasteners that are in stock and ready to ship. You can find information about the products, as well as tips and advice if you need it.

Perfect for the pros, online fastener distributors are the best place for builders just starting out as well. Buy one box or buy in bulk – it’s always convenient and always fast. Freight will add a little to the overall cost, but no more than you’ll pay ordering through the rep.

Look for an online retailer that specializes in fasteners, as opposed to those who offer everything under the sun. Then you can expect specialized service and knowledgeable help if and when you need it. Wondering whether stainless steel is worth the cost? Ask. Thinking about the benefits of specialty bits? Ask about that, too. Help is only a phone call or an email away.

When you need deck fasteners fast there’s only one place that delivers the selection, speed and knowledge necessary. Find on online fastener distributor and get ordering. Then get back to work.

None and nobody.

So what are the factors that go into determining the nut and bolt compatibility? And why is this important to the strength of the fastener?

Factors for Nuts and Bolts to Get Along

Similar to finding the right fastener material for your application, finding the nut material that will work well with your bolt is vital. The IFI standards claim it is “relatively straightforward,” although from personal experience (being married to an engineer for 13 years) I’ve found that nothing in engineering is anywhere near straightforward.

That being said (sorry, hun), the IFI guidelines are summed up fairly easily.

For average needs when using carbon steel fasteners you should take a look at the strength of both mating parts: bolt / screw and nut. Make sure that the nut has the same level of strength or higher than the bolt or screw. Nut proof stress (aka strength) is also measured in pounds per square inch (or psi) – so if you have a fastener made of medium carbon that has been heat treated (usually somewhere around 120,000 psi), you need to look for a nut with at least 120,000 psi strength as well.

Easy, right?

If you are concerned about safety and want to provide a high level of assurance, IFI recommends that you choose a nut with a proof stress that is 20 percent higher than the strength of the fastener.

Stainless steel and non-ferrous fasteners require a nut with equal strength – so match the psi of your bolt with the proof stress of the nut (also in psi). Full thickness nuts generally don’t fall any lower than 90,000 psi, which is good for most fasteners unless you move into the stronger stainless steel or Nickel-based alloy products.

Matching Alloys

It’s also recommended that, if at all possible in your application, the same alloy is used for both the fastener and the nut. You could be introducing a whole other set of issues by mixing and matching alloys.

Overtapped Means Less Strength

You may hear of a nut being overtapped, which occurs when plating and coatings are applied. This process actually lowers the proof stress of the nut (although it improves resistance to corrosion) and can reduce the lowest grade of full thickness nuts to as low as 60,000 psi.

When hardware is hot dipped galvanized the plating process may clog up the threads, making it even more important that the mating parts both be hot dipped galvanized.  Coordination is about more than matching your shoes and socks.

Balance is Vital

Another element to remember is that you need balance between the nuts and bolts. Don’t choose a nut that is near the minimum accepted proof stress level and mate it with a fastener that sits at the maximum end of the range of accepted strength. In stress situations your bolt will hold up nicely, but the tension will be too much for the weaker nut and you’ll end up stripping the nut thread entirely.

To be sure this doesn’t happen (in case your application demands complete assurance), choose a nut that meets or exceeds the maximum strength of the bolt.

Also, opting for a larger diameter nut (with a thicker wall) is a cheaper option than going with a heat treated nut – which will save on the cost. In certain situations space may be tight and the heat treatment may be your only option.

There are a lot of factors that go into matching the right bolt with the proper nut. Count on the strength and durability of a well paired combo. That’s the kind of thing those engineers are looking for.

The key is to understand which materials are best in which situations.

Potential Problems

Obviously the thermostat swings both ways. There may be instances or prolonged exposure to extremely high heat (such as in an engine) or your design may call for resistance and strength in very low temperatures (such as exterior applications in a northern environment). Each circumstance could potentially cause the fastener to weaken or seize, as well as affect the plating and coating.

Heat can bring on oxidation and both extremes present the danger of corrosion. Basically, your fasteners need to able to handle the temperature or they will break down and fail.

High Heat

Most nonferrous (or those that do not contain iron) fasteners should be avoided in high temperatures. Plastics are out. Choose medium carbon (Grade 5 fasteners, for example) or low alloy steel for hot temperatures up to 450 degrees. But if your application is pushing above that range you will need to opt for a stronger material and possibly even move into heat treatments.

For conditions ranging between 450 and 900 degrees stainless steel is a great option. You’ll also be handling corrosion resistance with this option, although steel containing chromium-molybdenum can also be used.

From 900 degrees on there are super alloys that are specially developed for resistance and stamina. Inco 718 and A-286 are recommended up to 1200 degrees and fasteners made from nickel-cobalt alloys can withstand heat to 1600 degrees.

Heat Treatments

Ferritic steel (which covers steel that is mainly made up of ferrite and contains some chromium) are heat treated for strength in extreme temperatures. The process is somewhat different for each grade of steel, but generally the material is cooled to a low temperature, reheated to refine the grain and then quenched in liquid or normalized in air before being reheated for tempering.

There is a stated minimum temperature for the tempering process that ranges from 1100 degrees to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the grade. Also, certain grades stamped with B6 and B6X are held at the tempering temperature (not that’s a tongue twister) for at least one hour. If the material is stress-relieved after tempering tests are necessary.

Stainless steel is treated in a slightly different way. The material is cooled then reheated, held there until the chromium carbide forms a solution and then cooled (in air or liquid). This process will result in a Class 1, 1B or 1C fastener. When a 1A class is needed the material will also be treated with a solution once the heating and cooling processes are done.

Extreme Cool

In certain circumstances your fastener may be exposed to prolonged cold. In consistent temperatures below minus 30 degrees there will be problems with toughness and ductility and the metal can become brittle. This means that materials that are notch sensitive shouldn’t be used in extreme cold, materials like low carbon steel (Grade 2 fasteners, for example).

Nickel-rich grades like AISI 4340 and 8740 can be used if the temperature stays above – 100 degrees Fahrenheit. For frigid conditions between -100 and -300 degrees Fahrenheit stainless steel is your best bet. Non-metallics have a chance to shine in cold temperatures, especially Teflon. Also alloys like Unitemp 212, Inco 718, Waspalloy and A-286 stand up to extreme cold. Interestingly enough, these same alloys also stand up to extremely high heat (up to 1200 degrees), creating a high demand in these unique circumstances.

Temperatures affect different fasteners in different ways. With some basic knowledge you can make a good choice, something that will stand up to whatever the surrounding climate throws at it. Research steams ahead at full power thanks to space exploration, where extreme temperatures take on a whole new level. But those of us still down here on earth are grateful for the information and data that helps us to make strong, dependable choices.

As a simple definition, stainless steel is any ferrous alloy containing at least 12 percent chromium. It always has iron content and often contains carbon and other alloys, but chromium is the essential element that offers a rust free, stainless finish.

Characteristics of Chromium

Chromium does not corrode. So the more chromium that is in any type of stainless steel (and there are hundreds of different types), the more resistant to corrosion that mixture is. Adding other alloys will increase or decrease the level of resistance, but the mixtures can be balanced to create a strong metal that can handle extreme temperatures, pressures and levels of moisture.

Adding carbon for example, decreases the corrosion resistance and more chromium is needed to bring it back to the expected levels. When nickel is thrown in the mix the stainless steel becomes stronger and highly stable in both very low temperatures and extremely hot conditions.

Why Don’t Stainless Steel Fasteners Rust?

Stainless steel forms a super thin layer of invisible oxide immediately. This spontaneous film is on the exposed surface of the fastener and acts as protection against oxidization, making it impervious to rust even in very moist conditions like marine applications.

When stainless steel fasteners are machined tiny pieces of other metals can attach to the surface, causing imperfections and eventually staining and corrosion. To protect the fasteners and provide the bright finish that is a trademark of stainless steel, these fasteners need to go through passivation before being shipped out to the consumer.

Explaining the Passivation Process

Passivation is the process of immersing stainless steel into a bath of nitric acid and water. This immersion will remove all of the other metals that have been caught on the surface, effectively washing the steel and bringing it back to the original condition. Once the metal is taken out of the liquid, it will again form the protective layer of oxide and reach the full level of corrosion resistance once more.

Various Stainless Steel Groups

Stainless steel is catalogued by three major groups and one hybrid including:

• Ferritic stainless steel – this group makes up around 5 percent of the stainless steel fasteners on the market. It is magnetic and has the least amount of corrosion resistance.
• Martensitic stainless steel – around 10 percent of stainless steel fasteners are made from this type which is very strong and also magnetic.
• Austenitic stainless steel – the most common type that makes up about 80 percent of the stainless steel fastener products, this group is highly corrosion resistant and non-magnetic.
• Precipitation Hardening stainless steel – gaining in popularity, this hybrid group creates a balance between the rust protection of austenitic and the strength of the others.

These groups all have benefits and drawbacks and each will suit different applications. All stainless steel fasteners have a high level of corrosion resistance thanks to the chromium content. They will continue to dominate the commercial and residential construction markets due to the level of reliability and strength they offer in a wide variety of circumstances.

Counting the Benefits

Solar energy is not just a new fad. Capturing energy from the sun has been around for awhile (remember those solar-powered calculators you had in high school?), but with the mass commercialization in the industry, homeowners are now able to build a panel themselves.  The market is exploding and with it comes the ability for you to create a dependable, environmentally friendly source of energy.

Your house can be “off the grid” and your family more self-sufficient.  Electricity could cost you less, while being more within your control. And if you’re lucky enough to have a remote property or cottage that has no access to hydro lines, solar panels can get your lights on. What’s not to like?

The Basic Necessities

You can build your solar panel a few different ways. Get yourself a kit with thorough instructions and most of the materials if you’re feeling at all intimidated by the process.  There are a bunch of brands out there that will walk you through the project and deliver a solid, well made system you can be proud of. There are kits ranging in size from 5 watts (the Mini-Me of solar panels) to a more impressive DIY 40 watt solar panel kit. Look for a manufacturer that offers a decent warranty and makes a few different sizes.

You could also pick up a guide and build one yourself from scratch, so to speak. They range from the really straightforward to the slightly more technical – check out your local bookstore for a decent selection. Essentially you’ll be building the frame and fitting in PV panels (which is the majority of the expense in such solar projects). From there you need to connect the panels together, run wiring to the batteries and ground the system. Connections are made between the battery and the inverter and if you’re going that way, back into the grid. Trust me, the guides will make it a little more complicated than that.

Grounding Is Essential

No matter how it’s put together, your solar panels need to be grounded properly to prevent damage from electrical faults or lightning.  Well designed systems are always well grounded.  Use quality solar panel grounding hardware to do this job right.

Depend on Your Sealant

Homemade solar panels need to be sealed well to protect from the elements seeping in.  It’s best to make sure everything inside the panel is working properly (especially when you’ve put this thing together yourself) before sealing.  That way you can replace faulty parts and make repairs without having to break any seals, which can be a messy job.  Again, sealants will keep out the wind and water, and even help seal out fire threats to some degree – an important element in solar panel design and key for durability.

Choose Hardware That Will Last

Solar panels take a lot of heat.  And a lot of rain, wind, snow and sleet too.  These panels are exposed to the worst weather and need to be built with the toughest components possible.  You may need to spend a few more dollars, but in the end, good quality materials are well worth it.  Aluminum is a corrosion resistant material that does well outdoors, is lightweight (another plus in solar panel construction) and readily available.  Choose aluminum mounting brackets, clamps, clips and splices plates.

Your best bet for nuts and bolts is stainless steel, providing the strength and durability you need to build it and forget it.

This project will be a major accomplishment and something you can brag about for years.  A well built solar panel will save you money, save the planet and save your pride.  Alright, maybe your pride is still healthy and strong, but who doesn’t want to tackle another project that’s exceptionally challenging and extremely rewarding?  I know you’re up for it.

And in the spirit of the season we at FastenFinder have wracked our brains to come up with a list of the top five gifts for the contractor in your family.  Get shopping with these gift ideas in mind, and look forward to a serious bear hug come Christmas morning.

Warm and wicked work gloves.

1) Warm Workwear – How would you feel if your office was out in the blowing snow of mid-January?  Contractors work hard all year long and they deserve a chance to get warm while they’re out there.  Lined work pants, heavy duty work gloves and even hats will be greatly appreciated.  Nothing frilly and absolutely no plaid scarves, please.

Techie is the new sexy.

2) Techie Toys – Communications have gone high-tech on the construction site, too, so keep your contractor up-to-date with the latest in techie gadgets.  A smartphone or tablet can help them with tons of business stuff, as this list of apps shows, not to mention the fact that these things are just plain fun.

Give them an easy caffeine kick.

3) Single Serve Coffee Maker – He or she may not be a coffee snob, but there is no dealing with him or her until they’ve had their morning java.  Why not speed the process along with a quick brewing single serve coffee maker?  These magical machines allow them to choose their fav hot beverage and will be a great addition to your kitchen counter.

Look for something a little more up to date...

4) Inspiring Literature – We’re not talking Hemingway or Twain here.  What they want is a subscription to a trade magazine (that they don’t get at the office) or a guidebook for fun weekend projects.  Branch out from what they do everyday – get a woodworking contractor a book on stone or an electrician something about home improvements.  The IFI guide is super handy for anyone that wants to learn more about fasteners (but you could just bookmark this blog too… it’s much cheaper).

This contractor needs a garage.

5)  Something Big They’re Saving For – A truck rack, that workbench expansion, a screw gun for deck screws – if there is something for their work that they haven’t bought yet (hey, it has been a tough couple of years), gather your pennies and buy it for them.  They’ll be amazed, touched and doggone grateful, guaranteed.  Just keep the receipt, too.

And from our families to yours, have a wonderful holiday season.  Merry Christmas!

Three Quick and Easy Home Improvement Projects

Give your house a spruced up look that’s sure to impress the in-laws with these three super simple projects.  It may cost you a few bucks, but the awe factor will definitely be worth it.

Beautiful crown molding dresses up every corner of the room. (credit Ken at MyFinishedCarpentry.com)

1)    Crown Molding – Concentrate on the living and dining rooms for the greatest effect, but if you really want to impress, extend the trim to the guest bedroom as well.  Crown molding goes up quick and is all about measuring, cutting and nailing.  With a miter saw (or a hand saw and a manual miter box) and a hammer you can have this decorative trim up in a few hours.

Make sure you opt for a good quality finishing nail with a bright finish.  Designed for a clean look and easily countersunk on your trim, a big five pound box of these will come in handy well beyond this quick project.

A little too much? Dress your porch up with taste.

2)    Dress Up the Porch – Curb appeal carries a heavy weight at Christmas time.  You can cover some of that worn and saggy railing with garlands, but your friends and family (and those caroling singers) are going to see the real deal when they coming knocking.  Try sprucing up the railing with tempered glass sections or adding fascia board to the stairs.  How about whipping together a nice new trellis on the wall using some lumber and a handful of deck screws?  Or create an easy porch tree with a pyramid-shaped wood frame hung with garlands and lights.

Do this on a warm(er) afternoon and get the lights up at the same time.  Bonus points for doing two holiday home improvement projects at once!

Painting an accent wall can add some flair to any room.

3)    Paint It Up – This can be a quick project or an epic task, depending on the size of the room, extra trim and all of those other details.  Gauge the space and figure out whether a fresh coat of paint will be worth the effort of prep, paint and clean-up.  How about painting an accent wall or hanging a border instead?  They’re quick and fresh (and easily removed, or painted over afterward if you’re not happy).

Why Bother?

When everyone gathers at your house for a holiday meal the table settings and culinary presentations take center stage.  But when people come in from across the country (globe?) and are staying over for a few nights, your whole house will be on display.  These quick fixes will give your place that extra special shine.  They’ll also give you something to do on top of all the other madness the holiday season brings.

Now quit stalling and get to it. Oh, and Happy Holidays!

Commercial fasteners of all kinds are plated. Technically speaking, plating is the application or adherence of a certain metal onto the surface of another metal, often called the base. Different than coatings, which are generally chemically-based and much thinner, fastener platings are used mainly to resist fastener corrosion, although they offer other benefits as well.

Processes of Plating

Applying a plating is a complicated process that is usually done in one of three ways. For commercial fasteners you’re looking at electroplating, hot-dipped galvanizing or mechanical plating. All three are used in different circumstances and to varying degrees of success. Read on below.

Basics of Electroplating

A typical electroplating shop.

Start with the base metal. The product or fastener is then immersed in a water-based bath that also contains a concentration of the plating material in a chemical form. When an electrical current is passed through the water bath, those chemicals react by bonding onto the base metal.

What you get is a thin, shiny layer of plating that will provide protection against fastener corrosion for a limited time. Electroplating can produce coatings up to 0.00015 inches in thickness, which is much less than what hot-dipped galvanizing or mechanical applications can achieve. But for indoor use and where the initial appearance is important, electroplating is just fine. It’s also a cheaper alternative, which makes it a popular one as well.

Framing nails and interior fasteners are often electroplated. Look for a shiny finish and a lower price tag.

Basics of Hot-Dipped Galvanizing

The matte, dark gray color of hot-dipped galvanized plating.

It involves heat (obviously) and another bath, but hot-dipped galvanizing is distinctly different from electroplating and delivers better results against corrosion on most applications. A steel fastener is immersed in molten zinc that reads a temperature of 950 degrees Fahrenheit. In these extreme temperatures the zinc reacts to the steel and forms an iron-zinc alloy which heavily coats the metal.

Hot-dipped galvanizing creates a plating that is 0.0021 inches thick and can be up to 0.0034 inches on some applications. For small fasteners (#0 up through 3/8″) this process will result in too much build up, clogging the threads and rendering the fastener almost useless. It’s certainly the way to go on larger fasteners though and is used for exterior applications of all sorts. This process of plating produces a matte gray finish that will hold up well against corrosion.

Mechanical Applications

Automotive components are often mechanically plated.

Not as well known, mechanical methods of plating use pressure and impact to adhere the plating material to the fastener before a coating is cold-welded on to finish the job. Certain types of fastener materials are better suited to this process of plating.  Aluminum automotive parts are often mechanically plated with a tin-cadmium alloy, providing superior protection and durability. It’s not a process you’ll find often in commercial fasteners, but mechanical platings are out there and certainly have their place.

Mechanical platings are done in a range of thicknesses,  from 0.00015 inches typical with electroplating to the thicker hot-dipped galvanized finish of 0.0034 inch.

However it’s done, plating is a necessary process to extend the durability of fasteners and other metal products. It gives fasteners super strength and resistance, providing just what you need for your project.