Get Various Contacts

The fasteners industry is a competitive one and there are many different contacts you could reach out to. But not all are created equally and frankly, not all are worth your time.

Look for a fasteners distributor that is local enough to offer same day or overnight shipping for a reasonable cost. That will likely save you some serious wait time and not having this option could be a problem when your schedule is tight. This could mean that your preferred distributor is within a short drive or has a strong delivery network covering your state or county. Most often an overseas or foreign distributor is not the answer for fast delivery and immediate availability.

Work Out Beneficial Payment Terms

Be prepared to pay COD for the first few deliveries in order to establish a good credit history with the distributor. They may even offer a generous discount if you continue to pay cash, although it is most often beneficial for the contractor to have thirty day terms.

Find out whether they will accept charge cards or electronic payments (such as online money transfers or PayPal payments). These are fast and reliable methods of payment that often cut down on the administrative costs for both parties. Be sure that the invoicing is accurate and that all purchase orders issued are clear.

Be Reasonable and Friendly

As in all business relationships, it helps to be reasonable when dealing with the distributor. Don’t expect the impossible and work within their systems whenever you can. Chances are they will be more than willing to help you out whenever possible and once you have established a good rapport then the communication, orders and processing will be even smoother.

If you’re looking for ways to run your contracting business better consider the many benefits of having a good relationship with your fasteners distributor. This supplier will keep you stocked up with all of the essentials your projects require, making your job easier and more profitable.

Why?

 Did you know that many of the North American fastener fabricators actually use imported stainless steel wire and rods? That means that although their products are in fact produced here on domestic soil, the raw materials come from overseas. These are the same raw materials used by the foreign fabricators.

Any differences will be in the fabrication process and should not be directly related to the quality of steel at all.

What About Recycled Stainless Steel?

There are many statements made in the industry that give rise to the idea that foreign stainless steel is recycled and, as such, of a lesser quality that domestic steel. The main problem with that argument is that nearly all stainless steel is made (at least in part) from recycled materials. The environmentally friendly factor is one of the main selling points of this product, no matter whether it is sourced from overseas or right here at home.

Because of the inherent strength and durability of this product, all stainless steel is recyclable. This allows fabricators access to materials that have reached the end of the useful life, yet can be transformed into new products and put back into the marketplace offering the same quality as before. When done properly this process should not affect the quality of the product and should not cause you to doubt the fabricator or distributor.

Benefits of Domestic Suppliers

Some of the advantages of ordering from a domestic supplier of fasteners include less travel time and cheaper prices. When currency exchange and freight are out of the equation you can experience significant savings. And having a fasteners distributor that is nearby and able to deliver quickly is valuable to businesses of all sizes.

Although the quality of stainless steel tends to be equal no matter where it is sourced from, you may find advantages to buying your fasteners domestically. It will require research and shopping to figure out what the best course of action is for your company.

Why Use Galvanized Fasteners?

A structure is only as strong as the fasteners that hold it together. And where corrosion is a factor, those fasteners need to offer a high level of corrosion resistance. Otherwise the metal will rust and deteriorate quickly, possibly in a manner of months.

Galvanized lag bolts are only slightly more expensive than standard lag bolts. They will allow your fence, deck or wooden garden feature to last beautifully for years to come. Even in coastal regions where the moisture and precipitation are almost constant, galvanization protects the steel fasteners and provides the strength you need.

What Is Galvanization?

Most galvanized lag bolts are treated with the hot dipped galvanization method. This process uses heat to coat the steel fastener with a thin layer of zinc. That zinc acts as a mechanical barrier against the chemical reaction of corrosion and will slow down the effects substantially. If you need unlimited protection against rust and discoloration you’re best to go with stainless steel lag bolts, but galvanized fasteners will provide decades and decades of reliable performance.

The galvanization process is also safe for indoor use. If you have any concerns about corrosion inside the home, play it safe and use hot dipped galvanized fasteners. Especially in structures such as sheds or garages, where there is some protection against the elements but not complete coverage, the use of galvanized lag bolts is smart.

Galvanized fasteners are the wisest option for exterior projects that involve lumber, providing a high level of protection for a reasonable cost. Be sure that your lag bolts are fitted with galvanized washers and nuts and that all other hardware and fasteners used on the project can offer the same level of protection. One of the most popular fasteners for contractors and homeowners alike, galvanized lag bolts offer your projects the protection they need against rust and wet weather.

Round Head – Arched with a high crown and a slightly smaller diameter than the popular pan head, round head fasteners are a good choice for general use.

Pan Head – Similar to round heads, except made with a larger diameter and lower profile. The circumference is also higher to provide more strength and depth on the head.

Truss Head – Finding the middle ground between the round head and pan head, truss heads have a low profile with a slightly higher circumference than round heads.

Flat 82i Head – Fluted from the threads to the perfectly flat head surface, this screw provides a countersink effect on standard materials.

Flat 100i Head – Similar to the 82i style, this head has a wider diameter, making it a better choice for soft metals, plastics and other materials when the fastener needs to be countersunk.

Flat Undercut Head – Made with the diameter of the 82i head, the undercut style is truncated for use with thin materials.

Oval Head – Useful when you need to countersink the screw, but would also like the attractive finish of a rounded head.

Hex Washer Head – Similar to the popular and highly useful hex head, this style has a washer incorporated to provide a wider bearing surface.

Hex Indented Head – Also similar to a hex head fastener, except with an indent that makes these fasteners more economical and even easier to use.

Binding Head – This pan-shaped head has a slight lip and an undercut to provide space for holding in wires and other thin materials while the fastener is being tightened.

There are many other specialty heads that offer the perfect solution to specific applications. Common fasteners used in residential, commercial and industrial buildings will come in a variety of the above head options. You only need to choose the type that will best suit your application and go from there.

Deck Screws Vs Wood Screws

You could build a deck using wood screws instead of deck screws, but after the first year you will very likely be disappointed in the appearance. And after a few more years the structure itself may deteriorate past the point of being safe.

Why?

Deck screws are made with the conditions of a deck in mind. Treated to resist corrosion, deck screws are often coated in ceramic or painted to match the color of the deck materials. This is so that the surface of the structure will be attractive in any weather, even after years of sun, rain and snow beating down on it.

Wood screws, on the other hand, are formulated for use with wood framing and structures inside your home. Often made from bronze, they are not suited for exterior exposure. Although they will do the job and attach your wood deck boards securely to the framing, those screws will be rusted and unstable within a short period of time.

Besides the color, deck screws and wood screws look the same. Be sure of what you are purchasing from the fastener distributor and opt for deck fasteners that include corrosion resistance and coatings to match the decking.

What About Nails?

Nails are categorized in the same way. They can all be used with wood and many of the sizes and shapes you find on the hardware store shelves will work on a deck. But when those deck fasteners are not treated with rust resistance they simply will not last.

Nail heads are also vastly different. Those used to drive the fastener into wood are often flat with a wide diameter. They will be installed flush with the surface to provide a smooth look on your decking and framing. Decking nails are made to be strong enough and attractive enough for use on these projects. Anything else will likely ruin it.

Be sure that your material list includes the deck fasteners required to get the job done. Along with the tools and know you needed, these items will help you get the job done.

There are three things you need to look for in quality deck screws that will let you know the fasteners are adequate. Material, length and head type are all key characteristics when shopping for these screws.

Which Material Is Best?

Although they cost more initially, you’ll never regret installing stainless steel deck screws in your backyard. Designed to last no matter what nature throws at it, stainless steel is the number one choice for any fasteners used outdoors. They look beautiful and shiny when left unfinished although many of the top manufacturers offer color coated heads to allow for a seamless finish.

General residential applications will do well with 305 (or 18/8) grade stainless steel, whereas marine locations and areas that have a high exposure to salt may need to go with 316 grade stainless.

Which Length Is Needed?

Most deck screws are available in lengths from 2″ to 4″, depending on the size of the screw. While you may find a use for the 2″ length, most deck builders and DIY enthusiasts are best to invest in a large quantity of 3″ long deck screws. These can be used to secure the deck boards down, as well as attach the fascia board, stair treads and railings. A #10 x 4″ screw may be useful in certain circumstances, but by and large the 3″ will do everything that you need.

Which Head is Best?

In order to avoid camming out most professionals use the square or Robertson head screws. Your screwdriver or bit “cams out” when it slips from the screw head, causing damage to the screw and quite possibly your tools. A square headed screw eliminates this problem, as does a torx head. Some manufacturers offer the torx head on their deck screws, but many stick with the traditionally preferred square head.

Your deck will look better when you have chosen deck screws in the right material, the proper length and the most efficient head. Invest in the best and you’re bound to be satisfied.

What Kind of Savings Are We Talking About?

Building materials stores tack an enormous mark up onto their fastener stock. Maybe they bank on the fact that contractors have no choice but to buy fasteners. Or it could be that because of the relative size of these components (often the smallest piece of the puzzle overall), most contractors don’t feel that any significant savings can be achieved by shopping around.

And that is where they are wrong.

Contacting a fastener distributor and buying fasteners wholesale will save big dollars over the course of a season. Consider the amount of fasteners that even a small business goes through. Boxes and boxes of screws, bolts, nails, washers, nuts and countless other custom fasteners are used in every corner of construction projects. If you saved even a few pennies on each of those fasteners the total savings would be enough to warrant a switch.

The good news is that you can save much more than only a few pennies. Price shopping between building supply stores will often result in that penny difference. But ordering your fasteners in bulk through a wholesaler will deliver major cost differences – it is not unusual to see them offer the products to you at 3/4 to 1/2 of the retailer’s price.

What Is the Catch?

First you need to source out a fasteners wholesaler that is reputable and has the items you need in stock on a regular basis. The ability to order online is key. With the schedule that most contractors keep they need to be able to place orders at any time of day from anywhere. Online ordering systems offer that capability.

They also need to have decent credit terms, since you will likely be ordering in larger quantities. Be sure you have a location to stock these boxes of fasteners, even if it’s only in the bed of a pickup. Shipping costs are important as well and need to be factored into the overall cost to realize the true savings.

Once you have found a distributor you can trust, saving money buying fasteners wholesale will be straightforward. You can look forward to being much more competitive while maintaining the same level of quality you always had.

There Are Differences

It may depend on your style of research, but many brick and mortar fastener distributors are sorely lacking in the information available on their websites. When you want facts and figures fast, a brick and mortar shop may be just a phone call away. But what about after hours or before they open? How can you get the data you need right away when the rep is unreachable and their site is unhelpful?

This is where online fastener distributors can shine. With product information and even ordering services on their websites these firms can offer quick, one stop shopping for the busy purchasing managers and contractors out there.

Face to Face For a Change

Yes, there is something to be said for a fastener rep who will visit your office, sell you on the virtues of each line and offer suggestions and solutions to upcoming price increases or supply problems. These relationships are extremely valuable for contractors and management staff alike, but the frequency of those visits can be detrimental when those people need information quick.

This is where the value of a fastener distribution company that does both shines. If they have a rep who can offer that personal service, as well as a website that’s both up to date and easy to navigate, you can have the best of both worlds. Help lines, chat features and toll free numbers are all added attractions to these firms that put customer service high on the priority list.

No matter what type of ordering and information services these companies offer, nothing beats experience in the industry. A fasteners distributor with poorly trained staff and an unproven track record is risky to deal with. Not only will their lack of knowledge make them less helpful to your staff but their pricing and service may also be unreliable.

Get on board with a fasteners distributor you can trust. Years of experience and the type of ordering systems that work for you are key. Local shops or online stores, get the fasteners you need fast with the top distributors.

Brief History of Phillips Head Screws

Phillips head screws have been around since the 1930’s when automobile assembly lines were popping across the country. This set up required a screw that could be tightened with the automated drivers on the line and the Phillips head screws designed by Henry Phillips fit the bill.

Robertson screws had been around for almost three decades and where commonly found on building sites. But with the need for a screw that would fasten tighter and take greater levels of torque, the cross-shaped head developed by Phillips took off after it had been introduced.

Benefits On Today’s Building Sites

Besides being able to provide the tight fit that businesses were looking for in the 30’s, Phillips head screws also provide advantages for standard applications on a building site.

Wood frames, drywall and many other locations where numerous screws are used are a great place to use a Phillips screw. This is because the cross-shaped grooves in the head provide a greater surface area for the screwdriver to contract the fastener, meaning the pressure is distributed better and tightening results in less wear and tear on the screw.

The mating surface (where the driver contacts the screw head to tighten and loosen) is subject to the most wear. When the pressure is on against this surface a stripped screw may be the result. This difficult and potentially costly situation is often avoided by using a Phillips screw. Because this style has a larger mating surface (thanks to the cross-shape and compared to the slot or Robertson style) there will be less pressure on each individual point and so less chance for stripping.

The crossed grooves also hold your driver or bit in tight and cut down on slipping, which can help the installation of these screws to go much faster. Hanging drywall, screwing in floor boards and many other applications on a building site will benefit from the speed and reliability offered by the Phillips head screw.

Distinct Features

Trim head screws are similar to flat head screws in both looks and design. They have a circular head that is intended to finish flush with the surface of the material being fastened. The heads are often formed with nibs to ensure a nicer countersunk finish when the hole was not predrilled.

The difference between trim head screws and flat heads lies in the size of the head. Trim heads are made more like a finishing nail and work very well in that capacity. When you are screwing in a place where the screw head is best hidden, trim head screw with color matched finish will virtually disappear.

The driver recess on the trim head is the same size as the one on a flat head screw of a similar size. It’s only the surface of the head around the recess that is smaller. This allows for less screw to show, much like that finishing nail. And just like the tiny nail, trim head screws are very often used in trim applications, especially on outdoor products.

If you need something even smaller, ask you fastener distributor about sourcing out a trim head line that uses a #1 square head instead of the minimum #2 that is generally used on flat head types.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Less screw can be a good thing or it can be annoying. If you are already a little clumsy at handling fasteners, a trim head screw is only going to give you the slip more often. Because the head is smaller, there is less to grip, although that is normally made up for with a well recessed driver.

Unobtrusive while still allowing for the right amount of strength and stability, trim head screws will continue to be popular with contractors and homeowners alike.