Working with Fasteners requires the utmost care at time, while others times you need to apply brute force. A common Fastener question that workers in many industries ask applies to torque. When tightening Hex Bolts or other Nuts and Bolts, are you better to apply torque to the nut or the bolt head? Is one method more likely to result in breakage? Or are both equally effective? These questions may also apply to Hex Head Cap Screws.
The answer depends on your application and the condition of the materials being fastened.
In many situations you can apply torque to either the nut or the bolt head. Both will result in a tight connection and neither will avoid breakage more often (that occurrence can be avoided through other means). In certain circumstances, however, you will need to torque one and not the other. These situations include:
Holes Are Producing an Interference – If the holes you are bolting through (whether existing or drilled for the purpose) provide an interference, you are better to apply torque to the nut.
Nut and Bolt Head are Different Diameters or Shapes – When the nut or bolt head are different shapes (hex head with a square nut, for instance) or significantly different diameters, you are best to apply torque to the side with the smaller bearing face. This also applies when the hole diameters are different. It is generally recommended that you apply torque to the component opposite the smaller hole.
When Clamping Two Different Materials Together – It is always better to apply torque on the component that is against the material with a lower frictional coefficient. If you are clamping together different materials and you know which one will produce less friction, it is best to torque that side.
Long Bolts Are Being Used – When torque is applied to the head of a very long bolt, you may see the effects of torsional wind-up. Applying torque to the nut in this situation will help to avoid that issue.
There will be many instances where you can apply torque to either the nut or the bolt head. But if one of the above situations applies, remember to follow the guidelines for a better fit and more durable installation.
Building Fasteners come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, materials and designs such as Hex Bolts, Hex Head Cap Screws and other Nuts and Bolts. All of these specifications are offered for a specific purpose – whether it is longevity, strength, adaptability or a myriad of others. The different head styles available for screws and bolts will suit different circumstances. Understanding which applications match which head style is essential.
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.
Maybe you’re interested in building a deck this season and are hoping to tackle the job yourself. DIY projects can save you big money. But in order to be sure your deck will stand the test of time, it’s essential that homeowners educate themselves on the basics of deck construction as well as the details about the best materials to use. Deck fasteners are much different than common fasteners such as Hex Bolts or other common Nuts and Bolts and handymen, handywomen and Contractors should know why these specialty materials need to be used.
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.
Besides the common deck screws, every contractor and do it your selfer will need certain uncommon deck fasteners to build a deck. From the posts to the railing, fasteners are what hold the structure together. And without these essential items your project will be unsafe and unattractive.
Wood Lag Bolts
Although some contractors use carriage bolts to attach beams to the posts on a deck frame, many opt for the simpler wood lag bolt. These deck fasteners are actually more like a screw, since they have a pointed tip and do not necessarily need a nut. You’ll still need a washer sandwiched between the hex head and the wood in order to distribute the load properly.
Joist Hangers
These brackets are generally made from zinc plated steel and are used to attach the joists in your deck framing. They work to distribute the weight of the wood and are a much safer, secure way to put together the perpendicular pieces of lumber that form deck framing. Often the lumber is simply nailed into a joist hanger, although in some cases screws may be used. All the joist hangers are covered by the deck board and can only be viewed from underneath once the deck is completed.
Spacers
When ACQ lumber is used to construct a deck and aluminum railing is installed on the same deck, certain levels of protection need to be applied. Due to the chemicals used in ACQ wood treatment it cannot have direct contact with aluminum. If it does, the aluminum will not last long. Spacers need to be installed between the two materials in order to allow both the longevity they are known for.
Most aluminum railing packages will include these elements, but ask at the local building supply store if you cannot find them or contact a fastener distributor to see what they would recommend. This can be a problem when wood posts are used in conjunction with aluminum railing or aluminum railing posts are bolted onto the surface of a pressure treated wood deck.
Be sure that you are fully stocked up on all of the deck fasteners required to construct your project. From deck screws to wood lag bolts, joist hangers and aluminum railing spacers, there are many different common and uncommon fasteners used during construction.
The type of fasteners that you use on a project such as Deck Screws, Hex Bolts or other Nuts and Bolts go a long way towards achieving the level of quality you desire. This is especially true when your project is something outdoors – like a deck. You can invest in the nicest deck boards and design the structure with amazing features, but if you use low end deck screws the entire project will be compromised. The overall appearance will not be what you expected and the whole thing won’t last as long.
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.
Contractors of various sizes are kick starting their season with many different projects requiring a huge assortment of materials. Besides watching the labor hours and tallying overhead, these contractors are also constantly on the lookout for ways to save money. Keeping your costs low is often the only way to compete in the fierce construction industry and buying your fasteners such as Decking Screws, Hex Bolts, Hex Head Cap Screws wholesale is a smart and easy way to achieve just that.
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.
Do you require fasteners such as Nuts and Bolts, Hex Bolts or Tek Screws that will keep two parts together while still allowing for movement or rotation? This is often the case with machinery, bicycles and automobiles. And the fasteners designed to fulfill this unique role are called shoulder screws.
Definition and Description
Shoulder screws are oddly shaped and made for a specific purpose. They have a head much like any other screw, often round but possibly hex or even square shaped. They also have a threaded portion that is often mated with a nut to secure the fastener in place.
The main characteristic of shoulder screws that make them different is the smooth portion of the shaft. Often longer than the threaded portion, this smooth cylinder shape is what allows for movement and rotation. When the screw is held in place with the nut the system works well to hold an item in place while still allowing it to be spun around the smooth portion of the screw.
Wheel axles are designed almost like a shoulder screw. Many different areas of your vehicles, as well as those on bicycles and other equipment that moves, are only operational because of shoulder screws.
They do not generally have a pointed tip, which means that predrilling is necessary. Mated nuts will also need to be used and often washers are a good idea as well, depending on how much pressure the fasteners will be under.
Various Applications
Sometimes called shoulder bolts, these fasteners are also available in square shapes. This type of shoulder screw actually performs the opposite task as their round cousins – when a square hole is drilled and the pieces are fit with a square shoulder screw, the assembly will be locked and unable to move.
Commonly seen in wooden play structures and swing sets, square shoulder bolts are used most often with wood. Special drill bits are needed and forming the square hole is not an easy task. But if there is a need for it, square shoulder screws will work wonders by locking two pieces of wood together.
Available in many different lengths and in both round and square shapes, shoulder screws are specialty fasteners that serve a very unique purpose and do so dependably.
Hanging drywall is an essential task in new home construction and during renovations. Besides the different types of drywall used in various applications and rooms, there are a variety of drywall fasteners that contractors and DIYers will need to stock up on for a smooth and successful project. Other Fasteners that people may need for various projects are Hex Bolts, Hex Head Cap Screws and other nuts and bolts.
Hanging the Drywall on Wood Framing
The type of framing used on the walls will determine the type of drywall screws used. With wood framing, which tends to be solid and therefore harder to drive into, you will need to use screws with a coarse thread and an acute point. All drywall screws will self-pilot or self-tap, meaning they are made to drive themselves into the material easily.
The head of a drywall screw is bugle-shaped to allow for gentle contact with the drywall paper. Since the screws are installed slightly recessed into the board, these fasteners need to be able to get there without tearing the paper to shreds.
Be careful that you do not torque a drywall screw too much, as the material is often brittle and the head can snap off easily. This will leave you with a problem that requires a lot of mud and patience to fix.
Hanging the Drywall of Steel Framing
Many homes are now framed with steel studs, which are in fact steel channels specially designed to support the wall structure. The steel is light gauge and screws with an acute point should still be used. Often those with a finer thread work best, as they will quickly tap into the steel with very little effort and less chance of breakage.
Drywall screws for both wood and steel framing are often coated with phosphate for corrosion protection. In bathrooms, kitchens and other areas where moisture may be a problem it’s a good idea to opt for stainless steel.
Adhesive Is an Option
In certain cases drywall can be hung using adhesive. Be sure that the product is formulated for use with drywall and applied according to the directions. Look for products with a lower environmental impact to ensure your home is healthy and friendly to the planet.
Drywall screws are the most common fasteners used in installation, although drywall adhesive has its place. The process of installation is straightforward and an ideal project for the DIY enthusiast. You may want to leave the mudding to a professional though.
Tiny things like fasteners can make a major difference to design and construction projects. The right fasteners such as Deck Screws, Deck Board Fasteners and Deck Nails will fit right in and do their job properly, creating a solid finish that’s both attractive and highly functional. Professional deck contractors know that flat head screws are the only way to go when installing deck board and many other components of the deck structure.
Why Flat Head Screws?
To provide a smooth surface for the most comfortable walking conditions and the best appearance, flat head screws are a must. They are countersunk into the deck board to provide that flush surface that’s so desired. Whether your deck is built from cedar, treated lumber or composite products, a flat head will create the finish you want.
Typically a deck screw is 2 1/2″ and that length is measured from the top of the head (which would be flush with the surface) to the tip of the screw. This is plenty long enough to secure the 1 to 2” deck boards that people are using today. Flat screws are generally available in Phillips, square or torx heads as well, so you can take your pick and grab a bit to get started on the installation.
Are They Necessary On the Framing?
Although round head wood screws are available, most people do not use them anywhere on a deck. You might use oval countersunk screws on the framing, railing and stairs although they do leave a slight mound. Only flat head countersunk screws are used on the deck board.
Other fasteners used in the framing include lag bolts and carriage bolts – both with the typical bolt heads (either round or hex). Because the framing is hidden for the most part the head of your fasteners is not as important, although for consistency and convenience the same type of driving method is often used. Whether you prefer a square or a torx head, keeping your bit in the power driver is much quicker than switching it out for each fastener.
In order to provide the smoothest, most attractive finish on your decking flat head screws are the only choice. Order them in stainless steel to provide a lifelong strength and resistant to corrosion as well. Then sit back and enjoy your beautiful outdoor living space.
It may seem like the global village is a good thing for your business. Maybe you can cut costs by outsourcing or bringing in supplies from overseas. But is this actually helpful in every aspect of your business? For contractors and manufacturing firms looking to source out fasteners such as Nuts and Bolts, Hex Bolts and Hex Head Cap Screws there may be more in the mix than lower costs. The service, speed and attention that a local fasteners distributor can offer might far outweigh any savings you will garner from purchasing these elements abroad.
Excellent Service
A local fasteners distributor has a leg up on the distributor from a foreign location. Not only do local firms know your working conditions, they are also familiar with the business climate and all of the ins and outs of running a company in your neck of the woods.
Are there certain state or provincial tax implications that are applicable to your business or project? Dealing with a local will eliminate the need to explain those in detail or waste time filling out paperwork to set up the business transactions properly.
Does your building or electrical code specify a particular fastener material or design due to climate or other issues? The fastener distributor that is established in your neighborhood will be familiar with those codes and will even help you to comply better with advice and suggestions.
Speed is of the Essence
A major factor to deal with when buying from a foreign distributor is the speed of delivery. Getting the fasteners you need from an overseas firm will take time. And even if you find those items for a cheaper price, getting them shipped to your location will take time and money. Are you willing (and able) to wait?
Not only will the speed of delivery make a difference, but the rapid service in terms of quoting and putting through orders will also be a plus. A local distributor will have similar hours of operation (being in the same time zones has its privileges) and when telephone service just won’t do, visiting local firms is possible.
Personal service by a local rep is likely to be more dependable from a nearby company or even one that is in your state (as opposed to those in another country). And that kind of service is what will help make your project smooth and successful.