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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 such as Nuts and Bolts, Hex Bolts or Hex Head Cap Screws. But is this actually helpful in every aspect of your business? For Contractors and manufacturing firms looking to source out fasteners 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.

Simple decks are an ideal DIY project, while the more complicated multi-layered designs are best left to the Contractors and pros. No matter who builds them and how they are designed, all of these backyard features are put together with common deck fasteners like Deck Screws and Nuts and Bolts.

Nails, screws, bolts and lags – decks run the gamut of different fasteners. Each area is held together with a certain type.

Footings and Framing

Depending on how the foundation of your deck is installed, there may be post saddles or pins used on the footings. In other situations a wooden post is bolted into a floating pier or post spike.

Bolts and lags are used in the framing. Often the ledger board is bolted into the house and the beams are lagged into those wooden posts. Different contractors use different deck fasteners depending on their personal preferences and the applicable building codes.

Deck Boards

Most often deck boards are attached using deck screws. This provides a better finish on the decking and with the right tools, is installed just as quickly as nails are.

Deck screws offer a better finish when they are epoxy or ceramic coated. This type of fastener allows for color matching and a smoother, better looking finish. If nails are used the surface will be marred by silver/grey marks and it will be much more difficult to remove damaged deck boards. These coatings also offer better corrosion resistance.

Railing and Stairs

Nails can be used in the stairs and on railing components, although this is still a common place for screws. Since deck boards are often used for the stairs, the same deck screws that were used on the deck surface are seen. Nails often fasten the stringers to the framing.

Railing pickets are screwed in, although much shorter screws are used. When tempered glass is used the framings may be nailed, but with aluminum pickets and component products, everything is fit together with screws.

All deck fasteners need to be corrosion resistant, whether that is through a plating or coating or due to the material itself. Stainless steel fasteners are ideal for outdoor projects like a deck and well worth the extra expense. For a dependable, long lasting finish choose deck fasteners with the highest levels of strength.

We’ve covered the benefits of buying from a national or local fasteners distributor as opposed to an overseas company. The lower levels of service and slower delivery speeds may negate lower prices across the Atlantic or Pacific on items such as Fasteners, Nuts and Bolts, Hex Bolts or Hex Head Cap Screws. But what about the difference between a brick and mortar local distributor and an online company? Is there an obvious advantage for your firm? And what can you gain from a firm ready with both options?

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.

Tiny things like Fasteners can make a major difference to design and construction projects. The right Fasteners 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 Decking Fasteners like 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.

There is a wide variety of hardware needed for deck construction. From joist hangers to carriage bolts, lags, Deck Nails and Decking Screws, standard Fasteners make up around 2 to 5 percent of the overall material cost on the average deck. If you choose to go with hassle free 18-8 stainless steel hardware that percentage will increase. It’s important to choose your deck screws wisely since this is the hardware you will see every time you walk out onto the deck surface.

Stats for the Typical Deck Screw

Most often a deck screw will be 2 1/2″ long and either a #7, #8 or #10 in size. Every so often you’ll find the need for a #12 screw. And thinner deck board will require 1 5/8” lengths.

Screws for use on decks, fences and other outdoor structures are most often driven with a square (or Robertson) head, a Phillips head or a Torx head. Each of these has advantages over the other with regards to commonly used tools, less wear or stripping and speed of installation.

Materials and Coatings for Decking Screws

The material you choose for your deck screws needs to be compatible with the material of your deck board. For instance, composite decking needs to be installed using composite deck screws – a good choice both for strength and looks. Wood decking, on the other hand, is best installed using stainless steel composite or hardware that has been tested for use with ACQ, the common chemical treatment for softwood lumber.

Composite deck screws can also be stainless steel, but are available in colors designed to compliment and match the colored deck boards, trim and railing components. Ceramic coated screws can be used with both pressure treated lumber and composite decking. A more widely seen option is epoxy coated deck screws. These are available in a wide variety of colors and the resin coating will not chip off as easily during installation (as can be the case with ceramic).

When building with ACQ treated lumber, always be sure that the fastener material is compatible with that chemical concoction. Check with the fastener manufacturer or read through the MSDS for ACQ or the screws themselves to find out which materials to avoid and which are safe.

Unless you opt for an invisible fastener system, the surface of your deck will be dotted with screws. Be sure to take the time and choose the best possible deck screws for your application. The final product will be worth it.

There are various types of building fasteners available on the market today such as Hex Bolts, Hex Head Cap Screws as well as many Nuts and Bolts . Besides different materials, there are also Robertson, slot and Phillips head screws that each offer benefits and advantages in certain applications.

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.

Contractors and manufacturers alike are constantly on the lookout for ways to save money. They want materials/Fasteners that are affordable, labor that is a good value and equipment that runs efficiently. But when it comes down to fasteners, things can get a little confusing. Is it a smart move to buy cheap fasteners such as Hex Bolts or Hex Head Cap Screws as a way to save money?

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.

Washers are a common and integral part of any fastener combination. Fasteners like galvanized washers provide even more protection and strength by adding the process of galvanization, which protects against corrosion. But washers themselves serve a higher purpose and a fastener would not be the same without them. Other common Fasteners are Hex Bolts and Nuts and Bolts in general which are used by do-it-yourself handy persons and Contractors.

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.

In most parts of the continent building decks is seasonal work. When the jobs are out there and the weather’s cooperating you need to be able to source the materials and get on site asap. Besides the lumber and equipment, quality deck fasteners are the most essential element in professionally built decks. When the pressure of your schedule is on, you’ll need to know how to order deck fasteners fast. There are a variety of fasteners available to use in the building of a deck such as Torx Deck Screws and Stainless Screws just to name a couple.

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.

Nuts and bolts are not just a snack mix – this combination is used all over, from engines to building structures, precision machines and even toys. The challenge that engineers have in designing these items is to… well, make sure they stay together, forever. What’s the use in an engine that loses an essential part due to bolt failure? And who wants to be in a building designed with the wrong combination of nuts and bolts? Luckily today’s Technology helps with the production of Fasteners, Nuts and Bolts like Hex Bolts.

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.