10 Quick Tips and Tricks for Using Fasteners

As a fastener business we often get some hard questions about fasteners. Sometimes though, we get questions that seem obvious to us because we have been in the industry for so long. Its hard to tell when something is common knowledge or simply something we know because we work in the industry. To remedy this, we sat down and decided to make 10 quick tips for using fasteners that outline some of the basics of fasteners we think everyone should know.

1. Don’t Use 18-8 Stainless Steel In or Near A Salt Water Environment

Salt water is great at causing rust and reducing the life of fasteners. To remedy this, we recommend using stainless steel but the correct grade of stainless steel needs to be used. We recommend using only a 316 grade stainless steel within twenty miles of the salt water environment. Otherwise the risk of oxidization (rust), even in other grades of stainless steel, are greatly increased.

2. Always Mate Hot Dip Galvanized Fasteners With Other Hot Dip Galvanized Fasteners

Hot Dip Galvanized fasteners are coated in a thick zinc protective, called hot dip galvanization, to make them less susceptible to oxidization. This thick coating creates a layer on the threading that will not match other materials that do not have this coating. Fasteners that get hot dip galvanized and have different spacing in preparation for this change in thickness. As such, they should only be used together to avoid any compatibility issues. Pro Tip: When installing fasteners it is recommended that you always try to use the same grade and material. Mixing can lead to uneven or poor results depending on the materials.

3. Always Use Fastener Lubricant on Stainless Steel Fasteners

Stainless Steel Fasteners have an invisible coating on them which makes them less likely to oxidize. The trade-off is that this coating can also cause friction between the fasteners (nut and bolt) during the installation. As this heating up occurs, the threads jam and can actually weld to each other. This is a process known as galling or cold welding. To mitigate such risks, simply apply a small amount of fastener lubricant, such as MRO 2400 Marine Grade Anti-seize, to the fasteners before installation. Not only will it deter galling but it can also help to extend the life of your fastener.

4. Always Use The Right Size Screwdriver

A Phillips head is a Phillips head, right? Wrong. Phillips head screwdrivers can also come in different sizes. These sizes may not seem to make a huge difference to you, but to the fastener the difference between a properly seated drive and one that is loose could mean a stripped head. Always make sure the driver sits fully seated into the drive recess, if there is play room between the drive and the recess, you need to find the appropriate sized drive or risk of stripping is greatly increased.

5. Never Use Stainless Steel and Aluminum Together

Stainless Steel and Aluminum are metals that have very specific cases where they can be used together. If they are used together improperly, there will be a transfer of electrons between them which can compromise the integrity of the materials leading to what is called galvanic corrosion. The easiest way to avoid galvanic corrosion is simply to use materials that match.

6. Always Pre-Drill Hardwood Before Installing Screws

There are times with softer wood where you can get away with not pre-drilling holes (although we do not recommend it). You should ALWAYS pre-drill hardwood. Hardwood is much more likely to crack or split when a screw is installed. This can ruin the finish of many products and weaken the integrity of others. Always, always, always pre-drill to ensure you do not ruin your work.

7. Stainless Steel Is A Soft Metal

This is a question we get constantly. Stainless steel is considered to be a soft metal. There are versions that can become hard metals by heating them up to change stainless steel’s properties. This process is normally called heat treatment.

8. Do Not Mix Fine and Coarse Thread Fasteners

Both fine and coarse thread fasteners have different benefits and should be used accordingly. However, it often seems that people attempt to mix them whether its by not knowing they are different or not understanding the measurements. You cannot mix threading. It will ultimately ruin the threading and result in damaged and unusable threads or a jammed fastener assembly. We recommend utilizing our Fasteners 101 section before purchasing to ensure our customers have a solid grasp on the concepts to help them purchase the fasteners they need.

9. Don’t Over-Tighten Fasteners

Fasteners have a max recommended torque for installations. To achieve this we recommend a torque wrench when installing fasteners. You can set the wrench torque so that it will slip after that force is reached. Over-tightening fasteners can actually damage the threads and compromise the integrity of the bolt.

10. You’re Not Invincible, Wear Safety Gear

We constantly and consistently see people work with fasteners without using the appropriate safety gear. This is our most important tip for you. No one is invincible. Many of the injuries can be avoided by simply wearing the appropriate gear. You will find the safety glasses much less annoying when it is preventing metal shavings from flying into your eyes. This gear exists to protect us from harm so we can build truly amazing things. Use it to keep yourself building.

There you go those are our top 10 quick tips and tricks for using fasteners. If you need more information or have questions we did not answer. Please do not hesitate to call at 866-573-0445.

Top 10 Quick Tips & Tricks For Using Fasteners

Top 10 Tips & Tricks Transcript

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Bob: Welcome back to Albany County Fasteners – Fasteners 101. I’m Bob and today I wanted to give you the do’s and don’ts of fasteners. So let’s get started.

My first tip is never use 18-8 stainless steel in a coastal environment where you have salt water. You must be (at least) 20 miles away to use standard 18-8 stainless. Only use 316 stainless in a coastal environment.

My next tip is: Only use hot dipped galvanized fasteners with other mating hot dip galvanized fasteners. In other words, use a carriage bolt that’s hot dip galvanized with a nut that is hot dip galvanized. Never mix them with other finishes like zinc or plain.

When using a nylon lock nut, always use a fastener lube never use a motor oil, wd-40 or soap. These things will negatively impact the fastener over time.

My number four tip: Use the correct driver for the screw that you’re installing. A lot of people use the wrong drivers.

Never use stainless steel with aluminum. It creates a galvanic reaction between the two metals. You’ll start to see rusting and pitting between the two materials. Always use a neoprene washer between them. So this way you don’t run into that problem.

Always pre-drill hard wood. That’s a must whenever you’re installing a fastener. Specifically a wood screw, a deck screw, a sheet metal screw into wood it’s very important. Otherwise, in hard wood, you risk the situation of cracking or chipping of the wood.

Tip number seven which is really a question “is stainless steel a hard metal or a soft metal”? The answer is: it’s a soft metal. So it’s not always good to use in a structural application.

My tip number eight: Never use coarse fasteners with fine thread fasteners or OEM. Don’t use coarse with OEM or fine with OEM. Typically they will not work together.

Tip number nine: Do not over-tighten fasteners. By over-tightening, you can damage the threads and the integrity of the bolt.

Do you think you’re invincible? Always use protection! Glasses, hand gear, body (gear) depending on what you’re cutting. Always use a guard on the saw. Never remove them.

Top 12 Tools Everyone Should Own

It’s a common question in our industry. “What are the top tools everyone should own?” We sat down with one of our fastener experts (who has years of construction experience) to ask him what his top 10 tools were. Unfortunately, he couldn’t get decide on only ten tools, but he was finally able to decide on his top 12 tools everyone should own.

12. Channel Locks

Our fastener expert chose channel lock pliers as one of his top twelve tools. These pliers are an adjustable set of pliers used for pinching and grabbing. They can be used on many applications are provide one tool to get multiple jobs accomplished.

11. Circular Saw

Circular saws are one of the more versatile saws available. Due to its convenient size and multiple uses, this saw made our fastener expert’s list. Many saws are great at what they do but they are often cumbersome and can only perform one type of cut. Circular saws make our fastener experts list for their portable and versatile functionality.

10. Ratchet Set

Ratchet Set (imperial and metric) – Ratchet sets are excellent tools for quickly installing bolts and nuts. In fact, it beats the wrench for us due to its ease and efficiency. Bob told us that when installing multiple bolts quickly a ratchet set is the way to go. We cheated a little here because Bob told us to make sure we had both an imperial and a metric set.

9. Center Punch

A center punch creates an indent in a material by using a sharp point and “punching” it. Too often you will try to drill into metal and find that the bit will not have anything to center on. This can cause frustration for the user and damage the material’s finish. To counteract this, using a punch will give the bit something to center on which reduces the chance of it walking during the drilling process.

8. Drill Bit Set

Bob recommends a size range of drill bits. A drill bit set, rated for the material you run into most, with secondary options for other materials is a good choice (although its likely you will need a wood and a metal set). Without drill bits, there would be no holes for your screws and bolts to secure materials together and build something amazing. As a tip, Bob also recommends cleaning off your bits after use and properly storing them to extend their life.

7. Cordless Drill

A cordless drill is a must have these days. Before installing most screws, a hole should be drilled. Before installing bolts, a hole needs to be drilled. Once, your hole is drilled, the screw needs to be driven. Most cordless drills also offer attachments for driver bits. This means you can drill and drive all from one tool for maximum efficiency.

6. Level

What good is hanging a new picture or putting up a new shelf if they look bad? A level is the tool used to make sure what you have, or install is perfectly well, level. Picture frames will look out-of-place if they are not level. A pool table will skew the results of a shot. You may even find things falling off your shelves! Whatever project you’re working on, make sure its level WITH your level.

5. Hammer

The Hammer, a brute tool that can take a surprising amount of accuracy and care to use (unless you enjoy smacking you fingers). A hammer with claw is probably the most common type of hammer and it is used to both drive and remove nails.

4. Tape Measure

This one is simple; the tape measure is used in all measuring applications. From determining the size of a room, to finding screw length. A tape measure is a must have for anyone in the professional industry or the DIY-er who wants to get into their own projects.

3. Screwdrivers (Phillips and Slotted)

Again, we know we are cheating a little here but when it comes to screwdrivers, you’d better have both. Screwdrivers are used virtually everywhere from furniture to your car. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find a device that doesn’t have at least one screw in it. Although Torx and square drive screws are becoming more popular, the overwhelming number of devices today have either a Phillips or a slotted drive. While we recommend having each kind, you can get away with a quality set like this: Vega 53 piece insert bit and driver set.

2. Vice Grips

Our fastener expert’s number two tool was his pair of vice-grips. Vice grips are a tool that can be utilized in many applications as well. They work by adjusting the clasping claws on the head of the grips. Once adjusted, attach to the fastener in question and squeeze. The device will lock in place creating a secure hold on the fastener. This allows for a much better grip than many tools will offer if the primary gripping point is damaged. For example, when a bolt begins to strip, a pair of vice grips can be sized and get a better grip on the bolt than a wrench making it removable (just make sure to get a new bolt!).

1. Step Stool

Bob’s top tool was a stepladder which took everyone by surprise. Step Stools are essentially just short ladders. Bob explained to us how often he would be doing an installation and needed to reach as far as he could to attempt to drill or place a screw above his head. Utilizing a step stool will not only make the job significantly less tiring by removing much of the strain on your shoulders, it also allows you to place the proper pressure on a drill/driver to ensure for proper installation.

Now that you know the Top 12 Tools everyone should own, it’s time to go start working on your own projects!

Top 12 Best Tools Everyone Needs On The Job

Top 12 Tools Transcript

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Bob: So I had my top 12 list of tools here and I just want to go over and show you what I have, that I’m constantly using anytime I’m doing my projects.

25 Foot tape measure – Must have.

My number one tool though is this step stool. Used in many applications you got to have that.

Vise-grips – Must-have in your tool chest.

Adjustable wrench – great for plumbing projects.

Must have. A hammer. Probably 90% of the projects that you’ll do around your house, you’re gonna need a hammer.

Screwdrivers – flathead and a Phillips head – those are two most important.

I have a ratchet set – good to have a ratchet set that fits Imperial and metric.

A punch – This is self engaging punch. Spring activated, must-have tool and to go with that, a full set of drill bits for metal or for wood.

Cordless drill. Used in 90% of the projects that I do.

Level – Gotta have a level. Most important tool around. You always have to install things that need a level: pictures, bookcases, desks. Always need a level.

And of course my last one which is my circular saw. Used all the time.

Thanks for watching!

What Does Anti-Seize Do?

Why Should You Lubricate Your Fasteners?

Fasteners are amazing holding tools used to secure materials together. They do (just like anything else) have limitations that can affect their performance. This is why you should lubricate fasteners.

The Installation Process

Fasteners in certain materials, a good example being stainless steel, have an oxide or coating covering the fastener. When you begin tightening the nut to a bolt, pressure builds along the threads. If not seated properly, tightened too quickly or even if the threads are just not perfect, there is a chance that this added pressure will shear the threads and cause imperfections. The result is that both the bolt and nut will be stuck together. In extreme cases, the metals can actually fuse together which is know as cold welding. Both of these symptoms fall under the category of thread galling.

The (MRO) Solution

Anti Seize used to Lubricate Fasteners

So now we know what can happen if we don’t lubricate fasteners but what do we do now? Find a great lubricant! MRO Anti-seize solutions offer a great way to limit these effects. Anti-seize is simply a specially designed lubricant that minimizes friction on fasteners which in turn will help prevent the building pressure from shearing the threads. It can also make normal installations of any material much smoother. Anti-seize solutions can also provide a very light coating of protection until it has worn off. This can help maximize the life of your fasteners.

Screws vs Nails – What’s the Difference?

Screws vs Nails

It’s one of the more common questions asked in our industry. Which applications should use screws and which should use nails? While there is no easy answer as we will soon learn, The basic theory is simple. Screws for holding power and nails for shear strength. But just what does that mean? How do we know when that kind of force will be present? To answer these questions, we sat down with our fastener expert to discuss screws vs nails.

The Basic Theory

Screws

Screws are fasteners with a drive located in the head and threading that protrudes down the length of the shank. Screws (most of the time) require a pre-drilled hole and can often cut their own threads into materials they are rated for. For the sake of argument, we are going to be discussing a deck screw for this example. Deck screws are exceptionally engineered to hold two boards of wood together tightly and efficiently.

Nails

Nails are fasteners with a flat head, smooth shank and sharp point. Nails are driven by a hammer into materials to hold them together. They can be installed faster and are cheaper than screws. In this case (and to explain the theory), we will be using a smooth shank screw as our example.

Comparison

So when comparing nails vs screws we need to consider a few factors. Grip strength and shear strength being the two most important. To view these forces we’ve created some simple diagram. Assume that the arrows are the forces acting upon the two boards in the pictures shown.

Grip strength, in this instance, will refer to a fasteners ability to hold in wood. When a screw is driven its threads dig into the material around it. This makes screws more difficult to remove as they need to be spun out of the wood. So as an example, lets take a tray with a wood board screwed onto the bottom. This board is going to be able to hold quite a bit of weight without the screws falling out. Conversely, if nails were used they would not be able to hold the same amount of weight without starting to loosen.

Shear Pressure — Force being applied on the sides of the two boards.

Now lets look at shear strength. Shear strength is the amount of force a fastener can handle from the sides. A nail, has more elasticity than a screw. This means as forces are pushed against the sides of a nail, the nail can bend slightly to accommodate these pressures. A screw conversely has very little shear strength. Screws that are bent will almost always snap when trying to be straightened.

So which is better a screw or a nail?

The answer is: It Depends. In many applications where force is placed vertically along the installation, a screw is a better choice, but in situations where the force is placed adjacent to the installation a nail is a better choice.

Now a real life scenario where we see this happen all the time is in decking. The forces wind creates on the bottom of a deck (especially in hurricanes) can be catastrophic. As a result, when you install hurricane ties, you want to use nails to install them as the forces that act upon them will shear screws straight off. But these same forces that come up from underneath a deck will push on the bottom of the boards you walk across and since that pressure is pushing directly against the fasteners head, you will want better grip strength making screws the appropriate choice.

As with all fasteners, each has its own unique positive and negatives and must be chosen accordingly. There are also outliers to this rule. Ring shank nails are one of the many varieties of nail available that can provide better retention add some very strong adhesive to that and it’s even less likely to come out. In theory though, the answer is simple. Need grip strength? Use a screw. Need shear strength? Use a nail.

Correct pressure to use a screw for The correct pressure to use a nail for

What is Torque Control?

Torque Control and Related Terms

Torque is the force applied to something to make it spin (rotate) in machinery. Torque in relation to fasteners is the resistance faced when installing a fastener. Torque control then is simply controlling the amount of torque placed on a fastener without damaging it by over-tightening.

Prevailing Torque	Measure of a screw or nuts frictional resistance to rotation.
Prevailing “Off” Torque	Highest back-off torque on a torque wrench on the first rotation of a screw or nut upon removal.
Installation Torque	The initial torque amount used to install a fastener before Pre-load.
Breakaway Torque	The minimum torque required to start rotation into a nut (in the case of a bolt) or into a pre-tapped hole (in case of a screw).
Breakloose Torque	Minimal torque required to begin the disassembly of a fastener assembly.
Seating Torque	The torque required to produce pressure onto the installation material causing compression by the fastener.

Torque Wrenches are one of the easiest ways to ensure proper torque is met. Simply set the wrench’s torque and then when the maximum is reached the clutch will slip. This slip means the wrench stops putting any more torque on the fastener and it has reached its optimal torque.