Fasteners: The unsung heroes of industry
In any heavy industrial operation, whether in construction, energy or manufacturing, fasteners are critical, even though they are often overlooked. Bolts, screws, nuts and washers are small, but they play an enormous role in holding everything together. Without them, machines, structures and systems would not work as they should.
In industries such as construction, energy and manufacturing, the right choice of fasteners can prevent failures, downtime and safety problems. When fasteners fail, it can lead to costly repairs, delays and even safety risks. Yet when they are chosen correctly, they help keep operations safe and efficient over the long term.
The hidden cost of the wrong fasteners
It may seem like a small issue, but choosing the wrong fasteners can lead to major problems. The wrong materials, strength classes or surface treatments can cause failure under load or in extreme conditions. This can mean machine failure, expensive repairs and delays. Even something as simple as a bolt can cause a system failure if it is not the right one for the job.
The wrong choice of fasteners can lead to:
- Underperformance or failure due to the wrong material choice or insufficient strength.
- Corrosion or wear when fasteners are exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
- Loosening in high-vibration applications if proper locking has not been taken into account.
How to choose the right fasteners
Choosing fasteners is not just about price or convenience. It is a critical decision that affects the safety, durability and reliability of your equipment. Here is what you should consider:
- Type: In fasteners, one follows DIN and ISO standards. These are standardised norms that refer to the dimensions of the respective fastener. For example: DIN 933 / ISO 4017 refers to a fully threaded hex bolt, while DIN 931 / ISO 4014 refers to a partially threaded hex bolt.
- Material: Choose a material that withstands the environment it will be used in. For example, stainless steel for high corrosion resistance or high-strength steel for heavy-duty work.
- Strength class: Strength classes indicate how much load a fastener must withstand. There are two standards that one mainly refers to here, namely ISO 898 (for carbon steel: 8.8, 10.9, etc.) and ISO 3506 (for stainless steel: A4-80, A4-70, etc.). Example of use: for medium loads, fasteners in strength class 8.8 are used; for highly loaded applications, 10.9 or 12.9 is chosen.
- Surface treatment and corrosion resistance: In demanding environments it can be useful to treat fasteners with a surface treatment, such as XYLAN or hot-dip galvanising, to prevent rust.
- Size and thread types: Make sure the size and the threads are right for the job. Fine threads are best suited to vibration-prone environments, while coarse threads are easier to install. In addition, a distinction is made between metric and imperial (inches).
Checklist for choosing fasteners
- Type: Is it the right type of product for your application? Hex, cylinder head or countersunk.
- Material: Is it right for the environment? Stainless steel for corrosion, high-strength steel for heavy-duty work.
- Strength class: Does it match the load you need? 8.8, 10.9 or 12.9, or A4-80 or A4-70
- Surface treatment: Does the fastener need to be protected against rust or wear?
- Size and thread: Have you chosen the right size and thread for the job?
Get in touch now:
Fasteners are more than just small parts – they are critical to the operation of your business. If you are unsure which type of fastener suits your needs, send us your specifications. We will help you find the best solution for your project.