Square Drive Screws

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Expert

The square drive recess was the first recess-type drive developed for large scale screw production. Today, a century later, square drive screws and the driver bits are now widely available, economical and offer many advantages over other drive systems:

 

For higher torque applications:

The geometry of the square drive allows for the delivery of greater torque to the screw head by providing an improved contact area with the surface of a properly inserted driver bit. Consequently, the driver bit resists cam out. For this reason, the square drive is often preferred for applications where greater torque is required (eg. woodworking). Furthermore since the driver bit sits better in the square recess, there is also less slippage and reduced marring of the surface of the material into which the screw is being inserted.

 

For greater ease of use:

Since it is a square recess, there are four possible positions to insert the driver making it effectively self-aligning. Also because of the shape and depth of the recess, the screw remains on the driver bit making it ideal for use in tight spaces and for single hand insertion. For more information and technical specifications of the square drive recess (Robertson drive) click here

 

 Over 30 complete lines of fasteners with square drives:

Aspen Fasteners offers many complete lines of screws (over 2000 parts) with square drives from stock in steel and stainless steel including:

  Deck Screws
square drive deck screw

Drywall Screws
square drive drywall screw

Machine Screws
square drive machine screws

Self-Drilling Screws
sqaure drive self drilling screws

Self-Tapping Screws
square drive self tapping screws


Thread Cutting Screws
square drive thread cutting screws

Wood Screws
square drive wood screws

24 hour delivery door-to-door service with UPS

Aspen Fasteners stocks full lines of square drive screws available for same day shipping from distribution centers across the USA. And remember, it’s always free shipping. Expedited next day delivery is also available for those rush requirements.

If you don’t see what you are looking for, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you find what you need.

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Wood Screws

Posted on July 6, 2011 by Expert

Example of a wood screw

Our featured product for this month is the wood screw – an economical and commonly available screw used to join two pieces of wood together or thin non-wood products to wood (eg hardware, hinges etc).

Thread and Point:

Specialized thread profile with sharp, coarse, and widely spaced threads designed to minimize the effort needed to drive the screw into wood while maximizing the withdrawal load.

Wood screws have a gimlet point – a threaded, sharp cone point ideally suited for easy penetration into wood.  For very hard woods, specialized points are available, like the type 17 point, which improves displacement of the material into which it is being driven, consequently reducing the force needed to insert the screw.

Example of a wood screw with type 17 point

Type 17 point

Head Types:

Most common head types are: flat, oval and round, flat heads being the most frequently used because the head remains flush with the surface once inserted into the material. When countersunk, flat head screws can be easily hidden using  plugs. For more decorative finishes, oval and round heads are preferred (see Table 1 for head dimensions).

Table 1. Wood Screw Head Dimensions

Nominal Screw Dia. TPI Basic Screw Diameters Average Head Diameters
Flat & Oval Head Dia. Round Head Dia.
Decimal Fraction Decimal Fraction Decimal Fraction
#0 32 0.060 1/16 0.109 7/64 0.106 7/64
#1 28 0.073 5/64 0.135 9/64 0.130 1/8
#2 26 0.086 3/32 0.160 5/32 0.154 5/32
#3 24 0.099 3/32 0.185 3/16 0.178 11/64
#4 22 0.112 7/64 0.210 13/64 0.202 13/64
#5 20 0.125 1/8 0.236 15/64 0.227 7/32
#6 18 0.138 9/64 0.262 17/64 0.250 1/4
#7 16 0.151 5/32 0.287 9/32 0.275 9/32
#8 15 0.164 5/32 0.312 5/16 0.298 19/64
#9 14 0.177 11/64 0.337 11/32 0.323 21/64
#10 13 0.190 3/16 0.363 23/64 0.347 11/32
#12 11 0.216 7/32 0.414 13/32 0.395 25/64
#14 10 0.242 15/64 0.480 31/64 0.443 7/16
#16 9 0.268 17/64 0.515 33/64 0.491 31/64
#18 8 0.294 19/64 0.602 19/32 0.539 17/32
#20 8 0.320 5/16 0.616 39/64 0.587 19/32
#24 7 0.372 3/8 0.724 23/32 0.683 11/16
NOTES:
1. All dimensions are in inches, unless otherwise noted.
2. For reference only

 

Main features of Wood Screws:

  • Designed for use in wood.
  • Variety of head styles, drives and materials to suite specific applications .
  • Gimlet point for more effective screw penetration.
  • Thread profile improves grip, reduces stripping and pull-out.
  • Easily removed to conveniently disassemble joined components.
  • Improved finished appearance.

Types:

Aspen Fasteners stocks a full line of steel as well as 18-8 stainless steel wood screws available for same day shipping from our distribution centers across the USA. And remember, it’s always free shipping.

Flat Head Wood Screws:

Flat Head Phillips Drive
Flat Head Phillips Drive
Material: Steel, Stainless Steel
Plating: Zinc, Black Oxide
Flat Head Phillips Drive
Flat Head Slots Drive
Material: Steel
Plating: Zinc
Flat Head Phillips Drive
Flat Head Square Socket Drive
Material: Steel
Plating: Zinc

Oval Head Wood Screws:

Flat Head Phillips Drive
Oval Head Phillips Drive
Material: Steel, Stainless Steel
Plating: Zinc, Black Oxide
Flat Head Phillips Drive
Oval Head Slots Drive
Material: Steel
Plating: Zinc

Round Head Wood Screws:

Flat Head Phillips Drive
Round Head Phillips Drive
Material: Steel, Stainless Steel
Plating: Zinc, Black Oxide
Flat Head Phillips Drive
Round Head Slots Drive
Material: Steel
Plating: Zinc

For more information about wood screws including thread types, drive styles, pilot hole sizes click  here.

Call us, email us or chat-on-line with any question you might have:

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Black Oxide Finish

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Expert
Flat Phillips Drive Machine Screw – Black Oxide Finish
Example of a Black Oxide Finished Screw
Black oxide finished screws commonly used in electronics.

 

Clients often ask us about the difference between black oxide and other available black coatings on fasteners. We thought a brief review on black oxide would be useful.

A conversions coating

Black oxide coating is a low cost conversion coating produced by chemically altering the surface of a metallic substrate. The result is a decorative matte black finish with many useful properties.

Black oxide offers dimensional stability

This treatment has virtually no effect on the dimensional aspects of the part, adding only 5 to 10 millionths of an inch to the fastener’s dimensions.

A lasting finish

Because it is a chemical modification of the metal substrate itself, it is very stable even at high temperatures and does not chip, peel or rub off and resists abrasions better than black phosphate or zinc coating.

Moderate corrosion resistance

Black oxide by itself provides virtually no protection against corrosive environments. Additional treatments like oil or wax are needed for corrosion resistance. But even with oil or wax, black oxide only offers moderate protection and as such is ideally suited for indoor applications.

No white rust

An important property of black oxide, unlike some electroplated finishes, is that white rust does not form over time on the finish. Since the formation of white rust is a risk factor for electrical shorts, black oxide fasteners are often preferred in the electronics industry.

Elliminates the risk of hydrogen embrittlement

The conversion coating process does not involve known risk factors contributing to hydrogen embrittlement and material failure in certain types of fasteners. Consequently, no additional treatments are necessary to address this concern.

Types

Aspen Fasteners offers full lines of many different types and styles of black oxide finished fasteners suitable for a variety of applications. The lines include but are not limited to:

Available from stock

All parts are stock and available for same day shipping from our distribution centers across the USA and Canada. And remember, it’s always FREE shipping.

Read about black oxide and other finishes in greater detail here.

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48-2 Trilobular Thread-Rolling Screws (Plastite alternative) for Plastics.

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Expert

Flat Undercut Torx Drive Plastite-Alternative Screw

Plastite-alternative trilobular thread-rolling screws for use in plasticsSpecially designed trilobular thread-rolling screws for use in plastics.

 

 

Our featured product for this month is the 48-2 trilobular thread rolling screw – an economical alternative for the 48-2 Plastite screw, meeting technical specifications.

For Maximum holding power in Plastics

Specialized thread profile, a twin lead thread design and a trilobular thread configuration offers maximum holding power and resistance to vibrational loosening forces.

Easier to drive

The three lobed thread design of the trilobular thread improves displacement of the material between threads and reduces the force needed to insert the screw into plastic.

Main features of 48-2 Plastite Screws

  • Designed for use in plastics.
  • Variety of head styles, drives and materials to suite specific applications .
  • Slightly tapered point and twin lead thread for more effective screw penetration.
  • Thread profile improves grip, reduces stripping and pull-out.
  • Drives twice as fast as a comparable pitch single lead.
  • Thread design increases the failure torque in plastics.

Types

Aspen Fasteners stocks a full line of steel as well as 18-8 and 410 stainless steel 48-2 Plastite alternative screws available for same day shipping from our distribution centers across the USA. And remember, it’s always free shipping.

Read about 48-2 plastite screws in greater detail here

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The ABC’s of Deck Screws Explained…

Posted on April 12, 2011 by Expert

The ABC’s of Deck Screws – Save 10% on all deck screws in April!

Spring is around the corner and if you intend to build or repair your deck, it’s time to start planning! Using the proper supplies will save you lots of grief, reduce costs and let you enjoy your deck sooner.

When it comes to building decks, there are a number of good reasons for choosing deck screws over nails. Deck screws offer more holding power than nails and can pull a bowed plank down flat better than a nail can. Screws also eliminate damage (‘smiles’ and ‘frowns’) that hammering often produces in the wood. They can also be removed much easier than nails and without damaging the wood if and when a deck board needs to be removed.

Main features of Decks Screws:

  • Designed for easy and quick installation and outdoor use.
  • A self-countersinking head style so when set in the deck board, the head lies smoothly on the surface.
  • Made to resist corrosion in the harsh outdoor environment.
  • Specialized points permits fastening without pre-drilling a pilot hole (self tapping).
  • Thread design reduces effort to insert screw while remaining tightly in place and difficult to pull out.

Types:

Dacrotized Steel Bugle Head Square Drive
Example of a Dacrotized Steel Bugle Square Drive Deck Screw A steel bugle head square drive deck screw with a ceramic coating for cost effective corrosion resistance. The square drive may be slightly more difficult to load onto the drive bit than phillips drive, but it will stay on better and not cam out as easily. The dacrotized coating resists corrosion exceptionally well and won’t stain lumber.
Dacrotized Steel Bugle Head Phillips Drive
Example of a Dacrotized Steel Bugle Phillips Drive Deck Screw A steel bugle head square drive deck screw with a ceramic coating for cost effective corrosion resistance. The phillips drive permits easier loading onto the drive bit, but the phillips drive bit has a tendency to cam out of the recess in the head of the screw. The dacrotized coating resists corrosion exceptionally well and won’t stain lumber.
Stainless Steel Bugle Head Square Drive Type 17 point
Example of a Stainless Steel Bugle Square Drive Deck Screw A stainless steel bugle head square drive deck screw offers effective corrosion resistance. The square drive may be slightly more difficult to load onto the drive bit than a phillips drive, but it will stay on better and not cam out as easily. The stainless steel resists corrosion exceptionally well and won’t stain lumber. The type 17 Point offers a sharper point and a slot cut out of the point (shank slotted) that improves drilling and displaces the wood chips when being drilled into wood.
Stainless Steel Bugle Head Phillips Drive
Example of a Stainless Steel Bugle Phillips Drive Deck Screw A stainless steel bugle head phillips drive deck screw offers effective corrosion resistance. The phillips drive permits easier loading onto the drive bit, but the phillips drive bit has a tendency to cam out of the recess in the head of the screw. The stainless steel resists corrosion exceptionally well and won’t stain lumber. 



Click here to read more about when, why and how to use deck screws when building or repairing an outdoor deck here.

Call us, email us or chat-on-line with any question you might have:

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Japanese Nuclear Meltdown Causing Backlash, But is it Warranted?

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Expert

As a result of a massive earth quake and subsequent problems at one of their largest nuclear power plants, Japan is undergoing it worst crisis since the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasake in 1945.

As a result of what is looking more and more like a Chernobyl-like disaster at their coastal nuclear power plant, the world is showing a clearly backlash against nuclear power.

In an article posted on MoneyNews.com, it is explained that many European nations are putting holds on imminent plant deployments to review safety standards.

Here is the full link to the article:
http://www.moneynews.com/Markets/JapanCrisisHitsGlobalNuclearSectorMayBoostGreenPower/2011/03/14/id/389364

The article goes on to explain that this backlash could end up being a boon for alternative energy sources such as geothermal.

But is this backlash valid or is this more political postering aimed to win public favour?

The reality is that it is probably a bit of both since review safety procedures and standards is never a bad idea, but at the same time why wouldn’t politicians hitch their horse on the momentum of public opinion?

That’s how they tend to stay in power isn’t it?

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Fastener News: Is Buffet Looking to Acquire ITW?

Posted on March 8, 2011 by Expert

According to an article on Global Fastener News today, word is floating around that investment mogul Warren Buffet is on the verge of acquiring industrial giant ITW.

Here is the full story:
http://globalfastenernews.com/main.asp?SectionID=26&SubSectionID=39&ArticleID=9801

So while Buffet himself hasn’t said anything about the “possible” acquistion, it seems like someone close to him was providing the info.

Hmmm, does that seem a little fishy to anyone else?

Buffet plays his cards notoriously close to his chest, so if this info is out there and has “leaked” the first question is, why?

Buffet is a smart man and info doesn’t just “leak” out unless he wants it to.  This makes me think that either he is testing the water to see how the stock responds to the news or perhaps he already has shares in ITW and wants them to go up.

Ultimately, no one really knows.

What we do know is that if Buffet does make this move it would make perfect sense. Acquiring ITW would make sense because he would basically be feeding a modern, super efficient manufacturing machine with the MRO supplies that they need.

From that perspective at least, it seems to be in line with Buffet’s philosophy.

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Ask the Experts: Can Drywall and Cabinet Screws Be Used Interchangeably?

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Expert

With spring almost upon us, we are getting more and more questions about drywall screws, their applications and what the best way is to use them.

That might sounds like a pretty obvious question to most but the fact remains that drywall screws are often used incorrectly. And, like any fastener, when used incorrectly it can cause a whole boat load of problems!

One of our customers recently had a question about whether drywall screws and cabinet screws could be used interchangeably:

Q: I have been having a discussion with one of my contractors about whether wood screws, cabinet screws and drywall screws can be used interchangeably. My contractor wants to use a cabinet screw in place of a drywall screw but I am telling him that this would be a weaker product. I see this problem a lot and it seems like drywall screws are often misused. Can you guys set me straight?

A: Being in the fastener industry as a buyer for most of my life, I can tell you that drywall screws are not inherently weaker than a cabinet screw or any other wood screw. Unless the company selling them is buying extremely low quality product to begin with, which is always a possibility, the wire rod used and case hardening process is the same for drywall, wood and cabinet screws.

So it is true that drywall screws often misused? Like many fasteners, the answer is a resounding yes!

A drywall screw is designed for a very specific purpose: tapping into and holding onto a metal stud. Hence the specific threading pattern. A woodscrew, on the other hand, is meant for wood. A deep-thread wood screw (or particle board screw) is for pressboard, and so on.

A cabinet screw is typically a screw that comes with a modified truss head that has a larger bearing surface and in particular, no countersunk head.

The bottom line is that you are always better off using the right fastener for the job, but when it comes to cabinets and woodworking, the ability to interchange fasteners is pretty broad so I would not sweat this too much.

For more information about drywall screws go to Wikipedia.org:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screw#Drywall_screw

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Maersk Orders New Ships, But Does This Mean An Economic Recovery?

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Expert

An article on the Manilla Bulletin Publishing Corporation’s web site on February 27, 2011,  explains that international ocean freight giant, Maersk, will be substantially expanding their fleet.

As per the article:

“Maersk Line has signed a contract with Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. to build 10 of the world’s largest and most efficient vessels, with an option for an additional 20 vessels. Scheduled for delivery between 2013 and 2015, they will entirely change the shipping industry’s understanding of size and efficiency.”

Here is a link to the complete article:
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/306551/maersk-orders-largest-most-efficient-ships-ever

So at first glance, this sounds like a very positive sign for the economy, as an increase in business must be the impetus for this fleet expansion by Maersk.

But why would Maersk buy new ships rather than just taking over a competitor?

Surely the latter is a better method of expansion for such a massive company, killing two birds with one stone by buying a competitor while increasing their fleet.

The reality of the situation is that with rampant inflation across the globe and turmoil in the Middle East, the price of fuel is going up every day. So this move by Maersk is done more from the desire to reduce costs and become more efficient, than to expand.

By going the route of hyper-efficient, super-massive ships Maesrk will trade a short-term increase in costs for a longer term saving.

With the world still in the grips of a lingering recession, this is a path that more and more companies and likely to take.

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Is Manufacturing Returning to the U.S.A.?

Posted on February 24, 2011 by Expert

There is a lot of debate about whether or not manufacturing is coming back to the US. While recently reading a series of very interesting commentaries on the subject, I found some interesting stats:

Manufacturing output in the USA as a percentage of GDP:
2000’s : 39.4%
1990’s : 37.2%
1980’s : 34.9%

Here’s the entire article, fyi:
http://www.caseyresearch.com/displayCdd.php?id=658

While this is going on, it is actually the number of people employed in the manufacturing sector that is shrinking.

So, I am actually wondering what is going on.

Sure, we have exported many of our manufacturing jobs for cheap t-shirts and clothing from China, but clearly we are still making something here in North America, albeit with many fewer employees.

Thanks to the government’s great efforts, the number one priority for corporate America is to NOT employ people.

Meanwhile, the robotics industry reports increase in sales of 27% in 2010. Before long, we will have machines making machines that build machines.

The bigger problem coming up for North American society as I see it is that the youth of today will have a terrible time finding anything to do.

When this sector of society becomes disenfranchised and disillusioned, we will have trouble. This is basically what is happening in the middle east. Most of the people rioting over there were not even born when the current leaders came to power.

Over here, today’s youth were not born when people like Alan Greenspan made terrible decisions that will affect our future for decades to come. Imagine how upset they will be when they cannot find decent jobs, yet are still expected to contribute to the social costs of the generation that screwed them over in the first place.

The government has really painted itself into a corner and has no outs.

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