Need Help Building Your Backyard Deck?

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Expert

With spring only a few short weeks away, the annual backyard deck building season is almost upon us!

Consequently we have a lot of clients who are not only looking for deck screws, but also need information about dacrotized coatings and, more importantly, how to properly build a deck.

Like anything else in life, if you don’t know what to do or where to begin, building a deck can be nightmare!

Since this is a resource center, we did some research and found an excellent article explaining how to build a deck on HomeTime.com.

Read the full article below:
http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/decks/deck_11.htm

Do you know of any other do-it-yourself pieces like this? If so, please send them over to us and we’ll include them in a future post!

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Cool New Technology – The CubeSat

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Expert

In this new segment on FastenerExperts.com, we will be exploring different cool technologies, inventions, gadgets and other devices that we find interesting.

Most of these posts will be based on either customers we work with or suggestions for you all so feel free to let us know about anything cool you hear or read about! So, for our first “Cool New Technology” piece, we take a look at the CubeSat.

Massive advances in technology and miniaturization have led to smaller and smaller satellites. Now, a company called CubeSat has created a “kit” that you can buy to make your own satellite.

Sound crazy? It is.

Check out the links below to an article on Scientific American, the CubeSat build your own satellite site and the associated CubeSat Wikipedia page:

Scientific American:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=citizen-satellites

Build Your Own Kit:
http://www.cubesatkit.com/

Wikipedia page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CubeSat

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Home Construction is Down, But Will It Affect The Fastener Industry?

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Expert

According to an article on Yahoo Finance yesterday afternoon, the new home constructions market is taking a beating and will slow any potential economic recovery.

Here is a link to the full article:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Dim-view-of-housing-market-apf-1095830168.html

A decline in the number of new home construction projects will clearly impact the sale of fasteners in North America.  The upside, however, is that with less people buying new homes that means more people will be staying in their existing houses. And for anyone out there who has a home, well, you know that repairs are an ongoing business.

As such, the fastener industry should see an increase in usage of Do-It-Yourself type fasteners like Deck Screws. We are already seeing a surge in the demand for deck screws well before the spring season, with clients clearly indicating their plan to fix their old backyard decks.

Ask around and you’ll find that more of your friends and clients are fixing their old stuff rather than buying new.

When faced with a recession and rising prices, I think that is to be expected.

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Shanghai Rebar Futures Soar

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Expert

So – since our post yesterday about whether the price of industrial fasteners is or will be going up in the near future, we read emails and commentary from other sources with stories about price increases.

To a person, each told a story about either an increase in shipping costs, warehousing costs, raw materials costs, manufacturing costs and as a result, an increase in fastener prices.

One of the commentators provided a link to an excellent article about the current pricing increases of rebar in China.

Here is a link to the piece titled “Shanghai rebar futures hit record high after holiday”

http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90778/90859/7282847.html

In short, the article explains how steel rebar future prices are up on the Shanghai market due to increases in the price of iron ore and coal, both commodities hit by world wide inflation.

It will be interesting to see how quickly these price increases hit the end user, manufacturers, OEMs, HVAC, MRO and the like.

But if one thing is for sure, it is that things will be getting more expensive very soon.

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Are Fastener Prices Going Up In The Near Future?

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Expert

With the world still struggling to shake off the effects of the global recession, it seems that prices of everyday items keep going up.

Food, gas and any other non-discretionary items continue to increase in price with no end in sight.

So what about fasteners?

How are they affected by the world wide slow down and will the cost of purchasing them go up in the near future?

According to an article on the IFW web site—a freight and logistics news site—the price of freight is going up. Here is a link to the article titled “TSA says transpacific rate hikes are justified.”

http://www.ifw-net.com/freightpubs/ifw/index/tsa-says-transpacific-rate-hikes-are-justified/20017846854.htm?source=ezine

As such, yes, you would expect the price of fasteners to go up since the cost of freight is a major contributing factor to the end cost of imported product.

In addition to rising freight costs, the US dollar continues to weaken against the Chinese currency meaning that goods will be increasingly expensive to buy from overseas.

So what does all of this mean?

It means that without a doubt the price of wire rod and, as a result, fasteners, has to go up in the near future as transport costs, currency rates and overall inflation continue to change the way we buy things.

Are you prepared for the price increase? Have you already started seeing increases? Let us know what you’re seeing in your local market.

We want to hear your story!

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ASTM: What’s in a standard?

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Expert

The most common problem we find our customers is being faced with the daunting task navigating through all of the different fastener standards.

With standards such as ASTM, ANSI, SAE, ASME and more, where is one to start when trying to figure out what it what? A customer was recently looking for a stainless steel part that conformed to the ASTM A493 standard, and he sent the print to us to see if we could quote him. Looking at the item, we were indeed able to quote it and we sent him the info and stated that it conformed to both the ASTM F593 and ASTM A493 standard.

Our customer was confused until we explained that the ASTM A493 standard describes the stainless steel wire rod used in the manufacturing of this part, while the ASTM F593 standard describes the part dimensionally.

As such, the customer could indeed use the part! They had been having a tough time locating the part because they were looking for something that only conformed to the ASTM A493 standard.

The bottom line is that if you don’t understand what the standards are it can make it that much more difficult to find the product you are looking for!

For more information about ASTM standards take a look at the ASTM page on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASTM_International

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Going with Alternate Solutions

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Expert

Having trouble sourcing an item with hard to find threading?

Sometimes you can use an alternative and still get the job done.

We had a client looking for a #6-40 fine thread machine screw and nut that he wasn’t able to find anywhere.

Our experts explained to the customer that a #6-40 machine screw is much harder to source than a #6-32, but since they needed both the screw and the nut, using a #6-32 for both would get the job done at a considerably lower cost.

The customer, who was having a hard time finding this part, was thrilled!  Not only did he find a product that fit his needs but he was able to save some money on the purchase too.

When you are trying to source a hard-to-find fastener, and unless you have the appropriate expertise, it can be easy to overlook alternate solutions. And with so many different fasteners out there, there are often many solutions for one specific problem. In this case the user saved time and reduced cost by going to an expert with his challenge.

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Explaining Dacrotized Finishes

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Expert

Coatings for different fasteners are as varied as the fasteners themselves. So when talking about Deck Screws, for example, you have to make sure you are comparing apples to apples before buying to ensure that you have the best product.

So, when our customer was unsure of the advantages of a Dacrotized finish, our experts went to work explaining the difference:

Q: What is a dacrotized finish and why should I buy a deck screw that has that versus a non-dacrotized product?

A: The problem that arises with Deck Screws is that there is a huge variance in quality that exists on the market. There are no doubt people who are selling less expensive product but the screws are not hardened steel, nor do they have a coating that will withstand extended periods of time without rusting.

The coating we use is a Dacrotized finish – Dacrotizing is a pollution-free ceramic coating for fasteners used with treated lumber.

The coating offers corrosion protection comparable to hot-dip galvanizing without discoloring the wood. Screws with a proper dacrotized coating can typically withstand a 500-hour salt-spray test. Dacrotizing minimizes greatly the risk of hydrogen embrittlement so baking the part is not required after the finish is applied.

Also our screws are an AISI 1018 hardened steel to an HV 550-800 hardness. They will not bend or break or cam out when drilling.

As such, the dacrotized screw is simply a superior quality product.

Posted in Ask the Experts, Product Insight | Tagged , | 2 Comments

The Bolt Guide

Posted on January 4, 2011 by Expert
Square Head Bolts
Grade 2
Battery (Square Head) Bolts		 Flat Slotted
Cap Screw
Flat Slotted Cap Screw		 Hex Cap Screw
Grade 2
Hex Cap Screw
Also known as a Battery Bolt. The Square head offers greater bearing surface for wrenching than standard hex head bolts. Flat Cap Screws are most often used for assembling close tolerance machinery where head clearance is critical. Grade 2 Steel used in non-critical applications where not subject to extreme temperatures or excessive stress.
– Zinc – Zinc – Zinc
– 18-8 Stainless Steel
– 316 Stainless Steel
– Black Oxide
Hex Cap Screw
SAE J429 Grade 5
Hex Head Cap Screw Bolts Grade 5 Steel Zinc		 Hex Cap Screw
SAE J429-Grade 8
Hex Cap Screw Bolts Grade 8 Yellow Zinc		 Studs
B7 Steel
Hex Cap Screw
Grade 5 used when greater tensile strength needed. Yield-to-tensile ratio is the lowest of all heat treated steels. Greater tensile strength than Grade 2 or Grade 5. For use in high stress applications. Grade 2 Steel used in non-critical applications where not subject to extreme temperatures or excessive stress.
– Zinc – Yellow Zinc – Plain Steel
Carriage Bolts Square Neck
Mild Steel
Carriage Bolts, Square Neck, Mild Steel		 Carriage Bolts, Square Neck
Grade 5
Carriage Bolts, Square Neck, Grade 5 Steel		 Carriage Bolts, Square Neck
Grade 8
Carriage Bolts, Square Neck, Grade 8 Steel
Mild Steel used for non-critical applications where cost is a consideration or it is preferred that the fastener shear/deform before the fastened objects. Square Neck keeps the bolt from turning as the nut is tightened. Also known as “Shaker Screen Bolts”. Grade 5 Steel used when greater tensile strength is needed. The Square Neck keeps the bolt from turning as the nut is tightened. Grade 8 Steel used for greater tensile strength than Grade 2 or Mild/A307 Steel. Square Neck keeps the bolt from turning as the nut is tightened
– Zinc
– Stainless Steel
– Galvanized Steel
– Black Oxide		 – Zinc – Yellow Zinc
Carriage Bolts
Flat Head
Carriage Bolts, Flat Head		 Carriage Bolts
Ribbed Neck
Carriage Bolts, Ribbed Neck		 Track Bolts
Ribbed Neck
Hex Cap Screw
Square Neck keeps the bolt from turning as the nut is tightened. Flat Head allows a lower profile Ribbed Neck used in softer materials to keep the bolt from turning when the nut is being tightened. Designed specifically for use in the installation of garage doors. Ribbed Neck used in softer materials to keep the bolt from turning when the nut is being tightened.
– Zinc
– Plain Steel		 – Zinc – Zinc
Step Bolts

Step Bolts		 Elevator Bolts

Elevator Bolts		 Turned, Open End
Eye Bolts
Turned Open End Eye Bolts
For use in softer materials as the larger diameter head will not pull through. Also preferred for its lower profile. Commonly used in conveyor/elevator systems. Large head also preferred where low profile required. To use as a temporary, light duty fastening system. Also known as Bent Bolts or Turned Eye Bolts.
– Zinc – Zinc – Zinc
Plow Bolts # 3 Head
Grade 5
Plow Bolts Number 3 Head Grade 5		 Plow Bolts #3 Head
Grade 8
Plow Bolts Number 3 Nead Grade 8		 Serrated Hex Flange Screws
Grade 5 & Case Hardened
Serrated Hex Flange Screws Grade 5 Case Hardened
Grade 5 Steel for medium wear. Countersunk flat head with square necks allow better resistance to the wear from heavy duty applications. Grade 8 Steel for heavy duty wear. Countersunk flat head with square necks allow better resistance to the wear from their heavy duty applications. Locking Serrations keep a tight grip when loosening forces are present. Flanged Head provides greater bearing surfuce and eliminates need for a washer.
– Zinc – Plain Steel – Carbon Steel, Zinc
– Grade 5 Steel, Zinc
– Stainless Steel
– Black Oxide
Flange (Frame) Bolts
SAE Grade 8
Flange Frame Bolts SAE Grade 8		 Structural Bolts
ASTM-A325
Structural Bolts ASTM A325		 Hanger Bolts

Hanger Bolts
Generally used for automotive applications. Flanged head provides greater bearing surface and eliminates the need for a washer. For use in heavy duty construction applications. 120/105 ksi minimum tensile strength as per ASTM international standards. Part wood screw, part machine screw. Also known as Table Leg Bolts as they are often used in furniture manufacturing.
– Steel Black Phosphate – Plain Steel
– Galvanized Steel		 – Full Thread, Zinc
– Partial Thread, Zinc
– Metric
– Stainless Steel
Tap Bolts (Full Thread)
Grade 2
Tap Bolts Full Thread Grade 2		 Tap Bolts (Full Thread)
Grade 5
Tap Bolts Full Thread Grade 5		 Tap Bolts (Full Thread)
Grade 8
Tap Bolts Full Thread Grade 8
A307 steel for non-critical applications. Generally used in pre-tapped holes where application requires a fully threaded bolt. Grade 5 for higher tensile strength. Generally used in pre-tapped holes where application requires a fully threaded bolt. Often used in light automotive applications. Part wood screw, part machine screw. Also known as Table Leg Bolts as they are often used in furniture manufacturing.
Zinc – Zinc – Yellow Zinc
Hex Cap Screw
Partially Threaded
Metric DIN 931
Hex Cap Screw Class 8.8 or 10.9 Metric DIN 931		 Hex Cap Screw
Full Threaded
Metric DIN 933
Hex Cap Screw Class 8.8 or 10.9 Metric DIN 933		 Flange Bolts
Metric DIN 6921 Flange Bolts Metric DIN 6921
Partially threaded. DIN Metric Standard. DIN Grade 10.9 (similar to Grade 8) has a greater tensile strength than Grade 8.8 (similar to SAE Grade 5). Fully threaded. DIN Metric Standard. DIN Grade 10.9 (similar to Grade 8) has a greater tensile strength than Grade 8.8 (similar to SAE Grade 5). DIN Metric Standard. Flanged head style provides greater bearing surface and eliminates need for washer.
– Class 8.8, Zinc
– Class 10.9, Plain Steel		 – Class 8.8, Zinc
– Class 10.9, Plain Steel		 – Grade 8.8, Zinc
– Class 8.8, Plain Steel
– Class 10.9, Black Phosphate
– Class 10.9, Plain Steel
Posted in Product Insight | 10 Comments

Product Torque Range

Posted on November 29, 2010 by Expert

Product specifications can be a tricky area to navigate without the right information. Moreover, having the right info and knowing whether the item you have will do the job is paramount.

In today’s Ask the Aspen Experts post, a client wanted to know about the maximum torque for a specific product as follows:

Q: What is the maximum tightening torque to be used on a DIN 7991 flat socket cap screw with a 16mm diameter?

A: This of course depends on the material the fastener is made of. If using a carbon steel fastener of a 10.9 class, the recommended maximum tightening torque is 110 Nm (Newton-metre). If using a stainless steel fastener (A2-70 or A4-70 grade), the recommended maximum tightening torque is 55 Nm.

To learn more about Newton-metre, or to see what the conversion ratio is to foot-pounds, check this Wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton_metre

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