A fastener is a device that mechanically joins two or more objects together. Fasteners can be permanent or non-permanent but are often used to create non-permanent joints.
Today, in industries, appliances of any material are often joined using fasteners so that clean and strong joints can be produced. Other alternative methods of material joining, including welding, soldering, brazing, gluing, etc., will permanently join material.
This is why most fasteners serve better, as the joint can be removed or dismantled without damaging the joining components, although some fasteners, like rivet bonds, will be permanently destroyed for the joint to be dismantled.
Well, in this reading, we’ll explore what fasteners are, their applications, materials, types, advantages, and disadvantages.
Let’s get started!
What Are Fasteners?
A fastener is a device that mechanically joins two or more objects together. Normally, fasteners can be permanent or non-permanent but are often used to create non-permanent joints.
This allows the joints to be dismantled or removed without damaging the joined parts. Other joining processes, like welding, create a permanent joint.
In construction today, fasteners play a critical role, and most DIY projects require them. The role of quality fasteners is important and handy for homeowners and professionals alike.
Fasteners are used in different fields, such as metalworking and woodworking. Employing fasteners as a joining process in this field has made life easy in many ways, which will be further stated.
Metal fasteners must be strong and be able to bear significant loads. They are often manufactured using powder metallurgical and casting processes.
Threaded fasteners are the most widely and commonly used for assembling parts because they offer ease in installing and uninstalling as required. Fastener threads are standardized to two major standards: ISO (Metric) and ANSI (Unified).
Their threads can also be right-handed or left-handed, depending on the application, but the majority are right-hand threaded. The threaded fastener is of three main types: bolts, screws, and studs.
Applications of Fasteners
Applications of fasteners are common today since they offer a greater benefit over other joining processes. In fact, almost all industrial applications can be designed to use fasteners, but some factors must be considered.
Common applications of fasteners around us include chairs, tables, stools, doors, windows, kitchen utensils, electrical devices, etc. Broad use of fastener are automotive industries, aviation, agricultural equipment, marines, etc. in fact, anywhere equipment is dealt with fasteners are always put into consideration.
Fasteners are made of steel. The major used steel fasteners in industries are carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel. The types of fasteners are threaded fasteners, which include bolts, screws, and bolts. Washers, nuts, and rivets are also types of fasteners.
Fasteners are used in almost all applications; we can find them all around us today. Homeowners use fasteners in many DIY projects and basic house tasks. Industrial workers used fasteners for majority of projects
The applications of fasteners are widely used in automobiles, including hoods and suspension systems. They are also used in building and construction to ensure materials tightly fit together.
Furniture makers also make use of fasteners to assemble wood pieces and other materials together. They are also used for picture hanging and other home decor. Fasteners are also used during the installation of carbinets as they are used to hold parts together.
In electronics manufacturing, fasteners are used to lock the casing of the product. Also, in wall installation, anchors in tendem with screws are use to make firm joints to drywall panels.
Flooring installation also make use of nails when installing some kinds of items in factories, office buildings, warehouses, and homes. Things to consider when choosing fasteners include:
- Threading
- Applied load on the fastener
- Stiffness of the fastener
- Also, the number of fasteners required must be taken into account.
When choosing a fastener for a given application, some things must also be put into consideration. These include:
- Accessibility
- Installation process
- Environment occurrences such as temperature, potentially corrosive elements, and water exposure.
- Weight restrictions
- Materials to be joined
Fastener Materials
Just as earlier stated, powder metallurgical or casting are the common techniques for manufacturing fasteners. Fasteners are commonly made with steel. The major used steel fasteners in industries are carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel.
Stainless steel fasteners are used in three grade 200 series, 300 series, and 400 series.
Some other materials, such as titanium, aluminum, and various alloys, are also used for the construction of metal fasteners. In most cases, special coatings or plating may be applied to metal fasteners to increase their performance characteristics, for instance, enhancing corrosion resistance.
Zinc, chrome, and hot-dip galvanizing are common coating/plating performed on fasteners. Although iron is a constituent of most fasteners.
Types of Fasteners
Below are the common types of fasteners:
- Bolts
- Screws
- Studs
- Nuts
- Washers
- Rivets
Related: Types of Fasteners and Thier Uses
Advantages of Fasteners
Below are the benefits of fasteners in their various applications:
- Weight reduction in the component is typically achieved.
- Ability to join high-strength steel up to a tensile strength of Rm = 1500 MPa.
- Minimum space requirements are needed within the tool.
- Tool maintenance is straightforward and simple.
- Capable of joining a wide range of sheet metal thicknesses with only one nut type, t = 0.5 to 5 mm.
- All surface-coated sheet metal panels are feasible.
- Easy and simple installation in every work direction.
Disadvantages of Fasteners
Below are the disadvantages of fasteners in their various applications:
- Extra weight is added to the components.
- Bond lines are obvious.
- They require holes that weaken the components.
- They carry all load at specific points, which contribute to fatigue.
- Difficulty of refastening
- Corrosion, and
- Force precision.