QUICK TIPS AND TRICKS FOR USING FASTENERS

1. Do not Use 18-8 Stainless Steel in or Near A Salt Water Area

Saltwater is great at causing rust & reducing the life of fasteners. To remedy this, we recommend to use stainless steel and the correct grade of stainless steel needs to be used. We generally recommend using only 316-grade stainless steel within twenty miles of the saltwater area. Otherwise the risk of oxidization (rust), even in other grades of stainless steel, are greatly increased. Caliber fasteners are leading fasteners manufacturer in New Zealand and many other countries.

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

Hot Dip Galvanized fasteners are coated with a thick zinc protective which is called hot dip galvanization, to make them less susceptible to oxidization. This thick coating of zinc creates a layer on the threading which will not match other materials that don’t have this coating. Fasteners that get hot dip galvanized & have different spacing in preparation for this change in thickness. Pro Tip: When installing fasteners, it is recommended that you always try to use the same grade & material.

3. Always Make Use of Fastener Lubricant on Stainless Steel Fasteners

Stainless Steel Fasteners have a 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 & bolt) during the installation. As this heating up occurs, the threads jam & can actually weld to each other. To reduce such risks, simply apply a small amount of fastener lubricant, to the fasteners before installation. Not only will it deter galling but it can also help to extend the life of your fastener. To know more about fasteners, visit fasteners dealer in New Zealand.

4. Always Make Use of 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 & 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 & the recess, you need to find the appropriately sized drive or risk of stripping is increased.

5. Never Make Use of Stainless Steel & Aluminum Together

Stainless Steel & 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. One of the easiest ways to avoid galvanic corrosion is to use materials that match. We manufacture different types of fasteners.

6. First Pre-Drill Hardwood Before Installing Screws

There are times when softer wood where you can get away with not pre-drilling holes. You should always pre-drill hardwood. Hardwood is much more likely to crack or split while installing a screw. This can ruin the finish of many products & weaken the integrity of others. Always pre-drill to ensure you do not spoil your work.

7. Never Mix Fine & Coarse Thread Fasteners

Both fine & coarse thread fasteners have different benefits & should be used accordingly. However, it often seems that people attempt to mix them whether it’s by not knowing they are different or not understanding the measurements. It will ultimately ruin the threading & result in damaged & unusable threads or a jammed fastener assembly. If you are looking for fasteners supplier in New Zealand, visit Caliber Fasteners.

8. Do not Over-Tighten Fasteners

Fasteners have a max recommended torque for installations. To achieve this, we recommend a torque wrench while 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 & compromise the integrity of the bolt.

9. You are Not Invincible, Wear Safety Gear

We constantly & 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.