Today, you can find scores of fasteners across the globe. If you want to know about all of them, it will take you ages. The reason is that every screw fastener is designed to serve a specific purpose or multiple purposes. If you are going to buy fasteners for the first time, we suggest that you avoid some common mistakes that are listed in this article. Read on to find out more.
1. Opting for the wrong Grade and Material
Before you buy a fastener, make sure you consider the grade and material. Each type of material comes with its own set of features. Based on the application, you should opt for the right material as each material has its own chemical make-up called material grades. For instance, stainless steel is corrosion resistant and grade 316 type is corrosion resistant in an environment that has extreme saltwater.
2. Combining wrong Materials
When certain metals are put together, the process may negatively impact their integrity. For instance, when you combine stainless steel, aluminum, and an electrolyte like saltwater, this process of electron transfer may cause instability.
And this may cause the materials to get weaker and make them more prone to corrosion. And this process is called galvanic corrosion. Therefore, it should be avoided to increase the lifespan of the fastener.
3. Using wrong Locking Fasteners
Although locking fasteners make a great addition to all types of fastener assemblies, some situations really call for them. For instance, if an assembly is exposed to harsh conditions like vibrations, locking fasteners can be an ideal solution.
If you want to achieve great results, we suggest that you go for a faster that features a nylon strap. Since the nut is fixed on the bolt itself, the threads tend to cut into the sturdy, high-quality nylon. And this adds more friction to the system assembly.
4. Forcing the Connection
There is a great difference between different fasteners. It’s not a good idea to join different types of fasteners. All types of fasteners are easy to thread manually. Therefore, if you notice that it’s not seated properly, you should check the fastener using the right type of tool. Don’t force the connection unless you have checked the size.
If you have no idea about the type of required threading, you may want to consult a professional first.
5. Choosing the wrong Drivers
Basically, the function of a drive is to fit the faster driver recess. Drivers come in various sizes. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that the right driver is chosen as a loose one may cause problems.
Apart from this, the right drive should be chosen for sockets and wrenches. Some people go for a metric socket as it’s the nearest match, which is not a good idea. The reason is that the recess can’t be a close match. If there is too much torque, the points will get deformed and you will have a stripped head.
