Fasteners & Hardware

What Are Fasteners and Hardware?

Fasteners are pieces of equipment that hold things together. Think of them like the "glue" in mechanical assembly, except they actually do the job with threads, pressure, and locking mechanisms. Hardware refers to a broader category of items, including fasteners and other parts like din rail, hand tools, labels, and standoffs that help assemble, secure, or maintain industrial systems.
 

Types of Fasteners and Hardware:

1. Bolts and Nuts:
   • These are among the most common fasteners. Bolts are threaded and go through a hole in a material, while nuts tighten onto the bolt to keep things secure. They’re used everywhere—from securing heavy equipment to attaching machine parts.
2. Screws:
   • Screws work like bolts but often don’t require a nut because they’re threaded all the way up. There are different kinds—machine screws for metal, wood screws for wood, self-tapping screws for plastic or metal, and many others.
3. Din Rail:
   • DIN rail is a metal rail used for mounting electrical components like circuit breakers, relays, switches, and other control and automation devices in a panel or enclosure. 
4. Hand Tools:
   • Hand tools are portable, manually operated devices used for various tasks such as cutting, fastening, and shaping materials. They include items like screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and hammers, providing essential functionality for both professional and DIY applications.
5. Labeling:
   • Labels and label machines are important in both industrial and everyday settings. Labels help identify, organize, and provide critical information about products, components, or equipment.
6. Standoff/Spacer:
   • These are small, simple components, but they play a crucial role in keeping your circuit board secure and properly spaced within an enclosure or assembly. They help maintain the right distance between the PCB and other components or surfaces, preventing short circuits, physical damage, and providing a clean and organized layout.

      

Materials and Coatings for Fasteners:

• Steel: The go-to material for most fasteners because of its strength and versatility. Whether it's carbon steel or alloy steel, it’s built for high-load situations.
• Stainless Steel: When corrosion resistance is key—think food processing plants, chemical factories, or outdoor equipment—stainless steel is often used. It’s also non-reactive with a variety of chemicals, making it ideal in those environments.
• Aluminum: Lighter than steel and resistant to corrosion, aluminum fasteners are common in industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics, where weight is a concern.
• Brass: Often used for electrical applications because it’s a good conductor, brass fasteners are used in sensitive electronics and components where precision and conductivity are needed.

Why They Matter in Industrial Manufacturing:

1. Strength and Reliability: Fasteners and hardware provide the structural integrity needed to keep machines running smoothly. If they’re not strong enough, or they fail, production can come to a halt, costing time and money.
2. Precision: Many industrial manufacturing processes require tight tolerances, especially in sectors like aerospace or electronics. The right fasteners ensure everything stays in place and works as expected.
3. Safety: Fasteners keep parts in place, which is essential for safety. For example, if bolts or screws holding a machine’s motor loosen, it could lead to equipment failure or even accidents. Locking nuts or lock washers prevent this from happening by making sure nothing comes undone over time, even with vibrations.
4. Customization: Industries have very specific needs, and fasteners are tailored for those needs. A company making industrial equipment may need custom bolts, screws, or even specialized rivets to hold machinery together under extreme conditions, whether it’s high heat, vibration, or exposure to chemicals.

Here Are Some Industries That Use Fasteners & Hardware:

• In automotive manufacturing, fasteners secure everything from engine components to body panels. For example, self-tapping screws are used in areas that need quick assembly, while rivets might be used to hold parts together in places where welding isn’t possible.
• In construction or heavy equipment manufacturing, you’ll find anchors and bolts holding down machinery, securing scaffolding, or attaching parts of large structures like cranes or bulldozers.
• In electronics, small screws and clips are used to assemble circuit boards, fasten components, and secure electrical enclosures. These fasteners are often extremely precise and made of materials like brass to ensure proper electrical conductivity.

Contact CDS Today for Your Hardware and Fasteners 

With over five decades of industry experience, we are a trusted and leading supplier of electronic components. Our large inventory of electrical products is designed to provide solutions for every industry. In addition to top-quality electrical components, we offer comprehensive kitting, assembly, and customization services to meet your exact needs. No matter your project or specifications, you can find the right solution at CDS.

Contact us to learn more about our products and services and speak with a knowledgeable team member. Request a quote to get started on your order today.