Industrial fasteners might seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of a project, but choosing the wrong ones can lead to serious issues—equipment failure, costly repairs, and even safety hazards. Whether you’re sourcing fasteners for manufacturing, construction, or repairs, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to buy. Here are some common mistakes that can cause headaches and how to avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Material for the Job
The material you choose for your industrial fastener supplies Newcastle plays a critical role in durability, strength, and resistance to corrosion. A common mistake is opting for cheaper, low-grade materials without considering environmental factors like moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures.
For example, using zinc-plated steel in a marine environment will lead to rapid corrosion, while stainless steel or galvanised fasteners would provide much better longevity. Always check the specifications of the fastener material and match it to the conditions it will be exposed to.
2. Ignoring Load and Strength Requirements
Fasteners need to withstand specific loads and stresses. If you go too weak, you risk failure; if you go too strong, you might be overpaying for unnecessary durability.
- Shear strength– Important for fasteners holding materials together in a perpendicular direction.
- Tensile strength– Determines how much stretching force a fastener can handle before breaking.
- Torque rating– Ensures the fastener won’t loosen under vibration or movement.
Understanding these ratings will help prevent structural issues and unexpected breakages in the long run.
3. Not Checking for Industry Compliance
Many industries have strict compliance standards for fasteners, especially in construction, aerospace, and automotive applications. ISO, ASTM, and DIN are common international standards that dictate material, strength, and performance requirements. Using non-compliant fasteners can result in project failures, legal issues, and even safety risks. Always verify that your chosen supplier provides fasteners that meet the necessary industry standards for your project.
4. Buying the Wrong Thread Type
Thread mismatch is a surprisingly frequent problem. It happens when the fastener’s thread pattern doesn’t match the receiving component, leading to poor grip, stripping, or even failure.
- Metric vs. Imperial– Mixing these up can cause major compatibility issues.
- Fine vs. Coarse Threads– Fine threads provide better resistance to loosening but are more prone to stripping. Coarse threads are more durable in harsh conditions.
- Thread pitch errors– Even within the same size category, different thread pitches exist. Always check compatibility before ordering.
5. Prioritising Price Over Quality
It’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, but lower prices often mean inferior materials, poor coatings, or substandard manufacturing. Over time, this leads to increased maintenance costs, replacements, and even safety hazards.
Instead of choosing purely based on cost, consider:
- Coatings and corrosion resistance– Does the fastener have a protective coating like zinc, nickel, or phosphate?
- Manufacturing precision– Are the threads well-defined, or do they show inconsistencies?
- Supplier reputation– Does the supplier have a track record for delivering high-quality fasteners?
Spending a little more upfront can save significant time and money in the long run.
6. Overlooking Coating and Plating Options
If your fasteners are exposed to moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures, the right coating or plating is essential. Without it, fasteners will corrode, weaken, and ultimately fail. Some common protective coatings include:
- Zinc plating– Provides basic corrosion resistance for indoor applications.
- Hot-dip galvanising– Offers superior protection against rust, ideal for outdoor and marine use.
- Black oxide– Reduces friction and enhances appearance but provides minimal corrosion resistance.
- Nickel or chrome plating– Used for decorative and high-wear applications.
Skipping this step can result in shortened lifespan and unexpected maintenance costs.
7. Misjudging Fastener Length and Size
Selecting the wrong fastener size can cause assembly issues, weak joints, or damage to materials. If a fastener is too short, it may not create a secure connection, while one that is too long can interfere with other components.
Before purchasing, always:
- Measure the thickness of materials being fastened together.
- Consider grip length – the portion of the fastener that actually holds materials together.
- Check the head clearance to ensure it won’t protrude or interfere with moving parts.
A small miscalculation here can lead to costly reorders and wasted time.
8. Forgetting About Fastener Storage and Handling
Even high-quality fasteners can deteriorate if they’re not stored properly. Humidity, contamination, and poor storage conditions can lead to rust, weakened threads, and degraded coatings before the fasteners are even used.
To keep fasteners in top condition:
- Store them in sealed containers to prevent moisture exposure.
- Keep different materials separate to avoid galvanic corrosion.
- Label everything properly to avoid mix-ups during assembly.
Neglecting storage may seem minor, but it compromises fastener strength and leads to failures down the line.
9. Ordering from Unverified Suppliers
Fasteners play a crucial role in structural integrity, yet many businesses fall into the trap of buying from low-cost, unverified suppliers. The risks?
- Substandard materials that fail under stress.
- Inconsistent sizing and poor manufacturing tolerances.
- Lack of industry compliance and traceability.
Before placing an order, research the supplier’s reputation, request certifications, and confirm they can meet your required standards.
10. Not Planning for Future Maintenance and Replacements
Projects evolve, and maintenance is inevitable. One major oversight is failing to stock extra fasteners for future repairs, leading to unnecessary delays when replacements are needed.
To avoid issues:
- Keep a small stock of critical fasteners on hand.
- Record fastener specifications for easy reordering.
- Work with a supplier that provides consistent stock availability.
Planning ahead ensures that when maintenance time comes, you’re not scrambling for replacements.
Make Smart Choices to Avoid Expensive Setbacks
Fasteners might be small, but their impact is huge. Choosing the right ones—while avoiding common mistakes—saves time, money, and stress. By paying attention to material, strength, compliance, and supplier reliability, you can ensure every fastening solution is built to last. Next time you’re purchasing industrial fasteners, keep these mistakes in mind, and you’ll have a stronger, safer, and more efficient outcome.
