As we move into the digital age, information technology is changing all industries. From robotics and communications to manufacturing, every sector is undergoing rapid transformation as we make our way through what is known as the 4th industrial revolution.
However, this seismic change is being underpinned by the smallest of components, such as threaded fasteners. Machines simply cannot function without them. Industrial machines, electrical appliances, and electric vehicles are just a few of the devices that rely upon threaded fasteners to join and secure their disparate elements.
In fact, without these threaded mechanical fasteners, none of this current digital revolution can take place. So with that in mind, let’s walk you through threaded fasteners and bring you up to speed with their role in today’s economy.
What Are Threaded Fasteners?
In short, a threaded fastener uses a screw head thread to advance within a nut or pre-tapped hole to enable the connection of two (or more) parts. The fact that these fasteners are threaded means that they can be disassembled and used again if necessary. For this reason, they are considered non-permanent fasteners.
Another important attribute that distinguishes threaded fasteners from non-threaded fasteners is their strength. The grooves cut into the material actually enhance the mechanical strength of the material (after the hardening process), making it stronger than non-threaded counterparts.
Threaded Fasteners Applications: Who Uses Them?
Just about everyone! Whether you realise it or not, threaded fasteners are present in everyone’s daily lives. From the screws holding your sofa together from the industrial machines that manufactured the smartphone in your hand, they are all held together by threaded fasteners.
That’s why, as mentioned, they are playing a vital role in our shift towards a digital economy. AI-driven machinery, robotics, IoT-enabled devices, 5G networks, they all rely upon threaded fasteners in one way or another.
They also form the bedrock to more traditional industries such as the maritime or furniture sector. In essence, they touch our lives every day without us ever taking the time to realise it.
What Are Some of the Most Common Types of Threaded Fasteners?
There are many types of threaded fasteners. However, they tend to fall under two broad categories: bolts and screws.
Bolts
These fasteners are used in conjunction with a nut. They have a thread on one end and a head on another. There are several bolt head types, with the most common being round, countersunk, hex, and flat. Nuts are different shapes, too, with the most common being square or hex.
Screws
Screws are very similar to bolts in that they also have a head on one end with the thread on the opposite end. The only difference arises from the length of the thread, with screws usually having longer threads than bolts. The head is usually manufactured to be compatible with a screwdriver or spanner, facilitating a firm grip when driving the screw in.
Where Can You Source Threaded Fasteners?
While generic threaded fasteners are available at national and local hardware retailers, you’ll need to approach a specialist such as Leyton Fasteners when looking for specific fasteners for a specific function.
We carry every type of threaded fastener imaginable, including obsolete fasteners that are no longer commercially produced. From maritime threaded fasteners that hold some of the world’s biggest boats together to tiny intricate screws for classic cars, we stock anything you might require for your business or personal endeavours.
We offer next-day delivery nationwide, and our team is always on hand to answer any queries you might have regarding our threaded fasteners on 0151 355 8045. So if you think you are in need of a batch of threaded fasteners, make sure to browse our online shop or visit us in person.
Our opening hours are Mon-Thur: 8:30 – 17:00 and Fri: 8:30-16:00, and we look forward to welcoming you to our premises soon.
