There are many diverse kinds of jobs where a business has to go to an industrial fastener distributor to get the parts needed. From exterior projects like sheet metal roofing to consumer item fastening, a business will have to rely on fastener distributors for the products made by fastener supplier shops, and although it's up to the buyer to know what's needed, in many cases, industrial fastener supply stores may be able to help "nail down" what kinds of screws, bolts or other fasteners may be needed.

When a business buyer, owner, manager or other decision-maker needs help on getting the right product, the web can be a good resource as well. Readers can find visuals and text help on some basic elements of working with fastener distributors and talking about what is needed for a job, including:

1. "Product specs" for the job at hand, including screw or bolt length, width and pressure rating, where a supplier of fasteners should have this info in hand.

2. More on design, including head types, end-user operations, sealers and much more.

3. Inventory concerns, where price is balanced against the inventory capacity of the buyer.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Figure out size and style with the fastener distributor

First off, when dealing with a fastener distributor, your specs need to be right. These dealers are not mind readers, and it's up to you to know, for example, how long the screw will have to be to anchor in a stud or other structural element. Head types are also very important for various jobs. Make sure you know what you're talking about before ordering.

I recommend: This page from McClendon Complete Hardware has great visuals on screw head styles and shapes for the buyer who is trying to pin down just what is needed. Get more tips from sites like House Task.

Check out washers for sealing on exterior projects from fastener suppliers

Another key element for exterior projects is making sure you have the correct parts for sealing off the screwed-in area from moisture. Don't be afraid to ask suppliers about the right washers or other parts to go along with the fastener products you are buying, and try to evaluate all possible concerns before the job is actually begun.

I recommend: See an extensive visual catalog of washer types at fasteners distributor Fastenal for helping buyers to brainstorm. For a look at some descriptions of screw and washer seal designs, see fastener suppliers Aaron's Self Tapping Screws.

Find bulk deals on fasteners from fastener suppliers

One way to save money on these kinds of projects is to take advantage of 'economies of scale' and buy in bulk. You'll get a lower per-unit cost; if the business has storage space, bulk buys may be a good deal long-term, and in some cases, a business can even re-sell the excess or engage in some creative bartering.

I recommend: See bulk deals on fasteners online at Lightning Bolt. Look for more specialty deals at industrial screw and supply store Bolt Depot.

Fastener distribution companies can provide everything you need to properly hold your machinery together. These fasteners may include screws, nuts, bolts, washers, cotter pins and other similar products.

A good fastener supplier will make sure you have the proper fasteners to keep your machines running properly. Now and then they may be removed to fix or substitute moving parts inside the machines, at which point it may also be advisable to replace the fasteners.

A fastener supplier will have everything you need in stock or be able to find or manufacture the items you are looking for. When your company partners with distributors of fasteners, you will be able to:

1. Place orders for any type of industrial fastener supply you may require;

2. Purchase orders in bulk at a discount wholesale price;

3. Have fasteners custom made to fit any specific shape or size.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Order products from an industrial fastener distributor

A good fastener distributor keeps a large variety of products on hand and offers immediate shipping to regular customers. This ensures that, when your company is in need of any type of standard fastener, you will be able to receive it as quickly as possible.

I recommend: Find the fasteners you are looking for from G.L. Huyett, W.W. Grainger, Fastener Dimensions and MMS & Accessories.

Purchase specialty items from fastener distribution companies

Your business may require a particular type of fastener. It is easy to find anything you want and order it on line. Work with the right supplier when you are interested in products that are a little different from the standard types of fasteners.

I recommend: Volt Industrial Plastics sells fasteners made out of plastic. Cherry Aerospace carries fasteners specifically for the aerospace industry.

Request customized items from fastener suppliers

Your company may need a supplier of fasteners that is able to custom make a product for your machinery. These manufacturers and distributors may charge a little more, but they will provide you with exactly what you need to fit any machinery you work with.

I recommend: Get custom products from Chicago Nut & Bolt, JPC Specialties and AFC Industries.

Work with fastener distributors that accept wholesale orders

When your company needs a large industrial fastener supply, you will receive a better rate by ordering in bulk from a wholesale distributor. They keep large amounts of products on hand to fulfill the requests of their customers.

I recommend: Buy wholesale from Bolt Products, Lightning Bolt, Delco Fasteners and Tyson Bolt & Supply.

Review a directory of fastener distributors

Deciding which fasteners distributor to work with can be a difficult decision. Looking through a directory of industrial fastener distributors will allow you to see what each company has to offer and will help you choose a supplier to work with on a long-term basis.

I recommend: Check into a variety of fastener suppliers from the Industrial Fasteners Institute or Fasteners Directory.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you have the exact specifications for any custom-made products so you will not have to have them made more than once.
• •  Purchase stainless steel items from fastener distributors if they are likely to get wet. This will help avoid rust.

When a business has to do procurement for an industrial project that includes fastening products together with screws, bolts or other gear, it should seek out fastener distributors that can get them both good deals and the specialized equipment it needs. Before you start shopping you should learn about some common issues and discussion points that come into play when dealing with fastener distributors. Here are some of the most common terms you're likely to need when making a deal for fasteners.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Tapping

Tapping is the process of getting screws embedded in the target material. One thing to talk about with fastener distributors is whether the screws needed should be tapping screws or screws designed for an already tapped hole.

I recommend: See more on tapping and all kinds of other issues for fasteners at this Screw and Bolt Guide from Short Run Pro.

Custom or specialized nut style

Screw nuts are another aspect you should talk to distributors about to see if they ship the exact nut style -- like hex nuts or specialized, flared designs -- for a project.

I recommend: See visuals and info on screw nut types at Aaron's.

Engineering standards

Screws, like other industrial products, have some general engineering standards that apply. Better distributors will showcase their compliance with these types of standards.

I recommend: See an example of a description of military and commercial screw engineering standards including precision rolled threads at G-Fast.

Machine screws styles

Another consideration when choosing fastener distributors is whether they can customize products to fit specific applications for fastening different materials. For machine screws, this is especially important, as the various engineered parts will require a specific size and style of screw, and possibly, some special features.

I recommend: Take a look at special features for machine screws at Pencom, including milled openings in the screw shaft to accommodate ambient materials.

Bulk fasteners

Another aspect of buying from good fastener distributors is the option of buying in bulk. Bulk deals can really optimize costs on a project.

I recommend: See a directory of bulk fastener manufacturers by alphabetical listing at Bulk Fasteners online.

National Fastener Distributors Association

The National Fastener Distributors Association is a trade group for those who sell fasteners and related products. This association can be a resource for buyers or anyone else with a stake in the business, for understanding the range of fastener distributors and how they do business.

I recommend: See more on the NFDA at their web site.