When deciding what fasteners and related products are needed in your shop, there are many things to consider.
Here are just a few questions your Kimball Midwest sales representative might ask you to help pinpoint your fastener needs:
What grades of cap screws are you currently using and for what applications? Are there others that you need?
For a complete rundown of fastener grades and their specifications, check out our recent blog posts titled Fast Facts on Fasteners and Picking the Perfect Fasteners. No matter which grades you need, Kimball Midwest has the fasteners for you.
One new fastener option to check out is the KM-USA Metric 10.9 Fastening System, which meets the evolving needs of the maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) industry while reinforcing Kimball Midwest’s commitment to quality and U.S. manufacturing.
If you need quality metric fasteners, you can learn all about this new product line in this other recent blog post.
Have you had any problems with your cap screws bending stripping, breaking, twisting or stretching?
Most cap screw failures can be traced to insufficient strength for the application or improper tightening torque.
Bending, stripping, breaking, twisting and stretching can all be caused by over-torquing. Using a torque wrench on fasteners can help avoid issues and failures.
Are there applications where you need the high strength of grade 8 fasteners with increased corrosion resistance?
Armor Coat™ fasteners are Grade 8, providing high strength for critical applications. The Armor Coat™ finish is exceptionally corrosion resistant, making it ideal for the most demanding, harsh environments where conventional fasteners quickly fail. The Armor Coat™ system is recommended for applications that require the corrosion resistance of stainless steel but with the strength of Grade 8.
Do your hex nuts and washers match the grade of cap screws you use?
A fastening assembly is only as strong as its weakest link. It’s vital to match the grade of all components in the fastening system to prevent failures.
For example, if you have a Grade 8 cap screw and a Grade 8 washer but use a Grade 5 nut, it’s a Grade 5 assembly.
How are your cap screws organized?
Bins are the most popular storage option for cap screws. A bin allows the cap screws to be organized with the washers and hex nuts that accompany them, providing a one-stop shop to quickly find what you need for a repair. Pre-made assortments are available, ranging from basic coverage to complete options with greater size options.
Fasteners are a vital part of many shops, and your Kimball Midwest sales representative stands ready to help you make sure you have the right components in stock when and where you need them. If you don’t already have one, we’d love to help you