Fasteners in the Automobile Industry

Fasteners are a key element in everyday life. They are present in any structure or device in order to hold their parts working together.

In the automobile industry, this key elements take a higher level of importance, since they form part of important systems which involve the security of the driver and its passengers.

Some of the critical systems where fasteners are frequently selected and used very carefully and with a very demanding criteria are: security systems, electrical mounting, brake systems, airbags, fluid carrying components, transmission components, among others.

Among the most common fasteners used in the automobile industry, there are bolts, nuts, studs, washers, screws, rivets and tie rods.

Let’s take a closer look to each one of them.

Bolts

They comprise a threaded pin or a threaded rod and a head at one end, and they need a matching nut in order to fulfill their function.

In the automobile industry, the most important ones are the engine mounting bolts, the suspension bolts and the connecting rod bolts.

Being such a dedicated industry, with many specialized systems, these bolts are normally fabricated according to the cars manufacturer specs. However, the most common materials used are steels, ranging strengths that can reach the 1500 MPa.

Nuts

As mentioned in the previous point, these are the complement for the bolts. Again, there are different types according to their function, such as hex nuts, plate nuts and self-locking nuts.

The material requirements of these elements for their use in automotive and related industries are mainly covered by the standards SAE J482 and ASME B18.2.2, although they normally match the material of the corresponding bolt.

Studs

These type of fasteners are mainly used in the engine and wheels systems. There are different materials, being those made of stainless steel the most common ones. However, due to the different needs from cars manufacturers, there are also brass studs, copper studs, aluminum studs and even plastic studs among others.

The way they work is by being fastened at both ends with an unthreaded shank.

Washers

Although they do not look as important as the rest of the elements, they really are. Just to mention one of their important functions, they can prevent leakage which is a very important aspect in the automobile industry.

The most relevant ones are known by the name of the system where they are used, such as the cylinder head washers and the radiator washers (here’s the leakage prevention importance mentioned before).

Screws

They are very similar to bolts, with the difference that they do not need the use of a nut. Normally, they are used to hold to parts which are already threaded in order to match with the screw. Furthermore, some of the screws used in the automobile industry can be driven through some materials without deforming or breaking. These are called tapping screws.

Rivets

Considered one of the oldest fastener in the industry it is being used across a wide range of applications.

They are very fast and easily placed which makes them a good option for a high paced industry as the automobile one. However, it is important to select it correctly according to the application in order to ensure its correct operation. A good practice to achieve the best results would be checking SAE J492 standard which comprises a complete guide for rivet selection and design consideration.

Tie rods

Their main use lies on the steering system. There, they are used to join the pitman arm and the idler arm to the steering knuckle arms. Having a flexible coupling at the end, they are able to turn the wheels with the force coming from the rack gear to the steering knuckle.

Since all of these elements are so important for the correct operation and smooth performance of the systems mentioned before, the general recommendation is to use those parts which are certified under the international standards.

(photo sources: wikipedia.org and pixabay.com)

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Fasteners in Mechanical Engineering – Bolts, Nuts and Grub or Set Screws

Mechanical engineering involves a group of disciplines also known as branches where we can find thermo-systems, manufacturing and design. Talking about the latter, we can say is the branch where the engineer can combine a series of components to create a new element or machine which shall be manufactured in a future. In order to achieve such creation, the engineer must go through very detailed calculation to determine the best components for the purpose of the design. A very important part of this entire process are the fasteners, which allow us to join together different parts or components and also make sure they will not have any undesirable movement while in service.

There are different types of fasteners with specific properties and uses, which should be selected according to the application. Among them, we find bolts, nuts and grub or set screws as the most common ones.

Let’s get to know a little more about the fasteners that were mentioned above.

Bolts

First of all, the use of the words “bolt” and “screw” is widely unclear and the difference commonly misunderstood. A good way to have a better idea on this matter is that a bolt is described as any threaded fastener that is used together with a nut in order to assembly two unthreaded components, and that a screw is described as the same threaded fastener, but in this case being used to assembly two components where one of them has an internal thread where the fastener is fitted. Now, you can be sure that every time you use a bolt you will be needing a nut to complete what is known as a bolted joint. In this type of joint, the nut provides a fastening axial force at the time the bolt provides the needed resistance against shear forces.

Nuts

As mentioned before, the nut is the element providing the fastening force in a bolted joint. The main feature of its structure is the threaded hole where the bolt is fitted, and its profile can be squared or hexagonal, being the latter the most common one. The bolted joints are frequently used because many applications makes it difficult to have a threaded hole in one of the parts being assembled. However, there are applications that involve a lot of movement and vibrations which can get the nut loose; thus, creating a major problem. This kind of problems are solved by adding other locking mechanisms.

Grub or Set Screws

Also known as “blind” set screws, this type differs from the rest for not having a head, but only a hole with a specific shape which suggests the type of tool that should be used in order to drive it. The most common ones are hexagonal (Allen), squared (Robertson) and star shaped (Torx). This kind of screw are frequently used as “safety” holders, together with a detent in order to resist or transmit high torque, which is why they are used in applications where parts are attached to a shaft, such as couplings, bearings, pulleys, among others.

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Nuts and bolts

One of the most generally used fixing in the world today is the simple, but extremely effective nut and bolt. They are used in all aspects of our daily lives, from holding our vehicles together, through to holding top strength applications such as crash barriers in place.

Nuts and bolts come in a big range of sizes in both modern and imperial metric standard. They can be bought in stainless steel and plain steel. There is a preference to use nuts and bolts of stainless steel as they are not so prone to rusting, where as if you use plain steel for fixing something outside that is naked to the elements then you are likely to find the fixing rusts so quick, that in 6 month time you will not capable to undo it. So care is required when choosing your fixing.

A bolt is basically a screw with a blunt. Both of these kinds of fastener have a “thread” which is fundamentally a raised ridge winding in a spiral around the shank of the screw or bolt. The big difference between them, anyway, is the fact that a bolt is always accompanied by a nut to work perfectly. The nut typically also has a thread which permits it to be twisted onto the bolt so that the 2 adjacent surfaces that need joining are squeezed between the bolt and the nut head and thus held together.
Anyway, even though bolts and nuts stay together through a blend of interlocking threads and torque it is easy for grip of the pair to loosen over time even though the nut was actually properly tightened. Fortunately, it is likely to remedy this by using smooth metal discs known as washers. Washers provide a smooth surface for the bolt or nut head to grip and can support to distribute force evenly.

Internet totally changes the world of buying and of course selling. Nowadays, you can also buy nuts, bolts, fasteners, and hex nuts through internet. Our main area of business is presently Ireland and UK. We at Staqoo offer the widest range of building materials especially in fasteners. Our main product range includes screws, washers, bolts and nuts. We trust in providing high quality products to our customers in a convenient way.
You can also connect us through social media like Facebook, Twitter, Google + etc. to keep abreast with our new products, discount, prices and other offers. If you have any concerns or queries or you want to give us an advice you can call our efficient customer representatives or email us at info@staqoo.ie. We are based in Virginia, Co. Cavan, Ireland.

Nuts and bolts online store

When building beautiful tree houses, castles, and pubs in Ireland I can think of many things that are helpful. But making sure I have the right tools and parts is not only helpful but extremely important. I want my building to be useful and safe, so I use Staqoo. With a store in Virginia Ireland and a wonderful online store for when I’m too far into building to stop I can get the building fasteners and materials I need. Staqoo provides me and my family the highest quality range of nuts, bolts, washers, and screws. With all the items made both high tensile and stainless steel I know I can trust them without doubt.

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Staqoo Virginia
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Co. Cavan, Ireland

E-mail: info@staqoo.com
Telephone: 0862404703

About Us – Staqoo Virginia

Based in Cavan Ireland, we at Staqoo provide the widest range of building materials especially in fasteners. Our main product range includes nuts and bolts, washers and screws. We believe in providing supreme quality of products to our customers in a convenient way. Since our inception we have made sure that our quality and products are immaculate. We deal in products made both in high tensile and stainless steel. At Staqoo, we believe that customers are our main asset, hence we provide best rates and quality to them. Providing free delivery to local customers reiterates our ideology of customer satisfaction.

To reach to a wider audience we buy and sell through wholesale and retail. Our main area of business is currently Ireland and United Kingdom. Known for our matchless quality and variety of products, Staqoo has become an emblem of trust, reliance and quality. We believe in making shopping convenient and easy. For this reason our website is very elaborate and provides details and pictures of every product to make it easy for the customers to choose their required item. The website is user friendly and easy to navigate. The low rates, the discount deals and the suitable delivery charges further strengthens our bond with our customers. We take pride in providing the most competitive rates in the market without compromising on the quality. Our hassle free and easy return policy speaks volume of our standard and quality. To add convenience to our customers shopping experience we offer quick shopping, easy payment, reward points, gift vouchers and other such offers. Our bond with our customer goes beyond just buying and selling.

You can also connect us through social media like Twitter, Facebook etc. to keep abreast with our latest products, prices, discount and other offers. If you have any queries and concerns or you want to give us a suggestion you can call our efficient customer representatives and they will surely solve your issue or answer your query.

info@staqoo.com

http://staqoo.com

About Us

Virginia, Co. Cavan

Ireland