Sourcing guides and practical notes for hardware buyers.
Short, buyer-focused guides covering fasteners, fixing products, mixed orders, packaging, quality checks and export sourcing.
Practical articles for sourcing decisions
Bolt Torque Chart: Specs by Size, Grade and Condition
Bolt torque specs by size and grade in ft-lb and Nm, dry and lubricated, plus the friction condition that makes published charts disagree by up to 67 percent.
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Screw Size Chart: Gauge, Metric, Thread Pitch and Pilot Holes
Screw size charts for gauge, metric, thread pitch and pilot holes, plus the length measuring convention that changes with head type and…
Screw Head Types: 12 Shapes and How to Specify Them
The twelve screw head types explained, what each is used for, and the 82 vs 90 degree countersink detail that stops heads…
What Is a Self-Tapping Screw? Types, Points and Specs
A self-tapping screw forms its own thread as it is driven. Here is how it differs from self-drilling, the point types, and…
Types of Screws: A Sourcing Guide for Hardware Buyers
All the main types of screws by application, head shape and drive type, plus which lines a hardware distributor or importer should…
Nails vs Screws: Which to Stock for Each Job
Nails win on shear and speed, screws on holding power. A stocking guide to nails vs screws for hardware retailers, distributors and…
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