Understanding the Different Types of Automotive Fasteners

McKellar Machine • March 29, 2017

While fasteners are used in a variety of industries, automotive fasteners are among the most common. Occupying an approximate 45 percent total market share, automotive fasteners are vital to the safe operation of vehicles. Although fasteners designed specifically for the automotive industry may occupy a large segment of the market, it is important to recognize that there are actually many different types of automotive fasteners, including bolts, screws, nuts, rivets, studs, and more. Each type of fastener functions in the same basic manner, in order to connect or hold to at least two objects together. The way in which they perform that task may vary. It must also be recognized that automotive fasteners may be constructed of various materials, including iron, stainless steel, nickel, brass, and aluminum.

Automotive bolts are often referred to as threaded fasteners. This type of fastener features a head at one end. Such bolts are often inserted through the holes in assembled parts and then fastened using a nut. Various types of automotive bolts include U-bolts, hub bolts, and wheel bolts.

Also important to the industry are automotive nuts. These types of automotive fasteners are typically hexagonal or square in shape and feature a threaded hole that is used in order to screw a bolt that will hold structures together. Auto nuts can be simple in nature or may include t-nuts, collar nuts, locking nuts, lug nuts, jam nuts, hex nuts, or self-locking nuts.

Automotive studs are also commonly used as an automotive fastener. This type of stud is typically fastened at each end with the use of an unthreaded shank. Among the most common types of automotive studs include wheel studs and engine studs. As is the case with other types of automotive fasteners, studs may be constructed of a variety of different materials, including bronze, aluminum, copper, brass, and even nylon and plastic.

In some instances, depending on the nature of pieces that need to be fastened together, automotive washers may also be required. The primary function of a washer is to hold the load of a threaded bolt or fastener. Washers are positioned below the nut in order to distribute pressure. Common types of washers include radiator washer, lug nut washers, and bolt lock washers

< Older Post Newer Post >

Tips for Choosing Special Screws

By McKellar Machine • April 12, 2022

The process of choosing the right screw for a particular application can sometimes be confusing due to the fact that there are so many different types of screws. All screws fall into four basic categories. They are head shape, driving method, material, and thread type. When ordering special screws, these four parameters should be kept in mind.

A machine is cutting a piece of metal with a drill.

What You Need to Know When Ordering Custom Bushings

By McKellar Machine • November 18, 2021

Sometimes it is necessary to order custom bushings rather than using standard “off-the-shelf” bushings. Custom bushings can provide a number of benefits and resolve numerous problems. The design is easily tailored to meet specific conditions. Bushings may be a removable fixed cylindrical metal lining that is used for guiding, constraining or reducing friction.

A couple of nuts and bolts on a wooden table

Are Custom Machine Screws Right for your Project?

By McKellar Machine • April 12, 2018

Depending on the nature of the task at hand, custom machine screws may be necessary. Machine screws are a type of special fastener that features a uniformly threaded screw design that is typically 1/4 inch or less in diameter. These types of screws are specifically designed to be threaded into threaded holes or threaded nuts. Machine screws can be found in a variety of materials, configurations, sizes, and driver head types. Such screws are utilized for fastening various types of components in vehicles, electronic devices, tools, and machines. Machine screws are available in a wide array of materials, such as brass, steel, stainless steel, and nylon.

A machine is cutting a piece of metal with liquid coming out of it.

How to Choose Machine Shops in Toronto

By McKellar Machine • June 20, 2017

There can be a variety of circumstances in which the services of machine shops in Toronto may be needed. A machine shop is typically called upon in situations in which parts must be cut, fabricated, and finished in order for them to be prepared for their intended use. Additionally, machine shops may also be used in order to create new parts or provide repairs for existing parts and equipment.

A group of people are sitting at a table looking at a blueprint.

Choosing a Shop to Handle the Production of Custom Fasteners

By McKellar Machine • January 25, 2017

Fasteners that are produced for the specific needs of a client are commonly referred to as custom fasteners. Such fasteners are typically manufactured for factories and other industrial uses. Among the most common situations in which custom fasteners may be required include situations in which the environment is corrosive. This is due to the fact that such custom fasteners can be constructed from metals that are not corrosive in nature.

A man and a woman are working on a machine in a factory.

Choosing the Right Nuts and Bolts in Toronto

By McKellar Machine • November 23, 2016

The process of selecting the right nuts and bolts for Toronto projects may not be quite as straightforward as it would at first appear. There are actually many different shapes, sizes, and types of nuts, bolts, screws, and rivets that may be used. Nuts and bolts are quite similar in nature in that they are both used for fastening components together. This could be on a permanent or a temporary basis.

Proud Members of:

Follow us: