Blind Rivets: Replacing the Traditional Clinch Bolts

A rivet is usually a kind of solid mechanical permanent fastener. It comprises of a smooth barrel-shaped rod with a head at one end and the opposite end is known as ‘buck-tail’. It is available in various types, designed specially to meet various industry requirements and accessibility. These include solid round head, structural steel type, semi-tubular, blind rivets, drive, flush and friction-lock type to name a few.

Blind Rivets

During installation, the affix is inserted into an already drilled or punched hole and its tail is bucked or deformed, so that it stretches up to 1.5 times than the original shaft diameter, thereby helping the rivet be in place. You can distinguish the two ends of the fastener by yourself. While the original head is known as the factory head, the deformed part is known as the buck-tail or shop head.

The head, located on the each end of an installed bolt, efficiently supports tension loads, which are parallel to the axis of the shaft. However, it is more capable of holding shear loads, which are vertical to the axis of the shaft. Fasteners like rivets and bolts are best suited for tension applications.

Even fasteners used in traditional wooden boat building, which is one of the oldest fields of engineering, such as clinch bolts and copper nails also work on the same principle as the rivets do. However, the rivets always have advanced features and better usability and so are now highly in demand.

 

The blind rivets, which are also known as pop rivets, are tubular in shape and are enabled with an arbor (mandrel) at the center. The assembly of this metal piece is inserted into a pre-drilled hole by a specially designed device, which is capable of drawing the arbor into the rivet.

Such kinds of fasteners feature non-locking arbors and are not ideal for fixing critical structure joints, as they may fall out due to the external vibration. In this way, a hollow rivet will be left out, featuring a less low load carrying capacity.

In addition to, they even become more prone to get spoiled because of the corrosion. The blind rivets, unlike other patterns can be easily inserted into a joint from only one side of the structure and is rather ‘blind’ at the other end.

History of Nuts and Bolts Industry in America

People, who are involved in hardware supply industry, would always be curious to know about the history behind the establishment of supplies, they are dealing with. Well, the history of nuts and bolts industry in America is quite interesting.

What excites more is the fact that in earlier days, when technology was still in a nascent stage, the hardware industry was still active and people managed to get their jobs done without feeling the need of some inventions or so. This edition highlights about the history behind the establishment of two most commonly used fasteners in the world – nuts and bolts.

For something as small as this kind of fastener, it has rather got a huge job to do and is available in various patterns. In America, when the people most conveyed through horse-drawn carts, such types of fasteners were the most essential requirement to manufacture such kind of transportation. The carriage era actually signified the aristocracy of the Americans and the upper class people were usually seen commuting in carts. Even in Hollywood movies, which are based on 18th century or early 19th century eras, say Titanic, Shanghai Knights etc. the horse-drawn carts had a significant role.

With such an extensive use of these transport options, the supplies required in their manufacturing were also in much demand, especially the nuts and bolts.

You can admire their applications at the Carriage Museum of America, where the fasteners, such as screws and nuts belonging to 18th century are showcased exclusively. The images show the masterly works by the then blacksmiths, who had skilfully used the rivets keeping in mind the exquisiteness of the carts.

Since it’s a carriage museum, so most of the attention would go towards the hackneys, but if you look deeper, you would be amazed to see the masterly craftsmanship lying behind the beauty of these wagons. The nuts used in these carts are comparatively flatter and square-shaped than modern day fasteners. In those days, less care was taken to embellish the flush of the bolts, unlike modern nuts, which are left with a little or no burr on the end of the bolt.

As per the historian, W.R. Wilbur, the first machinery application to build bolts and screws was invented by Besson in 1568 in France. A century later, this device was further developed by Hindley of York, England, which was continued to be used for many years later on.

In America, these fasteners were originated by Micah Rugg, a small country blacksmith, in the town of Marion, Southington Township, Connecticut in 1818. The carriage bolts, thus came into being, which then went on to become a significant requirement in the manufacturing of these transport devices.

“It was several years before power was applied to perform this operation, and when that was done a boy could accomplish more and with greater ease than half-a-dozen men could previously with the old fixtures. It was about this time that the turned head was introduced, and, if we are not mistaken, it was to circumvent the patented process of the drop.”

Carriage bolts are not intended to be driven, therefore you need not have to insert the bolts in a pre-drilled hole. There’s no need of using any tool even to fasten it. These days, this historic rivet is widely used and can be seen in automobiles, railways, bridges etc.

Salient Features of VESA Wall Mount Screws

A wall mount screw is a steel bracket, which is used to fasten a flat panel TV to a wall. In order to fasten the bracket of the holder, the rear of the TV should be enabled with pre-drilled screw holes.

Wall Mount Screws

The screw holes must be drilled in standardized and pre-determined position on both displays and brackets, so as to help fastener companies such as Mutual Screw to manufacture brackets, which can easily fit displays of varied patterns and sizes.

This kind of standardization has been issued by Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). This is a non-profit organization, which renders product standards for numerous industries, which come under technology. This organization is responsible for creating standards for the bracket, which is used in mounting a television or computer.

Wall mounted television

The sizes of wall mount screws depend upon the weight of the device, going to be mounted. VESA offers three standard measurements for mounting screws, required for all sorts of flat screen TV sets. And this measurement is determined by pitch, length and diameter.

Flat Display Mounting Interface (FDMI) 

These standard measures are set under Flat Display Mounting Interface (FDMI) heading by VESA. Under this, devices such as overhead mounts, poles, desktop flat screen mounting arms, pivots, arms, mobile mounts and wall mounts are included. These weigh either 110 pounds or more than that.

The FDMI was launched in 1997, under the name Flat Panel Monitor Physical Mounting Interface and is also known as Mounting Interface Standard (MIS). Under this standardization, variants featuring 4 holes in the shape of a square are included. These are located at a distance of 100 mm horizontally and 75 mm vertically. The holes on these displays are usually 10 mm in depth with M4 threads.

Parts of VESA MIS

Screw standards for devices up to 110 pounds

For devices weighing more than 110 pounds require wall mount screws, having diameter of 6 mm and a pitch of 1.0. Pitch refers to the number of ridges on a screw per unit of measure. These screws, furthermore should have a threaded length of at least one and a half times the diameter of the rivet.

Screw Standards

Screw standards for devices beyond 110 pounds

For televisions, weighing more than 10 pounds, the screws must have diameter of 8 mm and a pitch od 1.25. The thread length of these fasteners must be at least one and a half times more than the diameter. Screws of 16 mm are also recommended for the mounting purpose.

VESA Wall Mount Screw Standards

MIS-D 75 75 mm × 75 mm

MIS-D 100  100 mm x 100 mm

MIS-E  200 mm × 100 mm

MIS-F  200 mm × 200 mm

400 mm × 400 mm

600 mm × 200 mm

600 mm × 400 mm

800 mm × 400 mm

280 mm × 150 mm

Drilling a wall for Mounting

Some HDTV retailers charge premium prices for wall mount along-with fasteners, when sold along-with their items. Instead of going for such hefty price, you should look for a fastener store, where you can avail these fasteners at quite cheaper rates. In order to get these items at the best buys, the online stores are the best options. Any wall mount screw, approved by VESA will function properly, no matter whether it’s sold for $40 or $300. Therefore, research well before choosing a particular store.

Different Types of Screws and their Uses

Before elaborating the different types of screws available today in the market, let us first of all have a quick review on its definition.

So what is a screw?

A screw/bolt is a type of fastener distinguished by a circular ridge, known as threads which are wrapped around a cylinder.

While some screw threads are designed to get along with an internal thread, also known as complementary thread, there are some threads, which are fashioned to cut a helical groove in a softer material, say wood or plywood, when the fastener is inserted. The major function of a screw is to hold two objects together.

These kinds of fasteners are astonishingly versatile and powerful enough to be hold two different surfaces intact. The basic concept behind such metal objects’ functionality is their threaded cylindrical parts, which are designed to get inserted into any kind of material, be it a plastic, wood, metal or plywood. However, there are various types of screws available suitable for distinct surfaces.

These types can be distinguished depending upon the driving methods, job requirement, head shape, type of threads and material used to make such metal pieces. Have a look!

Driving Methods


Slotted: The heads of such fasteners are most probably the most ancient and commonly used variety. The linear slot in the screw’s head is easily gets along-with any standard screw driver, such as the flat-head screwdriver.

Phillips: These are the enhanced forms of slotted ones. Their cross-shaped laps, which are not continuous up to the edge, will certainly require a Phillips-head screwdriver. The heads of such rivets, featuring a circular shape, enables a larger mating surface, thereby reducing the chances of wear and tear. Plus, they also prevent the chances of slipping. A cross head usually features 2 full-length slots, which can only work with a flat-head screwdriver.

Square: This type is also known as Robertson screw head and features a square dent to reduce the chances of slipping. It requires a special kind of driver for its usage.

Hex: This is again available in two designs. Such types of fasteners either feature a hexagonal recession in the head or do not have grooves at all. The hex socket screw/Allen screw requires an Allen wrench, featuring a hexagonal shaft and the other type of hex screw’s head is completely hexagonal in shape. A socket wrench is required to tighten or loosen it.

Apart from being available in above mentioned types, the screws are also available in various materials. While some are made up of steel and stainless steel, there are fasteners, which are made up of brass, nylon, aluminium and are also available with zinc and black-oxide coating.

Only Your Thumb is Sufficient to Fasten the Thumb Screws

A thumb screw a kind of fastener, which features an over-sized head with a diamond-shaped or knurled anchor finish along-with large wing like blades, thereby enabling the screw to be used as per the requirement.

Thumb screw

Such kind of rivet is used in applications, where any object may need frequent re-installations, as it is in the case of the safety cover or in case of various electronic devices. In such cases, such kind of fastener makes it possible for you to easily remove it by just twisting it with your thumb and forefinger.

In most of the application, the thumb screw is used as a bolt. While a screw by nature is usually pointed in shape and is used to develop its own threads when inserted into sheet metal or wood, the thumb screw features a blunt-nosed bolt, which is tightened into any threaded hole. The basic advantage is that it renders easy installation and removal processes without any help of tools, as it is with the case of other screws.

A Thumb Screw Side View

The battery cover and other certain electronic devices use such kind of rivet. You would have often heard that the thumb screw is captured – it means that bolt of this rivet once loosened, it won’t fall out of the cover. This particular rivet uses a washer, which is set in place to sustain the metal piece in the cover. This is a handy hardware supply, thereby preventing the locking screw from getting lost.

It is available in various designs, which incorporate a Phillips or flat screwdriver into the fastener. This helps the rivet to be easily fastened by a wrench even and if not then it can be still tightened by finger. In heavy-duty applications, such as in boats and off-road vehicles, it is highly recommended because of its tendency to get loosened over time. In case of the fasteners, featuring knurled heads, it is possible to attach the screw with a pair of pilers, so as to ensure accurate torque implementation.

Sex Screws: Highly in Demand for Their Low Profile Knurling Features

A sex screw, which is also known as barrel nut or barrel bolt and even Chicago screw at times, is a type of fastener that features a barrel shaped nozzle and a protruding boss, which is threaded internally (a boss is basically an extended feature on a work piece).

This protruding feature is placed within the components, which need to be fastened, while the rivet’s flange enables the bearing surface.

Chicago ScrewThe barrel nut and its accompanying machine screw enables flush on both sides of the surface, which are tightened. Such kinds of bolts are much in demand, most probably because of their low profile as compared to other bolts.

The Chicago screw usually possesses a built-in feature, like a slot, which helps in securing any fastener.

Sex screws are used in bolting applications, mostly in situation which demand to have a head on both sides of the joint. The sex bolt is enabled with a female thread, thereby enabling it to meet with the bottom of a standard bolt and connect.

There are some sex bolts, which are also known as architectural bolts and feature knurled cylindrical containers. Knurling is commonly a manufacturing terminology, used when a process is typically carried out on a lathe and a diamond shape pattern is cut into metal.

Such kind of rivets are also used in binding posts, which are quite similar to architectural bolts, because of their special designs, which are fashioned to be assembled from one side. in addition to, they have also got teeth on the flanged base, which are helpful in fastening.

Stainless steel sex boltsThese metal pieces were originally produced for the printing industry, so as to bind huge catalogs together. But now, with their multi-faceted features, they are also used in numerous other ways.

The stainless steel sex screws usually feature combo truss head, which are usually broad with a low profile rounded cap. These are a combination of rivets, which feature both slot as well as X shaped cells for use and can be easily used by a Phillips head or flat bladed screw driver.

The Chicago screws can be easily fetched online. The Mutual Screw and Supply is an ideal destination to look for all sorts of fasteners. Browse through the product page to find more!

Basic Difference between Metal Screws and Wood Screws

Fasteners such as screws are extensively used in hardware industries and they are available in huge varieties and patterns, so as to meet various industry requirements. Many people carry a notion that screws are all the same. But if you visit any online hardware supply store, such as Mutual Screw and Supply, you would learn that these fasteners are available in various designs and each one of them features distinct functionality.

You can only settle down for a particular hardware item, which meets your requirement, provided you understand the basic difference between various screws, say metal screws vs wood screws. Many people would assume that the basic difference lies in their materials. But this is not entirely true, as the metal rivets can also be used in wooden and fiber glass surfaces and the wood fasteners can also be used in surfaces other than furniture. However, their main difference lies in their features and designs.

Threads

You can site a major difference in their threading pattern. These two rivets are threaded differently. While the sheet metal fasteners are benumbed and are threaded on the entire body, the wooden rivets are comparatively soft and feature a tapered shank. The threading on metal ones is available up to 3 inches and the wooden ones feature threading up to 1 inch. The sheet metal screws flaunt a straight shank along-with a finer threading pattern other than the wooden rivets, which are threaded only two-thirds of the way up.

Pitches

Pitch refers to the number of threads per inch. The metal rivets feature number of pitches than the wooden ones, which indicates that they feature a coarser pitch. In case of the wooden screws, the top portion is often not threaded, thereby enabling the rivet to be popped up from the surface.

Uses

The metal fasteners can also be used in furniture pieces, whereas wooden screws are not ideal to be used in metal surfaces. The metal screws are ideal for self-tapping. (Self-tapping means that the fastener can create its own threading as it advances through the material). These self-tapped rivets are used in plastics, fiber-glass and plywood, whereas in wooden screws, self-tapping is not possible. These fasteners are used in outdoor building structures such as decks and fences.

Tripod Screw: Helping Photographers Easily Attach Any Third Part Device to their Cameras

A tripod is usually a three-legged instrument, which acts as a supporting device for a camera. It is basically used to balance and jack up the camera and its equipment, including the flash unit.

Apart from the three legs, it features a mounting head so as to pair up with the camera. This mounting head is enabled with a thumbscrew known as tripod screw, which is screwed into a female threaded receiver on the camera.

Tripod screws

This kind of mechanism helps the photographic device to rotate and tilt it in the desired direction whenever required. The screw makes the device flexible, thereby making it easier for the user to use it as per the requirement.

The tripod stands are found in the vault of every professional photographer. Even the amateurs, working in varied situations, are seen using it.

Tripod Stands

Application

This kind of tool is used both for video recording and still photography and its main function, being restricting camera movement. It is highly useful when slow-speed exposures are created and also when lenses of extreme focal length are attached to the camera.

While taking long distant images, it becomes crucial to keep the camera in static position, so as to prevent any blurred image. In the same vein, this device helps reduce shaking of camera and thus becomes instrumental in obtaining maximum sharpness.

Photo shoot on tripod stand

Besides, it is also helpful in obtaining well-defined framing of the picture and also when multi-images of the same scene are captured. To summarize, the tripod stand enables a more thoughtful approach to the art of photography.

Construction

To sustain maximum durability and stability, most of these devices are anchored around a center post, with disintergrating telescopic legs and the top, which can be elevated or lowered at any point of time. The top features the head along-with a camera mount.

This mount features a detachable plate along-with a tripod screw and several joints, thereby enabling the camera to rotate, pan and tilt.

Detachable plate tripod stand

Other Uses

Well, the tripod screw is not only used to fasten the tripod stand, but it is also useful in holding various third party devices such as a microphone, flashes and adaptor. Below is a video, which describes one of the specifications of this fastener. Have a look!

The professional tripod screw usually comes in 4/1″-20 sizes and easily connects the external device to the camera by helps of help of a washer. It renders high-end performance, truly providing convenience to the photographers.

A professional Tripod screw

Features

#This kind of fastener comes along with 2 nuts and easily connects the Shoe to 1/4″ – 20 screw

#One can easily install a Nikon SC-28 Flash Sync Cord to Flash Shoe or Yongnuo CTR-301P Flash Remote Trigger to Flash Shoe

SC-28 Nikon flash sync cord

#It can easily couple two cameras

#It is made up of Anodized Aluminum Metal

An Insight into Our Galvanized U Bolts

As the name suggests, U bolt looks like the letter U, featuring two threaded arms suspending from a curved base. It is available in numerous sizes and features various applications and uses.

The galvanized U bolts undergo a chemical process to protect themselves from corroding and rusting. Such fasteners get coated in layers with ZnO (Zinc Oxide). This kind of coating prevents these metal pieces from getting corroded. Besides, the coating renders a longer life to the rivets, durability to withstand wear & tear and a glossy finish, thereby making them attractive.

In simple words, galvanized U bolt is a rod, being threaded at both ends and bent to form a ‘U’ shape. These types of bolts are usually found with a smooth curve, specially designed to accommodate a cylinder; for instance, the axle or exhaust tubing.

 

There are certain U bolts featuring a squared off shape, are specially manufactured to fasten flat bases such as wooden blocks, square tubing or any other kind of flat layers. Sometimes, the ends of the bolts feature a bar/crossed member drilled with holes, which slide over the open ends to enclose them.

Sometimes, the ends of the bolts feature a bar/crossed member drilled with holes, which slide over the open ends to enclose them.

Keeping a few pieces of galvanized U bolts around the house can be useful for home owners who are planning to go for home renovation projects, as these coated rivets are versatile enough to match various applications and also helpful in surprise settings.

At Mutual Screw and Supply, we offer both hot dipped galvanized U bolts as well as stainless steel U bolts, to satisfy varied industry requirements. Click here to know more.

These types of bolts are designed to meet an extensive range of applications, including domestic, commercial, construction, marine, off-shore, automobiles and various other industry requirements. We offer these metal pieces in various configurations, materials and gages so as to meet those above mentioned requirements.

Uses 

Like in automobiles, our hot dipped galvanized U bolts are used in numerous applications. For instance, they are used to attach springs to the rear axles and front of the heavy-duty trucks, off-road trucks and cars. These fasteners are used to attach truck parts to the frames and are used in ringing applications and anything which requires a clamping force between two pieces.

These fasteners are used to attach truck parts to the frames and are used in ringing applications and anything which requires a clamping force between two pieces.

The U-shape of these rivets help them keep firmly in desired position, thereby preventing the object to easily get pulled away from its fittings. This further leads to inducing durability and safety.

Apart from stainless steel and galvanized pieces, we also deal with steel zinc plated, aluminum, black oxide, plain finish etc.

 

The threaded ends of the galvanized U bolts are designed to get along with screws and washers. Some people are also seen using a cross-piece, spanning both the ends so as to make the fastener secure in particular settings and applications.

Like other bolts, these pieces are also manufactured to get into any pre-drilled or pilot holes. The U bolts are most commonly used in fastening various pieces to beams and poles, mostly in houses. These pieces help in suspending any object from the utility pole. In such cases, the U bolts are used along-with cross-pieces which snag the bolt in place.

 

Besides our bolts are also used to pass cables across the walls. While both the ends are inserted into the walls, the U face holds the cables or any other flat materials against the wall.

However, depending upon the type of application, the size and grade of the bolt should be chosen, in order to eliminate any work-arounds later. And if you are willing to use them in corrosive or humid environment then our hot dipped galvanized U bolts work best for you.

Elevator Bolts: Helping Pieces Assemble Together

Elevator bolts originally date back to mid-18th century and were used to fasten the lift buckets with a belt, so that the grains could be lifted to be stored in the vertical grain cabinets of the lift. Today, these rivets are rather used in broad applications, which are altered to transporter systems.

Elevator Bolt

They not only secure flooring, but are also used in grading legs. These are more commonly found in skateboards and snowmobiles and in places, where application of head clearance is acute.

Many a times, a great anatomy often depends upon the minute things to hold together. No matter how huge and sturdy an object is, it’s the bolts that keep them intact. Only a single rivet can alter the functioning of any machine, thereby resulting in disastrous malfunction. Thus such kind of hardware supplies plays a major role in the proper functioning of any machine or engine.

Black and white elevator bolts

The elevator bolts are available in different sizes and so are their uses. While some of them are used in the transporter belt, others are used in the elevator itself. They are generally available with flat heads and their sizes range from 3 to 6 inches.

There are some rivets, which feature a slight different variation like having eyes or fangs. You can check out the various designs of this item on Mutual Screw website, so as to make sure if these are the fasteners you are looking for.

Elevator bolts Bottom view

If you’re planning to purchase them then make sure which one best suits your requirement, as these tools have distinct features and values on safety, durability, user-friendly and other related properties.

Selecting a specific type is quite crucial, as per the designs, uses also varies. You should always make sure that you are buying those items, which have longer efficiency.

You do not have to go for an expert guidance to know your requirement for elevator bolts. Simply browse through the website to understand your requirement and accordingly you can go ahead to place your orders, as online shopping is quite a buzz these days.

Stainless Elevator Bolts


Mutual Screw and Supply, the leading fastener company offers stainless elevator bolts in all sizes and grades, thereby suiting every individual’s requirement. By browsing through our items, you would realize the variety in sizes and finishes of the bolts. We deal with almost every type of nuts and bolts, even including the elevator bolts.

 

These rivets are also available in zinc plated mild steel. A latest addition in the world of bolts is the Western 3-Prong bolt, which was invented in Western Canada. It is specially designed for use with smaller head pulleys by using thinner belts.

This advanced bolt is a great alternative to the flanged head bolts, which are used in applications for larger elevator buckets. This kind of elevator bolt offers durability, engagement and strength at a cost-effective price. These new bolts are available in ¼”x1″, ¼”x1-1/4″, 5/16″x1-1/4″ and 5/16″x1-1/2″.

With a stockpile of over 14 million pieces in 53 different sizes and 3 types of finishes, including plain steel, zinc plate and 18-8 stainless steel, we offer the largest range of elevator bolts in the United States.

Specifications of elevator bolts 

  • Material: General Carbon Steel, Carbon Steel with zinc plated, Stainless Steel
  • Intensity of Bolt :  Class 4-8
  • Model: Standard Bolt, Flat Countersunk Bolt, Fang Bolt (Tooth Bolt), Belt Bolt.
  • Standard: GB, ISO, ANSI, DIN, BSW, JIS
  • Dimension: M3-M22
  • Length: 10mm-600mm
  • Grade: 4.8, 6.8, 8.8, 10.9, 12.9//

The stainless elevator bolt is further classified into following categories

#Standard Bolt – It is suitable for hoisting light-weight material, when low elevator velocity is applied. These bolts are recommended for fitting plastic bucket.

#Flat Countersunk Bolt – It is appropriate for raising elevating bulk material having high gravity weight and velocity. It is used to fit plastic elevator bucket or steel bucket, as per the requirement. It imparts huge impact strength in the running.

#Fang Bolt – This kind of stainless elevator bolt is suitable for raising bulk material having high gravity weight and velocity. It’s function is also same as of the above.

#Belt Bolt – It is also appropriate for elevating heavy-duty objects. These are mostly used in car seat belts.