Your Guide to Good Fastener Maintenance

Threaded fasteners are manufactured to provide a durable and competent fixing for various applications, however with proper maintenance, the long-lasting properties of fasteners can be enhanced even further.

By following the below tips and creating a maintenance routine you can save your business the money and time that comes with replacing fasteners. Here are some helpful steps to prolong the lifespan of your fixings:

Galling is a type of abrasive wear which occurs when metal materials rub together and is often attributed to poor lubrication. Over time thread galling can occur, particularly with stainless steel or aluminium fasteners.

When left unattended, galling can cause fasteners to seize or even suffer breakages, and if a fastener has seized it can be extremely difficult to remove. Through regular lubrication or the use of anti-seize compounds this worst-case scenario can be avoided.

It’s always a good idea to evaluate any possible contaminants that your fasteners may be exposed to such as salt water, adverse weather or soil. These factors can speed up the process of uniform corrosion, galvanic corrosion and rust.

Regularly check your applications to ensure there are no new factors that could impact the longevity of your fixing, such as an increase in metallic dust in the atmosphere or a new location.

Although you may have selected the best coating for your fasteners pre-assembly, corrosion is a natural occurrence that can inevitably appear over time. A new coat or spray of paint can help add a new barrier of protection and, if it’s of importance to you, it can also help improve the visual appearance of your overall application.

For stainless steel applications, iron contamination from incorrect tools can be a common incident. When tools that contain iron are used on stainless steel fasteners this causes iron fallout that leads to rust. Despite this regular problem, iron contamination is ultimately avoidable by simply opting for chrome vanadium steel drivers and tools.

It may seem simple, but a regular cleaning routine can go a long way in extending the life of your fasteners. The previously mentioned issue of contaminants can be rectified with cleaning, by removing the build-up of dust and debris before it can start causing corrosion or rust.

Taking the time to implement a cleaning schedule may seem difficult for many busy companies, however this step can prevent the costly process of fastener replacements.

The above tips are helpful to follow to maintain an assembled fastener, however above all else, the crucial way to guarantee longevity is to choose a dependable fastener supplier in the first instance. Each fastener in our vast catalogue of products is manufactured with precision and is quality checked for the ultimate assurance.

If you’re looking for a component for an upcoming project or would like to see how we can fulfil any current company orders, then please contact us here.