Bearing Centre Blog

All About Set Screws

Monday, December 11, 2017

There are many different types of fasteners, and while most of us are familiar with the more common varieties, it’s certainly worth knowing about the rare, more specialised options available. These kinds of fasteners are designed to perform a specific function and are usually sold in small quantities and only by highly reputable vendors. One of these specialised varieties that is certainly worth investigating if you’re in an industry that uses large quantities of fasteners is the set screw. ..

The Importance of Using Washers

Monday, December 04, 2017

Washers are often mistaken for simply cheap metal discs, used to keep fasteners tight. What many people don’t understand is that they are a critical fastener component and have been designed to perform unique functions that ensure the safety and longevity of the product being put together. Choosing not to use a washer with your fasteners is almost always guaranteed to reduce the lifespan and reliability of the join as well as increase the risk of long-term damage to the product or equipment being fastened. ..

All You Need to Know About Threadlock Adhesives

Monday, November 13, 2017

One of the terms you’ll come across when shopping for fasteners is threadlock adhesive (also known as threadlocking adhesive or threadlocker). Millions of fasteners are used across the globe, but despite the advancements that have been made in material strength and the manufacturing process, there is still the potential for fasteners to break or loosen. Fastener failure is a costly and dangerous business, so it’s crucial that you understand the various ways to reduce this risk. One of the most successful options is by using threadlock adhesive. ..

Surprising Facts About Stainless Steel Fasteners

Wednesday, November 08, 2017

Stainless steel fasteners are a popular choice for many applications as they’re highly resistant to corrosion, have great load-bearing capabilities, offer excellent resistance against extreme temperatures, are environmentally friendly and 100% recyclable. These points are mostly common knowledge but what you don’t know about stainless steel fasteners might surprise you. Here are three important facts that are worth remembering when purchasing stainless steel fasteners. ..

The Difference Between Hard and Strong Fasteners

Saturday, November 04, 2017

Shopping for fasteners can be a daunting task. There is no single fastener that suits every environment, so it’s important to have at least a small amount of technical knowledge before making your final choice. You need to consider many variables to determine what specifications are needed for the fastener to function optimally. With this information and some basic knowledge about how fasteners work, you will be able to make an informed decision. One of the most widely overlooked technical aspects is the issue of hardness versus strength. While the two may seem synonymous, there are some small but significant differences that you need to understand to get the best out of your products. ..

Different Types of Fastener Corrosion

Monday, October 23, 2017

When purchasing or using fasteners, it’s important to understand the different types of corrosion that could possibly affect them. Having a vague overview or assuming that corrosion is only limited to rust, could be a costly mistake. Corrosion can cause irreparable damage to your fasteners, making them difficult to remove, leading to unnecessary downtime and even putting stress on the equipment or items being fastened. Understanding which type of corrosion to expect and how to prevent it is the only way to avoid costly replacements and repair time. ..

Fasteners for Mounting Solar Panels

Monday, October 16, 2017

Solar panels work by absorbing sunlight and allowing the photons (particles of light) to knock electrons free from atoms. This process occurs in small units called photovoltaic cells and generates a flow of heat and electricity. Solar panels are simply many photovoltaic cells linked together. There are various methods for installing solar panels, but the two most popular are rooftop and pole-mounted. ..

Metric vs. Imperial Fasteners

Monday, October 09, 2017

Choosing between metric or imperial sizing is a decision you might have to make if you’re in the market for fasteners. Quite simply, imperial fasteners are measured using imperial units of measurement, and metric fasteners are measured using metric units. The debate over which measurement system to use has been going on for over a century, but even though metric is now the preferred system worldwide, ultimately it comes down to personal preference. ..

Galvanic Corrosion – What It Is And How To Prevent It

Monday, September 18, 2017

Galvanic corrosion is the damage caused when two different metals are in electrical contact with each other, in the presence of an electrolyte under corrosive conditions, leading to corrosion of the more active metal. ..

Tips to Avoid Overdriving Your Fasteners

Monday, September 11, 2017

The development of modern hand and power tools has made it much easier to drive fasteners into their slots with speed and precision. Today, automatic machines remove even the disorientation that comes with fastening operations but still, it takes skill, patience and many hours of practice to complete an operation successfully without overdriving a screw. Overdriven fasteners can affect the shear capacity of the wall by up to 22%, so it’s important to avoid overdriving by implementing these few simple tips. ..