Sheet Metal Screw

Sheet Metal Screw


A sheet metal screw is a type of fastener, usually made of steel, used primarily for connecting thinner metal objects or sheet metal. These screws are characterized by their sharp threads and pointed end, which allow them to easily penetrate and grip into sheet metal and other thin materials. They come in various shapes and sizes, with different head types like flat head, pan head, or hex head, and they can have either a Phillips, flat, or other drive type.

The threads of a sheet metal screw are designed to be self-tapping, meaning they can create their own threads as they are driven into the material. This makes them particularly useful for materials that are too thin to be effectively pre-threaded, as in the case with thicker materials. Sheet metal screws are commonly used in HVAC, automotive, and general metal fabrication applications. They can be found in a range of materials, including stainless steel, for corrosion resistance, and in various coatings for additional durability or aesthetic purposes

Flat Head Phillips Drive

Hex Washer Head

Pan Head Phillips Drive

Pipe Fittings

Pipe Fittings

Pipe Fittings

Pipe fittings are a type of mechanical fastener used to close off or seal the end of a pipe or a hole in a component, typically in applications involving fluid or gas.

Key features and uses of socket pipe plugs include:

  • Design: These plugs are typically designed with a hexagonal (hex) socket or a square socket head. This design allows for easy installation or removal with an Allen wrench or a suitable socket tool.
  • Threaded: Socket pipe plugs are usually threaded, either with a straight thread for sealing with a gasket or an O-ring, or with a tapered thread for a tighter seal that doesn’t necessarily require additional sealing components.
  • Material: They are made from various materials, including steel, stainless steel, brass, or other alloys, depending on the application’s requirements for strength, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with the fluid or gas in the system.
  • Applications: Socket pipe plugs are used in various industries, including automotive, hydraulic, and manufacturing sectors. They are particularly common in fluid power systems, such as hydraulic or pneumatic systems, and in oil and gas applications.
  • Sizes and Standards: They come in a range of standard sizes to fit various pipe diameters and are often manufactured according to specific industry standards to ensure compatibility and a secure fit.
  • Sealing Function: In addition to sealing off pipes, they can also be used to provide a secure closure for fluid reservoirs, pressure vessels, and access points for fluid or gas lines.

Pipe Fittings are vital components in systems where a secure, leak-proof seal is necessary, particularly in high-pressure or high-fluidity environments. Their design ensures ease of use while maintaining a reliable seal.

Hitch Pins

Hitch Pins

Hitch Pins

Hitch pins are a type of fastener used primarily in agricultural and towing applications.

They have several key features and uses:

  • Design: A hitch pin is a straight, cylindrical pin with a tapered end to aid insertion. It typically has a hole at the other end to fit a cotter pin or a retaining clip, which secures the pin in place
  • Purpose: They are designed to attach trailers, implements, and other equipment to tractors and vehicles, particularly in agricultural settings.
  • Ease of Use: Hitch pins provide a quick and easy way to connect and disconnect equipment, making them convenient for frequent use.
  • Durability: Made from strong materials like hardened steel, they are built to withstand heavy loads and outdoor conditions.
  • Safety and Security: The cotter pin or retaining clip ensures that the hitch pin stays in place during use, providing a secure and reliable connection.
  • Variety: Hitch pins come in various sizes and lengths to accommodate different types of machinery and towing requirements.
  • Applications: Besides agricultural use, they are also found in industrial, construction, and automotive applications where secure, quick attachment is needed.

Clevis Pins

Clevis Pins

Clevis Pins

Clevis pins are a type of fastener usually used in conjunction with a clevis, which is a U-shaped bracket.

They have distinct features and applications:

  • Design: A clevis pin is a cylindrical pin with a head at one end and a hole or cross-drilled hole at the other. This hole is used for securing the pin with a cotter pin or a similar locking device.
  • Assembly and Linkage: They are commonly used to assemble and link different components, particularly in applications where parts need to pivot or rotate relative to each other.
  • Ease of Installation and Removal: Clevis pins are easy to install and remove, making them ideal for applications that require regular disassembly or adjustment.
  • Applications: They are widely used in automotive, aviation, agricultural equipment, and marine applications. In these settings, clevis pins often serve as quick-release or simple attachment mechanisms.
  • Variety in Sizes and Materials: Clevis pins come in various sizes and materials, including steel, stainless steel, and sometimes plastics, to suit different strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance requirements.
  • Safety and Security: When secured with a cotter pin or a similar device, clevis pins provide a reliable and safe connection that can withstand significant mechanical loads and motion.

Clevis pins are essential components in many mechanical systems, valued for their simplicity, effectiveness, and ease of use in creating pivot or hinge points.

Taper Pins

Taper Pins

Taper Pins

Taper pins are specialized types of pins used in mechanical engineering for securing and aligning components.

Their characteristics and uses include:

  • Conical Shape: Taper pins have a slightly conical shape, meaning they are slightly wider at one end than the other. This design allows for a very tight fit.
  • Precise Alignment: They are used for aligning or positioning components with great accuracy. The taper ensures a snug fit when inserted into a corresponding tapered hole.
  • Secure Fastening: The tight fit of taper pins makes them suitable for securing parts in a fixed position, preventing movement or slippage.
  • Material: Taper pins can be made of various materials, including steel, stainless steel, and sometimes brass, depending on the application’s requirements for strength and corrosion resistance.
  • Removability: Although they provide a secure fit, taper pins can be removed and reused, making them suitable for assemblies that require regular maintenance or disassembly.
  • Applications: They are commonly used in machinery, electronics, and aerospace applications, where precise alignment is critical
  • Installation: While providing secure alignment, they also allow for the relatively easy assembly and disassembly of components.

Taper pins are valued for their ability to provide precise, secure, and reliable alignment in various mechanical and engineering applications.

Cotter Pins

Cotter Pins

Cotter Pins

Cotter pins, also known as split pins, are simple fasteners used to secure other fasteners or components.

Their typical characteristics and applications include:

  • Design: A cotter pin is a metal fastener with two tines or prongs that are bent during installation. One end is typically wider than the other, resembling a “T” or “hat” shape.
  • Securing Bolts and Nuts: They are often used to prevent nuts and bolts from rotating or falling out. The pin is inserted through a hole in a bolt or shaft, and the protruding ends are then bent outward. This creates a lock that prevents axial movement.
  • Safety Applications: Due to their secure locking ability, they are commonly used in safety-critical applications such as in automotive brake systems, gear assemblies, and machinery.
  • Ease of Use: Cotter pins are relatively easy to install and remove, which makes them useful for applications where frequent disassembly is required.
  • Materials: They are typically made from mild steel or stainless steel, although other materials may be used for specific applications, especially where corrosion resistance is important.
  • Versatility: Cotter pins are used in a variety of applications, ranging from simple mechanical devices to complex aerospace and automotive systems.

Their simplicity, effectiveness, and low cost make cotter pins a widely used component in many mechanical and engineering contexts.

Dowel Pins

Dowel Pins

Dowel Pins

Dowel pins are precise cylindrical pins used in manufacturing and assembly for accurately aligning and joining components.

Their key characteristics and uses include:

  • Alignment: Dowel pins are primarily used for precisely aligning parts during assembly. Their uniform size helps ensure accurate positioning.
  • Fixed Joint Creation: They create fixed joints between parts, unlike screws or bolts, which can create adjustable joints
  • Load Transmission: Dowel pins can transmit load and forces between components, but they are not typically used for load-bearing purposes.
  • Material Variety: They can be made from various materials, including steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, and brass, to match different application needs regarding strength and corrosion resistance.
  • Size Variations: They come in different diameters and lengths to suit various applications.
  • Prevent Slippage: Dowel pins help prevent slippage or movement between parts due to their snug fit in precisely drilled holes.
  • Ease of Assembly and Disassembly: While providing secure alignment, they also allow for the relatively easy assembly and disassembly of components.
  • Applications: They are widely used in mechanical engineering, precision engineering, and woodworking, among other industries.
  • Dowel pins are highly effective in ensuring the accurate and repeatable assembly of parts, making them essential in precision manufacturing processes

Spring Pins

Spring Pins

Spring Pins

Spring pins, also known as roll pins or tension pins, are fasteners used in mechanical applications for securing components together.

  • Securing Components: Spring pins are used to hold parts together in a fixed alignment, often where movement or rotation is undesirable.
  • Tolerating Misalignment: Due to their flexibility, they can accommodate slight misalignments in holes, making them useful in applications where precision alignment is difficult.
  • Absorbing Shock: The coiled design allows for shock absorption, making them ideal for applications that involve vibration or dynamic loads.
  • Space-Efficient Fastening: They are suitable for compact spaces where traditional fasteners like screws and bolts might not fit.
  • Ease of Installation and Removal: Spring pins can be easily installed and removed without the need for special tools, making them convenient for assembly and maintenance.
  • Preventing Loosening: They are effective in preventing nuts, bolts, and other fasteners from loosening due to vibrations or rotational forces.
  • Cost-Effective: Spring pins are generally more cost-effective compared to other types of fasteners and can be used in a variety of industrial, automotive, and electronic applications.
  • Their versatility and ease of use make them a popular choice in a wide range of manufacturing and engineering contexts.

Flanged Nut

Flanged Nut

Flanged Nut

A flanged nut is a type of nut that has a wide flange at one end, which acts as an integrated, non-spinning washer. This serves to distribute the pressure of the nut over the part being secured, reducing the chance of damage to the part and making it less likely to loosen as a result of an uneven fastening surface.

Acorn Nut

Acorn Nut

Acorn Nut

An acorn nut, also known as a cap nut or dome nut, is a type of fastener that has a domed top to cover and protect the threaded end of a bolt or screw. Acorn nuts are appreciated for their combination of functional thread protection and aesthetic appeal, making them a popular choice for a wide range of applications from industrial to decorative.