SUMMER 2021
Distributor's Link Magazine Summer 2021 / Vol 44 No 3
Distributor's Link Magazine Summer 2021 / Vol 44 No 3
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in the Summer <strong>2021</strong> issue of<br />
6 DISTRIBUTOR NEWS<br />
8 DRIVING SYSTEMS FOR FASTENERS TO SUIT THE APPLICATION<br />
Bruno Marbacher<br />
10 FASTENER SCIENCE: SHEAR TESTING - SINGLE AND<br />
DOUBLE SHEAR FOR FASTENERS<br />
Rob LaPointe<br />
12 IS THERE VALUE IN APPLICATION ENGINEERING?<br />
Laurence Claus<br />
14 FCH SOURCEFINDER EXPANDS DURING SUPPLY CHAIN CRUNCH<br />
Ellis Wyatt<br />
16 [COVER FEATURE] ALUMINUM FASTENER – IT’S ALL WE DO!<br />
24 SALES TAX LAWS DRIVING YOU NUTS?<br />
Dennis Cowhey<br />
26 EXCITING UPDATES FROM INTERNATIONAL FASTENER EXPO<br />
28 SMITH ASSOCIATES: 50 YEAR LEGACY<br />
30 WHAT FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED TO KNOW:<br />
THE LONG AND SHORT OF BOLT FAILURES<br />
Guy Avellon<br />
32 SMARTCERT: AUTOMATING THE TRANSFER OF<br />
REQUIRED DOCUMENTION<br />
Lonni Kieffer, Co-Founder<br />
34 FASTENER FAIR USA – FOR ALL THE INDUSTRY,<br />
IN THE HEART OF MANUFACTURING<br />
38 IFI SOARING EAGLE AWARDS <strong>2021</strong><br />
Salim Brahimi<br />
40 FAIRNESS TO PREGNANT WORKERS – PROPOSAL<br />
PROVIDES SOLUTIONS<br />
Jim Truesdell<br />
44 DEATH BY COOKIE: FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED A<br />
NEW WAY TO ADVERTISE ON THE WEB IN 2022<br />
Joe Dysart<br />
46 STAFDA’S IN-PERSON EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS IN ORLANDO<br />
Georgia H. Foley, CEO<br />
48 DO IT YOURSELF GAGING<br />
Larry Borowski<br />
50 UTILIZING SURFACE MOUNT TECH FOR MECHANICAL<br />
FASTENING TO PCBS<br />
Michael J. Rossi<br />
52 WTC IT SERVICES – A LEGACY OF SUPPORT<br />
54 MWFA PRESENTS FSTNR WEEK, AUGUST 16-20<br />
Nancy Rich<br />
58 REPORT: INDUSTRIAL FASTENER DEMAND AT 4% CAGR<br />
John Wolz<br />
60 SPRING BOLT AND NUT MFG: SPECIALTY FASTENERS<br />
ON DEMAND<br />
62 FTI BRINGS NEW ADVANCED IN-PERSON TECH<br />
TRAINING TO CHICAGO AUGUST 16-20<br />
Jo Morris<br />
63 SOLUTION INDUSTRIES RECOGNIZES EMPLOYEE TENURES<br />
64 TAKING ANOTHER LOOK AT INVENTORY<br />
Robert Footlik<br />
66 AMCO ENTERPRISES: YOUR METRIC FASTENER<br />
SPECIALIST FOR OVER 50 YEARS<br />
68 FASTENING TECHNIQUES FOR PLASTIC HOUSINGS<br />
Jeff Greenwood<br />
70 BIG RED FASTENERS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN<br />
THE FASTENER INDUSTRY<br />
72 THE FASTENER POWER OF BLIND RIVETS<br />
Anthony Di Maio<br />
73 BTM MFG ACHIEVES ISO 9001:2015 RECERTIFICATION<br />
74 TOPICS TO CONSIDER REGARDING SECOND DRAW<br />
OF PPP FUNDING<br />
Roman Basi<br />
76 PARKER FASTENERS: FORGING THE FUTURE<br />
78 THE INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTOR’S GUIDE TO STARTING<br />
A DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION<br />
Nelson Valderrama<br />
80 PAC-WEST: LIVE EVENTS ARE BACK!<br />
Amy Nijjar<br />
82 CELO FIXINGS TECHNOLOGY: MECHANICAL ANCHORS<br />
THROUGH THE YEARS<br />
84 SEFA SPRING CONFERENCE PHOTOS<br />
85 3Q INC: YOUR FULL-SERVICE SUPPLY CHAIN ANSWER<br />
86 DISTRIBUTION ONE: NEW ERP-ONE SOFTWARE IN<br />
THE POST-PANDEMIC NORMAL
volume 44 // issue #3<br />
90 WIFI ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP WINNER<br />
93 CRESCENT MANUFACTURING WELCOMES BACK<br />
DAN BIELEFIELD<br />
96 THE NEFDA SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING RETURNED!<br />
Nancy Rich<br />
97 NEFDA GOLF OUTING PHOTOS<br />
98 AROUND THE FASTENER INDUSTRY<br />
103 SETKO: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THAT CUSTOMERS<br />
CAN COUNT ON<br />
114 MFDA ITR ECONOMIC FORECAST MEETING RECAP<br />
Rob Rundle<br />
115 SOLON MANUFACTURING: FIRST-EVER RECIPIENT<br />
OF PRESTIGIOUS AWARD<br />
118 SEFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNOUNCED<br />
Nancy Rich<br />
127 SUNCOR: PULLPRO - VERSATILE & INNOVATIVE<br />
STAINLESS-STEEL SHEAVES<br />
136 MWFA RECONNECTS FOR GOLF OPEN<br />
Nancy Rich<br />
137 MWFA GOLF OPEN PHOTOS<br />
139 DDI SYSTEM: TECHNOLOGY TO EMPOWER<br />
DISTRIBUTOR SUCCESS<br />
154 NFDA HOSTS FREE MONTHLY VIRTUAL EVENTS<br />
Amy Nijjar<br />
162 SFA AT TOP GOLF: WE CAME OUT OF 2020 SWINGING<br />
Cari Bailey<br />
162 SFA TOP GOLF PHOTOS<br />
174 SEFA HOLDS FIRST IN-PERSON INDUSTRY EVENT<br />
IN OVER A YEAR!<br />
Nancy Rich<br />
175 SHOW SEASON IS BACK! COME AND VISIT US<br />
182 NEFDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNOUNCED<br />
Nancy Rich<br />
191 SEFA SPRING CONFERENCE PHOTOS<br />
193 WE MAKE THE CONNECTIONS HAPPEN - RESERVE<br />
YOUR AD SPACE FOR OUR BIG FALL SHOW ISSUE!
6 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
All Integrated Solutions (AIS), a division<br />
of MSC Industrial Supply Co., announced that it<br />
has received an Outstanding Quality Award from<br />
Motus Integrated Technologies for a<br />
second consecutive year.<br />
The award recognizes AIS<br />
for shipping more than<br />
10,000,000 pieces with zero<br />
defects in 2020 to Motus, a<br />
Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier of<br />
automotive interior products<br />
to the world’s automakers.<br />
“Although the global<br />
pandemic created many<br />
challenges for companies<br />
in 2020, the entire AIS<br />
team was focused and<br />
worked hard to ensure that our customers<br />
received best-in-class products and service<br />
throughout the year. Being recognized by a<br />
leading company like Motus for our efforts is very<br />
special and rewarding for our team.” stated AIS<br />
President Nick Ruetz.<br />
AIS, which was founded in 1962,<br />
is a leading value-added distributor<br />
of industrial fasteners and<br />
components, assembly tools,<br />
and maintenance, repair,<br />
operations and production<br />
supplies (MROP).<br />
In 2018, AIS was acquired<br />
by MSC as the platform for<br />
the company’s OEM fastener<br />
and components strategy. AIS<br />
has seven locations in six<br />
Midwestern states.<br />
For more information<br />
contact All Integrated<br />
Solutions at 8625 Industrial Dr., Franksville,<br />
WI 53126. Tel: 262-770-3305, email: info@<br />
allintegrated.com or visit them online at<br />
www.allintegrated.com.<br />
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br />
3Q, Inc. is pleased to announce that Jim<br />
Hetfleisch is the new 3Q, Inc. General Manager<br />
replacing Mark Maddelein in day to day operations.<br />
Jim joins 3Q, Inc. with over 30<br />
years of fastener industry experience.<br />
He’s been a successful manager in<br />
all areas of the fastener distribution<br />
business. He has traveled extensively<br />
to visit suppliers, both domestic and<br />
overseas. The relationships he has<br />
built over the years will benefit 3Q,<br />
Inc. and our customers.<br />
Mark Maddelein will continue to be<br />
President and focus on outside sales, company<br />
culture and continuous improvement goals.<br />
We are confident Jim will exceed our<br />
expectations with his depth of fastener knowledge,<br />
experience and enthusiasm to provide the very<br />
best customer service and employee growth.<br />
Please feel free to reach out to Jim at<br />
JimH@3Q-Inc.com or give him a call at 630-405-<br />
8492. Jim is more than happy to<br />
answer any questions you might<br />
have or talk about the exciting<br />
world of fasteners.<br />
3Q is based in Naperville,<br />
Illinois, and serves hardware<br />
distributors as well as original<br />
equipment manufacturers in<br />
the Midwest, as well as the<br />
continental U.S.<br />
For more information contact 3Q Inc at<br />
1707 Quincy Avenue, Unit 159, Naperville, IL<br />
60540. Tel: 630-405-8492, Fax: 630-839-0990,<br />
Email sales@ 3Q-Inc.com or visit them online at<br />
www.3Q-Inc.com.
8<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
Bruno Marbacher<br />
Bruno Marbacher earned his mechanical engineering degree in Switzerland, he also holds a<br />
business degree. He started out as a tool and die maker (poly-mechanic) and over the years he<br />
has held various management positions in quality and engineering. During his time in America<br />
he has developed and given numerous seminars on topics related to the proper use of mechanical<br />
fasteners and machine elements, and assists engineers in solving fastening/assembly issues. His<br />
has groomed and directed many young engineers in fastening/assembly technology. He now<br />
offers his 40 years of experience through writing and lecturing.<br />
DRIVING SYSTEMS FOR FASTENERS TO<br />
SUIT THE APPLICATION<br />
Dear Reader - any given screw or bolt needs a feature<br />
to drive a screw in and home and finally tightens the joint.<br />
A drive is typically chosen based on the application. A<br />
certain feature is good for one application but not that<br />
important for another. So, starting with this article we<br />
are going to cover the drives that are available today (pro<br />
and cons etc.). Since there are so may drives or driving<br />
systems, as they are sometime called, we will spread this<br />
topic over several magazine issues.<br />
Critical Drive Features<br />
To choose a screw with certain drive there are several<br />
things to be consider. The Critical Functional Features are:<br />
¤ Amount torque it can absorb.<br />
¤ Off-angle driver to drive.<br />
¤ Ease off alignment/engagement<br />
¤ Cam-out, tendency to push driver out.<br />
¤ Durability of drive, repeated assembly<br />
¤ Good Stick fit, hold driver in drive.<br />
¤ The effect of the coatings on driver engagement<br />
¤ Tamperproof, preventing unauthorized access.<br />
¤ Its worldwide availability<br />
Amount Of Torque A Drive Can Absorb<br />
This is critical for most thread forming screws, tapping<br />
screws, any screw that forms its own thread, it is also<br />
important for any screw driven into wood.<br />
Off-Angle<br />
Ideally, the screws in an assembly, should be positioned<br />
for easy access so the driver can be insert straight into<br />
the drive using a screwdriver or power driver etc. This may<br />
not always be possible so a drive which allows for off<br />
TECHNICAL ARTICLE<br />
angle may be the best<br />
option.<br />
Ease of Alignment/<br />
Engagement<br />
In High volume<br />
assembly is critical how<br />
easy a driver engages<br />
in the drive without<br />
damaging the drive. This<br />
is crucial for high volume<br />
automated assembly,<br />
where the screw is fed via feeding hose to the mouthpiece.<br />
The driver bit has to be able to engage easily to prevent<br />
jamming.<br />
Cam-Out<br />
Cam-out (camming out) is used to describe a<br />
screwdriver’s tendency of the driver bit disengaging from<br />
the drive (bit slipping out of the screw’s drive). Cam-out<br />
typical occurs when the screw is driven in when the<br />
torque is applied. Cross recesses with tapered walls<br />
have the tendency to cam-out. For today’s assemblies,<br />
cam-out is not desirable. The applied torque to machine<br />
screws is typically low so came-out is low. Torx, Pozidriv,<br />
ACR drives, etc. have been specifically designed not to<br />
cam-out.<br />
Durability of Drive<br />
For equipment that requires frequent service, a durable<br />
drive should be used. Screws with a durable drive can be<br />
reused several times. A durable drive is crucial for field<br />
service, a replacement screw may not be available.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 100
10<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
Rob LaPointe AIM TESTING LABORATORY<br />
Rob LaPointe is a noted authority in materials and fastener technology. With extensive experience<br />
in the management and science of materials testing laboratories combined with master’s degrees in<br />
physics and education, he excels at bringing solutions to the client. Working specifically in the fastener<br />
testing industry, he has developed expertise in mechanical, nondestructive, metallurgical and chemical<br />
testing. With a background of 20 years in physics education, Rob is effective at communicating complex<br />
ideas in a simple and understandable manner, communicating well with clients enabling them to make<br />
informed decisions about their products and business. AIM is located at 1920 Cordell Court #101, El<br />
Cajon, CA, 92020. Tel: 909-254-1278, email: sales@aimtestlab.com or online at www.aimtestlab.com<br />
FASTENER SCIENCE: SHEAR TESTING -<br />
SINGLE AND DOUBLE SHEAR FOR FASTENERS<br />
Although not as common as tensile testing and<br />
nowhere near as ubiquitous as hardness testing, shear<br />
testing for fasteners is considered a common test<br />
and is required by many specifications. Shear testing<br />
measures the strength of the material perpendicular<br />
to the metal’s predominate grain direction, which is<br />
typically in the same direction as the longitudinal (long)<br />
axis of the fastener. In other words, shear testing loads<br />
the fastener sideways to the normal loading direction<br />
that is achieved by tightening the fastener.<br />
It is common for metal to have a shear strength in<br />
the range of 50-70% of the material’s ultimate tensile<br />
strength (UTS). Just like wood, metal is stronger in the<br />
direction of the grain than it is perpendicular (crossgrain)<br />
to the direction of the grain. For example, an<br />
SAE J429, Grade 8 fastener has a minimum UTS of<br />
120,000 psi. That would mean that the expected<br />
shear strength would be about (120,000 psi x 0.60)<br />
72,000 psi.<br />
Fasteners can be used in two principal ways to hold<br />
a joint together and keep it from slipping of failing. The<br />
predominate use of a fastener is to create sufficient<br />
clamp-load to keep a joint ridged and keep it from<br />
slipping. Most of the time fasteners are used in tension<br />
and experience all forces in the longitudinal direction<br />
(along the long axis) of the fastener. These longitudinal<br />
forces are created by threading the fastener into a hole<br />
against the head of the fastener or by putting a nut on<br />
the end of the fastener and tightening it against the head<br />
and assembly. When a fastener is properly tensioned<br />
(about 60 % of UTS) it creates an enormous amount<br />
TECHNICAL ARTICLE<br />
FIGURE 1 TENSION LOADS ARE IN THE LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION<br />
OF THE FASTENER AND SHEAR LOADS ARE IN THE TRANSVERSE<br />
DIRECTION (PERPENDICULAR TO THE LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION)<br />
OF THE FASTENER.<br />
of friction between the components of the assembly.<br />
It is this friction that holds the joint tight and keeps<br />
the components of the assembly from slipping due to<br />
loads in the transverse (perpendicular to longitudinal)<br />
direction.<br />
Friction is created by holding the pieces of the<br />
assembly tight together. The tighter the hold, the<br />
greater the frictional force available to resist movement<br />
of the assembly. Friction is a product of the clamp-load<br />
of the fastener and the quality of the surfaces in contact<br />
with one another. From a physics perspective, Frictional<br />
force is equal to the Normal force times the Coefficient<br />
of friction, where the Normal force originates from the<br />
clamp-load created by tensioning the fastener and the<br />
Coefficient of friction is a value that characterizes the<br />
smoothness or roughness of the surfaces in contact with<br />
one another. Figure 2 illustrates the frictional force as<br />
a product of the Normal force (N) and the Coefficient of<br />
friction, which is given by the symbol mu (µ), Ff = Nµ.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 102
12<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
Laurence Claus<br />
Laurence Claus is the President of NNi Training and Consulting, Inc. He has 25 years of<br />
experience with a medium sized automotive fastener manufacturer, holding positions<br />
including Vice President of Engineering, General Manager, Director of Quality, Director<br />
of New Business Development and Applications Engineer. In 2012 he formed NNi<br />
offering technical and business training courses as well as technical consulting, expert<br />
witness and consultation work. He can be reached at 847-867-7363 or by email:<br />
Lclaus@NNiTraining.com. You can learn more about NNi at www.NNiTraining.com.<br />
IS THERE VALUE IN APPLICATION ENGINEERING?<br />
I began my career in the fastener industry over<br />
thirty years ago as an Application Engineer. This was a<br />
great place to start, and, perhaps, the most cherished<br />
time of all my years in the industry. I suppose that<br />
Application Engineering can mean different things to<br />
different people, but within the fastener realm this<br />
role is pretty universally understood as an interface<br />
which works with the customer to provide the best<br />
fastening solution. This not only means choosing the<br />
correct fastener but also the related joint design,<br />
fastener heat treatment, finish, packaging, and any<br />
number of other design or process related decisions.<br />
A good Application Engineer is a combination engineer/<br />
technician, salesman, project manager, and customer<br />
service representative. An Application Engineer is often<br />
the primary company contact with both new and existing<br />
customers. Therefore, in addition to these individuals<br />
needing good technical skills, they must be personable<br />
and possess the finesse of a salesman who works with<br />
customers all day long. To be successful, they must<br />
have enough gravitas in the organization to successfully<br />
make and fulfill commitments to the customer.<br />
Most manufacturers have one or more Application<br />
Engineers on staff, even if they are not purveyors of<br />
many proprietary fasteners or fastener features. Sadly,<br />
however, too few fastener distributors follow this<br />
lead and instead rely on salesmanship and pricing to<br />
develop customers, both new and old. Although there<br />
is nothing wrong with using salesmanship to develop<br />
new and existing accounts (in fact, this is necessary),<br />
in my experience many of the customers served by<br />
distributors do not have sophisticated, experienced<br />
individuals or departments focused on fasteners and<br />
TECHNICAL ARTICLE<br />
fastener engineering. The result is, perhaps, a greater<br />
need than the average fastener manufacturer/customer<br />
account to supply application’s based knowledge,<br />
assistance, and expertise. Several times in my career,<br />
I have been requested to accompany a distributor<br />
representative on a problem solving visit with their<br />
customer. In almost every case I have been shocked<br />
to experience antagonism and obstruction from the<br />
very person I was sent to help. Although this behavior<br />
perplexed me at the time, I have concluded that they<br />
perceived the application’s solution we might arrive<br />
at would in some way supplant the existing parts and,<br />
thus, the business they already had in-place. This is<br />
extremely unfortunate and short sighted as solving a<br />
customer’s problem almost always serves to improve<br />
the supplier-customer relationship and open up new,<br />
and often greater, future opportunities.<br />
Thus, fastener distributors and their customers<br />
would likely benefit more than anyone else by<br />
possessing and supplying application engineering<br />
services. Unfortunately, often both the supplier and<br />
the customer all too often take fastener products for<br />
granted and choose to forget or overlook that a fastener<br />
is not a mere piece of hardware but rather an integral<br />
component in holding the customer’s products together.<br />
In my opinion every fastener distributor should be<br />
developing individuals within their organization that<br />
possess knowledge of fastener engineering, fastener<br />
technology, and their customer’s products. Following<br />
are three real world examples of application engineering<br />
activities that provide insight into methods that can<br />
be utilized in developing and aiding a new or existing<br />
customer.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 104
14<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
FCH SOURCING NETWORK<br />
FASTENER DISTRIBUTOR INDEX www.fdisurvey.com<br />
FULLY THREADED RADIO www.fullythreaded.com<br />
FCH FASTENER SEARCH www.fastenerscleringouse.com/search<br />
FCH SOURCEFINDERMEMBERSHIP www.fastenersclearinghouse.com/join<br />
SOURCEFINDER EXPANDS DURING SUPPLY<br />
CHAIN CRUNCH by Ellis Wyatt<br />
Everyone in the fastener industry knows it’s getting<br />
strange out there.<br />
Lead times are stretching to unimaginable lengths,<br />
costing issues are everywhere, and customer buying<br />
patterns never cease to amaze. On top of it all, inventory<br />
has become harder to obtain across the board.<br />
Still, fastener distributors are strongly optimistic<br />
about future business prospects, according to the most<br />
recent Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) report. Based<br />
heavily on record-setting sales activity, the trend of<br />
positive sentiment extended to a 12 month positive<br />
streak with the May survey, as the Forward Looking<br />
Indicator (FLI) came in at a robust 76.0, only slightly off<br />
the all-time high on the measure of expectations for the<br />
next six months.<br />
Less clear is the picture surrounding the numerous<br />
supply chain issues that have begun causing problems for<br />
distributors. Raw materials shortages, shipping disruptions,<br />
unprecedented customer orders and other influences are<br />
impacting fastener companies, who are increasingly finding<br />
themselves scrambling to locate inventory.<br />
One FDI respondent commented on the apparent<br />
conflict in trends, “Distributors are starting to run out of<br />
critical stock and domestic lead times continue to rise,<br />
but amazingly new orders continue to be higher than last<br />
year with no sign of slowing.”<br />
Another survey participant alluded to challenges<br />
related to the master distributors, “Suppliers are REALLY<br />
slow in shipments to distributors, and when they do<br />
have inventory, it could be coming from anywhere in the<br />
country. Lead times are out of this world!”<br />
As the market experiences this mix of brisk sales<br />
and increasing supply challenges, FCH Sourcing Network<br />
(www.fastenersclearinghouse.com) is reporting an uptick<br />
in usage of FCH SourceFinder, its broadcast RFQ<br />
system, available to all fastener distributors with no<br />
membership required.<br />
Supporting thousands of weekly users, and offering<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE<br />
over 1.5 million inventory listings, FCH has long been<br />
used by fastener professionals across North America to<br />
locate hard to find parts. Using SourceFinder, an inquiry<br />
can be sent across the network and delivered to the<br />
distributors most likely to have the part in question, even<br />
when the part is not listed on FCH by a member company.<br />
The typical SourceFinder inquiry is sent directly to<br />
over 100 fastener distributors, making it a powerful tool<br />
for confronting problematic supply disruptions.<br />
“FCH has always been a reliable source to find<br />
fasteners that seem to be in short supply. These days,<br />
that seems like every fastener we come across! With<br />
SourceFinder, the far reach across the industry gets<br />
you in front of a huge collection of fastener suppliers,”<br />
said Allan Weitzman of Jaycee Sales & Rivet (www.<br />
RivetsOnline.com).<br />
The SourceFinder system was devised to help<br />
distributors help each other. There is no charge for<br />
distributors to submit a SourceFinder inquiry, and<br />
responding companies deal directly with the requester.<br />
On top of that, the simple process takes only moments,<br />
and there is no obligation.<br />
While there is no cost to use FCH, only member<br />
companies can receive and respond to SourceFinder<br />
inquiries. In response to the rise in demand, an all-new<br />
membership package is being offered with SourceFinder<br />
as the focus. The new membership level is perfect for<br />
distributors interested in receiving product inquiries from<br />
companies who are in urgent need of product.<br />
No matter how long the positive sales trend continues,<br />
everyone in the fastener industry understands that supply<br />
challenges are likely to be with us for a while. FCH<br />
SourceFinder is a potent tool for handling the resulting<br />
inventory gaps.<br />
FCH Sourcing Network supports the fastener industry<br />
with a variety of digital inventory marketing services.<br />
Based in Ravenna, OH, FCH was founded in 2006. Tel: 877-<br />
332-7836 or email eric@fastenersclearinghouse.com.<br />
FCH SOURCING NETWORK
24<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
COMPUTER INSIGHTS INC.<br />
108 Third Street, Bloomingdale, IL 60108<br />
TEL 1-800-539-1233 EMAIL sales@ci-inc.com WEB www.ci-inc.com<br />
SALES TAX LAWS DRIVING YOU NUTS?<br />
by Dennis Cowhey<br />
Over half of the states changed their sales tax laws<br />
at the beginning of <strong>2021</strong>. That doesn’t take into account<br />
local sales taxes. Texas alone has over 1,600 local tax<br />
jurisdictions. With all of the various taxing authorities<br />
out there, you can expect around six hundred tax rate<br />
changes every year. Keeping up with the details can be a<br />
lot. Do you know where your company has nexus and what<br />
tax laws affect you? Does your current software take care<br />
of everything for you automatically in the background as<br />
you go about your business? Do you wish it did?<br />
Computer Insights, Inc Partners With Avalara<br />
The Business Edge TM<br />
by Computer Insights is a fullfeatured<br />
state-of-the-art ERP system that helps businesses<br />
streamline their business processes in every aspect of<br />
their business. The Business Edge TM<br />
eliminates steps from<br />
day-to-day activities and provides unparalleled reporting<br />
and analysis features. Benefits include intuitive Vendor<br />
Managed Inventory systems, direct connections to master<br />
distributors with the Fastener Supply Chain Network,<br />
Wireless Warehouse Options, Lot and Location tracking,<br />
Integrated Quality and Inspection, and much more.<br />
The Business Edge TM<br />
became a certified Avalara<br />
AvaTax integration in 2019. When activated, the<br />
connection talks to Avalara as you work without any extra<br />
effort required by you. This will free up the time you are<br />
spending managing sales taxes and spend it on more<br />
important things.<br />
Sales tax is automatically calculated based on the<br />
product type and customer taxability by ship-to address.<br />
If an order requires different sales tax rules applied to<br />
different line items, you can handle that with a single<br />
click of a button.<br />
Do you sell to companies that require custom tax<br />
rules? The Business Edge TM<br />
makes setting up custom tax<br />
rules easy, after they are created they are automatically<br />
used when applicable. You do not have to worry about<br />
remembering who has special requirements.<br />
Addresses are validated once as you enter them.<br />
Your existing addresses will only be validated once when<br />
you use them as a ship-to location. Validating addresses<br />
ensures the taxes calculated are accurate.<br />
Information is available where you need it and when<br />
you need it. For example, if a customer asks why you<br />
charged them what you did for sales tax, you can easily<br />
see the detailed tax jurisdiction breakdown. Summary<br />
and detailed tax reports are available for review. Avalara<br />
can prepare and file your returns while distributing<br />
payments to all tax jurisdictions on your behalf or you<br />
can use these reports if you want to continue to file and<br />
remit your own taxes.<br />
Who Is Avalara?<br />
Avalara helps businesses get tax compliance right by<br />
partnering with leading ERP systems like The Business<br />
Edge. TM<br />
Avalara is a publicly-traded company and was<br />
ranked one of the fastest growing companies in North<br />
America on Deloitte’s 2018 Technology Fast 500.<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 106
26<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
TEL 323-817-2226 EMAIL morgan.wilson@fastenershows.com<br />
WEB www.fastenershows.com<br />
EXCITING UPDATES FROM<br />
INTERNATIONAL FASTENER EXPO<br />
Registration is open at fastenershows.com for the<br />
International Fastener Expo (IFE) <strong>2021</strong>. IFE <strong>2021</strong> will<br />
take place on September 21 – 23 at the Mandalay Bay<br />
Convention Center, Bayside B, in Las Vegas, Nevada.<br />
The expo is North America’s most extensive business-tobusiness<br />
tradeshow of its kind for all types of fasteners,<br />
machinery & tooling and other industrial products.<br />
This September, IFE will host a robust conference<br />
schedule with highlights on new technology, industry<br />
trends, testing and inspection, growing sales, and more<br />
– all in an environment that places the health & safety of<br />
IFE’s customers, partners, and staff as its top priority.<br />
Each year, IFE brings together thousands of<br />
attendees, buyers, and sellers from across the entire<br />
supply chain. VIP attendees at IFE are consistently<br />
included in Industrial Distribution’s Big 50 List and<br />
exhibitors are among the top international and domestic<br />
distributors, manufacturers, material suppliers, tooling<br />
and machinery providers and ancillary services. Top<br />
confirmed companies that will be in attendance this year<br />
include Fastenal, Wurth Industry of North America and<br />
Optimas. The <strong>2021</strong> show floor will also give attendees<br />
the chance to meet with representatives and explore<br />
top products from exhibitors such as Brighton-Best<br />
International, Lindstrom, Stelfast, Nucor Fasteners, Star<br />
Stainless and Copper State Bolt and Nut.<br />
In addition to the education and networking<br />
available, registration to International Fastener Expo<br />
gives you access to special events such as a welcome<br />
reception at Daylight Pool, the Hall of Fame and Young<br />
Fastener Professional of the Year Awards, celebrating<br />
outstanding members of the fastener industry and the<br />
second annual IFE Golf Tournament at the Bali Hai Golf<br />
Club on September 21. Join IFE and fellow members of<br />
the fastener industry for some friendly competition to<br />
start the show.<br />
SHOW EVENT ARTICLE<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 27
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 27<br />
IFE EXCITING UPDATES FROM INTERNATIONAL FASTENER EXPO from page 26<br />
IFE, which is owned by Emerald, will be<br />
implementing a robust Health & Safety Plan in<br />
addition to Emerald’s Preparedness, Prevention<br />
and Response Plan, both of which outline the<br />
specific protocols being implemented both during<br />
the event-planning phase and onsite at IFE.<br />
“The excitement and enthusiasm to see<br />
everyone face to face seems to be growing<br />
every week. We’re thrilled to create a safe and<br />
comfortable environment for our audience to<br />
meet in-person once more,” said Morgan Wilson,<br />
Show Manager, International Fastener Expo.<br />
In addition to preparing for the upcoming <strong>2021</strong> show,<br />
IFE also recently launched a blog and newsletter, both of<br />
which are committed to distributing quality, timely content<br />
to regularly strengthen and educate the industry. Please<br />
contact info@fastenershows.com if you have a relevant<br />
product release or company update to share.<br />
Attendees are encouraged to register early. The price<br />
for attendee passes is $75, and the onsite fee will be<br />
$85. To register, visit fastenershows.com.<br />
INTERNATIONAL FASTENER EXPO
28<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
SMITH ASSOCIATES, INC.<br />
PO Box 683, Hopatcong, NJ 07843<br />
TEL 973-810-2900 EMAIL office@smithreps.com WEB www.smithreps.com<br />
SMITH ASSOCIATES: A 50 YEAR LEGACY<br />
When one hits a milestone in one’s life, it often<br />
evokes a self-reflection… an assessment… a thoughtful<br />
evaluation of what has transpired.<br />
For Mike Smith, manufacturer’s representative and<br />
owner of Smith Associates, those remembrances that<br />
helped shape his legacy are recalled with a smile.<br />
Back in 1971, after a year in mechanical engineering<br />
at New Hampshire Technical Institute, Mike found that he<br />
did not enjoy the confines of sitting at a table and<br />
drafting. He wasn’t sure what he wanted but<br />
he knew he needed to move on. Call it<br />
divine intervention, luck, or just life<br />
stepping in when Mike’s uncle,<br />
who owned Davis-McCormick<br />
Associates in Lyndhurst, NJ,<br />
called him and offered him a<br />
job as an apprentice in his<br />
rep agency.<br />
Mike jumped at the chance<br />
to move to NJ and start his<br />
new career. Having grown<br />
up in the picturesque town<br />
of Exeter, NH, he was<br />
excited to try his luck in<br />
the bustling metropolitan area.<br />
This was very exciting, yet very<br />
scary, for the very naïve Mike Smith. His uncle was a task<br />
master, and not only gave Mike an amazing education in<br />
the business of fasteners, but also helped him become a<br />
conscious worker and a more worldly person. Not all the<br />
lessons were easy, but the toughness of his uncle would<br />
give him the basics he would need to become successful<br />
in his chosen career.<br />
MIKE SMITH, CHRIS SMITH, COREY MAGYAR<br />
AND DAN BIELEFIELD<br />
Living in a rooming house in Kearny, NJ, Mike<br />
learned the business from the inside of an office and<br />
was quickly sent on the road to start selling in Yonkers<br />
and The Bronx. This was a difficult and dangerous area,<br />
but Mike’s sunny personality and drive to succeed carried<br />
him through to his new found love of selling. Not being<br />
a native to NYC, simply finding his way around New<br />
York roads and encountering so many<br />
different types of people was an<br />
education in itself. All of the<br />
different religions, ethnicities,<br />
and cultures were so unique<br />
to him, it increased Mike’s<br />
eagerness to learn as much<br />
as he could.<br />
He would soon figure<br />
out where to find quiet<br />
phone booths to call into<br />
the office twice a day, and<br />
where the safe bathrooms<br />
are located (not an easy<br />
task). Mike had to deal with<br />
constant rejection but keep his<br />
spirit up and move on to the<br />
next call. He would live on hot<br />
dog cart food for his first five<br />
years to save money. And when the gas shortage hit in the<br />
1970’s, he would find ways to make friends with the gas<br />
station owners so he could continue his work “pounding<br />
on random doors in warehouses all over The Bronx”. The<br />
city gave Mike the energy to find the next order whether<br />
it was for $50 or $5000; the thrill of the completion of a<br />
contract with a customer was his ultimate joy.<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 108
30<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
Guy Avellon<br />
Guy Avellon has been in MRO and Fastener Distribution for over 30 years, in such positions Sales<br />
Engineer, Chief Engineer, Manager of Product Marketing, Product Engineering & Quality and<br />
Director of Quality & Engineering. He founded GT Technical Consultants where he performs failure<br />
analysis, lectures on fastener safety, works for law firms and designs/audits Quality systems. He is a<br />
member of SAE, is Vice Chairman of the ASTM F16 Fastener Committee, Chairman of the F16.01 Test<br />
Methods Committee and received the ASTM Award of Merit in 2005. Guy can be contacted at 847-<br />
477-5057, Email: ExpertBoltGuy@gmail.com or visit www.BoltFailure.com.<br />
WHAT FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED TO KNOW:<br />
THE LONG AND SHORT OF BOLT FAILURES<br />
There are many reasons why fasteners fail and many<br />
different ways to cause failure. Small fasteners are prone<br />
to fail when assembled with power tools, especially if the<br />
thread length is too short and long fasteners are prone<br />
to fail when used improperly.<br />
How Many Threads Do We Really Need<br />
To Be Within The Joint?<br />
Under certain conditions, a fastener that is too long<br />
can fail as fast as one that is too short.<br />
First of all, the number of threads on a fastener<br />
does not change the strength of a fastener. The fastener<br />
may be subjected to a force, or forces, that will cut the<br />
fastener in two or stretches it into yield. However, the<br />
performance of the fastener will change and be greatly<br />
affected by how the fastener is installed; whether the<br />
entire components match for strength and grade, how<br />
many threads are left inside the joint or grip area and if<br />
there is full thread engagement with the threads of the<br />
nut.<br />
Strength is not determined by how many threads are<br />
protruding beyond the nut as long as there is full thread<br />
engagement, or complete thread contact, with all of the<br />
threads of the nut. What really matters is the number<br />
of threads within the joint. The total material thickness<br />
being clamped together is known as the joint and is also<br />
called the ‘grip’ area of the fastener. The threads within<br />
the grip are called the ‘unengaged’ threads, as they do<br />
not contact any mating threads. Of course, the number<br />
of unengaged threads is determined by how many<br />
threads protrude from the nut.<br />
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE<br />
A threaded fastener is a series of different spring<br />
rates; each portion of the fastener, from the head, shank<br />
and threads, experience a different stress load and<br />
stretches at a different rate. It is the threaded portion of<br />
the fastener that is between the fastener head and the<br />
thread run-out and the first thread outside the nut, or<br />
grip area in a tapped hole, that experiences the highest<br />
amount of stress concentration of the fastener under<br />
tension. These unengaged threads will act as shock<br />
absorbers under dynamic loading.<br />
FIGURE 1<br />
Figure 1 illustrates a fastener in a connection<br />
with no threads protruding beyond the end of the nut.<br />
The first thread in the nut is incomplete as a lead-in<br />
thread and therefore, will not carry much of any applied<br />
service load. The threads of the nut may even strip while<br />
tightening or cause joint failure from incomplete load<br />
distribution.<br />
Also, in Figure 1, it is important that the threads of<br />
the bolt are not within the shear plane of the joint.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 110
32<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
ARAMID TECHNOLOGIES<br />
TEL 480-442-7073 EMAIL info@aramidtech.com<br />
WEB www.aramidtech.com<br />
SMARTCERT: AUTOMATING THE TRANSFER OF<br />
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION by Lonni Kieffer, Co-Founder<br />
The pressure to work smarter is forcing companies<br />
to move up their timeline for digital advancement. Many<br />
will say it’s overwhelming to consider all the options and<br />
ensure they are maximizing their investment in a way that<br />
will drive ROI and business growth. Others will tell you<br />
they feel limited by their legacy systems and don’t want<br />
to be forced to make changes to their existing processes<br />
and teams. Yet everyone agrees automation is the key to<br />
their future.<br />
One priority for many companies is solving for the<br />
inefficiencies associated with the transfer of required<br />
documentation. From time spent tracking lost certs to the<br />
quarantine shelf and expense of scrapped parts, this is<br />
a clear and immediate opportunity to boost productivity<br />
and profits when considering the path forward in futureproofing<br />
your business.<br />
Armed with decades of experience in manufacturing<br />
and distribution and a focus on this very problem, Lyndon<br />
Lattie assembled a team of industry experts, thought<br />
leaders and developers, and set out to help companies<br />
clear the paperwork bottleneck. He envisioned a tool that<br />
would make certs available where they are needed most<br />
– right on the packaging – and provide a communication<br />
channel for everyone from raw material suppliers to<br />
manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers that would<br />
streamline the transfer of industry-required certifications.<br />
SmartCert has been developed as a universal platform<br />
that aligns with current processes, automates certification<br />
procedures, and binds documentation to parts using QR<br />
codes. Now, certs can be accessed and viewed with a<br />
Smartphone or tablet on a job site or assembly line and<br />
inbound cert packages can instantly be available to your<br />
teams and technology.<br />
Integration with ERPs, eCommerce and QMS systems<br />
upgrades legacy systems and allows for demonstrated<br />
continuous improvement and value-add service to<br />
customers. As a cloud-based subscription, features and<br />
benefits are continually added to the platform, and IT<br />
departments aren’t required to orchestrate expensive and<br />
timely updates or create server space for the software.<br />
While creating a standardized process for supply<br />
chains is the ultimate goal for SmartCert, it immediately<br />
solves common problems for most businesses and lays<br />
the foundation for continued digital innovation.<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE<br />
ARAMID TECHNOLOGIES
34<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
FASTENER FAIR USA – FOR ALL THE INDUSTRY, IN<br />
THE HEART OF MANUFACTURING<br />
After a year-long hiatus, the fastener industry will<br />
reconvene in-person in Cleveland on November 8-10,<br />
<strong>2021</strong> (Conference: November 8 | Exhibit Hall: November<br />
9-10) for Fastener Fair USA. With a dynamic educational<br />
program followed by two days of exhibitions geared towards<br />
the entire fastener industry, fastener professionals from<br />
every segment of the market will find the latest products<br />
they need at Fastener Fair USA and the manufacturing<br />
sectors it serves. Specializing in Industrial Fasteners and<br />
Fixings, Construction Fixings, Assembly and Installation<br />
Systems, Fastener Manufacturing Technology, Storage,<br />
Distribution, Factory Equipment, Services, and Information<br />
and Communications, Fastener Fair USA is your platform<br />
to meet with new and current customers and network with<br />
industry leaders.<br />
Current Exhibitor List<br />
¤ Aadvik Inc,<br />
¤ Advance Components<br />
¤ AFI Industries, inc.<br />
¤ All America Threaded Products<br />
¤ All American Washer Werks<br />
¤ Allegheny Coatings<br />
¤ Alloy & Stainless Fasteners<br />
¤ Allstate Fasteners<br />
¤ Aluminum Fastener Supply Co Inc<br />
¤ AMAC Enterprises<br />
¤ American Ring<br />
¤ Anderson Controls, Inc.<br />
¤ APM Hexseal Corp.<br />
SHOW EVENT ARTICLE<br />
¤ Art Metals Group<br />
¤ Asia-Pacific Trade News Magazine<br />
¤ Assembly Magazine<br />
¤ Atotech USA LLC.<br />
¤ AVK Industrial Products<br />
¤ Avtar Exports<br />
¤ Beijing Jinzhaobo High Strength Fastener Co., Ltd.<br />
¤ Bi-mirth Corp<br />
¤ Bodycote S3P<br />
¤ Bradley Adhesive Applications<br />
¤ Brighton-Best International, Inc<br />
¤ Brynolf Manufacturing, Inc.<br />
¤ Buckeye Fasteners Company<br />
¤ Canatex Industrial Co., Ltd.<br />
¤ Capital Bolts and Hardwares<br />
¤ Cardinal Fastener<br />
¤ Carlo Salvi<br />
¤ CEIA USA<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 112
38<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS INSTITUTE<br />
6363 Oak Tree Boulevard, Independence, OH 44131<br />
TEL 216-241-1482 FAX 216-241-5901 EMAIL info@indfast.org WEB www.indfast.org<br />
IFI SOARING EAGLE AWARDS <strong>2021</strong><br />
by Salim Brahimi<br />
At an awards ceremony held during the <strong>2021</strong> Annual<br />
Meeting of the Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI) in<br />
Scottsdale, Arizona, the IFI Soaring Eagle Technology<br />
Award was presented to Chad Larson of Lejeune Bolt<br />
Company, and the IFI Soaring Eagle Meritorious Service<br />
Award was presented to Laurin Baker of The Laurin<br />
Baker Group.<br />
The <strong>2021</strong> Soaring Eagle Technology Award<br />
Recipient is Chad Larson<br />
The IFI Soaring Eagle Technology Award is named<br />
after Roy P. Trowbridge. It recognizes individuals who<br />
have extensive experience in the industrial fastener<br />
industry and who have made significant contributions<br />
to the technological advancement of the industry.<br />
Contributions may be through extensive work on<br />
fastener standards committees; the publication of widely<br />
acclaimed principles or documents; and/or through the<br />
development of fastener-related equipment, products<br />
or processes which have been widely acknowledged as<br />
advancements in fastener technology.<br />
Chad Larson serves as the President of Lejeune<br />
Bolt Company in Burnsville, Minnesota. Chad’s career in<br />
the fastener industry has spanned 30 years and he has<br />
worked in manufacturing, distribution, sales, production,<br />
quality assurance and now executive management.<br />
Chad Larson is recognized for his service and on-going<br />
contributions to the fastener industry, especially in the<br />
field of structural bolting. He initiated and led a massive<br />
CHAD LARSON - IFI SOARING EAGLE TECHNOLOGY AWARD RECIPIENT<br />
undertaking to combine six divergent ASTM structural<br />
bolt standards into a single coherent standard that has<br />
vastly improved standardization of structural fasteners.<br />
The ease with which ASTM F3125 was adopted by the<br />
entire supply chain is a testimony to Chad’s knowledge<br />
and meticulous grasp of the details. His innovative<br />
Torque+Angle 144 ksi Fastening System combines<br />
improved technologies with appropriate methodologies<br />
to achieve an “error-proof” turnkey system for fastener<br />
installation and pretensioning, while also simplifying the<br />
design of bolted connections. These contributions are<br />
significant and enduring advancements in the state of<br />
the art of structural bolting.<br />
TECHNICAL ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 116
40<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
Jim Truesdell<br />
James Truesdell is President of Brauer Supply Company, a distributor of specialty<br />
fasteners, insulation, air filtration, and air conditioning with headquarters in St. Louis.<br />
Mr. Truesdell is adjunct professor at Saint Louis University and Webster University.<br />
An attorney and frequently published writer, he is the author of “Total Quality<br />
Management: Reports From the Front Lines”.<br />
FAIRNESS TO PREGNANT WORKERS...<br />
PROPOSAL PROVIDES SOLUTIONS<br />
There are fewer Americans being born than are<br />
needed to keep up with the needs of our society. Just<br />
like in much of Europe and Japan, our country is starting<br />
to see a slowdown in the population replacement rate<br />
as birth rates are declining. This has implications for the<br />
ability of businesses to find future workers, for the funding<br />
of all of the entitlements that seem to be the direction<br />
in which our government is headed, and for the forward<br />
looking sense of inevitable growth that has always fueled<br />
America’s confidence in the future. If this is a reality<br />
with which we must grapple then it is time to start doing<br />
the things some of those other countries are doing to<br />
encourage and accommodate working women who are<br />
choosing to have children, even as they continue their<br />
careers and play important roles in keeping our wheels of<br />
commerce turning.<br />
It is this realization that is garnering bi-partisan<br />
support for the “The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act”<br />
which has gathered support from The US Chamber of<br />
Commerce and other business associations in addition<br />
to the expected endorsements from social agencies<br />
and women’s rights groups. Businesses are seeing the<br />
future in their current struggles to find and keep sufficient<br />
workers. They see assistance to their current workers and<br />
potential employees as important not only in securing and<br />
retaining workers, but as a necessary part business must<br />
play in the long term welfare of the country. If we do not<br />
wish to become dependent on an ever increasing flow of<br />
immigration to supplement our industries’ needs then<br />
we ultimately will need to provide environments where<br />
families and children are a top priority reflected in the way<br />
we structure our workplaces and support our workers.<br />
Why is this legislation needed since we already have<br />
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE<br />
the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Family and<br />
Medical Leave Act? It addresses those” in between”<br />
situations where the worker does not wish to take leave<br />
and wants to keep working but requires a little help to<br />
do so. Since pregnancy is not a “disability” under the<br />
ADA there are often situations where the worker faces<br />
a stark choice between taking time off or continuing to<br />
work while possibly endangering her health or that of her<br />
unborn child. Likewise, the FMLA provides job protection<br />
for unpaid leave, but not necessarily for taking the steps<br />
to keep someone on the job. Because of this ambiguity<br />
there have been numerous lawsuits filed (most decided<br />
in favor of the employer) but it has left companies with<br />
very unclear guidelines as to how they are to handle these<br />
situations.<br />
Passed by the House this spring and pending in the<br />
Senate with sponsors from both parties, the “PWFA”<br />
would extend the “accommodations” requirement of the<br />
Americans With Disabilities Act to women workers who<br />
are pregnant. This act would make it illegal for businesses<br />
with more than 15 employees to deny reasonable<br />
accommodations to employees who face the limitations<br />
from pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions. It<br />
would still exempt companies able to demonstrate<br />
“undue hardship” in making those accommodations.<br />
Such supportive actions could include things like longer<br />
breaks, providing proper height stools for workers who<br />
would normally have to stay on their feet for long periods,<br />
additional bathroom breaks , access to drinking water<br />
and food, help with lifting, or sometimes temporary<br />
assignment to lighter duties. A pregnant worker could not<br />
be compelled to take paid or unpaid leave if a reasonable<br />
accommodation can be provided.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 118
44<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
Joe Dysart<br />
Joe Dysart is an Internet speaker and business consultant based in Thousand Oaks,<br />
California. A journalist for 20 years, his articles have appeared in more than 40<br />
publications, including The New York Times and The Financial Times of London.<br />
During the past decade, his work has focused exclusively on ecommerce.<br />
Telephone: 631-256-6602; web: www.joedysart.com; email: joe@dysartnewsfeatures.com<br />
DEATH BY COOKIE: FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED<br />
A NEW WAY TO ADVERTISE ON THE WEB IN 2022<br />
Fastener distributors that rely on ad tech companies to<br />
post ads for their goods and services across the Web will<br />
need a new plan in 2022, when support for that technology<br />
mostly disappears.<br />
Essentially, Google is warning businesses that it’s<br />
widely popular Chrome browser will no longer support the<br />
technology needed to make those advertising placements –<br />
known as third-party cookies – beginning next year.<br />
Triggering Google’s move<br />
is widespread consumer<br />
backlash that has been building<br />
against third-party cookies for<br />
years – technology that enables<br />
ad tech companies to track<br />
consumers every movement as<br />
they surf the Web.<br />
Says David Temkin,<br />
director of product<br />
management, ads privacy and<br />
trust, Google: “Seventy two<br />
percent of people feel that<br />
almost all of what they do<br />
online is being tracked by<br />
advertisers, technology firms<br />
or other companies.<br />
“And 81% say that the<br />
potential risks they face because of data collection outweigh<br />
the benefits, according to a study by Pew Research Center.<br />
“If digital advertising doesn’t evolve to address the<br />
growing concerns people have about their privacy and how<br />
their personal identity is being used, we risk the future of the<br />
free and open Web.”<br />
Not surprisingly, Google’s decision to forsake third-party<br />
cookies in 2022 is sending shockwaves throughout the<br />
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE<br />
AS SUPPORT FOR THIRD-PARTY COOKIES DISAPPEARS, MANY<br />
FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED A NEW PLAN FOR WEB ADVERTISING.<br />
DISAPPEARING SUPPORT FOR THIRD-PARTY COOKIES IN GOOGLE<br />
CHROME HAS SPELLED DEMISE FOR THE TECHNOLOGY.<br />
fastener distribution community and across the Web.<br />
Sixty four percent of all Web users now use Google<br />
Chrome to cruise the Web, according to StatCounter (www.<br />
gs.statcounter.com/browser-market-share). And two other<br />
major browsers - Firefox and Apple’s Safari - have already<br />
dropped support for third-party cookies as well.<br />
Since the mid-90s, ad tech companies have been using<br />
third-party cookies to continually track of your movements<br />
on the Web -- taking note of<br />
the Web sites you visit, what<br />
ads you click on and similar<br />
interactions – to develop an<br />
extremely informed perspective<br />
on what you’re most likely to<br />
buy.<br />
Based on that knowledge,<br />
those same ad tech companies<br />
serve you customized ads on<br />
the Web sites you visit that<br />
features their ad tech.<br />
So if you visit a number of<br />
Web sites about fasteners and<br />
click on a few ads advertising<br />
fasteners, for example, you’ll<br />
most likely start noticing more<br />
fastener ads popping-up on<br />
many of the Web sites you subsequently visit.<br />
Ad tech companies are able to place third-party cookies<br />
in your Google Chrome Browser by cutting deals with Web<br />
sites that already feature their ads. A Web site featuring<br />
ads placed by a specific ad tech company, for example, has<br />
most likely also given that same ad tech company running<br />
those ads permission to place a third-party cookie in your<br />
Chrome Browser.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 120
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 45<br />
OBITUARY<br />
Steve Welch, a longtime<br />
veteran in the Fastener industry<br />
passed away unexpectedly<br />
on Sunday May 2, <strong>2021</strong>, way<br />
before his time, aged 65.<br />
Steve began his<br />
fastener career over 40 years<br />
ago as a warehouse and Inside<br />
Salesperson with Service supply<br />
in Knoxville, TN. Steve then<br />
moved to Nitro, WV where he<br />
became the Branch Manager of<br />
the Service Supply facility. It was<br />
in this location where he met<br />
and married his wife, Suzann.<br />
From WV he was transferred to<br />
the Dayton, OH Service Supply<br />
location as Branch Manager,<br />
ending up in Chattanooga, TN<br />
as the Territory Sales Manager.<br />
Steve left Service Supply and<br />
for a short time joined Hillman<br />
Fasteners as a District Sales<br />
Manager before rejoining<br />
Service Supply in Greenville, SC<br />
as the Territory Sales Manager<br />
and then the National Accounts<br />
Sales Manager.<br />
In (2000) Steve joined<br />
Lindstrom Metric as an Outside<br />
Salesperson where he remained<br />
until 2016, when he formed<br />
his Rep Agency S. A. Welch &<br />
Associates. One of his first lines<br />
was Lindstrom Metric, along<br />
with Titan Fasteners and finally<br />
Stelfast, all under the Lindfast<br />
Solutions Group.<br />
Steve is survived by his wife<br />
Suzann, and daughter Hillary of<br />
Charlotte, NC and son Andrew<br />
of Greenville, SC.
46<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
SPECIALTY TOOLS & FASTENERS DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION<br />
PO Box 44, 500 Elm Grove Rd., Ste. 2I0, Elm Grove, Wl 53122<br />
TEL 1-800-352-2981 FAX 262-784-5059 EMAIL info@stafda.org WEB www.stafda.org<br />
STAFDA’S IN-PERSON EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS<br />
IN ORLANDO by Georgia H. Foley, CEO<br />
One of the biggest complaints professional speakers’<br />
have had the past year about Zoom meetings or webinars was<br />
the lack of audience interaction. Thankfully, with widespread<br />
COVID vaccinations and the State of Florida being pro-active<br />
on keeping people safe yet allowing meetings to take place,<br />
STAFDA’s back on track to hold its in-person Convention &<br />
Trade Show, October 24-26, in Orlando, FL.<br />
STAFDA will comply with Florida and Orlando mandates<br />
regarding COVID safety in October. Orlando Health works<br />
with the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) to<br />
ensure the health and well-being of all meeting attendees<br />
and STAFDA is no exception.<br />
STAFDA’s 45th Annual Convention & Trade Show<br />
leads off with four, concurrent 90 minute workshops<br />
Sunday morning, October 24, from 8:30 – 10 a.m. and<br />
10:30 a.m. – Noon. The workshops repeat to a different<br />
audience following a 30 minute break. There is also one<br />
workshop Sunday afternoon and an additional program<br />
Tuesday morning, October 26.<br />
Sunday Morning Workshops, October 24<br />
Decoding Micro-Expressions<br />
To Increase Sales!<br />
Janine Driver<br />
As a former federal law<br />
enforcement officer with the<br />
Department of Justice, Driver will<br />
share her knowledge of how to<br />
read others’ body language and<br />
unlock tricks of master manipulators to easily spot<br />
deception on phone calls, emails, Facebook posts,<br />
handwritten notes, and social media. People often think if<br />
a person crosses their arms, they’ve lost interest or it’s<br />
a power pose. Driver believes when people cross their<br />
arms it’s not a negative, rather it indicates they’re using<br />
both sides of their brain. But, if they’ve crossed both their<br />
SHOW EVENT ARTICLE<br />
arms and legs, they’ve emotionally withdrawn from the<br />
conversation. She’ll share tips on how to spot discomfort<br />
and deviations in hidden facial expressions along with<br />
fear and disgust. Driver believes rapport building is the<br />
foundation upon which interactions with others are built<br />
and the framework of successful relationships. She’s a<br />
popular guest on NBC’s TODAY, NBC’S Weekend TODAY,<br />
FOX News, along with being quoted in other media outlets.<br />
How to Work with & Lead<br />
People Not Like You<br />
Kelly McDonald<br />
Diversity in the workforce is<br />
a hot topic. Many employers are<br />
under pressure to ensure their<br />
employee base is diverse and<br />
represents the customers they<br />
serve. Progressive companies value diversity since it can<br />
lead to better decisions, solutions, and innovations while<br />
growing business and profits. But a diverse workforce<br />
doesn’t just mean different racial and ethnic backgrounds:<br />
it can also be diversity of thought. A new mom is in a very<br />
different place than an empty nester. Someone with a<br />
master’s degree is different from someone who is a high<br />
school graduate. Different people may not see eye-to-eye<br />
on an issue. Communication styles may differ. Cultural<br />
backgrounds vary and even men and women see situations<br />
differently. How can today’s leaders motivate and lead<br />
groups of people from different backgrounds? McDonald will<br />
offer specific tactics for employees to succeed in today’s<br />
workplace without becoming frustrated by approaches to<br />
work that may differ from theirs. And for leaders, they’ll<br />
learn three key steps to make a diverse team more<br />
cohesive, productive, and enjoyable. McDonald has been<br />
featured in Fast Company, Forbes, BusinessWeek, and her<br />
clients include Toyota, State Farm, Nike, and Miller-Coors.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 122
48<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
Larry Borowski President<br />
GREENSLADE & COMPANY INC.<br />
2234 Wenneca Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76102<br />
TEL 817-870-8888 FAX 817-870-9199<br />
EMAIL sales1@greensladeandcompany.com<br />
WEB www.greensladeandcompany.com<br />
DO IT YOURSELF GAGING<br />
As a gage manufacturer, the topic of Do It Yourself<br />
Gaging is difficult to address. On the other hand, I have<br />
to embrace the fact that it is real and there are many<br />
individuals making their own gages. For this reason, it<br />
would be irresponsible for me to not address it.<br />
Gaging can be broken down into two basic types, fixed<br />
limit and variable type.<br />
Fixed Limit Gaging<br />
Fixed limit gaging, as the name implies, is nonmeasuring<br />
and locked in at the item’s dimensional<br />
minimum and maximum sizes. These are also referred<br />
to as Go/NoGo gages. Fixed limit gaging works well<br />
when your primary focus is form, fit, or function. In other<br />
words, it’s utilized you are more concerned that parts fit<br />
together and work properly than dealing with how close<br />
or far the actual size is from their dimensional limits.<br />
Some very common fixed limit gages are go/nogo pins<br />
or plugs. Typically, these are used to ensure a hole is<br />
not too big or not too small, and that hole can be of any<br />
cross-sectional profile, and doesn’t necessarily have to be<br />
a round circle. Other fixed limit gages include ring gages<br />
for external profiles, feeler style gages for gaps, feature<br />
location gages, and many more. The main drawback I find<br />
with fixed limit gages is that they can only be used for a<br />
particular feature and are not very versatile for multi-use.<br />
In other words, once you’ve finished your go/nogo gage,<br />
you can only use it to check the feature it was designed<br />
for. Any design changes or similar features of different<br />
size will need another fixed limit gage. Unfortunately,<br />
fixed limit gaging cannot be used in every inspection<br />
job. There are situations where it is not practical, not<br />
beneficial, or not cost effective.<br />
Variable Type Gaging<br />
Variable type gaging are tools that will actually adjust<br />
to the size of the feature being measured, include some<br />
type of indicator, and provide a numerical value of that<br />
size. Variable gages are necessary when your main<br />
concern is controlling the size of a feature so you know<br />
exactly where it lies in the tolerance range. Statistical<br />
Process Control (SPC) is a perfect example of when to<br />
apply variable type gaging. Variable gages work with in<br />
the same application that fixed limit gages might be used<br />
for (i.e. internal, external, feature to feature, etc.). The<br />
great thing about variable gages is that they can typically<br />
be used in more than one application, and are quite<br />
versatile. The cost associated with variable gaging is<br />
generally higher than fixed limit gaging, which sometimes<br />
can steer an individual away from using them.<br />
TECHNICAL ARTICLE<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 124
50<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
PENN ENGINEERING<br />
5190 Old Easton Road, Danboro, PA 18916<br />
TEL 1-800-237-4736 FAX 215-766-0143 EMAIL info@pemnet.com WEB www.pemnet.com<br />
UTILIZING SURFACE MOUNT TECHNOLOGY FOR MECHANICAL<br />
FASTENING TO PCBS by Michael J. Rossi, Marketing Services Supervisor<br />
Historically, electronics manufacturers faced a difficult<br />
choice when assembling printed circuit boards. They could<br />
deal with the inconvenience and poor productivity of loose<br />
fastening hardware, or they could use broaching fasteners<br />
that hold circuit boards securely but can easily damage<br />
fully populated boards when not installed properly.<br />
However, fasteners designed with Surface Mount<br />
Technology (SMT) provide a technically superior alternative<br />
for PCB assembly. The surface-mount installation method<br />
uses a system in which various types of fasteners are<br />
adhered directly onto a solder pad on the surface of the<br />
PCB, using the same soldering processes as the board’s<br />
other electronic components.<br />
Before discussing the advantages of SMT fasteners,<br />
let’s examine some traditional fastening options and the<br />
potential drawbacks of their use.<br />
Traditional Methods Of Fastening<br />
Hardware To PCBs<br />
Loose Spacers<br />
The most common method for fastening hardware<br />
to PCBs is the use of loose spacers. They are often<br />
in the form of plastic or metal columns used to offset<br />
two boards. The spacers must be placed secondarily,<br />
sometimes snapping onto the board, sometimes screwing<br />
together with another component. This secondary process<br />
is typically performed manually, which is quite time<br />
consuming and labor-intensive.<br />
Loose Nuts and Screws<br />
Loose nuts and screws are handled much the same.<br />
Used during assembly, handling can be an issue because<br />
of the detailed work that is necessary to align all of the<br />
parts typically on both sides of the PC board. Care must<br />
be taken so that any dropped hardware is identified and<br />
removed so as to not cause rattle, or worse, shorts and<br />
product failure.<br />
Broaching Spacers or Nuts<br />
To avoid the use of loose hardware and help simplify<br />
the assembly process, some manufacturers utilize<br />
broaching spacers or nuts. The hardware permanently<br />
fastens to the PCB so that handling becomes simpler by<br />
eliminating one of the loose components. The broaching,<br />
however, is achieved by pressing a knurled component<br />
into a slightly smaller hole in the board, forcing the knurls<br />
to cut into the board. If done wrong, this method can<br />
cause issues with board integrity. Problems can also<br />
occur during the installation process if the parts are<br />
misaligned while being pressed into the mounting hole.<br />
Other attachment methods such as adhesives do<br />
exist, and all have both advantages and disadvantages.<br />
But one common factor is they all must be placed on the<br />
board or assembled – which represents a cost, typically<br />
in manual labor, which can be very high. And with each<br />
additional touch to the board, the chances for damage<br />
and quality issues increase.<br />
TECHNICAL ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 126
52<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
WTC BUSINESS<br />
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES<br />
TEL 1-877-604-0282 EMAIL info@wtcvet.com WEB www.wtcvet.com<br />
WTC IT SERVICES – A LEGACY OF SUPPORT<br />
WTC is a Fastener Specific Technology Company.<br />
We have worked in warehouses across the country<br />
bringing new/current technology to all aspects of the<br />
Fastener Workflow.<br />
Walk into their corporate offices and you will find 3<br />
generations of the same family working away. Serving as<br />
an Army Officer during the Vietnam War, Thomas J White<br />
Jr and his wife, now of 55 years, gave birth to his first<br />
of 4 children. Professionally, a love of technology was<br />
created for Tom while working 8 years in a “Thinktank”<br />
for the Xerox corporation as they created and tested<br />
SAAS business tools and internet network solutions all<br />
within their business cloud, (1970’s) Personally, the<br />
love of his family would produce a deep passion to tie<br />
them together. At a young age, each sibling would join<br />
the working class in one of Dad’s businesses. Over<br />
the next decades family and business would continue<br />
to thrive across different ventures and industries. The<br />
entire group is part of Tom’s legacy. A legacy where<br />
family comes first, love, and business are all just part of<br />
life. WTC is the culmination of one man’s vision made<br />
possible through a family’s vision to eat, sleep, and yes<br />
WORK together.<br />
After over 50 years of computer innovation,<br />
technology, and information systems management Tom<br />
began a quest in the Fastener Industry. Specifically,<br />
Tom directed technology for Porteous Fasteners. While<br />
at Porteous, Tom would meet and work with Will Snyder.<br />
Soon they would find Porteous was at the end of their<br />
long successful legacy, but Tom and Will were just about<br />
to create their own. The necessity, for a Fastener Industry<br />
specific IT Company, was very clear. Together, Will and<br />
Tom would create WTC IT Services, LLC. The family<br />
legacy would closely follow as members begin to occupy<br />
board seats, executive positions, and the remaining<br />
backbone of the company. While many companies seek<br />
out a 5-to-10-year plan, WTC’s notion of “Family Legacy”<br />
produced the “100-year plan.” A company where future<br />
generations from Tom and “Uncle” Will could thrive and<br />
provide valuable IT Services.<br />
TOM WHITE JR. AND HIS GRANDCHILDREN<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 154
54<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION<br />
PO Box 5, Lake Zurich, IL 60047<br />
TOLL-FREE 1-800-753-8338 TEL 847-438-8338 EMAIL mwfa@ameritech.com WEB www.mwfa.net<br />
MWFA PRESENTS FSTNR WEEK<br />
by Nancy Rich<br />
August 16th-20th<br />
In keeping with the concerns of safety for our<br />
members, the MWFA has chosen to move some of<br />
their events to later in the year to allow time for more<br />
normalcy. To make it easier for industry and your<br />
personal scheduling we have put our major events into<br />
one week. This is what the week looks like. COVID 19<br />
protocol will be followed at all events.<br />
August 16th<br />
Basic Print Reading Seminar - 9:00am-12:00pm<br />
Belvedere Banquets, Elk Grove, IL<br />
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn: what<br />
are prints, types of prints, understanding what is on<br />
prints, technical components of prints and part to print<br />
recognition.<br />
August 17th<br />
MWFA Fastener Show - 12:00pm-4:00pm<br />
Belvedere Banquets, Elk Grove, IL<br />
The Mid-West Fastener Association will host their<br />
39th Table Top Show on August 17th, <strong>2021</strong>. Fastener<br />
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE<br />
suppliers are invited to showcase their products and/or<br />
services at this one-day show.<br />
The MWFA hosts an annual Table Top Show<br />
allowing suppliers a convenient venue to showcase as<br />
they do at other shows but at a more economical fee<br />
and in the heart of the fastener industry. The fastener<br />
industry has the luxury of being able to showcase their<br />
product in a booth or Table Top environment. The MWFA<br />
appeals to all exhibitors by offering each every other<br />
year.<br />
Exhibitor registration is being accepted at this time.<br />
The floor plan will be finalized six weeks before the<br />
show based on COVID regulations. At that time we will<br />
reach out to exhibitors, for exhibit selection, in the order<br />
registrations were received<br />
Exhibit space includes: Skirted 6’ x 30” table,<br />
2 chairs, table company sign, two lunches, and free<br />
attendee passes.<br />
75th Anniversary/Hall of Fame Dinner - 6:00pm<br />
Venuti’s Ristorante, Addison, IL<br />
It all started when the average cost of a new house<br />
was $5,600, average wages were $2,500 (yes, a year),<br />
gas was 15 cents a gallon, coffee was 85 cents for 2<br />
pounds, a new car was $1,120 and the first electric<br />
blanket came out. 1946 was the debut of the Chicago<br />
Bolt, Nut & Screw Association.<br />
Some probably wondered if this would be a shortlived<br />
men’s club. Fast forward, time has come to<br />
prove this was a group with a purpose and the energy,<br />
ambition, and dedication to continue for many years.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 184
56<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
OBITUARY<br />
John Longyear formally<br />
from Metric & Multistandard<br />
passed away June 2, <strong>2021</strong><br />
after a year and a half battle<br />
with pancreatic cancer.<br />
John started his fastener<br />
career at Metric & Multistandard<br />
Components Corp. of Elmsford,<br />
NY in May of 1972.<br />
His talents and know how<br />
were quickly recognized and<br />
John was promoted to be the<br />
first Assistant Manager in Metric<br />
& Multi’s history. The ownership<br />
of Metric & Multi recognized<br />
what they had in John and Chris<br />
and decided this was a great<br />
opportunity to open a branch<br />
somewhere in the South West,<br />
the obvious choice was Dallas.<br />
In 1976, John and Chris drove<br />
their Lotus from NY to Texas<br />
and opened our Dallas branch.<br />
In March 2019, after 47 years<br />
of excellent service at Metric &<br />
Multi, John and Chris retired.<br />
In his retirement, they enjoyed<br />
traveling, going to restaurants,<br />
playing golf, spending quality<br />
time with his daughter Serena<br />
and his 2 grandchildren.<br />
John was heavily involved<br />
with the SWFA where he was<br />
the Treasurer in 1990 and<br />
Chairman in 1991. He then<br />
returned to be the Treasurer<br />
from 2011-2013 and was a<br />
fixture at all the SWFA events<br />
until his retirement.<br />
John will be greatly missed not<br />
only by his co-workers at Metric &<br />
Multi, but anyone who knew him<br />
in the fastener industry.
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 57<br />
Century Fasteners Corp.<br />
as hired longtime fastener<br />
industry professional Denise<br />
Murphy as the Syracuse, NY<br />
Branch Manager.<br />
Denise Murphy brings over<br />
twenty years of fastener industry<br />
experience in sales, supplier<br />
relations, customer development,<br />
inventory management and a<br />
strong technical background. In<br />
addition, Denise has expertise<br />
concerning Aerospace products,<br />
systems and applications,<br />
supply chain management and<br />
strong leadership skills.<br />
Denise will be responsible for<br />
growth and profitability through<br />
existing business development,<br />
new customer relationships,<br />
leading corporate initiatives and<br />
managing the sales force.<br />
Denise is a graduate of the<br />
University of Phoenix, Phoenix,<br />
AZ with a degree in Business<br />
Management (2010) and is<br />
Six Sigma Green Belt Certified<br />
(SSGBC) from the Management<br />
and Strategy Institute.<br />
Century Fasteners Corp.<br />
is a Master Distributor of<br />
fastener and non-fastener<br />
components to the military,<br />
aerospace, electronics, sheet<br />
metal fabrication, automotive,<br />
telecommunications, contract<br />
manufacturing and medical<br />
industries. The ISO and AS<br />
certified company stocks more<br />
than 100,000 discrete parts,<br />
and offers a wide variety of valueadded<br />
services. Century is an<br />
authorized stocking distributor for<br />
Cherry Aerospace<br />
For more information contact<br />
Century Fasteners Corp. by<br />
Tel: 1-800-221-0769, Email:<br />
corporate@centuryfasteners.<br />
com or visit them online at www.<br />
centuryfasteners.com.
58<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
GLOBALFASTENERNEWS.COM<br />
by JOHN WOLZ EDITOR<br />
editor@globalfastenernews.com<br />
REPORT: INDUSTRIAL FASTENER<br />
DEMAND AT 4% CAGR<br />
The global industrial fasteners market is predicted<br />
to expand at over 4% CAGR through 2031, while<br />
the demand graph for threaded and plastic industrial<br />
fasteners is set to climb among diverse end-use sectors,<br />
according to a new report by Fact.MR.<br />
“While the outbreak of COVID-19 affected industry<br />
growth temporarily in 2020, with the commencement<br />
of vaccinations and adoption of the new normal, the<br />
automotive, building & construction, and other<br />
key end-user sectors have started getting<br />
back on their feet since the<br />
last quarter of the year,”<br />
the report found. “As such,<br />
overall industry outlook has<br />
remained positive during the<br />
last 5 years from 2016 to<br />
2020.”<br />
With manufacturers<br />
of industrial fasteners<br />
incorporating advanced technologies and making heavy<br />
investments in various research & development (R&D)<br />
activities, the industry is projected to expand further over<br />
the coming years.<br />
Fast and steady recovery of the automotive<br />
industry and growing adoption of industrial fasteners<br />
in commercial & residential construction projects are<br />
anticipated to increase supplier revenue in the U.S.<br />
Germany’s advanced automotive sector and rise<br />
in the number of construction & building projects after<br />
overcoming hurdles due to the pandemic position that<br />
country for strong growth as well, according to the report.<br />
Likewise, China is expected to register substantial<br />
growth in the coming years, with demand from the<br />
construction, automotive, and home appliance sectors<br />
boosting sales of industrial fasteners in that Asian<br />
country. As the world’s largest vehicle market, China<br />
expects automobile output will reach 35 million by 2025.<br />
India has emerged as a lucrative<br />
country in terms of demand,<br />
sales, and production of industrial<br />
fasteners, and is expected to grow<br />
further through 2031. Abundance<br />
of raw materials and labor,<br />
and high demand from the<br />
construction sector are<br />
fueling sales in India.<br />
Presently, plastic<br />
is gaining traction in terms<br />
of material for industrial<br />
fasteners. According to Fact.<br />
MR, this segment will gain<br />
further popularity owing to<br />
such advantages as:<br />
¤ Lightweight<br />
¤ Cost-effective<br />
¤ Flexible in terms of usage<br />
¤ Free from the drawbacks due to rusting<br />
Non-threaded and aerospace grade industrial<br />
fasteners are expected to further fuel the sales of<br />
suppliers through 2031.<br />
The automotive and construction industries have<br />
high demand for industrial fasteners. Other key end-use<br />
segments are aerospace and home appliances.<br />
The 170-page report costs $4,500 for a single user<br />
license. For more information visit www.factmr.com/<br />
report/industrial-fasteners-markets<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE<br />
GLOBALFASTENERNEWS.COM
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 59
60<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
SPRING BOLT AND NUT MANUFACTURING<br />
3280 Wheat Street Houston, TX 77086 TEL 281-448-4440<br />
EMAIL sales@springboltandnut.com WEB www.springboltandnut.com<br />
SPECIALTY FASTENERS ON DEMAND<br />
With an emphasis on quality and delivery, Spring Bolt<br />
has been turning prints into reality for 20 years.<br />
Growing from a 5,000sqft garage with a handful of<br />
machines to a 25,000sqft facility with 8 forging presses,<br />
7 threading machines and over 20 CNC machines, we<br />
have become North America’s premier manufacturer of<br />
critical application bolting and machined components.<br />
Manufacturing everything from studs and nuts to 12-point<br />
flange screws.<br />
What Is The Spring Bolt Difference?<br />
We separate ourselves from other manufacturers by<br />
utilizing our technical knowledge of material specifications<br />
and our proven production flow to manufacture superior<br />
fasteners with the quickest lead time in the industry.<br />
Spring Bolt founders, Richard Sivley and Tim Malone,<br />
have been the go-to resource for fastener distributors when<br />
they have questions concerning material capabilities and<br />
requirements. They have instilled that same knowledge<br />
and eye for detail in their current team. Answering<br />
questions dealing with everything from J429 Grade 8 bolts<br />
all the way to 718 Inconel 12-point flange screws, our<br />
team knows what is required and get it made for you.<br />
Now sole owner, Richard Sivley is the captain of our<br />
ship. Leading our production team to move jobs through the<br />
RICHARD SIVLEY, RALPH WALKER( WALKER BOLT) & TIM MALONE<br />
facility effectively and efficiently, thus allowing us to provide<br />
our customers with standard lead times of four weeks and<br />
expedite options as quick as same day manufacturing.<br />
What’s Next?<br />
Looking toward the future, we have made great<br />
investments in the past year to reinsure we can grow<br />
with our customers. Adding both capacity and capability<br />
with the purchase of our Tesker 236E, capable of thread<br />
rolling up to 3-inch diameter, and our Okuma LU35 CNC<br />
turning center, capable of machining fasteners over 10<br />
inches in diameter over 100 inches long. The future looks<br />
bright here at Spring Bolt and for our customers.<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINNUED ON PAGE 140
62<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
Jo Morris Marketing Director, Fastener Training Institute ®<br />
FASTENER TRAINING INSTITUTE ®<br />
5318 East 2nd Street #325, Long Beach, CA 90803<br />
TEL 562-473-5373 FAX 661-449-3232<br />
EMAIL info@fastenertraining.org WEB www.fastenertraining.org<br />
FTI BRINGS NEW ADVANCED IN-PERSON<br />
TECHNICAL TRAINING TO CHICAGO AUGUST 16-20<br />
In today’s competitive business world, having<br />
knowledge and skills above and beyond the basics of<br />
your field can give you a professional advantage. For the<br />
fastener industry, the most noteworthy measurement<br />
of technical aptitude is the Certified Fastener Specialist<br />
(CFS) designation. With more than 1,600 alumni, the<br />
CFS advanced technical training program was developed<br />
in 1998 and is now attainable through Fastener Training<br />
Week, offered by the Fastener Training Institute (FTI) in<br />
partnership with the Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI).<br />
August In-Person Fastener Training<br />
Week Hosted by the Mid-West Fastener<br />
Association<br />
The next opportunity for this accelerated training is<br />
August 16-20 in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, located 20<br />
miles northwest of Chicago.<br />
Rather than seven separate<br />
one-day courses spread out over<br />
several months, Fastener Training<br />
Week offers five intensive days of<br />
education covering manufacturing<br />
processes, consensus standards<br />
and quality control, as well as<br />
plant tours. The week features a<br />
brand-new refreshed curriculum<br />
with even more learning labs and<br />
more hands-on interactive class<br />
exercises and quizzes to reinforce<br />
learning. Courses are taught by<br />
industry experts including Salim<br />
TECHNICAL ARTICLE<br />
Brahimi, Industrial Fasteners Institute; Laurence Claus,<br />
NNi Training and Consulting; and John Medcalf, Peak<br />
Innovations Engineering.<br />
Attendees are encouraged to have at least two years<br />
of experience in fastener sales, purchasing, manufacturing<br />
or quality assurance or have completed FTI’s Product<br />
Training Program. Fastener Training Week enrollment<br />
is open to fastener distributors, manufacturers, endusers<br />
and original equipment manufacturers. After<br />
completing this invaluable industry training in a small<br />
group environment and passing a final exam, attendees<br />
are eligible for the CFS designation.<br />
Registration and course information is available at<br />
fastenertraining.org with early bird pricing through July 29.<br />
Can’t make it to Chicago? An additional Fastener<br />
Training Week program will take place in Los Angeles<br />
November 29-December 3.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 128
SOLUTION INDUSTRIES LLC<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 63<br />
21555 Drake Road, Strongsville, OH 44149<br />
TEL 1-866-297-8656 FAX 440-816-9501 EMAIL sales@solutionind.com WEB www.solutionind.com<br />
SHOUT OUT TO THE SOLUTION ‘OGs’ FOR REACHING 10+ YEARS TENURES!<br />
Laura Vath, Controller - 18 years - AKA Ms.<br />
Sunshine, though challenged in 2020, she always<br />
maintains her positive vibe as she flies around the<br />
office like a butterfly. And look for her creative<br />
finesse when she is marketing Solution Man &<br />
the rest of Team Solution. You never know<br />
what crazy idea she has up her sleeve.<br />
Steve Parham, Operations/IT - 15<br />
years - Steve has a very unique role. One<br />
minute he’s on the roof over-seeing the<br />
A/C project and the next, he’s in the server<br />
room fighting off cyber-crime. In-between<br />
he is coordinating import purchases or<br />
solving computer problems as he rolls<br />
his eyes and says, “did you restart?” He<br />
is the Swiss army knife of Solution.<br />
Dustin Windsor, Sourcing - 12 years - Dee, Big<br />
Brown, D-Wind is our quiet one who ACES special projects<br />
and packages where he can stay in the BACKCOURT only<br />
to come out when nature calls him out for a SPIKE. Watch<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE<br />
him BLOCK when he gets ambushed with<br />
hugs, but the suggestion box is filled<br />
with his GAME-WINNING ideas.<br />
Keith McGuire, Quality - 10<br />
years - Keith is Solution’s one and only<br />
ginger, but “red” isn’t limited to his hair…<br />
his face can be an angry shade of red as<br />
he tackles the departmental challenges –<br />
always patient yet still manages to remain<br />
positive. He might know our processes (and<br />
craft beverages) better than anyone.<br />
Tim Vath, Assistant General<br />
Manager/CPA - 10 years - Tim keeps Solution<br />
grounded. It always seems like the “quiet” sign is<br />
on his office door, so not sure if he’s deep in thought or<br />
practicing his golf swing. He’s our thinker/problem solver,<br />
has a big heart and a great listener and always finds a way<br />
to communicate with Team Solution.<br />
To our OGs - We applaud your continuous drive to<br />
make Solution a better place – Solution Strong!<br />
SOLUTION INDUSTRIES
64<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
Robert Footlik<br />
Robert B. Footlik, PE is a retired Professional Industrial Engineer. With over 50 years’<br />
experience as a Warehouse and Logistics Consultant to a wide variety of clients including<br />
Fastener Distributors, Bob has a wealth of valuable information for our industry and he is<br />
willing to share it. While Footlik & Associates is now closed, his expertise is still available<br />
to his friends and our readers. For friendly advice, a second opinion or just to start a<br />
conversation, he can be reached at robert@footlik.net.<br />
TAKING ANOTHER LOOK AT INVENTORY<br />
What happens when you install a new Warehouse<br />
Management System, change accounting methods, hire<br />
a new Purchasing Manager or a Covid-19 Pandemic hits<br />
the world. Radical changes of any kind means that many<br />
of the old inventory schemes and paradigms are going to<br />
change. But have you made any recent changes to your<br />
inventory level programs?<br />
Safety Stock, Do We<br />
Still Need It?<br />
The normal place to start<br />
examining inventory levels is<br />
with demand, but not this time.<br />
Too much has changed in the<br />
supply chain and these new<br />
realities will severely impact<br />
the Fastener Industry. With the number of manufacturing<br />
plants that have closed, consolidated and moved offshore<br />
none of the old paradigms are still in place. And the next<br />
major shift in American manufacturing will come with the<br />
realization that cheap labor isn’t anywhere as cheap as<br />
automation. With the right tax incentives factory jobs will<br />
return to US soil.<br />
During Covid-19 a decrease in sourcing alternatives<br />
coupled with decreased demand meant that product<br />
might be more available. This didn’t last for long.<br />
Manufacturing that is designed for long production runs<br />
is being replaced with lean operations that can do short<br />
production runs with far faster production line changes<br />
Safety stock should therefore decrease radically, if the<br />
vendors raise their efficiency by becoming “lean” in their<br />
operations. More frequent production runs means faster<br />
turnaround and even if the vendor’s inventory level is<br />
reduced in dollars or quantity you should be able to get<br />
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE<br />
product faster, but there will be fewer vendors to choose<br />
from. Similarly on your end new internal procedures with<br />
more frequent ordering should cut safety stock by a<br />
significant percentage.<br />
Given this as a likely scenario, if you have been<br />
living off of current, in stock inventory for the last year<br />
now is the time to develop<br />
alternative sources, change<br />
lines and take a good look<br />
at the time required from the<br />
order entry date to the arrival<br />
of the materials. If this has<br />
significantly decreased then<br />
the safety stock level should<br />
be adjusted accordingly. The<br />
order time depends on many<br />
factors, including the distance and complexity of the<br />
vendor inventory, but Amazon has set a new standard for<br />
delivery expectations.<br />
Often simple materials, stored in larger quantities will<br />
be available overnight. If this is the case why maintain<br />
more than a week of stock? The lesson to be learned is<br />
that establishing one rigid safety stock rule for everything<br />
guarantees that you will miss opportunities to improve<br />
inventory turns and therefore need more capital for<br />
inventory. While it is best to examine purchase timing<br />
data for each Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) individually, be<br />
sure to review the numbers by vendor, plant (source) and<br />
“family” of materials or production processes. Anything<br />
done strictly by vendor alone is a waste of your time.<br />
Balanced against these vendor production and supply<br />
improvements are changes in raw materials availability.<br />
Shortages in basic metals and alloys can create<br />
procurement problems if there is a rapid upturn in demand.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 130
66<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
AMCO ENTERPRISES<br />
4209 Hahn Boulevard Fort Worth, Texas 76117 TEL 866-651-AMCO<br />
EMAIL info@amcoenterprises.com WEB www.amcoenterprises.com<br />
AMCO ENTERPRISES: YOUR METRIC FASTENER<br />
SPECIALISTS FOR OVER 50 YEARS<br />
AMCO Enterprises is a full-line distributor of topquality<br />
fasteners, industrial “class C”, and specialty<br />
items. They specialize in solutions for high-volume OEMs<br />
across a broad range of industries.<br />
AMCO Enterprises was initially founded in response<br />
to the rapidly-growing need for Hardware and Bracket<br />
Kits to support the fledgling after-market automotive airconditioning<br />
industry, which has its roots in the North<br />
Texas area. The business quickly evolved to supply the<br />
state-side installation of so-called “luxury items” such<br />
as air-conditioning, power windows, and power locks into<br />
imported cars. Japanese and European carmakers were<br />
faced with stiff tariffs on these “luxury items” at the time<br />
and responded by setting up mini-factories near the ports<br />
of entry into the United States where these options and<br />
upgrades were installed using Hardware Kits supplied, in<br />
part, by AMCO Enterprises. This led to their initial focus<br />
on metric hardware, while most of the domestic fastener<br />
industry largely ignored metrics.<br />
Unparalleled Customer Service<br />
While it may sound trite, what makes AMCO<br />
Enterprises unique is its focus on customer service.<br />
They recognize that no two customers are the same,<br />
and they are willing to adapt and adjust to the way each<br />
customer prefers to operate. With a few exceptions, the<br />
hardware they provide is no different from that offered by<br />
their competition - that’s just the nature of the business.<br />
The difference at AMCO Enterprises is their people and<br />
the flexibility in their approach to doing business. They<br />
learned a long time ago that there is no one-size-fitsall<br />
solution to keeping a customer happy. The magic<br />
happens when combining that flexibility with a rock-solid<br />
dependability day in and day out, year after year.<br />
More than just a supplier, AMCO Enterprises is a<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE<br />
resource. Delivering exactly the right parts on time, every<br />
time is just the beginning.<br />
At AMCO, they pride themselves on being much<br />
more than a simple components supplier. By offering a<br />
broad array of value-added services, they have become<br />
a valuable resource to their clients in the areas of<br />
design assistance, logistics, materials management, and<br />
production support.<br />
With their relentless focus on efficiency and prudent<br />
application of modern technology, they have repeatedly<br />
been able to assist their clients in maximizing the return<br />
on their Class C purchasing expenditures. From the early<br />
stages of product design through preliminary testing and<br />
on to final production, AMCO Enterprises is available to<br />
assist every step of the way.<br />
¤ Design assistance - selecting the best<br />
fastening solution for a particular application involves<br />
much more than simply understanding the mechanical<br />
characteristics of assembled joints (though this is, of<br />
course, a minimum requirement). Often, the key to<br />
success is combining that technical information with<br />
an up-to-date working knowledge of the ever-changing<br />
components supply industry. It is during the early stages<br />
of design that the greatest opportunities for real-world<br />
cost savings can be found.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 134
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 67
68<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
SPIROL INTERNATIONAL CORP.<br />
30 Rock Avenue, Danielson, CT 06239<br />
TEL 1-860-774-8571 FAX 1-860-774-2048 EMAIL info@spirol.com WEB www.spirol.com<br />
FASTENING TECHNIQUES FOR PLASTIC HOUSINGS<br />
by Jeff Greenwood, Product Sales Engineer<br />
Plastics have become more and more common<br />
in manufacturing, and there is still plenty of room for<br />
growth. As such, Engineers must ensure that new<br />
plastic products meet performance requirements while<br />
considering component costs and assembly cycle time.<br />
While plastic materials provide many advantages, they can<br />
introduce manufacturing challenges during the assembly<br />
process that lead to inefficiencies, scrapped parts, and<br />
added costs. This article addresses the advantages and<br />
disadvantages of the following fastening methods used<br />
to assemble plastic components: solid pins, adhesives,<br />
screws, bolts, and snap-fit joints.<br />
Serviceable vs Permanent<br />
Before selecting the fastening method, designers<br />
must decide if their product needs to be serviceable. For<br />
example, products like fire detectors, television remotes,<br />
and key fobs must be designed so that consumers can<br />
disassemble the product to replace batteries. Conversely,<br />
products like hair dryers and single-use medical devices<br />
are typically not designed to be disassembled or serviced.<br />
Furthermore, some designers will specifically design<br />
components to be tamper resistant so that consumers<br />
cannot easily disassemble the product (i.e. electronics).<br />
Serviceable<br />
Screws, bolts, and snap-fit joints (i.e. plastic buckles)<br />
are the most common fastening methods used in<br />
serviceable products. Bolts and screws provide a clamp<br />
load that compresses the components within an assembly.<br />
This is accomplished when the bolt/screw is torqued<br />
beyond the point at which the head makes contact with<br />
the mating component. Bolts and screws provide superior<br />
retention compared to snap-fit joints, which rely on the<br />
strength of the plastic component itself.<br />
FIGURE 1 - BACK OF A POCKET CALCULATOR<br />
Snap-fit joints provide retention by interlocking<br />
multiple components together. Snap-fit joints can be<br />
assembled quickly and they simplify the overall assembly<br />
process because there are fewer parts on the bill of<br />
materials. Snap-fit joints are often preferred when minimal<br />
retention is needed in a plastic product. For example<br />
shown in Figure 1, most pocket calculators use snap-fit<br />
joints for the battery cover so that consumers can easily<br />
change the batteries.<br />
Permanent<br />
Solid pins, adhesives, screws, bolts, and snapfit<br />
joints are all commonly used to fasten permanent<br />
assemblies. While designers may not specifically require<br />
a new product design to be serviceable, many products<br />
still use serviceable fasteners like screws for convenience<br />
and operator familiarity. For example shown in Figure 1,<br />
most pocket calculators use screws to connect the plastic<br />
housing together even though consumers do not need to<br />
pull the assembly apart during the useful life of the product.<br />
TECHNICAL ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 138
70<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
BIG RED FASTENERS INC.<br />
608 North Walnut Ave., Broken Arrow, OK 74012<br />
TEL 1-866-621-6565 FAX 918-251-7311 EMAIL sales@bigredfasteners.com WEB www.bigredfasteners.com<br />
BIG RED FASTENERS IS CELEBRATING ITS<br />
20th YEAR IN THE FASTENER INDUSTRY<br />
The journey began in 2001 as a small mom and<br />
pop distributor business. Shawna and Jerry Clark rented<br />
a 3500 square foot building in Tulsa, Oklahoma and<br />
started their quest. The upstart was fraught with many<br />
obstacles including several established competitors,<br />
economic conditions and 9/11. However, the Clarks<br />
had a vision and belief that despite the challenges, they<br />
could successfully overcome with dedication to customer<br />
service, commitment to excellence and hard work.<br />
With patience and determination, the Clarks began<br />
to methodically pick up new customers and establish<br />
their identity as BIG RED FASTENERS in the Tulsa and<br />
Oklahoma industrial markets. By 2004, only 3 years after<br />
they opened the doors, they made the move to Broken<br />
Arrow, Oklahoma and purchased their first building.<br />
Over the years, under the leadership of Shawna<br />
Clark, BRF has continued to monitor the ever-changing<br />
landscape in the world of industrial fasteners. Never<br />
afraid to take a calculated risk, BRF expanded their<br />
product lines to include a sizeable inventory of 100%<br />
domestic materials and products, as well as coated<br />
products, i.e., Blue Xylan. In 2017, the decision was<br />
made to delve into the manufacturing sector. With the<br />
acquisition of their 3rd building, and additional equipment,<br />
BRF began manufacturing industrial stud bolts (B7, B7M,<br />
B8. B8M. B16 & L7). BRF is the largest manufacturer and<br />
distributor of stud bolts in the state of Oklahoma.<br />
And so today BRF facilities operate within the<br />
confines of 3 buildings, 45,000 square feet of operational<br />
space, with over $2,000,000 in local inventory ready to<br />
ship to customers. BIG RED FASTENERS has become an<br />
integral supplier to the energy, manufacturing and steel<br />
fabrication sectors across the United States.<br />
Through these first 20 years, BRF have never lost<br />
sight of our founding principles to better serve our<br />
customers with unparalleled customer service on a day<br />
to day basis. We thank all of our customers for your<br />
continued support, and look forward to providing sales<br />
and service for the next 20 years.<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE<br />
BIG RED FASTENERS
72<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
Anthony Di Maio<br />
Anthony E. Di Maio attended Wentworth Institute and Northeastern University. In 1962 he<br />
started working with Blind Fasteners as Vice-President of Engineering & Manufacturing for two<br />
blind rivet manufacturers. He has been Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Industrial<br />
Fasteners Institute (IFI) and is still involved in the writing of IFI specifications. In 1991, he<br />
started ADM Engineering and is working with Fastener Manufacturers developing new fasteners<br />
and special machinery. He can be reached at ADM Engineering, 6 Hermon Ave., Haverhill, MA<br />
01832; phone and fax 978-521-0277; e-mail: tdimaio@verizon.net.<br />
THE FASTENING POWER OF BLIND RIVETS<br />
The fastening power is the most important factor<br />
when selecting a fastener for your application. Your<br />
fastener selection must have the shear and tensile<br />
values great enough to offset all forces your assembled<br />
application that will be subjected to in all conditions.<br />
You’re fastener selections must always be positioned<br />
in such a way so as to offer it’s maximum shear and<br />
tensile values. If your fastener selection is a threaded<br />
fastener, you must be sure that the threaded fastener<br />
is tightened to the proper torque to give your application<br />
the maximum shear and tensile values.<br />
Blind rivets have the following built in benefits in it’s<br />
design and performance.<br />
Ease Of Setting Operation<br />
Blind rivets are a two piece fastener having a rivet<br />
body and a mandrel.<br />
Body<br />
.062 Max<br />
Mandrel<br />
Shear And Tensile<br />
The set blind rivet is now offering the manufacturers<br />
listed shear and tensile values. The rivet body has<br />
been designed to upset when the mandrel is pulled by<br />
the blind rivet setting tool. The rivet body material is<br />
according to the Industrial Fastener Institute (IFI) and is<br />
formed and heat treated to give the (IFI) listed shear and<br />
tensile values.<br />
Open-End blind rivets specification IFI-114 have 5<br />
different diameters, 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16 and 1/4<br />
and are produced in 12 different alley combinations<br />
listed with the rivet body and mandrel materials as<br />
shown in the IFI-114 specification.<br />
Shear Plane<br />
“A”<br />
Tensile<br />
After Setting<br />
Setting a blind rivet, you would insert the mandrel in<br />
a setting tool. The setting tool will pull the mandrel until<br />
it breaks at it’s tensile breaking point. The blind rivet is<br />
now properly set. The operator does not control when<br />
the mandrel breaks and also has no affect regarding the<br />
shear and tensile value of the set blind rivet.<br />
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE<br />
RIVET RIVET BODY MANDREL<br />
GRADE MATERIAL MATERIAL<br />
9 ALUMINUM ALLOY 1100 ALUMINUM ALLOY<br />
10 ALUMINUM ALLOY 5050 ALUMINUM ALLOY<br />
11 ALUMINUM ALLOY 5052 ALUMINUM ALLOY<br />
16 ALUMINUM ALLOY 5154 CARBON STEEL<br />
18 ALUMINUM ALLOY 5062 CARBON STEEL<br />
19 ALUMINUM ALLOY 5056 CARBON STEEL<br />
20 COPPER ALLOY 110 CARBON STEEL<br />
26 ALUMINUM ALLOY 5062 STAINLESS STEEL (400 SERIES)<br />
30 LOW CARBON STEEL CARBON STEEL<br />
40 NICKEL-COPPER ALLOY (MONEL) CARBON STEEL<br />
50 STAINLESS STEEL (300 SERIES) CARBON STEEL<br />
51 STAINLESS STEEL (300 SERIES) STAINLESS STEEL<br />
(300 SERIES, A286 or equivalent)<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 142
BTM MANUFACTURING<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 73<br />
15403 Andrews Rd Kansas City, MO 64147<br />
TEL 1-800-369-2658 EMAIL sales@btm-mfg.com WEB www.btm-mfg.com<br />
BTM MANUFACTURING ACHIEVES ISO 9001: 2015 RECERTIFICATION<br />
BTM Manufacturing is proud to announce their<br />
recertification to the ISO 9001: 2015 standards<br />
requirements. This certification period<br />
is from May 17, <strong>2021</strong> through June 6,<br />
2024.<br />
“I am pleased to share the news that<br />
BTM Manufacturing is recertificated as<br />
ISO 9001:2015. From early on, BTM’s<br />
management team knew that our success<br />
would be tied to becoming an ISO certified<br />
company, so we intentionally set out to<br />
improve our quality management system,<br />
and continually strive to remain compliant.<br />
At BTM Manufacturing, our team is our greatest asset,<br />
so we will promote safety first, then quality, service, and<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE<br />
price as we continue to meet the expectations of each<br />
customer,” says BTM Manufacturing President, Jake<br />
Davis.<br />
ISO 9001 helps organizations<br />
demonstrate to customers that they<br />
can consistently provide products and<br />
services to meet their requirements. It<br />
also acts as a tool to streamline their<br />
processes and make them more efficient<br />
at what they do.<br />
BTM Manufacturing is committed to<br />
continual improvement and efficiencies<br />
that will benefit our customers, and<br />
is proud to maintain compliance with ISO rigorous<br />
standards.<br />
BTM MANUFACTURING
74<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
Roman Basi<br />
Roman Basi is the President of The Center for Financial, Legal & Tax Planning, Inc. Roman<br />
graduated from Milliken University obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science Degree with a minor<br />
in Psychology. He earned an MBA from Southern Illinois University with an emphasis<br />
in Accounting and recevied his JD degree from Southern Illinois University. Roman is a<br />
licensed CPA as well as being a licensed attorney in Illinois, Missouri and Florida and is<br />
in high demand for his expertise in financial, legal and tax matters. His areas of expertise<br />
include mergers and acquisitions, contracts, real estate law, tax and estate planning.<br />
TOPICS TO CONSIDER REGARDING<br />
SECOND DRAW OF PPP FUNDING<br />
Business owners, CPAs, loan officers, and if<br />
applicable, business brokers, should use a variety of<br />
tactics simultaneously as businesses pursue economic<br />
support in the form of a second draw of PPP funding.<br />
Per advice from the AICPA, the American Institute of<br />
Certified Public Accountants, borrowers may need to<br />
act quickly and diligently<br />
to fill out their forms for<br />
a second round of PPP<br />
funding. Some lenders are<br />
requiring PPP borrowers<br />
to apply for forgiveness<br />
on their first-draw PPP<br />
loan before they file to<br />
seek a second-draw PPP<br />
loan. However, according<br />
to the SBA and Treasury, this is not a requirement.<br />
Possible borrowers may want to consider other lenders<br />
to process the second-draw loan application without the<br />
business having to file for forgiveness on their first PPP<br />
loan.<br />
Compiling the relevant data that lenders seek is a<br />
critical step. Information such as average monthly payroll<br />
amounts and (for second-draw PPP borrowers) quarterly<br />
revenue comparisons are necessary. Supporting<br />
documentation for the average monthly payroll calculation<br />
used to calculate the maximum loan amount can be<br />
obtained from clients to support those amounts they<br />
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE<br />
come up with and will be helpful in the future, as it drove<br />
the amount of the PPP funds the borrower received.<br />
Borrowers also need to be aware of updates on<br />
PPP forgiveness and differences between first-draw<br />
and second-draw loans. Potential borrowers should<br />
understand that second-draw applications require<br />
borrowers to prove they<br />
have experienced at<br />
least a 25% reduction<br />
in gross receipts as a<br />
result of the pandemic by<br />
comparing one quarter of<br />
2020 to the same quarter<br />
in 2019. New guidance<br />
makes certain covered<br />
operations expenditures,<br />
covered property damage costs, covered supplier costs,<br />
and the covered worker protection expenditures eligible<br />
for PPP forgiveness. As of January 20, <strong>2021</strong>, the SBA<br />
and Treasury released an updated and simplified version<br />
of the PPP Forgiveness application.<br />
The form is called PPP Loan Forgiveness Application<br />
Form 3508S. It can be used by borrowers that received<br />
a PPP loan of $150,000 or less. Borrowers are not<br />
required to submit any supporting documentation with<br />
the application but are mandated to maintain payroll,<br />
nonpayroll, and other documents that could be requested<br />
during an SBA loan review or audit.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 142
IFE Group is proud to<br />
announce the assignment of<br />
Rick Rudolph Associates to<br />
promote IFE products in New<br />
England.<br />
Rick Rudolph Associates is a<br />
Manufacturer’s Representative<br />
Agency representing the<br />
highest quality manufacturers,<br />
master distributors, and<br />
importers of the finest products<br />
and services to New England’s<br />
distributors. Rick Rudolph<br />
Associates, based in Melrose,<br />
MA, has a team of experts that<br />
can provide the resources and<br />
solutions you need to get the<br />
job done right.<br />
To speak with an experienced<br />
member of their staff, phone them<br />
at 617-240-5326, email rick@<br />
rickrudolphassociates.com,<br />
or send an email to morgan@<br />
rickrudolphassociates.com.<br />
With IFE you have access<br />
to a large range of connecting,<br />
clamping and protection<br />
products, and the support to<br />
help you find the best solution<br />
for your application – and<br />
your budget. Our customer<br />
support includes in-house<br />
testing facilities and global<br />
manufacturing in strategic<br />
locations.<br />
With the number of suppliers<br />
shrinking, if you are looking<br />
for an experienced partner…<br />
a company that is fast and<br />
flexible. Consider IFE.<br />
For more information,<br />
contact IFE Americas USA<br />
at 7000 Kensington Road,<br />
Brighton, MI 48116. Tel: 248-<br />
446 1900, Email: info@ifegroup.com<br />
or visit them online<br />
at www.ife-group.com.<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 75
78<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
Nelson Valderrama<br />
Nelson Valderrama is the CEO of Intuilize, a software Service platform that specializes<br />
in helping mid-sized distributors transform data into profits. With more than 22 years’<br />
experience as P&L manager executive for major PE firms and industrial distributors.<br />
Nelson has dedicated his career to help business uncover hidden competitive advantages<br />
and unleash the power of data in the new Digital Economy. For more information<br />
contact by email nelson@intuilize.com or visit www.intuilize.com<br />
THE INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTOR’S GUIDE TO<br />
STARTING A DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION<br />
“At least 40% of all businesses will die in<br />
the next 10 years...if they don’t figure out how to<br />
change their entire company to accommodate new<br />
technologies.”<br />
- John Chambers, Executive Chairman, Cisco Systems<br />
If you are considering or using automation in your<br />
reporting, using BI software, implementing a CRM or<br />
launching your website/e-commerce platform, you’re<br />
taking crucial steps toward diving into the digital world.<br />
As a tenured distributor who is now helping other<br />
businesses, I have dealt with stubborn CEOs; haggled<br />
with unsophisticated owners that prefer to add a temp<br />
employee rather than invest in technology; and at times,<br />
watched as businesses have deployed projects with fewto-no<br />
resources.<br />
Along the way, I’ve learned that digital transformation<br />
is not about technology or resources — it’s about people<br />
and how leaders can adapt their company culture to thrive<br />
in the 21st century.<br />
Know Where You Stand<br />
To make things simple, let’s say your company might<br />
fall into any of these three buckets: Laggards, Adopters<br />
or Innovators. Before getting started, take the time to<br />
categorize yourself based on what you are thinking and<br />
doing around e-commerce, CRM, analytics or any other<br />
digital strategy.<br />
Laggard distributors believe the full-service distribution<br />
model they are following is sustainable in the long term.<br />
Things like e-commerce, CRM, analytics or other digital<br />
initiatives are not for their customers and/or for them.<br />
If you are reading this article, you probably don’t fall into<br />
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE<br />
this bucket, but your current customers and partners<br />
might!<br />
I invite you to perform an informal survey every few<br />
months with your customers and team (not just the owner<br />
or VP but middle management and beyond) within your top<br />
accounts. Ask them how frequently, if at all, they are using<br />
the internet to look for products or value-added services.<br />
Create a chart for the survey results, and you’ll surely<br />
note that each time the percentage increases. By the time<br />
your business tries to play catch-up, that middle-manager<br />
will have become a senior-manager making decisions —<br />
many of whom will be screaming with their dollars through<br />
e-commerce portals. If you pay attention, the market will<br />
tell you:<br />
¤ B2B buyers are moving online due to the<br />
convenience of ordering on their own time and not<br />
being limited to the 9-to-5, sales-assisted<br />
transaction.<br />
¤ Experienced B2B buyers — who are buying<br />
the same thing (commodities) — don’t need sales<br />
assistance to re-order products. If they want to<br />
research a new product, they use Google, Amazon,<br />
Grainger, etc., before calling.<br />
¤ Buyers prefer simple interactions throughout<br />
the supply chain processes (self service = instant<br />
gratification) instead of calling or emailing an inside<br />
sales, CSR, etc.<br />
Adopters are those that respond to surveys, or attend<br />
informal expos or industry association gatherings, and<br />
acknowledge that there is a digital world out there. They<br />
are considering some tools but typically do not initiate<br />
concrete actions because they are confused where to<br />
start or do not have the time/resources or talent to do so.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 144
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 79
80<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
PACIFIC-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION<br />
3020 Old Ranch Parkway #300, Seal Beach CA 90740<br />
TEL 562-799-5509 FAX 562-684-0695 EMAIL info@pac-west.org WEB www.pac-west.org<br />
LIVE EVENTS ARE BACK! by Amy Nijjar<br />
We are excited to bring back Pac-<br />
West’s popular After Hours networking<br />
events. Here’s the schedule:<br />
¤ July 15 – San Diego CA<br />
¤ July 22 – Denver CA<br />
¤ August 19 – Seattle WA<br />
¤ October 7 – Bay Area CA<br />
¤ November 4 – Corona CA<br />
Check our website www.pac-west.org for locations<br />
and times. We are excited to see everyone again!<br />
Join us in San Antonio October 20-23<br />
We are partnering with the Southwestern Fastener<br />
Association to bring you timely education and lots of fun<br />
in the great city of San Antonio, Texas.<br />
Here are some of the highlights, with more still to be<br />
confirmed:<br />
¤ Economic Update by Dr. Chris Thornberg<br />
(a Pac-West favorite)<br />
¤ Fastener Industry Update by Tim Roberto Jr.,<br />
Danielle Riggs (Würth Industry North America),<br />
and Mike Bailey (Nucor Fastener)<br />
¤ Craft Brewery Tour with Texas Barbecue<br />
¤ Cookie Decorating Tips spouse program by the<br />
award-winning Suzy Cravens (Advance Components)<br />
All details can be found at www.pac-west.org or www.<br />
southwesternfastener.org.<br />
It will be a worthwhile and fun trip. Y’all come!<br />
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE<br />
Tabletop Show Scheduled for 2022<br />
It’s not too early to save the dates of March 16-18,<br />
2022 for Pac-West’s Spring Conference and Tabletop<br />
Show, which is moving from Long Beach to the Westin<br />
Anaheim Hotel. You can start making plans to bring your<br />
family for some Disney fun!<br />
Did you know that Pac-West Members are also<br />
eligible for discounts on IFI Technology Connection<br />
Subscriptions and Manuals? Now there are even<br />
more reasons to be a member of Pac-West. Exclusive<br />
discounts on the following programs offered by the<br />
Industrial Fasteners Institute are now offered to Pac-<br />
West members:<br />
¤ 10% discount on subscription renewals for<br />
IFI Technology Connection<br />
¤ 20% discount on new subscriptions to the<br />
IFI Technology Connection<br />
¤ 20% discount off the print edition of the<br />
IFI Inch Fastener Standards book<br />
Details can be found at the association website,<br />
www.pac-west.org<br />
PACIFIC-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION
82<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
CELO FIXINGS TECHNOLOGY<br />
Rosselló, 7, 08211, Castellar del Vallés, Spain<br />
TEL +34 93 715 83 83 EMAIL info@celofixings.com WEB www.celofixings.com<br />
MECHANICAL ANCHORS THROUGH THE YEARS<br />
Did you know that while the use of mechnical anchors<br />
has been around for decades, the popularity of different<br />
types of anchor hasn’t always been the same? Below we<br />
take a look at 3 different types of mechnical anchors, to<br />
compare their usages, advantages and popularity through<br />
the decades.<br />
The Start Of The Millenium (2000)<br />
Sleeve anchors have always been the most popular<br />
form of mechnical anchor, providing a strong and reliable<br />
hold in concrete. Commonly used for connecting structural<br />
and non-structural elements to<br />
concrete. The anchor has an<br />
expansion cone, which expands<br />
the sleeve through its internal<br />
threading. As it is tightened it<br />
will expand against the base<br />
material, giving it a strong hold<br />
that distributes the load along the<br />
length of the embedment. Their<br />
thicker width, provides them<br />
with a higher shear resistance<br />
making it the best mechanical<br />
anchor for installations on walls.<br />
SLEEVE ANCHOR<br />
Back in 2000 it is estimated<br />
that around 90% of all fasteners in concrete were sleeve<br />
anchors. Their popularity with experts was due to their<br />
versatility of being applied to cracked or non-cracked<br />
concrete, as well as providing a suitable option in<br />
countries like Chile and Japan, where seismic activity<br />
needs to be taken in to account.<br />
2010<br />
By the time 2010 came<br />
around other mechanical<br />
anchors like the wedge anchor<br />
started to become popular, as<br />
well as the use of chemical<br />
anchors.<br />
The wedge anchor provided<br />
a cheaper alternative to the<br />
sleeve anchor, due to way it<br />
is designed and behaves on<br />
installation. Unlike the sleeve<br />
anchor the wedge anchor gets<br />
its hold from just a small area<br />
with a short collar at the base<br />
of the anchor that will open<br />
as the anchor is tightened.<br />
WEDGE ANCHOR<br />
It is this collar that makes it<br />
suitable for ceiling applications as it can readjust in<br />
case of cracking from the pressure of weight. Wedge<br />
anchors are also typically thinner than sleeve anchors,<br />
reducing the time and effort needed when drilling a pilot<br />
hole.<br />
During this time we saw the rate of construction<br />
growing in places like the Middle East and there was<br />
an increasing demand for wedge anchors due to its<br />
benefits in ceiling and other applications. There was<br />
also growing awareness of the concrete screw and its<br />
faster installation time. Which is why by 2010 the use<br />
of the sleeve anchor was now around 70% globally, a<br />
20% reduction compared to the previous decade.<br />
TECHNICAL ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 152
SEFA ANNUAL SPRING CONFERENCE<br />
SANDESTIN GOLF & BEACH RESORT - MAY 3-5, <strong>2021</strong><br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 191
3Q INC.<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 85<br />
1707 Quincy Avenue, Unit #159, Naperville, IL 60540<br />
TEL 630-405-8492 FAX 630-839-0990 EMAIL sales@3q-inc.com WEB www.3q-inc.com<br />
3Q, INC. YOUR FULL SERVICE SUPPLY CHAIN ANSWER<br />
As the fastener world faces some of the most<br />
challenging times our industry has seen, 3Q, INC. has<br />
answered the call. Our goal has always been to provide<br />
a single part number solution with inventory programs,<br />
top-notch customer service and a focus on long-term<br />
relationships.<br />
Q is For Quality<br />
As an ISO9001:2015 certified fastener distributor,<br />
3Q, INC. is dedicated and focused on every aspect of<br />
our customers consideration; from receiving your inquiry<br />
to receiving your order and every step that sees a quality<br />
product, to your specification arrive at your door. Our<br />
outside secondary partners that provide us with your special<br />
finishes have the same dedication and focus on providing<br />
what you need when you need it without exception.<br />
Let Us Take Care Of That For You<br />
Special labeling, packaging, kitting, assembly and<br />
stocking programs are what we enjoy and what makes 3Q,<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE<br />
INC. a unique and valued source for the fastener distributor.<br />
Our in-house packaging and assembly department will<br />
complete your requirements to your specifications. 3Q,<br />
INC proudly supports the local hiring of challenged adults.<br />
We are dedicated to help reduce the unemployment rate<br />
of challenged adults. We ask you to consider supporting<br />
the movement of acceptance and inclusion of people with<br />
intellectual and developmental disabilities.<br />
We Can Do That Too...<br />
Engineering assistance, design overhauls, cost<br />
savings and general problem solving can take your focus<br />
off of your customers biggest need - getting parts when<br />
the need them. Let 3Q, INC. take some of that off your<br />
shoulders and into our think tank. Our growing catalog<br />
of engineering and design partners are more than willing<br />
to help you solve “that problem”. If you are in need of<br />
design verification or design validation samples, let 3Q,<br />
INC. be the call you make. Give us an inch, we will give<br />
you back a mile.<br />
3Q INC
86<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
DISTRIBUTION ONE<br />
4004 Church Road, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054<br />
TEL 856-380-0629 FAX 856-222-0061 EMAIL info@distone.com WEB www.distone.com<br />
NEW ERP-ONE SOFTWARE FOR FASTENER<br />
DISTRIBUTORS IN THE POST-PANDEMIC NORMAL<br />
Supply-chain uncertainty, mandated safety measures,<br />
shifting buying preferences… The pandemic’s impact on<br />
distributors varied wildly. While fastener distributors in<br />
areas the construction and automotive industries suffered<br />
a significant drop in demand according to the “Industrial<br />
Fasteners Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2020-<br />
2025” report, distributors providing medical products,<br />
cleaning supplies, and paper goods experienced such<br />
high demand that it led to significant supply-chain<br />
disruptions. And some of these impacts still linger.<br />
“The pandemic wrought a perfect storm of challenges<br />
due to supply chain instability, shifting customer buying<br />
preferences, and tightening margins due to desperate<br />
competitors,” explains Larry Ward, Distribution<br />
One President. “This past year forced distributors to<br />
acknowledge shortcomings within their manual systems<br />
and legacy software. Within a very short window of time,<br />
distributors have had to prioritize spending on digital<br />
technologies to unify business systems, support remote<br />
user productivity and open E-Commerce sales channels.”<br />
As daunting as the last year has been, there’s<br />
light breaking at the end of the tunnel. “As distributors<br />
collectively review and rebuild from the past year,”<br />
continues Larry, “fastener ERP technologies will play an<br />
even larger role in daily business processes. To fulfill<br />
the technology requirements fastener distributors and<br />
wholesalers need through this transition, Distribution One<br />
proudly announces our new ERP-ONE software.”<br />
For 25 years, Distribution One has developed trusted<br />
software solutions to help fastener wholesalers and<br />
distributors achieve greater productivity while eliminating<br />
the costs of manual errors and processes. The new<br />
ERP-ONE software builds upon the strengths of its<br />
predecessors to improve the user experience and further<br />
increase fastener distribution process productivity while<br />
providing options like a fully integrated E-Commerce<br />
webstore and a seamless tax compliance service.<br />
Customized User Experience<br />
Increasing user productivity, ERP-ONE grants broader<br />
control over how users align system information with<br />
their individual Tasks by supporting the creation of<br />
user-specific contact lists, active programs, system<br />
shortcuts, and more. Visually, ERP-ONE features a larger<br />
interface with a minimum resolution of 1366x768 plus<br />
interface skin mode options like light, dark, or green.<br />
Users can also “free the window” enabling them to pop<br />
a program window out of the software environment to<br />
move it to a second screen to allow for convenient data<br />
comparison.<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 176
88<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
Earnest Machine has received the Smart<br />
Culture Award for demonstrating cutting-edge<br />
practices in sustaining a “Smart Culture.” 2020<br />
marks the second year in a row the distributor<br />
and manufacturer of large diameter and specialty<br />
fasteners is being recognized with the Smart<br />
Culture Award presented by the Smart Business<br />
Cleveland and Alliance Group.<br />
Smart Business recognizes companies<br />
in Northeastern Ohio for inspiring employee<br />
performance, creating an employer-of-choice<br />
environment, and appreciating the employees who<br />
impact revenue. To receive the award, the company<br />
must demonstrate how it improves productivity,<br />
enhances job satisfaction and provides a<br />
marketplace competitive advantage.<br />
“2020 was a year we’ll never forget,” Elise<br />
Bastian, Director of Culture and Talent Development,<br />
said. “with many unknowns and rising challenges,<br />
we have seen first-hand how our culture empowers<br />
and guides our teams to deliver results.”<br />
Earnest’s culture is built upon their core values<br />
of putting the customer’s needs first, respect one<br />
another, customers and suppliers, embracing<br />
change and continue to learn, and doing what<br />
they say they we will do. These guiding values<br />
helped turn a difficult year into a year of growth.<br />
“When the pandemic began, Earnest Machine<br />
was in the middle of an acquisition. Every one<br />
of our core values were tested every day. Our<br />
customer focused culture helped us integrate<br />
new processes, add new product inventory,<br />
and most importantly build new customer<br />
relationships, under some trying circumstances.”<br />
states Bastian.<br />
Earnest Machine receives the award yearover-year<br />
because it provides relatable company<br />
values, personal and professional growth<br />
opportunities, fun and educational activities,<br />
and community involvement. This year, Earnest<br />
Machine continues to push the same company<br />
values and mission, which will guide employees<br />
to once again exceed expectation.<br />
“Earnest Machine provides opportunities to<br />
grow personally and professionally by giving all<br />
employees the ability to contribute ideas – no<br />
matter their role.” Kirk Zehnder, President and<br />
Chief Executive Officer, said. “Our business<br />
success is a direct result of our company culture.”<br />
Earnest Machine was founded in 1948 and is<br />
a global importer, distributor, and manufacturer<br />
of large diameter and hard-to-find fasteners for<br />
the agriculture, construction equipment, heavy<br />
transportation, mining, structural construction<br />
and wind industries. Earnest maintains<br />
warehouses, sales offices, and manufacturing<br />
centers in Cleveland, OH, and Wolverhampton,<br />
England, as well as warehouses in Atlanta, GA,<br />
and Indianapolis, IN.<br />
For more information contact Earnest Machine<br />
Products at 1250 Linda Street, Suite 301, Rocky<br />
River, OH 44116. Tel: 1-800-327-6378 or visit<br />
them online at www.earnestmachine.com.
90<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
Kathi Petersen, Optimas Solutions, is the winner<br />
of the Joanne Sherman E-Learning Scholarship. THORS<br />
online fastener training will give Kathi the opportunity to<br />
take online classes of her choice pertinent to<br />
her industry.<br />
Kathi is a Customer Service Manager<br />
for Optimas Solutions in Greenville, SC.<br />
She has been in the fastener business<br />
for the last 22 years.<br />
She has a passion for continued<br />
learning to help her grow her knowledge so<br />
she can learn more about how to support and help her<br />
customers succeed.<br />
WOMEN IN THE FASTENER INDUSTRY<br />
PO Box 242, Northvale, NJ 07647 EMAIL events@fastenerwomen.com WEB www.fastenerwomen.com<br />
WIFI ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP WINNER<br />
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE<br />
WOMEN IN THE FASTENER INDUSTRY
92<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
The Manufacturing Leadership<br />
Council, a division of the National<br />
Association of Manufacturers<br />
(NAM), announced the list<br />
of world-class manufacturing<br />
companies and individuals<br />
recognized as winners of the<br />
<strong>2021</strong> Manufacturing Leadership<br />
Awards. MacLean-Fogg’s<br />
Metform Division was awarded<br />
in the category of Advanced<br />
Analytics Leadership for their<br />
Manufacturing 4.0 pilot program<br />
in partnership with IoTco.<br />
The Manufacturing 4.0<br />
project utilizes two platforms to<br />
connect and analyze machine<br />
data - Lighthouse, a traditional<br />
MES platform used for real-time<br />
monitoring and Predictronics<br />
(PDX), monitors critical process<br />
parameters such as motor amps,<br />
axis harmonics, and bearing and<br />
bar temperatures.<br />
Currently, the project is piloted<br />
on the Hatebur AMP 50, the largest<br />
hot forming press at Metform,<br />
and will be expanded to all 9<br />
remaining Hateburs. The Metform<br />
division manufactures forged<br />
and machined components for<br />
various industries including light<br />
vehicles, electric vehicles, heavy<br />
truck, agriculture and construction<br />
equipment.<br />
“We are incredibly thankful to<br />
have been nominated for this<br />
award by IoTco and recognized<br />
as a leader by the National<br />
Association of Manufacturers.<br />
Though we still have much to<br />
learn, we are excited for the<br />
innovations to come,” said Steve<br />
Wright, General Manager of<br />
Metform.<br />
For more information visit www.<br />
macleanfoggcs.com/locations/<br />
savanna-metform.
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 93<br />
CRESCENT MANUFACTURING<br />
700 George Washington Turnpike, Burlington, CT 06013<br />
TEL 860-673-2591 FAX 860-673-5973 EMAIL sales@crescentmanufacturing.com WEB www.crescentmanufacturing.com<br />
CRESCENT WELCOMES BACK DAN BIELEFIELD<br />
The Crescent Manufacturing Company is excited to<br />
announce that Dan Bielefield has returned to the company<br />
as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Dan started<br />
his fastener industry career with Crescent. In his new<br />
position Dan will be responsible for growing the Crescent<br />
brand while overseeing sales operations including the<br />
outside sales team.<br />
With over 30 years of experience in the industry including<br />
time spent working on the manufacturing side Dan brings a<br />
unique perspective to the job. He has spent the last 18 years<br />
working as an independent manufacturer’s representative.<br />
Crescent Manufacturing Chairman Steve Wilson stated “I am<br />
delighted to announce that Dan has joined Crescent as our<br />
Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Dan has significant<br />
sales experience in the fastener industry and will bring a new<br />
dynamic to our sales team.”<br />
Crescent would also like to announce that Wendi<br />
Velasco has been promoted to the role of Inside Sales<br />
Manager. Wendi has been with Crescent for the past 6<br />
years in the dual role of inside sales and expeditor. In<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE<br />
making the announcement Steve Wilson, Chairman at<br />
Crescent said “Wendi has done an incredible job in a<br />
very challenging role. Her dedication and attention to our<br />
customers has been well documented and we are excited<br />
to have her take on the role of managing our Inside sales<br />
team.“<br />
Located in Burlington, CT Crescent Manufacturing<br />
has been producing high quality, cold headed engineered<br />
products since 1960. Specializing in parts from 00 through<br />
3/8” in diameter up to 3” long Crescent can quote your<br />
fastener needs from 1,000 pieces to millions of parts.<br />
Crescent manufactures and supplies fasteners and<br />
miniature screws to many industries through several<br />
fastener distributors. These industries include aerospace,<br />
military, marine, aeronautics, electronics, automotive,<br />
computer technologies, telecommunications, consumer<br />
products, industrial products, medical and optical<br />
equipment. Crescent’s fastener distributors are located<br />
on five continents including North America, South America,<br />
Europe, Asia, and Australia.<br />
CRESCENT MANUFACTURING
94<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
The NEFCO Corporation, a<br />
leading partner to the professional<br />
construction trades, celebrates the<br />
40th anniversary of its founding<br />
in 1981. In celebration of this<br />
achievement, NEFCO is launching<br />
a new branding initiative that will<br />
lay the foundation for the next 40<br />
years of growth and partnership. The<br />
new brand, built around the theme<br />
of United We Build, emphasizes<br />
NEFCO’s mission-critical partnerships<br />
with contractors, manufacturers, and<br />
employees.<br />
“We have reached this<br />
monumental milestone through<br />
the hard work of our exceptional<br />
associates who have truly been<br />
partners in our success. While<br />
our name remains the same, our<br />
newly designed logo and messaging<br />
has changed to better represent<br />
who NEFCO is and how we plan to<br />
enhance our relationships with our<br />
valued customers,” states NEFCO<br />
President and CEO David Gelles<br />
Today, NEFCO is comprised of<br />
four world-class divisions – NEFCO<br />
Construction Supply, NEFCO<br />
Engineered Supports, NEFCO Strut<br />
Service, and NEFCO Fastening<br />
Solutions with 13 locations up and<br />
down the Eastern Seaboard, from<br />
Maine to Miami.<br />
“We have dedicated ourselves to<br />
40 years of service and partnership,<br />
always striving to be a strong<br />
leader in the construction supply<br />
industry. As the next generation<br />
of family leadership continues to<br />
execute on our vision, we continue<br />
to be fully committed to best serving<br />
our associates, customers, and<br />
suppliers,” Gelles adds.<br />
Alongside President and<br />
CEO David Gelles, NEFCO<br />
will continue to be led by<br />
Executive Vice President,<br />
Matthew Gelles and Senior<br />
Vice President of Operations<br />
and General Counsel, Ron<br />
Cipriano.<br />
“We have a long-term vision<br />
for NEFCO and are focused<br />
on building a company that<br />
will last for generations,”<br />
said Matthew Gelles. “As<br />
we look to the future, we<br />
are not slowing down, we<br />
are just getting started. We<br />
are really excited about our<br />
new brand identity as we<br />
take our business to the next<br />
level and double down on<br />
our commitment to building<br />
unparalleled partnerships with<br />
the contractor.”<br />
The NEFCO Corporation is<br />
a family owned and operated<br />
construction supply company<br />
providing a broad range of<br />
products and services to a<br />
large variety of professional<br />
contractors, with a focus on<br />
the Mechanical, Electrical,<br />
Plumbing, and HVAC trades.<br />
With 12 locations along the<br />
East Coast, NEFCO provides<br />
localized, contractor-centric<br />
supply services including a<br />
broad product offering, large<br />
local inventories, next day jobsite<br />
delivery, engineering services<br />
and special-order expertise.<br />
For more information,<br />
contact NEFCO Corporation<br />
at 411 Burnham Road,<br />
East Hartford, CT 06108.<br />
Telephone: 1-800-969-<br />
0285 or visit them online at<br />
www.gonefco.com.
96<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
NEW ENGLAND FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION<br />
PO Box 151, Lake Zurich, IL 60047<br />
TEL 847-370-9022 FAX 847-516-6728 EMAIL nancy@nefda.com WEB www.nefda.com<br />
THE NEFDA SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING<br />
RETURNED! by Nancy Rich<br />
Second Place<br />
¤ Patrick King, SB&W<br />
¤ Rob White, SB&W<br />
¤ Lori White, SB&W<br />
¤ Bill Wisk, Revcar<br />
The NEFDA Scholarship Golf Outing returned, for the<br />
32nd year, after COVID shut everything down in 2020.<br />
Juniper Hill Golf Course in Northborough, MA hosted the<br />
outing this year. It could not have been a more perfect<br />
day to reunite with fastener friends!<br />
The outing had a different format this year, beginning<br />
with breakfast at 8:30 am., shot gun start at 10:00 a.m.,<br />
followed by an Open Bar and Barbeque at 3:00 p.m. A<br />
great display of raffle prizes prompted lots of ticket sales<br />
with proceeds going directly to the scholarship fund.<br />
Prizes varied from summer essentials for the beach<br />
and backyard as well as golf clubs and balls, tools,<br />
Patriots tickets, Red Sox tickets and other fun items. A<br />
traditional 50/50 raffle also benefited the scholarship<br />
fund.<br />
Target gift cards, courtesy of Star Stainless Screw,<br />
were awarded to course contest winners:<br />
¤ Longest Drive - Patrick King<br />
¤ Longest Drive - Carrie Ingham<br />
¤ Closest to the Pin - Bill Wisk<br />
¤ Closest to the Line - Matthew Callahan<br />
¤ Closest to the Line - Katie Donahue<br />
Thank You To Our Sponsors For Helping To<br />
Make This Outing A Great Success<br />
Hospitality Sponsors<br />
¤ Chryslynn Threaded Inserts<br />
¤ Callahan Sales Inc.<br />
¤ Moynihan Sales<br />
¤ Nylok<br />
¤ Rick Rudolph Associates<br />
¤ Star Stainless Screw<br />
Cash prizes went to the first and second place teams:<br />
First Place<br />
¤ Ed Breck, Atlantic Fasteners<br />
¤ Brad Henry, Atlantic Fasteners<br />
¤ Mike Londergen, Atlantic Fasteners<br />
¤ Josh Londergen, Atlantic Fasteners<br />
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 188
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 97<br />
NEW ENGLAND FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION<br />
SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING - JUNE 10, <strong>2021</strong><br />
CONTINUED<br />
ON PAGE 189
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 99<br />
The NEFCO Corporation,<br />
a leading partner to the<br />
professional construction trade,<br />
has completed the acquisition<br />
of Sigma Engineering Int’l<br />
through the NEFCO Engineered<br />
Supports division.<br />
Sigma Engineering Int’l Inc.,<br />
founded in 1995 and located<br />
in Lincoln, Rhode Island, is<br />
a professional engineering<br />
company providing structural<br />
and piping services to<br />
Architects, Engineers, Utility<br />
Companies, Municipalities,<br />
Industrial and Commercial<br />
Plant Operators, Construction,<br />
and Steel Fabricators. Sigma<br />
Engineering is led by Senior<br />
Professional Engineer, John<br />
Tsikouras and Senior Design<br />
Engineer, Gary Rego.<br />
The addition of Sigma<br />
Engineering allows the NEFCO<br />
Engineered Supports division<br />
to expand its engineering<br />
capabilities and geographical<br />
reach to all current and<br />
future NEFCO locations. This<br />
expansion will better serve<br />
NEFCO’s customer base and<br />
will continue to drive NEFCO’s<br />
growth and differentiation. “We<br />
are really excited to team up<br />
with Sigma Engineering. This<br />
partnership provides additional<br />
value for our customers and<br />
further supports our mission<br />
to be the single best partner<br />
for contractors whenever they<br />
build,” states NEFCO Executive<br />
Vice President, Matthew Gelles.<br />
“We are confident that the<br />
joint business with John and<br />
Gary will operate successfully<br />
by combining nearly 40 years<br />
of industry knowledge and<br />
experience with our current<br />
engineering staff.<br />
This partnership allows NEFCO<br />
to offer additional value-added<br />
engineering services to more<br />
customers in the markets we serve”<br />
adds NEFCO Senior Vice President,<br />
Operations & General Counsel, Ron<br />
Cipriano.<br />
Sigma Engineering Int’l is a<br />
professional engineering company<br />
providing structural engineering<br />
services to Architects, Engineers, Utility<br />
Companies, Municipalities, Industrial<br />
and Commercial Plant Operators,<br />
Construction Companies, Steel<br />
Fabricator and Steel Erectors. Sigma’s<br />
goal is to deliver quality, on time and<br />
cost effective designs and services,<br />
while meeting project specifications<br />
and client objectives.<br />
For more information, contact<br />
NEFCO Corporation at 411 Burnham<br />
Road, East Hartford, CT 06108.<br />
Telephone: 1-800-969-0285 or visit<br />
them online at www.gonefco.com.
100<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
BRUNO MARBACHER DRIVING SYSTEMS FOR FASTENERS TO SUIT THE APPLICATION from page 8<br />
Stick Fit<br />
Stick fit is the term used to define the ability of a drive<br />
to hold the screw in place before and during tightening. A<br />
good stick fit is critical for thread forming screws, tapping<br />
screws etc. Where access of screw is hampered Stick fit<br />
can be improved with a magnetic bit. Frees up one hand.<br />
The Effect, The Coatings Have On<br />
Driver Engagement<br />
Thick coating may impair drive/driver engagement<br />
preventing the bit being inserted into the drive.<br />
Internal drives are more likely to cause an issue, most<br />
external drives can accept a thicker coating. Thick layer<br />
coatings and fluorocarbon coatings are not suitable for<br />
internal drives.<br />
Worldwide Availability<br />
Many of today’s products are sold worldwide to<br />
developed or underdeveloped countries, where special<br />
wrenches or screwdrivers/bits may not be available to<br />
service the equipment. So, it is best to stick to basic<br />
drives for product going to underdeveloped countries or<br />
very remote areas.<br />
The Individual Drives<br />
Straight Common Slot<br />
The simplest drive is a straight slot, it is a sawed<br />
across the screws head. The slot can also be formed<br />
in the heading process but as it is tapered it has the<br />
tendency to cam-out.<br />
Screws are driven in by a flatbladed<br />
screwdriver.<br />
Features and concerns:<br />
The slot is commonly used<br />
in food processing industry<br />
etc. (can easily be cleaned).<br />
Wood screws may be driven<br />
by a Yankee pump action driver as the drive is very<br />
susceptible to the driver slipping out, causing damage to<br />
parts it is holding together. It has a low torque capability<br />
due to small contact area and shallow entry depth of<br />
driver blade.<br />
Screws with straight slots can be tightened anywhere<br />
and everywhere. Some international companies used<br />
to apply them so parts could be serviced in developing<br />
countries, one may use a coin or even a even a Swiss<br />
army knife. Often combined with other drive systems to<br />
overcome unique tool requirements. This drive can be<br />
reused serval times assuming careful handling.<br />
This drive is worldwide available but does not offer<br />
other critical features.<br />
Cross Recess (Philips)<br />
The self-centering Phillips drive was designed to<br />
‘Cam-Out’ when the driver reached the maximum torque.<br />
This saved the screw from being over tightened and/<br />
or the head from being damaged or broken off. It was<br />
designed and used on the production lines. First used<br />
on 1936 Cadillac. On today’s assembly lines cam-out is<br />
not practical.<br />
Features and concerns: System is subject to camout,<br />
in which the driver is forced up and out of the recess<br />
due to the angle of the recess walls. With this drive it’s<br />
easy to line up the driver bit with the driver. It also works<br />
in off angle applications. 4 different drive and recess<br />
sizes are commonly used.<br />
The same drive size is used for inch and metric<br />
screws (Bit and drive)<br />
Cross recess should not be used for thread forming<br />
screws, the driving torque is too high, the driver is likely<br />
to cam-out damaging the drive in the process.<br />
Depending on how it is being handled it can be reused.<br />
Other critical features do not apply or are not<br />
prominent.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 156
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 101<br />
Advance Components is proud to announce<br />
a new partnership with Gage Bilt, a top<br />
manufacturer of rivet and lockbolt installation<br />
tools and components. Advance will now stock<br />
Gage Bilt’s extensive line of pneudraulic,<br />
hydraulic and pneumatic tools.<br />
Since 1956, Gage Bilt has been manufacturing<br />
economically-priced, heavy duty riveters to install<br />
a wide variety of aerospace and commercial<br />
fasteners. Gage Bilt tools are ergonomically<br />
designed for fast installations, reduced hand<br />
fatigue, and simple maintenance. Gage Bilt tools<br />
can be used to install fasteners from POP®,<br />
Avedel®, Cherry® and Huck®.<br />
“Gage Bilt is a great addition to the products<br />
Advance brings to the industry,” says Gary<br />
Cravens, Advance’s President. “Our goal remains<br />
to be a customer-focused company, so we work<br />
hard to provide the best products, the best<br />
prices and the best customer service, and Gage<br />
Bilt is the perfect fit.”<br />
Advance Components is a master distributor<br />
of ARaymond/Tinnerman, AVK Industrial, Heyco<br />
Products, Parker Fasteners, Vogelsang, Caillau,<br />
Davies Molding, Essentra Components and<br />
more. Based in Carrollton (Dallas), TX Advance is<br />
a trusted supply chain partner for manufacturers<br />
and distributors in the industrial market, and<br />
carries a large variety of in-stock products that<br />
are available online 24-7.<br />
For more information contact Advance<br />
Components at 2920 Commodore Drive, Suite<br />
100, Carrollton, TX 75007. Tel: 1-800-275-7772,<br />
email: sales@advancecomponents.com or visit<br />
them online at www.advancecomponents.com.
102<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
ROB LaPOINTE FASTENER SCIENCE: SHEAR TESTING – SINGLE AND DOUBLE SHEAR FOR FASTENERS from page 10<br />
FIGURE 2 FRICTIONAL FORCE IS THE PRODUCT OF THE NORMAL<br />
FORCE AND THE COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION µ.<br />
FIGURE 4 BEARING CONNECTION<br />
When a joint is tightened in this manner, there are no<br />
shear loads on the fastener itself, even if there are shear<br />
loads on the assembly. The shear loads are carried by the<br />
frictional force that is created by the tensioned fastener.<br />
This type of joint is known as a Slip-critical joint and relies<br />
on the friction in the joint rather than the shear properties<br />
of the fastener to keep the joint from slipping. The Slipcritical<br />
joint is illustrated in figure 3. Notice that the bolt<br />
itself does not bear the load needed for the joint to not<br />
slip, but rather it is carried by the fiction created through<br />
tensioning of the bolt-nut assembly.<br />
Fasteners used in the Bearing Connection application<br />
must be able to withstand shear loads applicable to the<br />
conditions that will be experienced in service. Thus, it<br />
is paramount to the performance qualification of these<br />
fasteners that shear testing be performed and that the<br />
fastener is able to withstand the loads necessary to<br />
achieve good performance.<br />
Testing fasteners for shear properties is typically done<br />
in one of two ways, single shear or double shear. Single<br />
shear tests the fastener in one plane and double shear<br />
tests the fastener in two planes. Figure 5 illustrates the<br />
two types of shear testing. The test chosen depends<br />
on the application, specification and configuration of<br />
the fastener although, often times, the two tests are<br />
interchangeable and either test can provide the necessary<br />
data. The principal difference between the two tests is<br />
the testing fixture. Single shear creates a shearing force<br />
in one plane and double shear creates a shearing force in<br />
two parallel planes.<br />
FIGURE 3 SLIP-CRITICAL JOINT<br />
The second principal way fasteners are used in<br />
a Bearing Connection where the bolt itself bears the<br />
shear load of the joint rather than the friction. Figure 4<br />
illustrates a bearing connection where there is little or<br />
no clamp-load created by tensioning the fastener. This<br />
type of joint relies on the shear strength of the fastener<br />
to hold the joint in registration rather than relying on the<br />
tensile strength of the fastener to create friction in the<br />
joint assembly.<br />
FIGURE 5 SINGLE SHEAR TEST ASSEMBLY (LEFT) AND DOUBLE<br />
SHEAR TEST ASSEMBLY (RIGHT)<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 158
SETKO FASTENERS<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 103<br />
300 N Klick Street, Unit A, Hampshire, IL 60140 TEL 630-800-6377<br />
EMAIL Sales@SetkoFasteners.com WEB www.SetkoFasteners.com<br />
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THAT CUSTOMERS CAN COUNT ON<br />
The name “Setko” will sound familiar<br />
if you have been in the fastener industry for<br />
some time. Setko, a family owned business,<br />
continues to stand firm in its belief of strong<br />
customer service and long-lasting relationships.<br />
At Setko, we offer our customers more than<br />
great pricing. Setko builds relationships that<br />
customers can count on, quality they can trust<br />
and a personal commitment to each company<br />
no matter how small or large.<br />
Today, Setko Fasteners continues its legacy by<br />
opening their doors to all companies looking to expand<br />
and develop strong customer / supplier relationships.<br />
Whether it’s domestically manufactured or imported socket<br />
product, hard to find semi-standards, or items that re-quire<br />
secondary operations such as plating, patching or drilling -<br />
Setko Fasteners will provide the finished product and save<br />
you valuable time and money!<br />
Setko already stocks Hex Socket Set Screws with<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE<br />
every point style in Alloy and Stainless, Metric<br />
and Standard sizes. In addition, Setko has a<br />
full line of Socket Head, Button and Flat Head<br />
Cap Screws - Plain and Zinc Plated.<br />
Setko Fasteners is adding new product<br />
every day! We are expanding our lines to<br />
include more Socket Shoulder Bolts, Square<br />
Head Set Screws, Nylon and Brass Tip Set<br />
Screws, Short and Long Arm Hex Keys, 6-Lobe<br />
(Torx) Keys, Hex Jam Screws, and Dowel Pins! Setko<br />
continues to offer Mill Shipments and blanket orders<br />
with releases over a full year to support each customer’s<br />
monthly requirements.<br />
Setko works directly with each customer to fulfill their<br />
requirements by analyzing yearly usage and processing<br />
parts accordingly. This reduces costs and ensures<br />
product is available when needed. Please contact Setko<br />
Fasteners - your full<br />
service supplier.
104<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
LAURENCE CLAUS IS THERE VALUE IN APPLICATION ENGINEERING? from page 12<br />
Plant Walkthrough<br />
Early in my consulting career I was contacted<br />
by a small distributor looking for some application<br />
engineering assistance. They had recently just renewed<br />
a contract with their largest VMI client. Although this<br />
seven year contract was a real success story for them it<br />
came with an agreement to provide steep year over year<br />
cost reductions for the entire duration of the contract.<br />
Their customer, however, had thrown them a bone and<br />
agreed to offset the yearly reductions with credits for any<br />
cost savings improvements they could identify and be<br />
realized. Not having any Application Engineering talent on<br />
staff, they hired me to tour their customer’s facility and<br />
seek out potential improvement opportunities.<br />
I “discovered” a variety of different potential<br />
improvement areas including incorrect pairing of hardware<br />
(Grade 8 bolts were being paired with Grade 2 nuts),<br />
fasteners that were clearly longer than they needed to<br />
be (often up to 200% longer than necessary), and use of<br />
high strength parts (grade 8) in applications that carried<br />
little or no load. Perhaps the most fascinating issue I<br />
discovered, however, is illustrated in Figure 1. This is a<br />
joint that was used to attach a fan motor on one side of a<br />
sheet metal “wall” and a shroud to cover the fan blades<br />
on the other side. I noticed some variant of this joint<br />
being used in at least a dozen places in the plant. What<br />
really caught my attention were the materials utilized in<br />
the different components. These joint stack-ups included<br />
some mix of zinc electroplated, powder coat painted,<br />
and stainless steel parts nestled against a galvanized<br />
steel sheet. My immediate observation and question<br />
was, if several of the components can acceptably<br />
utilize zinc electroplated parts, why the stainless steel<br />
components? Additionally, although these were brand<br />
new units being prepared for service, I suspect that if I<br />
had the chance to review units that had been in service a<br />
while, the dissimilar metal contact would have produced<br />
unfavorable galvanic couplings and the zinc plated<br />
parts and galvanized steel sheet would be experiencing<br />
galvanic corrosion. As this exercise was primarily<br />
intended to be one of finding unnecessary cost drivers,<br />
if the answer to the immediate question of sufficiency<br />
of zinc electroplating was in the affirmative, then using<br />
any stainless steel parts, which were likely three to four<br />
times the cost of equivalent zinc electroplated versions,<br />
was a significant finding.<br />
FIGURE 1<br />
Of course every observation that identified a<br />
potential cost savings would need further exploration<br />
to determine feasibility relative to the design intent of<br />
the joint. It is unlikely that every observation, therefore,<br />
would produce an actual cost savings. However, if only<br />
one half of the items I observed were truly feasible,<br />
the impact of changes would still be significant.<br />
In fact, I really wouldn’t be shocked if I identified<br />
somewhere between $500,000 and $1,000,000 of<br />
potential cost savings, many with tangible quality<br />
improvements associated with them. This particular<br />
case may represent an extraordinary example, but this<br />
just serves to illustrate what can be identified by simply<br />
walking your customer’s plant floor and looking for<br />
items of concern and improvement. This activity may be<br />
the single most productive applications activity you can<br />
engage in.<br />
Solving An Unexpected Problem<br />
Very often, Application Engineers are problem<br />
solvers. Figure 2 illustrates a fine example of this. This<br />
part is a Brake Caliper Bolt, one of two pins (or bolts)<br />
that the brake caliper slides along. This particular part<br />
was designed about twenty years ago for a very high<br />
profile, next generation vehicle. The OEM had a great<br />
deal riding on an on-time, problem-free vehicle launch.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 160
106<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
COMPUTER INSIGHTS INC. SALES TAX LAWS DRIVING YOU NUTS? from page 24<br />
The Benefits of Avalara<br />
Avalara’s cloud based features are provided as an<br />
a la carte subscription service. You can sign up for just<br />
what you need.<br />
¤ Calculate Taxes - Per line item based on<br />
geo locations, entity-use, and product<br />
classifications.<br />
¤ File & Remit Taxes - Avalara can prepare and<br />
file your returns while distributing payments to<br />
all tax jurisdictions on your behalf.<br />
¤ Manage Certificates - Taxes will<br />
automatically be omitted from exempt sales<br />
while managing exemption documents.<br />
¤ Evaluate Your Nexus - Based on your sales<br />
history, Avalara can show you where you are<br />
obligated to file taxes and they can get you<br />
registered.<br />
¤ Address Validation - The Business Edge’s TM<br />
event driven address validation means this<br />
can usually be added with no additional<br />
cost.<br />
What People Are Saying....<br />
“Projects come down to people and technology.<br />
We appreciate the collaboration between Avalara and<br />
Computer Insights, as well as our Monroe accounting<br />
and implementation teams. The entire team had a winwin-win<br />
attitude. The technical implementation is saving<br />
Monroe a ton of time processing sales tax across our<br />
different state and local jurisdictions. As more states<br />
and local jurisdictions put the onus on businesses to<br />
collect tax, these partnerships are going to be essential<br />
for industrial distributors”<br />
- Dan Hutchinson, CFO Monroe Engineering LLC.<br />
“Avalara integration through The Business Edge has<br />
cut time spent on sales tax and compliance by over 80%.<br />
Every aspect of the process is smoother, from Avalara<br />
specifying correct tax jurisdictions and tax rates, to<br />
remitting sales tax payments to countless jurisdictions<br />
across the country. Handling sales tax across multiple<br />
states was one of our biggest headaches. Now, thanks to<br />
Avalara and Computer Insights, it’s not even a concern.”<br />
- Scott Habetz, Owner, STS Industrial, Inc.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 107
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 107<br />
COMPUTER INSIGHTS INC. SALES TAX LAWS DRIVING YOU NUTS? from page106<br />
“Avalara has made what was previously a complex<br />
process and technical reporting activity and automated<br />
it. Not only has it streamlined our process, it has also<br />
improved our reporting and ensures it’s accuracy.”<br />
- Joseph Stephens, CEO, Motor City Industrial<br />
“Avalara has great customer service. Their people<br />
are very personable and they keep reaching out to make<br />
sure you are moving along in the setup. Now that we<br />
have it working in TBE, we like that Avalara not only gets<br />
the tax correct, but it also does an address check which<br />
helps us reduce shipping errors.”<br />
- Ralph Keepers, Director IT & Avionics,<br />
Spencer Aircraft<br />
Get Connected<br />
If you are already lucky enough to be using The<br />
Business Edge TM<br />
by Computer Insights you are only a<br />
few phone calls away from enabling your system to take<br />
advantage of all of the Avalara time saving features.<br />
Are you looking for an ERP system that will help you<br />
run your business more efficiently?<br />
More Information<br />
For more information about The Business Edge TM<br />
contact Dennis Cowhey, President, Computer Insights,<br />
Inc. 108 Third Street, Bloomingdale, IL 60108. Tel:<br />
1-800-539-1233, email: sales@ci-inc.com or visit them<br />
online at www.ci-inc.com.<br />
COMPUTER INSIGHTS, INC.
108<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
SMITH ASSOCIATES A 50 YEAR LEGACY from page 28<br />
MIKE WITH HIS ORIGINAL ROLL TOP DESK 1982<br />
In this time most of Mike’s customers and potential<br />
customers were OEM’s. He would go up the stairs of<br />
10-story factory buildings knocking on the doors of all the<br />
other businesses that were there asking “Hey, what do<br />
you make here?”. Sometimes he would meet the owner<br />
of a piano company and see a women’s bra factory in the<br />
same building. Other times he would go in to an existing<br />
customer to follow up on orders placed or to show them<br />
other lines he had. He laughs when he remembers<br />
parking his car on the street, which by the way had no air<br />
conditioning (imagine July in the Bronx), hoping it would<br />
be there when he returned, or trying not to get sprayed<br />
with the water from a fire hydrant while kids were playing<br />
on the street. The stories Mike has about those days are<br />
the tales that create a picture of what the 1970’s were<br />
in NYC. For a 19 year old boy from NH, this was what the<br />
American dream was made of.<br />
Mike was very honored to become friends with many<br />
of what he called his “rabbis” in the business, and has<br />
been to many weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs and parties<br />
with his customers. Many times, Mike’s car would break<br />
down, or his car battery would die, and his customers<br />
would come out and help him jump start his car. Ben and<br />
Morty Robinson of Robinson Screw were so kind to Mike;<br />
they have helped him jump start his car many times.<br />
Mike became true friends with these men and absorbed<br />
their insight and help over many years. Mike remembers<br />
talking and laughing with Greg Robinson because he<br />
is now selling to the grandchildren of many of his first<br />
customers.<br />
Mike said about selling “I am selling myself to<br />
these people, and I honor, cherish, and respect all my<br />
customers and principals.” He is immensely proud of<br />
the fact that he has never taken a line from another rep<br />
agency, and has lived an ethical and honest life.<br />
In the 1980’s Mike married Chris, who was then a<br />
buyer for Macy’s in Newark, NJ. Together they moved to<br />
Sussex County, NJ and soon adopted two beautiful girls.<br />
Interestingly, the adoption of their second daughter came<br />
as a result of showing pictures of their first daughter<br />
Mollie, to Carol and Amelia, the owners of Hustle Screw.<br />
They were instrumental in Chris and Mike finding and<br />
adopting Emily, their second daughter.<br />
Over the years Mike and Chris have enjoyed living in<br />
the northern part of NJ and have found many hobbies to<br />
keep them busy. Mike loved to cut his grass and take<br />
care of his yard. In the late 1990’s through a business<br />
dinner with a customer, he became a fan of Chris Craft<br />
wooden boats. Mike remembers seeing one as a boy<br />
back in NH and had always wanted to ride in one. Now<br />
that he finally owns one, he is often seen giving rides<br />
to anyone that asks. His main hobby on the weekends,<br />
Mike enjoys fixing up his boat as well as driving it on<br />
Lake Hopatcong, where he and Chris now live.<br />
MIKE IN HIS ROCKAWAY NJ OFFICE<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 164
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 109
110<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
GUY AVELLON WHAT FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED TO KNOW: THE LONG AND SHORT OF BOLT FAILURES from page 110<br />
FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3<br />
Figure 2 illustrates a correct assembly. There are<br />
about two threads sticking out beyond the end of the<br />
nut allowing the maximum number of unengaged threads<br />
inside the grip of the connection. This provides shock<br />
absorbers to absorb any shock or vibration loads or<br />
heavy impacting during installation.<br />
A fastener’s threads are very important. They stretch<br />
significantly more than the rest of the fastener and<br />
therefore have a much higher level of stress. During<br />
axial tensile testing, the ASTM Test Method Standards<br />
of F606 and F606M require a minimum of six complete<br />
threads between the test grips for a standard fastener,<br />
and a minimum of four complete threads for the shorter<br />
thread length of a structural fastener, such as an A325<br />
(F3125/F3125M) cap screw.<br />
If the nut or test mandrel is too close to the thread<br />
run-out, the tensile readings will not reflect the actual<br />
properties of the fastener. The stresses will be much<br />
greater on the few remaining threads.<br />
Structural fasteners (A325 and A490 for example)<br />
have a shorter thread length than standard SAE Grade<br />
5 and 8 and their respective ASTM counterparts ASTM<br />
A449 and A354. This is to ensure that the full diameter<br />
of the fastener’s shank is completely within the shear<br />
plane of a structural joint.<br />
This now leads into assembly variables because the<br />
most critical time of a fastener’s life is when it is being<br />
tightened. Figure 3 depicts a pure axial tensile load of<br />
only one force: tension.<br />
However, when tension is combined with another<br />
force, as with torsion during tightening, the combination<br />
of forces acting on the fastener drastically reduces<br />
the amount of force required to cause it to fail. The<br />
illustration of Figure 4 shows what happens when<br />
tension and torsion are combined when installing a<br />
fastener. Once the torsional forces stop, that load<br />
dissipates and only pure tension remains on the<br />
fastener.<br />
During assembly, any quick, sharp or jerking motions<br />
while tightening the nut or bolt head can also become<br />
very detrimental. This is why the use of power assembly<br />
tools or impact wrenches can cause fasteners to<br />
fail prematurely if these power tools are not properly<br />
regulated.<br />
A fastener cannot achieve clamp loads much beyond<br />
its minimum yield strength. Any further tightening may<br />
cause the fastener to fail. However, the load by direct<br />
tension, as depicted above in Figure 3 and compared in<br />
Figure 4 with the tension by turning the nut, illustrates<br />
the ductility of the fastener and its capacity to sustain<br />
further loads. Service loads would include shear and<br />
direct tension. Torsion will not occur again. Note the<br />
reserve strength of the fastener above the minimum<br />
tension in Figure 4 as well as the increased elongation<br />
potential.<br />
The unengaged threads are critical during installation.<br />
A fastener must be able to absorb a certain amount of<br />
torsion during assembly.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 166
Birmingham Fastener and Supply Inc. is<br />
excited to announce the acquisition of Steel City<br />
Bolt and Screw. With over 100 years of combined<br />
fastener production, the acquisition strengthens<br />
Birmingham Fastener’s product offering, equipment<br />
depth, and most importantly it allows us to add<br />
teammates to our world class staff.<br />
Brad Tinney, owner of Birmingham Fastener<br />
says, “With this acquisition we continue to<br />
double down on domestic manufacturing and<br />
provide our customers with a domestic solution<br />
on any fastener requirement they have. This<br />
equipment will assist in our expansion into the<br />
Carolinas and continue to expand our east coast<br />
footprint. Our customer base is second to none<br />
and we will ensure their needs are meet and<br />
expectations are exceeded.”<br />
Operations of Steel City Bolt and Screw will<br />
be consolidated into the production facility at our<br />
corporate headquarters in Birmingham Alabama.<br />
In doing this, the level of service we can offer our<br />
valued customers will be increased. Customer<br />
service remains paramount at Birmingham Fastener;<br />
in-turn, all Steel City Bolt and Screw customers will<br />
become valued partners of Birmingham Fastener<br />
and be serviced as a top priority.<br />
Birmingham Fastener continues to invest in the<br />
future and make strategic moves and acquisitions<br />
that will yield long term benefits for our customers.<br />
Our plan is to take this 100 years of customer<br />
service and turn it into 200 years of outrageous<br />
service for our entire family of customers. We can’t<br />
wait to build and strengthen new partnerships with<br />
the customers of Steel City Bolt and Screw.<br />
Founded in 1980, Birmingham Fastener is a<br />
leading domestic manufacturer and distributor of<br />
fasteners for structural steel fabrication, metal<br />
building manufacturers, water works, OEM, and<br />
MRO. The Birmingham Fastener family of companies<br />
consists of multiple locations across the nation. In<br />
2018, Birmingham Fastener received the Alabama<br />
Manufacturer of the Year award.<br />
For further information contact Birmingham<br />
Fastener Inc. at 931 Avenue W, Birmingham, AL<br />
35214. Call Toll-Free: 1-800- 695-3511, Local: 205-<br />
595-3511, Fax: 205-591-7107 or visit their website<br />
at www.bhamfast.com.<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 111
112<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
FASTENER FAIR USA FOR ALL THE INDUSTRY, IN THE HEART OF MANUFACTURING from page 32<br />
Current Exhibitor List Continued...<br />
¤ China Fastener Info<br />
¤ China Fastener Magazine<br />
¤ Clampco Products<br />
¤ Cold Heading Company<br />
¤ Continental-Aero<br />
¤ Crescent Manufacturing<br />
¤ Curtis Metal Finishing Company<br />
¤ D.L.P. Coatings, Inc.<br />
¤ Decker Manufacturing<br />
¤ Distribution One<br />
¤ Distributors Link Magazine<br />
¤ Doerken Corporation USA<br />
¤ Drawing Technology Inc<br />
¤ Easylink Industrial co. ltd<br />
¤ Eaton Steel Bar Company<br />
¤ Edward W. Daniel LLC<br />
¤ EFC International<br />
¤ Engineered Components Co.<br />
¤ Eurolink FSS<br />
¤ Fastener Engineering<br />
¤ Fastener EurAsia Magazine<br />
¤ Feng Yi Titanium Fasteners<br />
¤ Fong Yien Industrial Co., LTD<br />
¤ Fontec Screws Co Ltd<br />
¤ Forplan/STC Dip Spin<br />
¤ G.L. Huyett<br />
¤ Gardner Spring, Inc.<br />
¤ Garg Techno Cast<br />
¤ Goebel Fasteners, Inc.<br />
¤ Gofast Co Ltd<br />
¤ Greenslade & Company. Inc.<br />
¤ Hangzhou Grand Import& Export Co., LTD<br />
¤ Haude Holdings Ltd<br />
¤ ibg NDT Systems Corporation<br />
¤ Industrial Nut<br />
¤ Industrial Rivet & Fastener Co.<br />
¤ Infasco<br />
¤ Intercorp<br />
¤ International Fasteners Inc<br />
¤ InxSql Software<br />
¤ Ji Li Deng<br />
¤ Jiaxing HJ Tech Industry Co., LTD<br />
¤ JM TOR PAR SA de CV<br />
¤ Ken Forging<br />
¤ Kerr Lakeside Inc.<br />
¤ Kinefac Corporation<br />
¤ Kova Fasteners Pvt. Ltd.<br />
¤ KPF USA (aka Korea Bolt)<br />
¤ Leyong Industrial Shanghai Co., Ltd<br />
¤ Maadhav Automotive Fasteners Pvt. Ltd.<br />
¤ Magni<br />
¤ Marer SRL<br />
¤ Marposs Corporation<br />
¤ Michigan Metal Coatings Company<br />
¤ Midland Metal Framing and Fastener LLC<br />
¤ MOLS Corp.<br />
¤ ND Industries, Inc.<br />
¤ Ningbo Anchor Fasteners Industrial Co. Ltd.<br />
¤ Ningbo Qunli Fastener Manufacture co.<br />
¤ Ningbo Western Fitting Co., LTD<br />
¤ Nord-Lock Group<br />
¤ Ornit Blind Rivets<br />
¤ Perfection Chain Products<br />
¤ Pivot Point Inc<br />
¤ Prospect Fastener<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 168
114<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
METROPOLITAN FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION<br />
PO Box 72, Lake Zurich, IL 60047<br />
TEL 201-254-7784 FAX 847-516-6728 EMAIL admin@mfda.us WEB www.mfda.us<br />
ITR ECONOMIC FORECAST MEETING RECAP<br />
by Rob Rundle<br />
“What investments are we [you] making now to<br />
handle future growth?” was a question posed to the MFDA<br />
membership by ITR Economics’ Tyler St. Germain at the<br />
MFDA Economic Forecast meeting this past March. Tyler’s<br />
virtual presentation discussed ITR’s forecast for the near<br />
and long-term future of the US Economy, and the Fastener<br />
business in general.<br />
Tyler said that the first half of <strong>2021</strong> will continue to<br />
be a recovery from the COVID-19 lockdown recession of<br />
2020. ITR predicts that the remainder of <strong>2021</strong> and much<br />
of the next three to four years will be a period of strong<br />
growth.<br />
In order to be in the best position to handle the<br />
coming surge, MFDA members should ask themselves the<br />
following:<br />
¤ Do we have the cash to climb the hill?<br />
¤ Are we investing in capital? Personnel?<br />
¤ What are our current bottlenecks?<br />
How can we overcome them?<br />
¤ What would we have done differently in 2010<br />
(the last time we came out of large recession)?<br />
ITR sees interest rates staying relatively low for the<br />
next few years, but increasing afterwards, making now a<br />
good time to borrow money at the current low rates.<br />
Inflation will be a concern during this decade. Tyler<br />
shared that the ITR president was encouraging employees<br />
to purchase property and stocks, which tend to be hedges<br />
against inflation. That being said, he felt the stock market<br />
was overvalued compared to corporate profits.<br />
ITR is very concerned about 2030, which they<br />
feel will be the next depression. The combination of<br />
demographics (baby-boomers retiring), rising health<br />
care costs, entitlement costs increasing, inflation, and<br />
continued US National debt growth (The US national debt<br />
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE<br />
to GDP ratio is now 133.1%, a number not seen since<br />
WWII. The national debt is now $84,000 per person)<br />
will cause the county severe problems if not addressed.<br />
However, we are not the only country facing issues with<br />
our population. According to the presentation, Japan now<br />
purchases more adult diapers than baby diapers.<br />
While there will be bumps in the road in the 2020’s<br />
and the 2030’s won’t be terrible the entire decade, Tyler<br />
gave the members a glimpse into what the trends and<br />
indicators showed. Now it’s up to us to take advantage of<br />
that information.<br />
The MFDA board thanks Brighton-Best International<br />
for providing the Zoom platform for the event.<br />
Save The Date!<br />
MFDA’s 25th Annual Golf Outing<br />
“The East Coast Fastener Premier Golf Outing”<br />
Saturday, September 11, <strong>2021</strong><br />
Event:<br />
Pre-Golf Cocktail Party<br />
Location: Crystal Springs CC<br />
Time:<br />
Hardyston, NJ<br />
4:30pm – 6:30pm<br />
Sponsored by Member & Associated Companies<br />
Sunday, September 12, <strong>2021</strong><br />
Event:<br />
Golf Outing<br />
Location: Ballyowen Golf Club<br />
Time:<br />
Crystal Springs CC, Hardyston, NJ<br />
6:45am - Registration<br />
8:00am – Shot Gun Start<br />
For more information contact Ken Schneeloch<br />
or Nancy Montesano by Tel: 201-644-7424, or email<br />
theschnee@aol.com or nmonte81@gmail.com.<br />
METROPOLITAN FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
SOLON MANUFACTURING CO.<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 115<br />
425 Center Street, Chardon, OH 44024<br />
TEL 1-800-323-9717 EMAIL sales@solonmfg.com WEB www.solonmfg.com<br />
SOLON FIRST-EVER RECIPIENT OF PRESTIGIOUS AWARD<br />
Solon is honored to be chosen as the first-ever<br />
recipient of the Geauga County <strong>2021</strong> Excellence in<br />
Manufacturing award presented by the Geauga Growth<br />
Partnership in partnership with the<br />
manufacturing growth and advocacy<br />
network, MAGNET.<br />
Says company president, Diane<br />
Popovich, “we are grateful for the<br />
support from these organizations who<br />
are dedicated to helping businesses<br />
in Northeast Ohio thrive. This award<br />
is so meaningful as it highlights<br />
our collective achievements as we persevered through<br />
a particularly challenging time in our 72-year history<br />
due to the pandemic. Thank you humbly and sincerely,<br />
for the honor of acknowledging our strategic vision and<br />
operational excellence”.<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE<br />
The award, a bench made of iron, steel and wood<br />
was hand-crafted by BAMF Welding and Fabrication,<br />
LLC in Newbury, Ohio and sits outside Solon’s main<br />
office for all employees and visitors<br />
to enjoy. A video was made by a<br />
local film company to announce and<br />
present the award, which took place<br />
during the GGP Annual Meeting held<br />
via Zoom and was live-streamed by<br />
Solon’s employees as they gathered<br />
to celebrate this achievement<br />
together as a team.<br />
Established in 1949, Solon Manufacturing Co.,<br />
located in Chardon, OH, is a premier designer and<br />
manufacturer of Belleville springs and washers used to<br />
reduce bolted joint failures by maintaining the bolt preload<br />
in industrial bolting applications.<br />
SOLON MANUFACTURING
116<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
IFI SOARING EAGLE AWARDS <strong>2021</strong> from page 38<br />
The <strong>2021</strong> Soaring Eagle Meritorious Service<br />
Award Recipient is Laurin Baker<br />
The IFI Soaring Eagle Meritorious Service Award is<br />
named after George S. Case, Sr. It recognizes individuals<br />
who have contributed outstanding time and effort in the<br />
leadership of the Industrial Fasteners Institute and/or<br />
contributed to the health and well-being of the entire<br />
industrial fastener industry.<br />
Laurin Baker is recognized for his many years of<br />
outstanding service to the institute representing and<br />
protecting IFI’s interests in Washington, DC.<br />
Laurin’s expertise in navigating international trade,<br />
tariffs, environmental and tax policies has greatly<br />
benefited the interests of the Institute’s member<br />
companies, their employees and fastener users the<br />
world over. He has provided visibility of the IFI and<br />
its members to the U.S. House and U.S. Senate<br />
representatives of IFI’s members, and to other lobbyists<br />
and governmental agencies involved in issues of the<br />
utmost importance to the Institute. Laurin’s tireless work<br />
in coordinating and leading the coalition of IFI members,<br />
fastener distributors and North American fastener users<br />
resulted in the significant reform and improvement of<br />
the Fastener Quality Act. The culmination of his efforts<br />
on behalf of the IFI members and the North American<br />
fastener industry and users will continue to benefit future<br />
generations.<br />
Submit a Nomination<br />
Visit our website at www.indfast.org/info/award.asp<br />
to submit a nomination for next year’s Soaring Eagle<br />
Awards program.<br />
LAURIN BAKER - IFI SOARING EAGLE SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT<br />
About IFI<br />
Industrial Fasteners Institute, headquartered in<br />
Independence, Ohio, is an Association of the leading<br />
North American manufacturers of bolts, nuts, screws,<br />
rivets, pins, washers, and a myriad of custom formed<br />
parts. Suppliers of materials, machinery, equipment<br />
and engineered services, are Associate Members<br />
of the Institute. IFI membership currently stands at<br />
70 Company Members with 61 Subsidiaries and 55<br />
Associate Members.<br />
For 90 years, IFI’s fastener manufacturing member<br />
companies have combined their skills and knowledge to<br />
advance the technology and application engineering of<br />
fasteners and formed parts through planned programs of<br />
research and education. Users of fasteners and formed<br />
parts in all industries benefit from the continuing design,<br />
manufacturing, and application advances made by the<br />
Industrial Fasteners Institute membership.<br />
To inquire about IFI membership, contact Dan Walker,<br />
Managing Director at dwalker@indfast.org or call 216-241-<br />
1482 for details on membership eligibility and benefits.<br />
INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS INSTITUTE
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 117<br />
TriMas announces the<br />
retirement of Robert (Bob)<br />
Zalupski as Chief Financial<br />
Officer and Treasurer. Scott<br />
Mell was appointed as Chief<br />
Financial Officer, effective May 1,<br />
<strong>2021</strong>. He will report to Thomas<br />
Amato, TriMas President and<br />
Chief Executive Officer.<br />
Mr. Zalupski, who has served<br />
in finance leadership roles within<br />
TriMas for 19 years, and as<br />
its Chief Financial Officer since<br />
January 2015, joined TriMas in<br />
2002. Over the years, he played<br />
a critical role in a number of<br />
the Company’s strategic and<br />
financial business initiatives,<br />
which included leading<br />
global cash management,<br />
capital allocation and capital<br />
structuring initiatives, as well<br />
as managing numerous<br />
acquisitions, divestitures and<br />
a spin-off. He has been an<br />
instrumental member of TriMas’<br />
leadership team, and vital to the<br />
development and successful<br />
execution of the Company’s<br />
business strategies.<br />
Mr. Mell joins TriMas with<br />
more than 25 years of strategic<br />
leadership and financial<br />
management experience.<br />
Since 2018, he has served as<br />
Managing Director of Recovery<br />
& Transformation Services for<br />
Riveron, working on a variety of<br />
projects across a diverse set<br />
of industries. In this role with<br />
Riveron, he has led important<br />
projects at TriMas over the<br />
past three years to support<br />
continuous improvement efforts<br />
within TriMas’ Packaging and<br />
TriMas’ Aerospace segments.<br />
For more information, contact<br />
TriMas by Tel: 248-631-5450 or<br />
online at www.trimascorp.com.
118<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
SOUTHEASTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION<br />
PO Box 448, Elba, AL 36323 TEL 847-370-9022 FAX 847-516-6728 EMAIL sefa@thesefa.com WEB www.thesefa.com<br />
<strong>2021</strong>/2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNOUNCED by Nancy Rich<br />
<strong>2021</strong> Board Of Directors<br />
President<br />
Lee Parker, Vulcan Steel Products<br />
Vice President<br />
Anthony Crawl, Birmingham Fastener<br />
Chairman<br />
Tom Sulek, Star Stainless Screw<br />
Directors<br />
Matt Dyess, Nucor Fastener<br />
Hayden Gaston, International Fasteners, Inc.<br />
Carrie Whitworth, Edsco Fasteners<br />
Terry Windham, Dixie Industrial Finishing Co.<br />
Stephanie Wood, Fastener Supply<br />
Secretary/Treasurer<br />
Nancy Rich<br />
Executive Director<br />
Nancy Rich<br />
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE<br />
SEFA Welcomes New Members<br />
Atlas Distribution Services, Ltd., Winona, MN<br />
DLP Coatings Inc., Elk Grove Village, IL<br />
Congratulations <strong>2021</strong> Scholarship Winners<br />
Em Webb Memorial Scholarship - $1,000<br />
Garrett Spillman, Southern Fasteners & Supply<br />
Gilchrist Foundation Scholarship - $1,000<br />
Anna Katelyn Pittman, American Specialty Products & Machine<br />
SEFA Scholarships - $2,000<br />
Spencer Hyman, Kanebridge Corp.<br />
Jacob Stewart, Edsco Fasteners<br />
SOUTHEASTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION<br />
JIM TRUESDELL FAIRNESS TO PREGNANT WORKERS...PROPOSAL PROVIDES SOLUTIONS from page 40<br />
Since there is no one size fits all approach to<br />
identifying and approving what are reasonable<br />
accommodations that do not place an undue burden on<br />
an employer, the employer is merely obligated to engage<br />
in an interactive process with the employee to determine<br />
what kind of reasonable accommodation is needed. If<br />
an employer demonstrates that they did engage in that<br />
process in good faith then that would be a defense in a<br />
lawsuit, the same as it would be under the Americans<br />
With Disabilities Act.<br />
Since most of the accommodations necessary for<br />
pregnancy are minor, the burden on employers should<br />
be relatively light and inexpensive. The requirement<br />
to engage in a discussion process with the employee<br />
about her special needs opens up communication and<br />
would help to avoid conflict or litigation from arising. The<br />
employee is also protected from retaliation from raising<br />
these needs, but better to let the employer respond with<br />
a good faith response than to shut down all discussion<br />
about making things work.<br />
Of course many, but not all, companies already<br />
engage in these kinds of conversations and come up<br />
with practical ideas to keep women working during<br />
pregnancy. There will always be some employers who<br />
cannot be bothered to set up flexible responses, or who<br />
are uncertain of just what they can and cannot do, and<br />
so have rigid policies which do not address these needs.<br />
That is why the clarity of the PWFA is needed.<br />
There are far more expensive and onerous proposals<br />
circulating which deal with these concerns. It would<br />
seem, as reflected by the support from both sides<br />
of the political aisle and from some major business<br />
associations, that this Act is a workable compromise<br />
that will head off more draconian measures. Given the<br />
demonstrated need to encourage and support parenting<br />
in this country, combined with most women now being<br />
active in the workplace, it would seem that this is a good<br />
solution which everyone can support.<br />
JIM TRUESDELL
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 119
120<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
JOE DYSART DEATH BY COOKIE: FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED FOR A NEW WAY TO ADVERTISE ON THE WEB IN 2022 from page 44<br />
That third-party cookie – owned by the ad company –<br />
begins tracking your movements on the Web the moment<br />
it’s embedded in your browser. Moreover, the same ad tech<br />
company has the same agreement with many of the dozens<br />
-- or perhaps even hundreds of Web sites -- you also visit in<br />
any given day.<br />
And with each Web site you visit featuring advertising<br />
from that same ad tech company, another third-party tracking<br />
cookie is placed in your Google Chrome Browser, tracking<br />
you all the way.<br />
Each new cookie beams back data to the ad tech<br />
company about your Web movements and preferences. And<br />
each cookie enables the ad tech company to develop an<br />
ever-deepening interest profile<br />
on you, which enables it to<br />
target ads to you on other Web<br />
sites featuring its technology –<br />
based on your preferences.<br />
For more than a quarter of<br />
a century, tracking consumers<br />
using third-party cookies has<br />
been an extremely precise way<br />
to target ads to consumers –<br />
and also anger more than a<br />
few consumers who felt such<br />
tracking violated their privacy<br />
and often made them feel<br />
creeped-out.<br />
That consumer resentment<br />
has reached a crescendo.<br />
“Invisible and gratuitous data<br />
collection leaves users unable to exercise their rights and<br />
protect their privacy. We need substantive, enforceable<br />
regulation to stop this exploitation of our data,” says<br />
Gus Hosein, executive director, Privacy International (www.<br />
privacyinternational.org).<br />
Google, which also runs one of the Web’s most powerful<br />
and widely used ad tech platforms, has apparently decided<br />
that its not worth further inflaming that consumer anger<br />
over third-party cookies – even if that means phasing-out<br />
one of ad technology’s most effective ad personalization<br />
technologies.<br />
The Upshot? Beginning in 2022, fastener distributors<br />
that have relied on ad tech companies powered by third-party<br />
ad tech companies will need to use alternate systems to get<br />
their brand in front of audiences using Google Chrome.<br />
“It’s time to kick third-party data for good and focus on<br />
developing relationships with your customers,” says Owen<br />
EMAIL MARKETING IS EXPECTED TO EXPERIENCE A SPIKE IN<br />
2022 AS THIRD-PARTY COOKIES FADE AWAY.<br />
SOME COMPANIES ARE CONSIDERING DEVICE FINGERPRINTING TO<br />
TRACK CURRENT AND POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE WEB.<br />
Ray, senior content marketing manager, Invoca (www.invoca.<br />
com/), a digital marketing services provider.<br />
Here are a few solutions for fastener distributors<br />
recommended by Web advertising experts:<br />
¤ Email Marketing Lists: While Web advertising fads<br />
come-and-go, email marketing keeps on chugging along,<br />
offering marketers some of the best ROI for marketers’<br />
efforts, year after year. Marketers build email lists by<br />
soliciting email addresses in exchange for providing riveting<br />
email newsletters, informative white papers, early notice on<br />
new goods and services, discounts and coupons and the<br />
like. Expect increasing numbers of fastener distributors to<br />
double-down on this tried-and-true marketing tool in coming<br />
months.<br />
¤ Old School Advertising:<br />
Back in the ‘olden days,’<br />
marketers would seek out<br />
content that matched the goods<br />
and services they were selling,<br />
and place ads alongside that<br />
content.<br />
A fastener distributor might<br />
embed its ads in an article<br />
about new directions in the<br />
fastener industry, movers and<br />
shakers in the fastener industry,<br />
or new markets opening to<br />
fastener distributors. These<br />
days, they’re calling this old<br />
school technique ‘contextual<br />
targeting.’ But it’s the same<br />
idea: matching ads to content.<br />
¤ Buying Someone Else’s Audience: While you may<br />
have some data on people who are interested in fasteners,<br />
another Web site – such as a fastener industry publication<br />
– may have plenty. Once third-party cookies are phased-out,<br />
expect more fastener distributors to buy and use info about<br />
such potential customers from such Web sites.<br />
¤ Device Fingerprinting: Similar to third-party<br />
cookies, device fingerprinting is an extremely effective<br />
tracking technology – but also extremely controversial.<br />
Device fingerprinting enables a Web site to reach down<br />
into your device and retrieve all the information about that<br />
device that makes it unique to you – the language it runs<br />
on, the Web browser it uses, the times of day it’s usually<br />
used, its location, its IP address, and similar personalized<br />
data. Once an ad tech company has your device fingerprint,<br />
it can track you as you move across the Web.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 121
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 121<br />
JOE DYSART DEATH BY COOKIE: FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED FOR A NEW WAY TO ADVERTISE ON THE WEB IN 2022 from page 120<br />
¤ Google FLoC: While Google is phasing-out support<br />
for third-party cookies, it still has every intention of<br />
continuing to track your every movement using its Chrome<br />
browser instead. To some, this distinction may sound like<br />
privacy hair-splitting. But either way, look for that tracking<br />
using the Chrome browser to most likely be leveraged by<br />
Google sometime in 2022.<br />
Specifically, Google says it will use the Chrome browser<br />
to track what you do on the Web – and then ‘anonymize’<br />
that data by placing you in an anonymous group of people<br />
who share the same interest – what it calls ‘cohorts.’<br />
So again, if you visit a lot of fastener Web sites, for<br />
example, you’ll be placed in a ‘cohort’ or group of people<br />
who do the same and sent fastener ads. Again, for many,<br />
this ‘anonymization’ may sound like privacy hairsplitting.<br />
But it’s the brave new world of digital advertising come<br />
2022, for better or worse.<br />
Google began testing this new system – which it calls<br />
the Federated Learning of Cohorts, or ‘FLoC’ -- in April,<br />
with plans to offer use of the tech to select companies<br />
sometime in 2022.<br />
The only problem – at least from the perspective of<br />
outsiders – is that selling ads based on FLoC enables Google<br />
to become the sole source of information about the billions<br />
of people who use its Chrome Browser to surf the Web.<br />
Essentially: If you want to advertise to the people who<br />
use the Google Chrome Browser, you’re most likely going<br />
to need to rely on data gleaned by FLoC - which, whaddaya<br />
know, is also owned by Google.<br />
That cozy connection has led to cries of ‘No fair’ from<br />
competing ad tech service providers.<br />
And it has also triggered an antitrust lawsuit brought<br />
against Google by 14 states and Puerto Rico -- as well as<br />
preliminary scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice<br />
and commerce regulators in the United Kingdom.<br />
“Today’s filing underscores the broad consensus that<br />
Google’s practices require review and swift action under<br />
antitrust and consumer protection laws,” says Ken Paxton,<br />
Texas State Attorney General.<br />
Stay tuned for 2022. Should be interesting!<br />
JOE DYSART
122<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
STAFDA IN-PERSON EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS IN ORLANDO from page 46<br />
The Unspoken Rules of<br />
Leadership<br />
Jamie Turner<br />
Turner led a webinar for STAFDA<br />
earlier this year and it was so well<br />
received he was invited to Orlando!<br />
His workshop will look at the four<br />
pillars of leadership (mentoring, marketing, mindset,<br />
management) where attendees will determine which “pillar”<br />
they are. He will cover why the world’s best leaders work on<br />
their mindset first and their skillset second; How thinking<br />
“backwards” can help improve one’s influence with others;<br />
Why humility is a secret weapon all powerful leaders<br />
possess; How to use the Law of Reciprocity to create a win/<br />
win environment; Turning a yes/no question into an either/<br />
or question to grow influence; and Why leading with a story<br />
(rather than facts) can turn a person into a more effective<br />
persuader. Turner is an author, professor, and CEO who<br />
was recognized by CareerAddict as one of the world’s best<br />
speakers along with Ariana Huffington, Daymond John, and<br />
Gary Vaynerchuk. His client list includes Coca-Cola, AT&T,<br />
Microsoft, Verizon and SAP. He’s a professor at both Emory<br />
University (Atlanta) and the University of Texas (Austin).<br />
Overcoming the 7 Deadliest<br />
Communication SINs<br />
Skip Weisman<br />
Yet another STAFDA webinar<br />
speaker who resonated well<br />
with members so he’s on deck<br />
for Orlando! Prior to starting his<br />
consulting business creating championship work teams<br />
for clients, he served as CEO for five different professional<br />
baseball franchises affiliated with the Boston Red Sox,<br />
Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners,<br />
Tampa Bay Rays, and Texas Rangers. In this workshop,<br />
Weisman will do a deep-dive into interpersonal workplace<br />
communications. Attendees will learn these four key<br />
points: 1). How to calculate the actual dollars of how<br />
dysfunctional communication and behavior impacts a<br />
company; 2). Defining workplace communication problems<br />
and applying specific strategies, tools, and techniques to<br />
get different results; 3). Increasing workplace productivity<br />
by 50% overnight by committing to just one of seven<br />
deadliest communication sins; and 4). Committing to<br />
adjusting one’s own communication habits to initiate the<br />
change they want in their workplace.<br />
Sunday Afternoon - 1:30pm-3pm<br />
Sales PRO Update - Paul Reilly<br />
In 2006, Tom Reilly, then<br />
STAFDA’s Sales Consultant, spent six<br />
months researching and interviewing<br />
STAFDA outside sales professionals<br />
and their managers before he wrote<br />
STAFDA’s outside sales training<br />
manual, Sales PRO. Fast forward to <strong>2021</strong> and Tom’s son,<br />
Paul, who has been STAFDA’s Sales Consultant for several<br />
years, is now updating the original Sales PRO. This spring,<br />
Paul surveyed STAFDA distributors to learn about their<br />
specific outside sales policies and trends. The COVID-19<br />
pandemic has revolutionized the way outside sales is<br />
now conducted. It still involves field sales calls, but virtual<br />
selling has soared to the forefront. The updated Sales PRO<br />
will include research and techniques to address today’s<br />
new selling environment to include virtual selling, creating<br />
personal value, and customer messaging. Paul’s Orlando<br />
session will be a preview of his soon-to-be printed manual.<br />
In addition, in late 2020/early <strong>2021</strong>, he’ll be conducting<br />
a series of virtual webinars for members which will focus<br />
on Sales PRO’s new research to help outside salespeople<br />
navigate today’s challenging environment.<br />
Tuesday Morning - October 26, 8am-9:30am<br />
Economic Update - Alan Beaulieu<br />
As STAFDA’s Economic<br />
Advisor, and one of the pre-eminent<br />
economists in the country, Alan<br />
Beaulieu will present his annual<br />
economic recap of <strong>2021</strong> and offer<br />
his forecast for 2022 and beyond.<br />
As the U.S., and world, emerges from the worst of the<br />
COVID-19 pandemic, economies are regain their footing<br />
while businesses hit the accelerator. Everyone wants to<br />
get back to ‘normal’ and he will highlight what sectors<br />
are achieving success over others. Some forecasts say<br />
normalcy won’t set in until 2023 so find out if Beaulieu<br />
agrees with them or not. He writes STAFDA’s Quarterly<br />
Economic Advisories which updates members throughout<br />
the year, but they’re no substitute for his standing-room<br />
only workshop. Beaulieu is President of ITR Economics<br />
and will lead a 90-minute free webinar on June 10 for<br />
STAFDA members. Since 1990, ITR helps companies<br />
around the globe forecast, plan, and increase their profits<br />
based on business cycle trend analysis.<br />
SPECIALTY TOOLS & FASTENERS DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
124<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
LARRY BOROWSKI DO IT YOURSELF GAGING from page 48<br />
In my opinion, the best solution is a combination of<br />
variable and fixed limit gaging. When deciding what type<br />
of gaging to use, one should have good answers to the<br />
following questions:<br />
¤ How many parts will need to be inspected?<br />
¤ What is the tolerance of the feature needing to be<br />
inspected?<br />
¤ Will this be an ongoing inspection, or is there a<br />
short term need for a gage?<br />
¤ How much money is in the budget for inspection<br />
equipment?<br />
¤ How quickly do parts have to be inspected?<br />
¤ What kind of environment will the inspection take<br />
place in?<br />
Once you decide on what type of gaging will best<br />
fit your application, the “Do it Youselfer” will have to<br />
decide if they can hold the tolerances in question. In<br />
other words, can you actually make this yourself or will<br />
you need outside help? Gages are precision tools that<br />
must provide precision results. A good rule of thumb is<br />
to maintain a minimum of a 10:1 ratio. That is, the gage<br />
tolerance should be 10 times better than the feature<br />
tolerance. For instance, if you have a hole with a .010”<br />
tolerance, your gage should be accurate to at least .001”.<br />
The more accurate your gage is, the better off you are.<br />
The only exception to this is when consensus standards<br />
dictate the tolerance of the gage or equipment to check<br />
a feature. For instance, thread measuring wires must be<br />
within .000020” of “best wire,” and within .000010” of<br />
each other in the set. You can’t simply purchase (3) X<br />
tolerance pin gages and call them thread wires.<br />
Now that the “Do it Yourselfer” has successfully<br />
made a gage, now comes the proving ground. A gage<br />
R&R (Repeatability and Reproduceablity) study should<br />
be performed. This study is used to determine whether<br />
the new gage can perform adequately for the task at<br />
hand. To say a gage is repeatable is to note that one<br />
person using a given gage will obtain consistent results<br />
when measuring the same parts at different times. To<br />
say a gage has reproduceability means that when two<br />
or more persons use that gage, they will get consistent<br />
measurements. The results break down this way:<br />
¤ Less than 10% is an excellent gage.<br />
¤ Between 11% and 20% is an acceptable gage.<br />
¤ Between 21% and 30% is a marginal gage.<br />
¤ Over 30% is not acceptable.<br />
The above percentages indicate how much feature<br />
tolerance is consumed by the gage error alone. So you<br />
can see how, as the percentages get larger, the gage<br />
becomes less desirable. ASTM F1469 provides an<br />
excellent guideline for performing Gage R&R studies, and<br />
should be consulted for additional details.<br />
Generally speaking, if the “Do it Yourselfer” takes the<br />
time to fully evaluate the costs of developing and making<br />
their own gages vs. using a gage supplier, they will probably<br />
find it more cost effective to use the gage supplier. What<br />
a gage supplier has over the DIY process is:<br />
¤ Gage suppliers have the equipment to hold the<br />
necessary tolerances because that is their job.<br />
¤ Gage suppliers have the broad and deep experience<br />
to determine the best, most cost effective solution, and<br />
often employ some type of engineer that is good at what<br />
he or she does. They develop gages every day for a wide<br />
range of customers with a wide range of applications.<br />
Chances are pretty good that they have run across your<br />
similar situation at one time or another and already have<br />
a good idea on how to meet the demand.<br />
¤ Gage suppliers have additional resources to call<br />
upon when needed. They typically work closely with<br />
other gage manufacturers and suppliers and can obtain<br />
pieces and parts relatively quickly. Examples are clamps,<br />
bearings, special hardware, indicators, slides, posts,<br />
scales, tooling, etc.<br />
¤ A good gage supplier will stand by their workmanship<br />
and correct defects quickly and at no additional charge.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 125
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 125<br />
LARRY BOROWSKI DO IT YOURSELF GAGING from page 124<br />
There are many “Do it Yourselfers” (DIY) in the market<br />
place, however it is my opinion that everyone should<br />
work to their strengths. Let the manufacturers make<br />
parts, and the gage people make inspection equipment.<br />
Blurring those lines often involves higher cost and lost<br />
time. As a gage manufacturer and accredited calibration<br />
laboratory, many of our customers send in their home<br />
made custom designs and/or gages for us to either<br />
manufacture or certify. We find that while there are<br />
great ideas and excellent gages, there are just as many<br />
poor designs and poor workmanship examples that<br />
come through our facility. Poor designs can be corrected<br />
before any metal is cut, however poor workmanship<br />
results in scrap. Both scenarios result in lost time.<br />
DIY gaging is a great concept, but more often easier<br />
said than done. DIY gaging can also be very rewarding if<br />
done correctly. So if you are a “Do it Yourselfer” make<br />
sure you look at the big picture before diving into your<br />
next project and make an informed decision on whether<br />
to do it yourself, or involve the experience of a gage<br />
manufacturer.<br />
LARRY BOROWSKI | GREENSLADE & COMPANY INC
126<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
PENN ENGINEERING UTILIZING SURFACE MOUNT TECHNOLOGY FOR MECHANICAL FASTENING TO PCBS from page 50<br />
The Solution – Surface Mount Technology<br />
The solution to many of these challenges is to<br />
eliminate the need to manually place the hardware<br />
after the board is populated. The better solution is to<br />
place the hardware while the board is being processed<br />
using existing infrastructure in the PCB market. By<br />
placing hardware on tape and reel and presenting it like<br />
other electronic components, it can be installed with<br />
conventional surface mounting equipment. This uses the<br />
machines and process that already exist during board<br />
construction and eliminates the need to have further<br />
human contact with the part.<br />
A Closer Look At SMT Fasteners<br />
SMT fastening solutions offer several benefits over<br />
traditional attachment options.<br />
When surface mounting fasteners to a board, fasteners<br />
are fed on a tape and reel, assembled with pick and<br />
place equipment, and reflowed alongside other electronic<br />
components. They can be installed in as quickly as 1/3<br />
second – as opposed to up to 30 seconds for secondary<br />
operations. This assembly method not only provides<br />
significant cost and labor savings without compromising<br />
the performance of the design, but also helps reduce<br />
quality failures associated with manufacturing.<br />
Scrap savings is another benefit when comparing<br />
SMT to the broaching method. Manufacturers typically<br />
install broaching fasteners once the boards have been<br />
fully populated with electronic components. But with the<br />
broaching process, boards can be subject to significant<br />
amounts of stress after they are populated, which can<br />
damage the costly PCBs.<br />
Surface Mount Technology At-A-Glance<br />
¤ Ideal for PCB assembly<br />
¤ Eliminates productivity and damage issues caused<br />
by loose fastening hardware and broaching fasteners<br />
¤ Supplied in tape-and-reel packaging for easy pickand-place<br />
assembly<br />
¤ Reflowed alongside other components for cost/time<br />
savings<br />
¤ Excellent pullout and torque-out forces<br />
¤ Available as panel fasteners, spacers, nuts, and<br />
right-angle styles<br />
The PEM ® SMT Fastener Portfolio<br />
At PennEngineering®, our PEM® brand surface mount<br />
fasteners are available in several standard options.<br />
Surface mount technology can also be applied to other<br />
fastener designs for custom solutions.<br />
Captive Panel Screws are appropriate for applications that<br />
require easy removal and reinstallation of circuit boards.<br />
Spacers are the choice for board-to-board stacking and<br />
a convenient means of fastening, where previously a<br />
broaching or loose fastener was used.<br />
Right-Angle Fasteners take a unique approach to<br />
joining components with a 90° separation.<br />
The PEM® SMT fastener portfolio currently offers<br />
these fastening solutions:<br />
¤ SMTSO ReelFast® Nuts and Standoffs<br />
¤ SMTSS ReelFast® SNAP-TOP® Standoffs<br />
¤ SMTSK ReelFast® KEYHOLE® Standoffs<br />
¤ SMTPFLSM ReelFast® Captive Panel Screws<br />
¤ SMTRA R’ANGLE® Fasteners<br />
Installation That Reduces PCB Damage<br />
Using PEM® SMT fasteners is an economical and<br />
reliable method for fastening hardware to PCBs. Provided<br />
on tape and reel that is compatible with existing SMT<br />
automated equipment, their efficient pick-and-pack<br />
installation method reduces scrap, handling, and the risk<br />
of board damage. Fasteners adhere directly onto a solder<br />
pad on the surface of the PCB and use the same soldering<br />
processes as the board’s other electronic components.<br />
PENN ENGINEERING
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 127<br />
PULLPRO - VERSATILE & INNOVATIVE STAINLESS STEEL SHEAVES<br />
Suncor Stainless recently launched PULLPRO, a<br />
new line of innovative premium stainless steel sheaves<br />
designed to address an industry need for versatile, robust<br />
and long lasting sheaves to meet today’s demanding<br />
applications.<br />
PULLPRO sheaves are comprised of high quality<br />
grade 316 stainless steel and incorporate a weight<br />
optimized design with recessed sides and lightening holes.<br />
They are available for fibrous or wire rope and feature<br />
either stainless steel bearing or bronze bushing type hub<br />
styles. Stainless steel spacers are included with most of<br />
the bushing style sheaves. The inclusion of spacers allows<br />
a standard sheave to adapt to various shaft sizes. The<br />
working load limits (WLL) were certified through extensive<br />
in-house laboratory testing. The WLL represents a 5:1<br />
design factor and the sheaves meet ASME B30.26-2610.<br />
Historically, end users have been limited by sheave<br />
sizes and large diameter sheaves are often used in<br />
situations where a smaller, less expensive sheave would<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE<br />
SUNCOR STAINLESS, INC.<br />
70 Armstrong Road, Plymouth, MA 02360 TEL: 1-800-218-7702<br />
EMAIL sales@suncorstainless.com WEB www.suncorstainless.com<br />
meet the demands of the application. As a result, Suncor<br />
has developed HiLOAD and LoLOAD sheaves for wire rope<br />
applications. HiLOAD indicates a larger diameter sheave<br />
suitable for 180° rope turns. LoLOAD indicates a smaller<br />
diameter sheave designed for economical small deflection<br />
turns less than 90°.<br />
PULLPRO premium stainless steel sheaves answer<br />
several challenges currently facing sheave users. The<br />
variety of sizes, hub styles and spacers allow the user to<br />
select a sheave tailored to fit their specific shaft size and<br />
the design provides optimal weight, groove diameter and<br />
throat angle. The result is one of the most versatile, safe,<br />
long-lasting, and high quality offerings of premium sheaves<br />
that has ever been introduced.<br />
SUNCOR STAINLESS
128<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
JO MORRIS FTI BRINGS NEW ADVANCED IN-PERSON TECHNICAL TRAINING TO CHICAGO AUGUST 16-20 from page 62<br />
Fastener Training Week Grant Opportunity<br />
Committed to providing technical education and<br />
support to their members, IFI has offered grants to the<br />
August Fastener Training Week for IFI members. Grant<br />
allocations for Fastener Training Week can be obtained<br />
by requesting an application from Jennifer Bennett at<br />
jbennett@indfast.org. Other scholarship opportunities are<br />
available through the NFDA and Pac-West Fastener<br />
Associations. In addition, a $500 discount is available<br />
for Pac-West, NFDA, IFI, MWFA, NCFA, SFA and AIM Prime<br />
members.<br />
What Our Students Say About Fastener<br />
Training Week<br />
“The CFS program drastically shortened my learning<br />
curve regarding fastener specifications. The program<br />
materials were well organized and professional. Each<br />
instructor was very knowledgeable and infused the lesson<br />
topics with real-world examples. CFS is a great program<br />
taught by excellent instructors.”<br />
“This course helped me gain a solid understanding<br />
of mechanical engineering and develop the technical<br />
knowledge important to this field. It also makes me realize<br />
the complexities and challenges we face, and that makes<br />
the work even more interesting.”<br />
Additional <strong>2021</strong> Training Opportunities<br />
Fastener Basics Webinar Series<br />
Sponsored by Brighton-Best International, “Fastener<br />
Basics Like Never Before” is a recently launched 22-part<br />
webinar series presented by Carmen Vertullo, CFS. You<br />
can join anytime and still complete the full series. Carmen<br />
is a master at webinar fastener training classes and uses<br />
his talents to present Fastener Basics in an innovatively<br />
new way. Each webinar is 90 minutes including a closing<br />
30-minute Q&A session. Jo Morris moderates the program<br />
and keeps the class interactive. This fast-paced program<br />
will cover all topics relevant to new fastener professionals<br />
and get you prepared for advanced learning in our CFS<br />
track. Visit fastenertraining.org for complete class details.<br />
Online Learning Library<br />
FTI will continue to offer its expanded Online Learning<br />
Library featuring over 35 training videos. FTI’s webinar<br />
series provides a great introduction to any of the Certified<br />
Fastener Specialist sessions. Reference materials and<br />
quizzes are included with each video rental, when available.<br />
FTI thanks our <strong>2021</strong> Sustaining Sponsor, Wurth<br />
Industries of North America.<br />
For detailed descriptions of classes, webinars and the<br />
Online Learning Library, visit FastenerTraining.org. Email<br />
Jo Morris at JoM@FastenerTraining.com to be added to<br />
the newsletter and stay updated on training opportunities.<br />
The Fastener Training Institute’s core purpose is to<br />
enhance fastener use, reliability and safety by providing<br />
fastener product and technical training at all levels. Through<br />
this, FTI can achieve its goal of strengthening the industry<br />
and its personnel in all segments.<br />
The objective of the Fastener Training Institute is to<br />
elevate the level of technical understanding and expertise of<br />
individuals in the fastener industry by providing a variety of<br />
training programs presented by recognized industry experts.<br />
FTI provides beginning and advanced training on fastener<br />
products, standards and specifications.<br />
JO MORRIS | FASTENER TRAINING INSTITUTE
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 129
130<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
ROBERT FOOTLIK TAKING ANOTHER LOOK AT INVENTORY from page 64<br />
The “Pandemic pause” has certainly made everyone<br />
aware of this phenomenon. Mines and processing<br />
plants were “mothballed” not dismantled, and inventories<br />
availability is short while new plants and production<br />
capacity are developed. The net result has been<br />
sufficient capacity to support incrementally staged growth<br />
in a “normal demand economy.” But is this true in your<br />
market base?<br />
Barring war or a global upheaval, basic commodities<br />
for the fastener industry will not be a factor for at least five<br />
years, except for exotic metals. Between environmental<br />
considerations and capital availability for massive new<br />
development, everything moves relatively slowly and often<br />
lags well behind demand, but this should not produce<br />
shortages until the older sources are fully operational or<br />
depleted.<br />
So the answer to the safety stock question is to<br />
watch the commodity markets and news while data mining<br />
resupply timing yourself.<br />
What About “The I Word?”<br />
For those who remember the OPEC war of the mid-<br />
1970’s when gas prices increased (remember those<br />
lines) and inflation increased faster than pricing, a new<br />
paradigm developed virtually overnight. Materials that were<br />
sold for $1.00 at retail suddenly cost $2.00 to replace at<br />
wholesale. Even worse, the cost of the goods changed<br />
between the time when the order was placed and the arrival<br />
of the product. Sales promises became meaningless<br />
because vendor pricing emulated fish on a restaurant’s<br />
menu, “Today’s market price.” The Fed has artificially<br />
held down interest rates while government spending is<br />
now going crazy. Inflation (the long dreaded “I-word”) is<br />
inevitable and devaluation of the dollar is still likely.<br />
If (or when) this happens sales prices will need to<br />
change rapidly so that long term margins will not be<br />
negatively impacted. For example, if a current item that<br />
is sitting on the shelf cost $1.00 and would be sold today<br />
for $1.40 the 40% gross margin looks just fine, especially<br />
if you neglect the 4% or so per month that it has cost you<br />
to hold the inventory. Now if the market value moves to<br />
$1.60 it makes your margin look even better…until you<br />
go to replace this inventory at a price of $2.00. This puts<br />
tremendous pressure on marketing to price the materials<br />
according to replacement, not the more traditional initial<br />
cost accounting.<br />
Operationally there are several new considerations.<br />
The customers paid $1.40 last year and now you are<br />
charging over $2.00 for the same stuff with the same<br />
profit margin. Charging customers more than ever before<br />
is even less palatable when the materials are dusty, dirty<br />
and worn dues to poor housekeeping. Stopping to clean<br />
up the grime as the item is picked is not much better.<br />
A fast wipe with a damp paper towel makes mud and<br />
this looks even worse. The best answer is to keep the<br />
warehouse clean, maintain the products in perfect shape<br />
and practice “first in-first out” picking techniques. This<br />
means training and dedication so that every warehouse<br />
employee is an inspector, cleaner and quality expert.<br />
Pickers and Stockers will need additional training to<br />
reliably rotate the stock.<br />
Any overstock/replacement inventory should be<br />
stocked in a back up location first, then moved into the<br />
prime picking spot. Pulling the order directly from incoming<br />
materials, even with a rigorous check-in process, while<br />
highly efficient, should be avoided. The new paradigm is<br />
to never cross dock when there is stock in house.<br />
It is also vital that the inventory and stock locations<br />
must match at all times. If an item is stored in a specific<br />
location, in a known quantity, this must be 100% reliable<br />
information. Every piece must be in easily found, salable<br />
condition. Get in the habit of looking for misplaced<br />
inventory now and teach this diligently to every individual<br />
who will be passing through the warehouse regardless of<br />
their job title. This takes “spot checking” or statistical<br />
sampling to a much higher level and emphasizes that the<br />
oldest piece must always go out first.<br />
Do this now, before inflation eats up all the money<br />
that you are working so hard to generate. Putting systems<br />
in place to react after inflation sets in will be too little, too<br />
late. Anticipation beats inaction every time. Inflation is<br />
like lightening. Statistically the longer it doesn’t strike the<br />
more likely it will hit the top of a hill.<br />
Ok, If Prices Are Going To Rise, Why Not Lay<br />
In More Inventory Now?<br />
Good question, with an obvious answer that inventory<br />
eats both capital and space. Of course if you have a<br />
surplus of both commodities go right ahead and take a<br />
chance. The rest of us can watch from a safe distance.<br />
Volatile pricing is a way of life in many industries.<br />
Copper wire and tubing are a good example of products<br />
that are essentially raw materials with minimal “value<br />
added.” Plumbing and Electrical Supply Houses have<br />
attempted to play the commodity market for years; usually<br />
with limited success.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 170
134<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
AMCO ENTERPRISES YOUR METRIC FASTENER SPECIALISTS FOR OVER 50 YEARS from page 66<br />
¤ Metric Conversion - for many companies with<br />
existing designs based on the English (inch) System, the<br />
process of converting these designs to the metric (SI)<br />
system can be a daunting task. These projects involve<br />
more than simply multiplying a few dimensions by the<br />
appropriate conversion factors. Materials and components<br />
must be converted to metric equivalents that are actually<br />
available in the market, and that requires an intimate<br />
knowledge of the metric components industry that many<br />
companies new to the metric system simply do not have.<br />
Materials Management Solutions -<br />
Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)<br />
Vendor Managed Inventory programs have become<br />
increasingly popular in recent years. While no two VMI<br />
implementations are exactly the same, they generally<br />
share the same objectives: to reduce costs and improve<br />
the reliability of the supply chain for the manufacturer.<br />
By eliminating or drastically reducing the client’s time<br />
and resources spent on those activities that do not<br />
directly add value, procurement and material handling<br />
tasks become significantly more efficient. Targeted VMI<br />
activities include but are not limited to:<br />
¤ Receiving<br />
¤ Inspection<br />
¤ Placing large numbers of low-value<br />
purchase orders<br />
¤ Processing large numbers of low-value<br />
invoices and payments<br />
¤ Repeat handling of the same items<br />
“Just In Time” (JIT) Delivery Programs<br />
Before the relatively recent rise in popularity of<br />
VMI programs, AMCO partnered with a number of their<br />
clients to develop custom JIT programs which continue<br />
to perform very well today. JIT programs often provide<br />
a better fit when the circumstances involve greater<br />
distances, multiple facilities with differing requirements,<br />
lower volumes, irregular production schedules, or when<br />
security restrictions preclude on-site service.<br />
Custom Kitting and Packaging<br />
AMCO provides a full range of custom kitting,<br />
packaging, and labeling services. From small poly bags to<br />
1/4-keg cartons, with optionally bar-coded labels (virtually<br />
all symbologies) custom printed to meet the clients<br />
specifications.<br />
Quality<br />
Quality is more than just a buzzword from the<br />
Marketing Department. Quality has been a top priority<br />
at AMCO since long before it became fashionable.<br />
As the first commercial fastener distributor in the<br />
Southwest to establish a comprehensive Quality Assurance<br />
Program, AMCO has earned an enviable reputation for<br />
consistent quality of both products and services.<br />
Their Quality Management System is ISO 9001:2015<br />
certified, and has been approved to MIL-Q-9858, ISO<br />
10012-1, and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1 for calibrations.<br />
AMCO Enterprises has been approved for dock-tostock<br />
delivery and/or passport vendor status for each of<br />
their major clients that support such programs.<br />
Their entire inventory is fully lot number traceable<br />
and is labeled accordingly. Certificates of Conformance,<br />
RoHS Compliance Certificates, and PPAP (Production Part<br />
Approval Process) reports are available upon request. They<br />
can provide a custom-designed inspection regimen and/or<br />
reporting program to meet any unique quality requirements.<br />
Covid-19 Poses Real Challenges<br />
AMCO Enterprises managed to minimize the impact of<br />
the COVID-19 pandemic as much as possible. Internally,<br />
they provide PPE for their staff and encourage commonsense<br />
practices such as distancing, disinfecting, and<br />
regular hand-washing. Those that can work from home<br />
are allowed to do so at their discretion. Externally, it is<br />
once again about flexibility. If their customers’ procedures<br />
have changed, the people at AMCO Enterprises adapt<br />
and adjust. They feel they have been blessed in that their<br />
business has not suffered as much as some others. Rick<br />
shared, “I wish I’d known how long the effects would last<br />
and how delayed some of the effects would be. We’re<br />
only now beginning to see any material impact on our<br />
business. Demand seems to be as strong as ever, but<br />
supply is becoming increasingly difficult, and we fear the<br />
worst is yet to come.”<br />
Technology<br />
Their use of technology continues to evolve and<br />
improve. Rick Neil told me, “upgrading to The Business<br />
Edge, TM<br />
by Computer Insights, Inc. was one of the<br />
most significant improvements to our internal operations<br />
that we’ve ever made. It has allowed us to reduce our<br />
reliance on paper-based information exchange/retention<br />
drastically.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 135
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 135<br />
AMCO ENTERPRISES YOUR METRIC FASTENER SPECIALISTS FOR OVER 50 YEARS from page 134<br />
As a result, more information is available to the<br />
right people in a timely manner than ever before, both<br />
internally and externally. We’re far more efficient in<br />
every department, and that makes life easier for our<br />
staff and our customers. Digital signature capture, in<br />
particular, has been a huge hit with several of our largest<br />
local customers. We have been very pleased with The<br />
Business Edge, TM<br />
and with the service/attention/training<br />
provided by Computer Insights.<br />
folks.”<br />
It has been a pleasure doing business with your<br />
Products<br />
¤ Standard Fasteners - A complete line of<br />
Metric and English (Inch) Fasteners<br />
¤ Specials & Hard To Find Items - We<br />
specialize in finding those hard to find items<br />
¤ Military Grade Hardware - Approved Supplier<br />
to America’s Leading Contractors & Sub-Contractors.<br />
¤ NORD-LOCK® - The NORD-LOCK bolt securing<br />
system uses geometry to safely lock bolted joints in the<br />
most critical applications.<br />
¤ So Much More - Clamps, handles, bearings,<br />
adhesives, plastics, more…<br />
More Information<br />
AMCO Enterprises can be reached at 4209 Hahn<br />
Boulevard Fort Worth, TX 76117. Contact Rick Neil,<br />
President by telephone at 1-866-651-AMCO, email<br />
info@amcoenterprises.com or visit them online at<br />
www.amcoenterprises.com.<br />
Computer Insights, Inc. can be reached at 108<br />
3rd Street, Unit 4, Bloomingdale, IL 60108. Contact<br />
Dennis Cowhey, President, by telephone at 1-800-539-<br />
1233, email sales@ci-inc.com or visit them online at<br />
www.ci-inc.com.<br />
AMCO ENTERPRISES
136<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION<br />
PO Box 5, Lake Zurich, IL 60047<br />
TOLL-FREE 1-800-753-8338 TEL 847-438-8338 EMAIL mwfa@ameritech.com WEB www.mwfa.net<br />
MWFA RECONNECTS MAY 19th FOR GOLF<br />
by Nancy Rich<br />
The MWFA decided to have an informal Golf Outing<br />
on May 19th to allow members and fastener friends<br />
a chance to get together before August. There was<br />
definitely interest in getting together as 60 golfers came<br />
together for the outing.<br />
White Pines in Bensenville, IL hosted the event<br />
utilizing both their courses to allow the golfers to finish<br />
close together to join for refreshments and prizes. Each<br />
team was awarded a MWFA 75th Anniversary golf ball<br />
which they had to try and not lose during their round.<br />
Only two teams returned with the 75th ball. The team<br />
with the lower score winning the 75th ball prize was<br />
Integrated Packaging & Fastener: Jill Lewis, Maria<br />
Hernandez, Dominic Fiorito, and Erin O’Donnell. They<br />
were awarded Amazon gift cards.<br />
The first place teams on each course received cash<br />
prizes. The two skilled teams were:<br />
TEAM ONE: Oliver Baumann (South Holland Metal<br />
Finishing), Brian Christianson, Wes Grobelny (AFT)<br />
and Andre Lizano (Holo-Krome).<br />
TEAM TWO: Doug Newton & John Grimsby (both<br />
Loomis International) and Herb Gottelt & Jonathan<br />
Bojarski (both Metal Resource Solutions).<br />
Congrats to all our winners!<br />
Thank You To Our Event Sponsors<br />
Lunch Sponsors<br />
¤ Brighton-Best International<br />
¤ Morgan Ohare<br />
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE<br />
Refreshment Sponsors<br />
¤ Integrated Packaging & Fastener Inc.<br />
¤ Urpoint LLC<br />
¤ XL Screw Corporation<br />
<strong>2021</strong> Schedule of Events<br />
August 16-23 FSTNR Week<br />
August 16 Basic Print Reading Seminar<br />
Belvedere Banquets, Elk Grove, IL<br />
August 17 Table Top Show<br />
Belvedere Banquets, Elk Grove, IL<br />
August 17 75th Anniversary/Hall of Fame Dinner<br />
Venuti’s, Addison, IL<br />
August 18 Golf Outing<br />
Chevy Chase Country Club, Wheeling, IL<br />
August 19 MWFA Mixer<br />
Real Sports, Elk Grove, IL<br />
August 16-23 Fastener Training Week Class<br />
Belvedere Banquets, Elk Grove, IL<br />
October 7 Oktoberfest<br />
November 4 Scholarship Awards<br />
Belvedere Banquets, Elk Grove, IL<br />
December 9 Holiday Party<br />
Medinah Banquets, Addison, IL<br />
MWFA Welcomes New Members<br />
¤ B.L. Duke - Forest View, IL<br />
¤ Crescent Manufacturing - Burlington, CT<br />
¤ INCOM Distributor Supply - Fort Wayne, IN<br />
¤ Rick Rudolph Associates - Melrose, MA<br />
MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION
MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION<br />
“SCREWED-UP” <strong>2021</strong> GOLF OPEN - MAY 19, <strong>2021</strong>
138<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
SPIROL FASTENING TECHNIQUES FOR PLASTIC HOUSINGS from page 68<br />
Solid pins and adhesives are preferred for<br />
permanent assemblies that are meant to be tamper<br />
resistant because they provide excellent retention in<br />
plastics. Adhesives provide retention by binding multiple<br />
components together. Meanwhile, solid pins provide<br />
retention by deforming the host material, creating<br />
interference. Note that solid pins with retention features<br />
(i.e. knurls, barbs) are preferred over plain dowels<br />
because they allow for wider hole tolerances and reduce<br />
stresses on the plastic components.<br />
Tamper resistance helps mitigate the risk of<br />
warranties, product damage, or environmental exposure<br />
(i.e. moisture, particles). Additionally, serviceable<br />
fasteners like screws create a significant safety hazard<br />
in products like children’s toys (choking hazard). For<br />
these reasons, solid pins and adhesives are typically the<br />
preferred fastening options for items that do not require<br />
servicing.<br />
Assembly Process & Maintenance<br />
FIGURE 2 - PLASTIC BACKFILL AFTER INSTALLATION<br />
OF BARBED SOLID PIN<br />
Solid Pins<br />
Solid pins are easily installed with presses, ranging<br />
from manual to fully automatic. During the installation<br />
process, the press provides a linear force to advance<br />
the pin until it reaches a predefined stop distance.<br />
Assemblies with multiple pins can use platen-style<br />
presses to install multiple solid pins simultaneously.<br />
For these reasons, the assembly cycle time for solid<br />
pins is quicker than using screws or bolts. When the<br />
components are fixtured and oriented correctly, solid<br />
pins also provide the lowest failure rate compared to<br />
other fastening methods. The installation equipment<br />
used to install solid pins has minimal maintenance<br />
requirements.<br />
Note that some Solid Pins, like SPIROL’s Press-N-<br />
Lok Pin in Figure 3, are designed to be hidden in the<br />
final assembly for aesthetics. This allows for the use of<br />
blind holes.<br />
FIGURE 3 - PRESS-N-LOK PIN CROSS SECTION<br />
Adhesives<br />
Adhesives can be applied with manual handguns or<br />
automated dispensing equipment. Oftentimes, surface<br />
preparation is required for the host components. The<br />
process of applying the adhesive during assembly is<br />
quite complicated and requires skilled operators. If<br />
too little or too much adhesive is applied to a single<br />
assembly, it can lead to field failures. Furthermore, many<br />
adhesives require temperature control, pressure control,<br />
and/or the controlled mixing of different fluids prior to<br />
contact with the host components. After the adhesive is<br />
applied, there is a curing process that in some cases can<br />
extend beyond 24 hours!<br />
The installation equipment for adhesives requires<br />
extensive maintenance and monitoring, as adhesives are<br />
messy and the equipment can clog if contaminants are<br />
introduced. In addition, many adhesives have a limited<br />
shelf life. All of this adds costs and complexity to the<br />
assembly process and also reduces machine availability.<br />
With so many variables involved, repeatability and control<br />
can be challenging.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 172
DDI SYSTEM<br />
75 Glen Road, Suite 204, Sandy Hook, CT 06482<br />
TEL 1-877-599-4334 FAX 203-364-1400 EMAIL sales@ddisys.com WEB www.ddisystem.com<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 139<br />
TECHNOLOGY TO EMPOWER DISTRIBUTOR SUCCESS<br />
Having a single-source system that understands and<br />
connects your business enables Fastener distributors to<br />
create an exceptional customer experience that drives<br />
sustained loyalty and consistent new business. DDI System’s<br />
leading-edge ERP technology equips wholesale distributors<br />
with the ability to become and remain successful with<br />
pivotal tools to increase customer reach, quickly respond to<br />
sales requests, and provide customers with uninterrupted,<br />
steady service.<br />
The undeniable increase in online shopping has created<br />
a need for distributors to expand their product offering<br />
capabilities to remain competitive over the past year. DDI<br />
System’s Inform eCommerce Pro seamlessly connects<br />
to Inform ERP Software, allowing distributors to unify the<br />
customer shopping experience while maintaining consistent<br />
and accurate inventory levels and pricing both online and<br />
in-store. Inform eCommerce Pro allows distributors to offer<br />
customers convenient services such as pick-up in-store,<br />
order status messaging, online payments, multiple shipping<br />
options, and a secure online credit card acceptance,<br />
creating a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience.<br />
In addition to providing a content-rich webstore,<br />
having Inform ERP functionality on a smartphone or tablet<br />
equips sales team with the information they need to take<br />
immediate action while working remote or away from the<br />
desk. DDI System’s InformMobile is optimized for sales<br />
teams, giving users the freedom to service customers and<br />
manage CRM activities from anywhere. Create invoices and<br />
orders, see customer service details, and view performance<br />
dashboards right from any mobile device. Having valuable<br />
ERP details and information streamlined to smartphone<br />
scale offers the opportunity to deliver exceptional service<br />
and gain a competitive advantage with the tools needed for<br />
remote and on-the-go operations.<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE<br />
DDI SYSTEM
140<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
SPRING BOLT AND NUT MANUFACTURING SPECIALTY FASTENERS ON DEMAND from page 60<br />
MIKE CANTU, BARON YARBOROUGH & RICHARD SIVLEY<br />
Spring Bolt holds the prestigious API 20E (BSL-1,<br />
BSL-2, BSL-3) Monogram License and the prestigious API<br />
20E and 20F Monogram Licenses.<br />
We currently provide fasteners to several industries<br />
including Turbine, Subsea, Wind Power, Oilfield, Mining,<br />
Petrochemical, and Construction. Our company offers<br />
a wealth of manufacturing experience. Our philosophy<br />
is simple, to serve our customers and to provide the<br />
service they expect when they expect it.<br />
Founded in 2001, Spring Bolt and Nut Manufacturing<br />
has been helping companies fill rush orders and been<br />
turning prints into reality for over 20 years.<br />
Spring Bolt is a ISO 9001:2015 and API Q1 certified<br />
fastener manufacturer specializing in precision-crafted<br />
bolts, nuts, studs, and machined components. The<br />
company produces critical application, high integrity<br />
fasteners to ASTM, ASME, API, DIN, ISO, SAE, and ANSI<br />
or to your company specifications and drawings.<br />
SPRING BOLT AND NUT MANUFACTURING
142<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
ANTHONY Di MAIO THE FASTENING POWER OF BLIND RIVETS from page 72<br />
A Product Design Engineer has many choices when<br />
selecting a blind rivet that will work well in their riveted<br />
application. There are blind rivets made of many alloys and<br />
sizes that have many shear and tensile qualities to satisfy<br />
any riveting application.<br />
Always refer to (IFI) specification that list minimum<br />
shear and tensile values when selecting a blind rivet for<br />
your application. Also, use the (IFI) specification on blind<br />
rivets that lists minimum and maximum dimensions of the<br />
blind rivet. In this way, you can compare the dimensions of<br />
the blind rivet you have received to be sure that the blind<br />
rivet has been produced to (IFI) dimensional specifications.<br />
IFI-114 “Break Mandrel Blind Rivets” In the 8th edition<br />
dated 2011, lists minimum and maximum dimensions of<br />
the blind rivet body and mandrel. This edition is very good<br />
to use as an incoming inspection procedure for your blind<br />
rivets to be sure the blind rivets have been produced to (IFI)<br />
specifications. It also shows the Minimum Ultimate Shear<br />
and Tensile Strength<br />
IFI-114 “Break Mandrel Blind Rivets” in the 9th<br />
edition dated 2014, does not lis minimum and maximum<br />
dimensions, it only shows one reference dimensions with<br />
no plus or minus tolerance. I do not recommend this 9th<br />
edition of IFI-114 as an incoming inspection procedure.<br />
Without dimensional tolerances, you cannot determined if<br />
blind rivets have been manufactured to (IFI) specifications.<br />
Painted blind rivets have grown in usages because<br />
of the blind rivet manufacturers have greatly improved in<br />
matching paint colors. Painted blind rivets only have the<br />
rivet body painted. The mandrel is not painted because<br />
when setting a blind rivet with a painted mandrel, the paint<br />
on the mandrel will clog the teeth of the pulling jaws and<br />
the pulling jaws will slip on the mandrel. This pulling jaws<br />
slippage will affect the stroke of the setting tool.<br />
The paint quality has also improved. The new and better<br />
paint does not crack when the mandrel head expands the<br />
rivet body. Before this new paint, the paint would flake off<br />
the rivet body when the rivet body was expanded by the<br />
mandrel head when the blind rivet was set. The new paint I<br />
available in a gloss or dell finish.<br />
ANTHONY Di MAIO<br />
ROMAN BASI TOPICS TO CONSIDER REGARDING SECOND DRAW OF PPP FUNDING from page 74<br />
The groups also released a Form 3508 for entities<br />
that received PPP funds in excess of $150,000. The<br />
second-round of PPP funding also opens the possibility<br />
of PPP funding for entities that were not eligible for the<br />
first-round such as certain 501(c)(6) not-for-profits.<br />
These entities include chambers of commerce,<br />
destination marketing organization, certain housing<br />
cooperatives, and some local media stations. If a<br />
borrower falls into this category, they should take notice<br />
to specific lender restrictions regarding funding as<br />
lender requirements for these entities tend to vary by<br />
lender.<br />
Next, professionals and business owners should<br />
always be aware of possible changes that can be<br />
made to the PPP application/forgiveness process. For<br />
example, earlier in 2020, the IRS released guidance<br />
stating that PPP recipients would be unable to claim tax<br />
deductions on expenses that were paid for using PPP<br />
loans. While the AICPA respectfully disagreed, the IRS<br />
refused to change their position on the ruling. It was not<br />
until the Consolidated Appropriations Act, <strong>2021</strong> passed<br />
in late December, that Congress passed legislation<br />
opposing the position of the IRS. Applicable expenses<br />
paid using PPP funds are also deductible on the tax<br />
return of the business.<br />
There is no denying that certain industries have<br />
been hit harder than others by the COVID pandemic<br />
and regulations. If a business is eligible under the 25%<br />
gross revenue test, there should be no issues obtaining<br />
a second draw of PPP funding.<br />
If you own a small business and have any questions<br />
regarding applying for a second round of PPP loans,<br />
forgiveness on the loan, or any questions regarding the<br />
treatment of PPP loans during a sale or transfer of your<br />
company please reach out to the professionals at The<br />
Center for Financial, Legal and Tax Planning, Inc.<br />
ROMAN BASI
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 143
144<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
NELSON VALDERRAMA THE INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTOR’S GUIDE TO STARTING A DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION from page 78<br />
If somehow you think the digital world is calling you<br />
and you are educating yourself on how e-commerce, CRM<br />
or analytics work, you’re in the right place! Maybe you<br />
have legitimate questions such as:<br />
¤ Will I upset anyone?<br />
¤ Will online ordering integrate with our existing<br />
systems?<br />
¤ Do we have the right people?<br />
¤ How will we measure success?<br />
¤ How much will this cost?<br />
¤ How will my sales people react?<br />
Let me reiterate my #1 belief in this space: digital<br />
transformation is not about money, time or technology;<br />
it’s about culture, about people. Transformation requires<br />
owners or senior management who are committed to<br />
embracing a cultural change that takes resources, energy<br />
and perseverance. It is no easy feat, but those companies<br />
who refuse will quickly learn the same lessons companies<br />
like Blockbuster and Sears learned…just a little too late!<br />
Engaged distributors are those owners/employees<br />
that realize the full-service distribution model is vulnerable.<br />
The digital world is here to stay, and these savvy leaders<br />
want to take full advantage of technology to grow their<br />
business so it will be around for decades to come.<br />
Digital Transformation Is A Mind Set<br />
During a recent expo, a gentleman approached<br />
me and asked for ideas on how he could optimize his<br />
operation. He told me he was able to serve 20-30 orders<br />
per day running his business in QuickBooks, and using a<br />
shopping cart hosted by Hostgator that he had integrated<br />
into his system. His question for me was how to take the<br />
next step.<br />
So why I am describing this man’s relatively basic IT<br />
environment?<br />
While most of the people reading this might have<br />
an ERP and/or CRM set-up and probably have more<br />
infrastructure than this gentleman, I would bet good money<br />
that he has more success than most. And that’s because<br />
the challenge today is not technology; the challenge is to<br />
be open to listening to your customer’s behavior by using<br />
the data you have in your ERP and CRM — which he was<br />
eager to do!<br />
The Brave New Digital World for Industrial<br />
Distributors<br />
As industrial distributors, most of us have spent<br />
our careers focusing on specialization and arguing that<br />
our business model is not like retail. In our business,<br />
relationships matter, and complexity is high due to<br />
long-term negotiations, numerous SKUs, and technical<br />
assistance we need to provide. Also products can be<br />
bulky, heavy, and should be stored close to the final<br />
application. So we think we have solid entry barriers —<br />
but that also means our industry tends to be very slow to<br />
change.<br />
Today, as we watch the industry shift rapidly toward<br />
an online, data-driven world, most “Engaged” distributors<br />
are realizing it is time to make big changes before it is<br />
too late to take advantage of the opportunities and new<br />
tactics the digital world can offer.<br />
Undoubtedly, if you are in the early stages of a digital<br />
transformation or still weighing the risks and rewards<br />
of doing so, you are considering a change because you<br />
are seeing competition increase, sales stall or bottom<br />
out, and online giants taking some of your business.<br />
We’ve been there, we’ve seen it first hand, and we did<br />
something about it — just like you’re about to do.<br />
Shifting your business to the digital world model is no<br />
small feat. The process will be long, the pain points will be<br />
many, and the hiccups will be frequent…but the rewards<br />
will be immense.<br />
We’ve entered a brave new digital world, and we are<br />
being challenged to serve two masters: the present and<br />
the future.<br />
Don’t Repeat The Fax Machine Mistake<br />
If you are a business leader and not employing tools<br />
of the digital world right now, I’m sorry to say you’re<br />
already behind the curve. For mid-sized distributors among<br />
us, you’ll soon find yourselves in the same boat as the big<br />
fish if you don’t embrace the opportunities of the digital<br />
world right now.<br />
Here at Intuilize, we help distributors across the<br />
revenue spectrum take advantage of the opportunities<br />
that tech offer — and the good news is, it’s far easier to<br />
get started than you think.<br />
NELSON VALDERRAMA
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 145<br />
Bryce Fastener Inc. got serious about offering<br />
their customers real security fasteners in 1996 when<br />
one of Bryce’s customers experienced a terrible<br />
breach. Despite using the Hex-Pin security screws Bryce<br />
Fastener had sold them, someone stole $40,000<br />
worth of computers from their hospital. Since then,<br />
Bryce developed the research and manufacturing<br />
facilities to provide their customers with innovative<br />
patented security screws, bolts, and nuts.<br />
Mimicking a custom lock, Bryce Fastener’s Key-<br />
Rex® technology gives every customer their own<br />
private fastener where only their matching bit tip<br />
can install or remove it. In addition to manufacturing<br />
Key-Rex®, Bryce Fastener offers other types of<br />
exclusive security drives and styles (Penta-Plus<br />
& STYKFIT®7) where bits are not available to the<br />
public. If customers don’t want to be limited to<br />
where they can buy the bits, Bryce Fastener will<br />
also fulfill Tam 6-Lobe and Hex-Pin orders.<br />
¤ Manufacturing Capabilities to Make<br />
Everything In-House<br />
¤ Lead Times 2-6 weeks<br />
¤ Sizes 0-80 – 5/8-11 (M2- M16) & #2 – #14<br />
¤ Nut sizes from 6/32 – 7/8-9 (M4 – M16)<br />
¤ Distributor Discount Pricing<br />
If your customer is looking for true asset,<br />
property, or trade secret protection, be careful<br />
with inferior products. They may look similar,<br />
but in 25 years nothing comes close to the<br />
effectiveness of Key-Rex®.<br />
For more information contact Bryce Fastener<br />
Inc. by Tel: 480-503-3801, Fax: 480-503-3834,<br />
Email: info@brycefastener.com or visit them online<br />
at www.brycefastener.com.<br />
A South-Central Virginia Distributor is seeking a<br />
buyer for the company. With a customer base consisting<br />
mostly of vender managed inventory accounts, the very<br />
profitable company owners are ready to retire and are<br />
seeking a buyer that will continue the employment of<br />
the current employees. The owners will continue to<br />
work for a transitional period that would be agreed with<br />
both the buyer and the sellers.<br />
For more info and memorandum contact Robbie<br />
Gilchrist at Gilchrist Associates by Tel: 336-906-9401<br />
send an email to rgilchr485@aol.com.
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152<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
CELO FIXINGS TECHNOLOGY MECHANICAL ANCHORS THROUGH THE AGES from page 82<br />
2020<br />
Innovation, technology and<br />
efficiency have been the<br />
theme of recent years in many<br />
aspects of life. In the mechnical<br />
anchor world, this has lead<br />
to an increase in popularity<br />
of the concrete screw. The<br />
concrete screw provides a<br />
simpler method of installation,<br />
by only needing to predrill a<br />
pilot hole and then screw it in.<br />
This reduces installation times<br />
dramatically while still providing<br />
CONCRETE SCREW good tension and shear values.<br />
The concrete screw is also perfect in those “close to the<br />
edge“ applications where the minimum edge distance<br />
is small and the screw will not produce any excess<br />
expansion and pressure on the base material.<br />
The popularity of the concrete screw market is<br />
increasing in Europe while the<br />
market is much more mature<br />
in the USA, where popular<br />
brands such as “Tapcon”<br />
brought the screw a faster<br />
introduction to the market.<br />
Overall the concrete<br />
screw provides the fastest<br />
installation method while still<br />
maintaining good values, and<br />
has taken up about 20% of the<br />
mechanical anchor market.<br />
Due to its efficiency, time and cost saving properties,<br />
we expect the popularity of the concrete screw to<br />
increase in the years to come, which is why CELO has<br />
developed a large range of concrete screws for all types<br />
of heavy duty installations that come with ETA approval<br />
and are fire resistant.<br />
All data provided in this article based off of CELO’s<br />
demand for sleeve anchors, wedge anchors and concrete<br />
screws.<br />
CELO is a family-owned international company that<br />
is dedicated to the design and manufacturing of highquality<br />
screws and fixings; with manufacturing plants in<br />
Spain, Germany, China and the United states, as well as<br />
10 logistics centres across four continents.<br />
CELO FIXINGS TECHNOLOGY
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 153
154<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
WTC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY SERVICES A LEGACY OF SUPPORT from page 52<br />
For <strong>2021</strong>, WTC continues to position itself as a<br />
technology leader in the Fastener Market. WTC’s focus<br />
on the Fastener Industry encompasses the bulk of its<br />
partnerships. To further the commitment to the industry,<br />
WTC is a proud member, sponsor, and committee leader<br />
for Pac-West. Membership in NFDA became a given<br />
as WTC’s footprint now reaches the East Coast. At its<br />
core, WTC is a Managed Service Provider (MSP) that<br />
understands ALL aspects of the Fastener Business,<br />
providing a bundled total package approach to its<br />
services. For all things IT, clients enjoy one call and one<br />
contact for everything in the technology spectrum. A large<br />
focus on security in today’s malicious culture is at the<br />
heart of our services. Security is survival for WTC and its<br />
clients. Desktop, Network, VOIP, Hardware, Infrastructure,<br />
Security, and Cloud management is just a basic list of<br />
WTC OWNERS WILL SNYDER AND TOM WHITE JR. WITH VP SALES/<br />
MARKETING JEFF WHITE AT INTERNATIONAL FASTENER EXPO<br />
what encompasses the WTC IT Services menu.<br />
For more information, feel free to contact our family.<br />
We will treat you as another valuable member.<br />
WTC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY SERVICES<br />
NATIONAL FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION<br />
3020 Old Ranch Parkway #300, Seal Beach CA 90740 TEL 562-799-5509 EMAIL nfda@nfda-fasteners.org WEB www.nfda-fasteners.org<br />
NFDA HOSTS FREE MONTHLY VIRTUAL EVENTS by Amy Nijjar<br />
Don’t miss NFDA’s free monthly virtual roundtable<br />
discussions highlighting key business areas such as<br />
human resources, operations, and sales and marketing.<br />
The virtual platform allows everyone in your company to<br />
access these educational programs with ease, and at no<br />
cost.<br />
The next virtual event “Employee Accountability and<br />
Engagement – Moving Forward” roundtable discussion<br />
will be held on June 9, <strong>2021</strong> at 2:00 PM EST.<br />
Also, save the date for the “Taiwan and the US<br />
– Overcoming the Pandemic in the Fastener Industry”<br />
webinar presented with the Taiwan External Trade<br />
Development Council (TAITRA) on July 15, <strong>2021</strong>.<br />
All are welcome to participate in NFDA’s monthly<br />
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE<br />
virtual roundtables and webinars, as membership is<br />
not required. These events are free but do require<br />
registration.<br />
Visit www.nfda-fastener.org for more info or to register.<br />
Schedule of Events <strong>2021</strong><br />
August 19 Sales/Marketing Roundtable<br />
September 9 Human Resources Roundtable<br />
October 14 Operations Roundtable<br />
October 28 CEO Roundtable<br />
November 11 Sales/Marketing Roundtable<br />
December 9 Human Resources Roundtable<br />
For registration information visit www.nfda-fastener.<br />
org or call Amy Nijjar at 562-799-5519.<br />
NATIONAL FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
156<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
BRUNO MARBACHER DRIVING SYSTEMS FOR FASTENERS TO SUIT THE APPLICATION from page 100<br />
Pozidriv<br />
Pozidriv, commonly spelled incorrectly as “Pozidrive”,<br />
is an improved version of the Phillips drive design. After<br />
the patent for the Phillips drive expired, the company GKN<br />
created the Pozidriv design.<br />
The Pozidriv drive style was originally created to<br />
address the cam-out issue. Pozidriv has the same selfcentering<br />
design as the Phillips drive.<br />
The Pozidriv system is compatible with the Supadriv<br />
system, which was supposed to be an improvement over<br />
Pozidriv, however never caught on.<br />
Features and concerns: Pozidriv is similar to the<br />
Philips drive, however, has vertical walls thus is highly<br />
resistant to cam-out, the vertical walls angle is less than<br />
90 º, thus tends to pull the driver into the drive.<br />
Pozidriv has radial grooves between recess wings. The<br />
distinctive ‘Cross’ mark is used to distinguish the drive<br />
from the Philips. However, Pozidriv can still be confused<br />
with Philips drive. It has the same drive size for inch and<br />
metric screws.<br />
Pozidriv is more commonly used in Europe, in particular<br />
for thread forming screws. It aligns easily, though not as<br />
easily as Philips. This drive can be reused serval times.<br />
Other critical features do not apply or are not<br />
prominent.<br />
ACR Drive (Phillips II)<br />
This ribbed version of the common Phillips drive<br />
system was developed to eliminate cam-out problems.<br />
It is differentiated from the common Phillips recess<br />
by a double line head marking. The serration system<br />
is known as the ‘ACR’ system, or ‘Anti Cam-out’. While<br />
engaging the driver bit forms groves on specific side<br />
walls.<br />
Features and concerns: The ACR ribbed system can be<br />
applied to almost any drive. The driver aligns easy with<br />
the drive, even at an 8 % off angle. Driver can also be<br />
used in common Philips reducing cam-out.<br />
A CR (Phillips II) Screw Drive has mating serrations<br />
between recess and driver to grip the screw more<br />
securely.<br />
ACR Phillips II Plus (Phillips II SQUARE-DRIV) and<br />
POZISQUARE® are both combination type drives<br />
Combination drives (combi drives) will be addressed in a<br />
future article.<br />
ACR drives are widely used in automotive industry in<br />
the USA. This drive can be reused serval times.<br />
Other critical features do not apply are not prominent.<br />
Frearson Drive<br />
The Frearson screw drive, also known as the Reed<br />
and Prince screw drive, it is similar to a Phillips drive.<br />
The Frearson pre-dates the Phillips and has a more<br />
pointed 75° V shaped recess.<br />
Features and concerns: Frearson drive is a perfect<br />
cross and allowing for high torquing, without cam-out.<br />
In principle one driver or bit fits may be applied for all<br />
screw sizes, although different sizes are recommended.<br />
It is often found in marine hardware and requires a<br />
Frearson screwdriver.<br />
It aligns easy and can be applied on an off angle. This<br />
drive does not have a wide use anymore. Depending on<br />
how it is being handled it can be reused.<br />
Other critical features do not apply or are not<br />
prominent.<br />
This concludes the first part of driving systems, there<br />
are many more systems to illustrate and explain.<br />
This will take several issues; more drives are still<br />
developed as we speak. I will try to cover them all.<br />
After will completed the series reader are encouraged<br />
to inform Distributors Link to point out any new drive<br />
system.<br />
BRUNO MARBACHER
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 157
158<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
ROB LaPOINTE FASTENER SCIENCE: SHEAR TESTING – SINGLE AND DOUBLE SHEAR FOR FASTENERS from page 102<br />
For single shear testing, the shear strength is<br />
determined by measuring the force to shear the material<br />
and dividing it by the cross-sectional area of the bolt.<br />
Shear force in pounds (lbf) divided by the cross-sectional<br />
area in square inches (in 2 ) gives shear strength in<br />
pounds per square inch (psi). Since most specifications<br />
require the shear test to be done on an unthreaded<br />
portion of the fastener body, the cross-sectional area of<br />
a round fastener is simply the area of a circle or pi times<br />
the square of the radius, A = πr 2 .<br />
FIGURE 6 SINGLE SHEAR FIXTURE. SHOWN WITH A CUTAWAY TO<br />
BETTER DISPLAY THE SINGLE SHEAR PLANE.<br />
For double shear testing, the calculation is identical<br />
to single shear. The shear strength is determined by<br />
measuring the force to shear the material and dividing<br />
it by the cross-sectional area of the bolt. But because<br />
there are two shear planes, thus “double” shear, there is<br />
twice the cross-sectional area in the shear plane. Since<br />
the double shear fixture shears the bolt in two parallel<br />
planes, it requires twice the force of a single shear<br />
fixture to shear the material. In the above formula, both<br />
the force and the area are doubled for a double shear<br />
test. Since both the numerator and the denominator in<br />
the formula above are doubled, the ratio of force and<br />
area are the same as for single shear.<br />
There are two ways that specifications might declare<br />
acceptance values for shear testing. One way is to<br />
declare the shear strength acceptance value in pressure<br />
units such as psi or MPa. For a specific material and<br />
grade, the shear strength will be the same regardless of<br />
the size of the fastener or the type of shear test (single<br />
or double). If, however, the specification declares the<br />
acceptance requirement for the shear load (value in<br />
force units such as lbf or kN) for a material and grade<br />
the value will be based on the size of the fastener as<br />
well as whether it is to be a single or double shear test.<br />
For example, using the SAE J429, Grade 8 bolt in our<br />
previous example, the shear strength value will be the<br />
same for single or double shear (72,000 psi). However,<br />
the shear load for a particular size fastener in double<br />
shear will be twice that of the same size fastener in<br />
single shear.<br />
The type of shear test needed for a particular<br />
fastener is determined by the fastener, its use and the<br />
specification which governs its production and testing<br />
requirements. Typically, if a specification has a shear<br />
strength requirement with no additional information,<br />
either single or double shear tests may be performed.<br />
The choice of which may depend on the configuration<br />
of the fastener or the availability of test fixtures. Single<br />
shear can be done on fasteners with small, unthreaded<br />
portions of the body (Figure 6) where double shear<br />
requires an unthreaded portion of the body with a<br />
minimum length of two times the diameter (Figure 7).<br />
FIGURE 7 DOUBLE SHEAR FIXTURE<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 159
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 159<br />
ROB LaPOINTE FASTENER SCIENCE: SHEAR TESTING – SINGLE AND DOUBLE SHEAR FOR FASTENERS from page 158<br />
For fasteners threaded to the head or with unthreaded<br />
portions that are too small for shear testing, the<br />
specification may allow shear testing to be omitted from<br />
the testing requirement or the specification may require<br />
the manufacturer to produce unthreaded samples for<br />
shear testing that are produced with the same material<br />
and heat-treatment process as the normal production lot.<br />
Many specifications declare the type of shear test,<br />
single or double as well as a required test method such<br />
as NASM 1312-13 for double shear or NASM 1312-20<br />
for single shear. These method specifications declare<br />
test fixture tolerances as well as loading rates.<br />
Many specifications provide minimum shear values<br />
that the fastener must meet. It is often the case that<br />
this requirement can be satisfied by loading the fastener<br />
to that minimum value and observing that the fastener<br />
does not fail. If the fastener does not fail at the minimum<br />
value, it is reasonable to assume that it can do the job<br />
required by the specification.<br />
If the fastener is designed to shear in the application<br />
under a certain load, the specification will often provide<br />
a range of force that the shear failure must occur in. In<br />
this case, the shear test must be done to failure and the<br />
failure must occur in the specified range of force.<br />
Like tensile testing, shear testing measures an<br />
important strength feature of fasteners that are to be<br />
subjected to cross-grain loading in a shear plane. It is<br />
the hope of the author that this article provides some<br />
insight into the test and gives the reader an additional<br />
resource when shear testing questions arise.<br />
For questions or additional information, you are welcome<br />
to contact me for more information robl@aimtestlab.<br />
com or visit our website at www.aimtestlab.com or call<br />
(619) 396-2046.<br />
ROB LaPOINTE / AIM TESTING LABORATORY
160<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
LAURENCE CLAUS IS THERE VALUE IN APPLICATION ENGINEERING? from page 104<br />
FIGURE 2<br />
This chapter of the part’s story begins with a test<br />
used by the OEM to validate the brake system. This<br />
particular test simulates the vehicle driving down a steep<br />
mountain incline with regular application of the brake. The<br />
test was pretty extreme and, unfortunately, took its toll on<br />
the original brake design with these bolts breaking prior<br />
to the minimum specified number of braking applications.<br />
The problem was determined not to be one of these bolts<br />
but of another of the brake’s components which caused<br />
the caliper to flex more than it should. This flexing action<br />
resulted in a premature reverse bending fatigue failure of<br />
these bolts.<br />
Neither time nor the financial impact of fixing the other<br />
component was on the side of the caliper manufacturer<br />
or the OEM user. As such they approached my team,<br />
imploring us to find a way to strengthen the caliper pins<br />
enough to meet the requirements of this particular test.<br />
Now this was no easy task but just the sort of challenge<br />
that really excites an Application Engineer. In the end,<br />
my team made several changes to the part design and<br />
the manufacturing process which successfully solved the<br />
problem. It was a big win all around, as it not only solved<br />
the customer’s problem at a fraction of the cost of other<br />
solutions while cementing our reputation as problem<br />
solvers with our customer and the OEM. This reputational<br />
standing locked us in as the sole supplier of the part<br />
through its life, with no fear that some other entity might<br />
swoop in and pull the part away by offering a lower price.<br />
I have many other similar examples of problems solved<br />
and how the outcome elevated our reputation with our<br />
customers and cemented parts as permanent fixtures.<br />
Therefore, problems should be viewed as opportunities to<br />
demonstrate application engineering talent that can lead<br />
to establishing or improving your reputation as a solution<br />
provider. Once you gain such a reputation it will naturally<br />
lead to many new, often exciting business opportunities.<br />
Product Teardown<br />
Product teardowns are excellent and proactive ways<br />
that you can display that you are more than just a parts<br />
supplier to your customer. Imagine your customer’s<br />
surprise and delight when you hand them a report<br />
showing how each fastener is used in their product<br />
with recommendations and observations of potential<br />
improvements to quality, assembly, or cost.<br />
Over the last thirty years that I have been in the<br />
industry I can count on one hand the number of times that<br />
a customer has approached me to do a teardown study<br />
for them. I find this interesting because if the activity is<br />
done thoroughly and innovatively, the results are far more<br />
valuable than the sacrifice of one unit of the product.<br />
Unfortunately, even fewer fastener suppliers proactively<br />
take on this activity. I understand that tearing down a<br />
car might not be justifiable, but there are many other<br />
smaller products that cost less than $500 which could be<br />
good teardown possibilities. In fact, Figure 3 illustrates a<br />
teardown study that I conducted on a chain saw several<br />
years ago. The saw cost a couple of hundred dollars but<br />
the information gleaned from the study was invaluable.<br />
In addition to a great marketing tool with customers,<br />
teardowns can be an excellent source of commercial<br />
information. For example, let’s say that you have a part or<br />
two that you are very proud to be the supplier of, and, you<br />
know that it goes into a particular product. Now imagine<br />
doing a tear down on several competing products and<br />
finding that they use a nearly identical part.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 178
162<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
SOUTHWESTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION<br />
292 Sugarberry Circle, Houston, TX 77024 TEL 713-952-5472 FAX 713-952-7488 EMAIL swfa@swbell.net WEB www.southwestfastener.org<br />
SFA AT TOP GOLF: WE CAME OUT OF 2020 SWINGING by Cari Bailey<br />
The stars at night were big and bright in Houston<br />
on April 22, <strong>2021</strong>. The members of The Southwestern<br />
Fastener Association were able to gather safely at The Top<br />
Golf in Spring, TX. The Top Golf had strict guidelines to<br />
keep us all safe. All members were able to attend safely<br />
by following mask restrictions, social distancing guidelines<br />
outside, and the superior safety and cleaning precautions<br />
The Top Golf enacted for our group. It is always a<br />
wonderful, special time when we get together, but our night<br />
out in Houston felt like we are all finally coming out of the<br />
dark and into the light as the stars above smiled on all<br />
of us. As you can see by the smiles on our faces in the<br />
pictures, we were so grateful to have the opportunity to<br />
network with not just business associates, but friends.<br />
The Top Golf Bays were sponsored by Advance<br />
Components, BTM Manufacturing, Goebel Fasteners Inc.,<br />
Houston Fastener Manufacturing, Nucor Fastener Division,<br />
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE<br />
Stelfast Inc, and Wyandotte Industries. A Texas sized thank<br />
you goes out to our very generous sponsors and to each<br />
attendee that came out to the Houston Top Golf to help<br />
us celebrate. Thanks to our Happy Hour sponsors, SFA<br />
members were able to golf, sample delicious food in our<br />
bays, and the famous SFA drink tickets were in full force.<br />
A huge thank you to our fabulous Happy Hour sponsors:<br />
Kanebridge, Fast Master Inc., and Solution Industries.<br />
There were plenty of networking opportunities and<br />
great food and drinks abounded in The SFA Bays! One<br />
thing was very evident, the SFA has some incredibly<br />
talented golfers. This event was incredibly successful and<br />
well attended. The SFA was so excited sponsor this muchneeded<br />
celebration as we move toward our country opening<br />
back up. This special event reminded us all how much we<br />
love The Southwestern Fastener Association and most<br />
importantly the people in this fantastic organization.<br />
SOUTHWESTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION<br />
SOUTHWESTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION<br />
TOP GOLF, SPRING, TX - APRIL 22, <strong>2021</strong>
164<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
SMITH ASSOCIATES A 50 YEAR LEGACY from page 108<br />
CHRIS & MIKE AT MFDA - NYC<br />
As business changed and the “Just In Time” (JIT)<br />
type of business was becoming the future of fasteners,<br />
growing imports that were beginning to compete in the<br />
fastener market took Mike’s agency in the direction<br />
of selling to distribution. This has been the focus ever<br />
since. He also saw that being too weighted in any one<br />
sector of business would make his company susceptible<br />
to the swings of markets. To protect his business, he<br />
has always sold to three different markets: structural,<br />
military, and commercial.<br />
Over the years as Mike has shown loyalty to his<br />
customers, they’ve respected his honor and have even<br />
asked him to help educate their customers when needed.<br />
Mike was also an integral part of the MFDA. He served on<br />
the board, became program director in the 1990’s, and<br />
ran the MFDA Tabletop show for years. In 2003, Mike<br />
was bestowed the honor of the first ever manufacturer’s<br />
rep to hold the position of president of the MFDA.<br />
Mike worked hard to bring interesting speakers to<br />
the MFDA to help educate the members and inspire<br />
where the business was going. One of his most<br />
memorable speakers at an MFDA event was Ken Iverson,<br />
the president and founder of Nucor, a true legend in the<br />
steel business.<br />
As the decades passed, Mike represented many of<br />
the best and the biggest manufacturers in the fastener<br />
world, and is still respected by them. He has prided<br />
himself in the fact that he has represented many of his<br />
principals for decades and does not just collect lines.<br />
Mike totally believes that the best way to bring a product<br />
to market is by hiring manufacturing representatives.<br />
As his business grew Mike slowly added salespeople<br />
to help him, including Chris, his wife. They have been<br />
working together now for over 33 years, which can be<br />
tricky, but it works for them.<br />
Dan Bielefeld joined Mike 18 years ago and has<br />
been an asset and a knowledgeable team member.<br />
Dan is incredibly involved in his family, community, and<br />
church. For many years Dan has been a Boy Scout<br />
leader and is currently working with the Red Cross.<br />
Both Mike and Dan are Eagle Scouts and agree it has<br />
been a wonderful experience in their lives and has made<br />
them better in everything they do and how they live. Dan<br />
has three adult children and lives in Connecticut with his<br />
wife, Caroline.<br />
The addition of Corey Magyar, the youngest of<br />
Mike’s team, has led Smith Associates to new levels of<br />
marketing. Corey brings his exceptional digital experience<br />
and an enthusiasm to the marketing of fasteners.<br />
CHRIS & MIKE AT MFDA TABLETOP SHOW<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 180
MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions<br />
announces the acquisition of the assets of Formetrix,<br />
LLC. The acquisition includes the substantial marketleading<br />
metal powder intellectual property portfolio<br />
that will broaden the capabilities of MacLean-Fogg<br />
to service new and existing OEM, Tier 1 and 2<br />
customers, as well as tool and die makers in<br />
automotive, EV, industrial, agriculture, heavy truck<br />
and construction markets.<br />
The new business entity will be known as<br />
MacLean Formetrix, based in Detroit, MI. The unit<br />
will be led by General Manager Greg Rizzo. Harald<br />
Lemke, formerly of Formetix, has joined MacLean<br />
Formetrix as Director of Product Management.<br />
The combination of Formetrix’s patented, highperformance<br />
steel alloys designed to provide users<br />
with an unparalleled combination of hardness,<br />
ductility, toughness, and 3D-printability combined<br />
with MacLean-Fogg’s strength and scope in<br />
manufacturing will allow MacLean Formetrix to build<br />
on the initial market successes of the acquired<br />
materials and rapidly scale to support a variety of<br />
tooling applications in metal forming, die casting,<br />
injection molding and beyond.<br />
MacLean-Fogg President & CEO, Duncan<br />
MacLean, said “As a previous customer of<br />
Formetrix, we were able to implement technical<br />
cost break-throughs with their material and process<br />
innovations that others in the additive manufacturing<br />
business claimed were impossible. We couldn’t be<br />
more excited to continue to make their innovations<br />
available for our internal users, as well as serve<br />
other innovative manufacturers and tool makers.”<br />
These materials, combined with advanced 3D<br />
printing processes, allow for tool-and-die makers<br />
and manufacturers to realize cost, time, and weight<br />
savings, as well as tool-to-tool repeatability by<br />
replacing traditionally fabricated hard tools with<br />
durable printed steel tools and inserts.<br />
“The initial response has been tremendous.<br />
We have been surprised to see in these initial<br />
weeks how many past customers for the Formetrix<br />
tool steel powder have immediately reached out<br />
with requests for material and new application<br />
inquiries.” said Greg Rizzo.<br />
For more information contact MacLean-Fogg by<br />
Tel: 847-566-0010, email: info@macleanfoggcs.com<br />
or online at www.macleanfoggcs.com.<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 165
166<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
GUY AVELLON WHAT FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED TO KNOW: THE LONG AND SHORT OF BOLT FAILURES from page 110<br />
threads, the second has two inches of threads and the<br />
third has four inches of unengaged threads. Then, using<br />
a load indicating torque wrench, tighten each to failure.<br />
In Figure 6, it is easy to see that the fastener with<br />
the shorter thread length in the grip of the joint develops<br />
its full tension more quickly while the longer fasteners<br />
can be stretched further than the ones with the shorter<br />
number of unengaged threads. However, these longer<br />
fasteners need to be stretched further in order to<br />
develop their full clamp load potential. The longer the<br />
fastener, the more absorption to torsional twist there is.<br />
FIGURE 4<br />
The more threads there are within the joint (grip), the<br />
better the threads will be able to absorb these loads with<br />
less stress. (Fig. 5). Therefore, a fastener with very few<br />
unengaged threads is subject to failure if the assembly<br />
speed of the power wrench is too fast or the torque is at<br />
the upper limit.<br />
For example, the closer the nut comes to the thread<br />
run-out, the higher the torsional stresses are on the<br />
threads. For one, we certainly do not want the fastener<br />
so short that the nut is actually tightening against the<br />
fastener’s shank and not creating any tension of the<br />
fastener.<br />
Suppose we place three identical fasteners into<br />
joints where one fastener has only one inch of unengaged<br />
FIGURE 5<br />
FIGURE 6<br />
This may also be illustrated by applying Hooke’s Law.<br />
Simplifying the computations, if we stretch a fastener in<br />
tension by 0.001” we will generate a clamp load of<br />
approximately 30,000 psi for each inch of unengaged<br />
threads within the grip area. Therefore, a fastener with<br />
a grip length of 2” will need to be stretched 0.002” to<br />
achieve the same 30,000 psi clamp load.<br />
Simply put; the more unengaged threads there<br />
are within the joint, the greater the resilience in the<br />
connection. Figure 6 shows that the fastener with 4”<br />
of unengaged threads is almost twice as ‘ductile’ as<br />
the fastener with 1” of threads. Greater rotation of<br />
the nut also is needed to tighten the longer fasteners.<br />
This can be realized when using the Turn of the Nut<br />
method.<br />
The stiffness decreases with more threads in the<br />
joint, and its ability to resist metal fatigue increases.<br />
Threads act as shock absorbers.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 182
168<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
FASTENER FAIR USA FOR ALL THE INDUSTRY, IN THE HEART OF MANUFACTURING from page 112<br />
¤ Volt Indstrial Plastics Inc.<br />
¤ Wan Iuan Enterprise Co. Ltd.<br />
¤ Win Fasteners Manufactory<br />
(Thailand) Co., Ltd.<br />
¤ Wurth Industry North America<br />
¤ Wyandotte Ind<br />
¤ Yiciscrew Co Ltd<br />
¤ Yow Chern Co Ltd<br />
¤ Zhejiang Saite Machinery Co., Ltd<br />
¤ Zhejiang Sanlin Metals Products Co.<br />
¤ Zonbix Enterprise Co. LTD.<br />
Current Exhibitor List Continued...<br />
¤ Reinhardt GmbH<br />
¤ Rie Coatings<br />
¤ Screws Industries<br />
¤ Set Screw & Mfg. Co.<br />
¤ Setko Fasteners & Distribution LLC<br />
¤ Shanghai Recky International Trading Co., Ltd<br />
¤ Shin Guan Yin Enterprise Co., Ltd.<br />
¤ Shiv Om Brass Industry<br />
¤ SKAKO Vibration<br />
¤ SKS Fasteners Ltd.<br />
¤ Solution Industries LLC<br />
¤ SOM Fasteners<br />
¤ Sond Nuts and Bolts<br />
¤ Spring Bolt and Nut Manufacturing<br />
¤ Stelfast / Lindstrom / Mega<br />
¤ Super Nut Industrial Co. Ltd.<br />
¤ Superior Washer<br />
¤ SWD Inc.<br />
¤ Tanco Consulting and Trading Joint Stock Company<br />
¤ The Auto Bolt Company<br />
¤ The DECC Company<br />
¤ TR Fastenings<br />
¤ Tramec - Hill Fastener Products<br />
¤ Tzong Ji Metals Co Ltd<br />
¤ USA Heat Treating Inc.<br />
¤ Vertex Precision Industrial Corp<br />
¤ Vogelsang Fastener Solutions<br />
About Fastener Fair USA<br />
Fastener Fair USA is the only<br />
exhibition in the U.S. dedicated to<br />
the full supply chain – manufacturers, distributors,<br />
mechanical and design engineers, purchasers,<br />
wholesalers, and OEMs. From automotive to aerospace,<br />
construction, MRO to HVAC, furniture to appliances,<br />
fastener professionals from every segment of the market<br />
find the latest products they need at Fastener Fair USA.<br />
Close to 2,200 fastener professionals participated in<br />
Fastener Fair USA 2019 in Detroit, surpassing the 2018<br />
inaugural show in Cleveland. More than 270 exhibitors<br />
from 15 countries connected with customers in the<br />
aerospace, automotive, civil engineering, construction,<br />
energy, machinery, and other industries.<br />
Visit www.FastenerFairUSA.com for the most up-todate<br />
information on Fastener Fair USA or to learn more<br />
about exhibiting, contact Ray Filbert, Sales Manager, at<br />
rfilbert@reedexpo.com.<br />
FASTENER FAIR USA
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 169
170<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
ROBERT FOOTLIK TAKING ANOTHER LOOK AT INVENTORY from page 130<br />
This is often due to the difference between rumors<br />
and reality. For example, a mining union labor action in<br />
Peru can drive up the prices over night and if someone<br />
purchases a large quantity ahead of the strike they can<br />
beat the spike in pricing for this commodity. That sounds<br />
really good unless the strike is settled immediately. Then<br />
overnight the price collapses from this good news; plus<br />
the oversupply generated by copper producers, pipe and<br />
wire manufacturers and various middle men who run out<br />
of space and money dumping a massive quantity on the<br />
market. Net result: large on hand stocks of relatively<br />
high priced materials in a declining market. Just look at<br />
oil pricing for another example.<br />
Even worse is purchasing on the basis of rumor<br />
instead of fact. This happened to the Office Products<br />
Industry some years ago when it was rumored that there<br />
would be a “file folder shortage.” Every dealer overbought<br />
to beat the shortage and then sat on this inventory for<br />
over a year when it turned out that the rumor had actually<br />
created the shortage. Similarly a guest on a late night TV<br />
program joked that the next shortage would be toilet paper<br />
and 24 hours later most stores had sold out of toilet<br />
paper. And we all remember the first days of Pandemic<br />
paper products hoarding.<br />
The lessons from these benchmarks are clear. Over<br />
reaction can create the worst conditions and laying in too<br />
much inventory can be financial and operational suicide.<br />
This does not mean that you should ignore an opportunity:<br />
but always consider the down side as well as the<br />
optimistic ideal. Even is you have the money to speculate,<br />
is this going to negatively impact the operation? Consider<br />
obsolescence, product deterioration and space/flow<br />
problems along with the economics. Fasteners aren’t a<br />
relatively volatile industry, but testing and new metallurgy<br />
still can obsolete inventory overnight.<br />
The Magic of Very Slow Turn Inventory.<br />
Most texts strongly suggest trimming out slow moving<br />
inventory. On a rating scale of “A” items as superfast<br />
movers and “E” SKU’s (Stock Keeping Units or individual<br />
inventory items) as dead inventory conventional inventory<br />
analysis pushes an inventory level of 0.00 for the E’s and<br />
miniscule for the D’s. But is this actually true? Specialty<br />
and slow turn SKU’s may have a place in your market.<br />
One reason why Amazon is growing so fast is that it<br />
is one stop shopping. Customers can place an order for<br />
shoes, food and parts on the same web site. Alibaba<br />
promotes the same marketing and for good reason.<br />
Training the customer to go to one source means more<br />
business. For Fastener Distributors the equivalent<br />
strategy is being able to meet all your customer’s need,<br />
including the obsolete, exotic and hard to find materials.<br />
In most cases the “E” items were written off years<br />
ago, making the value effectively zero. And if these don’t<br />
infringe on valuable warehouse space the incremental<br />
cost of storing the materials is zero. The only real<br />
expense is any extra time walking past this inventory<br />
and that depends on the layout. On the other side of<br />
the balance sheet, what is the present worth of never<br />
disappointing a customer?<br />
Another factor is customer obsolescence. If the<br />
specifier drops a product completely due to code/<br />
regulatory changes, their own product obsolesce,<br />
retirement or some other considerations your sales staff<br />
should know this and communicate their knowledge to<br />
you. The next question should be whether there will be a<br />
repair market. A product that is no longer available with<br />
a large base of installations can be a huge profit booster.<br />
In this case a commodity item now becomes an exotic<br />
and pricing should take this into consideration. Higher<br />
margins are acceptable for inventory that is difficult or<br />
impossible to find elsewhere.<br />
Finally, there might be an opportunity to create a<br />
niche market for strictly the obsolete, exotic or hard<br />
to find commodities. In any distribution chain there is<br />
often room for those who specialize in limited availability<br />
commodities.<br />
The Bottom Line Is?<br />
Don’t be in a hurry to increase inventory depth. There<br />
are always consequences to having too much of a good<br />
thing. Consider expanding the inventory first by adding<br />
new product lines both to create a wider market and to<br />
take advantage of the demise of niche competitors. Fill<br />
the vacuum and become the first call a customer makes<br />
and put in place the mechanisms to detect changes in the<br />
entire world that will impact your bottom line now and in<br />
the future.<br />
Most importantly maintain your operations in perfect<br />
condition physically, operationally and with Warehouse<br />
Management Systems that can be trusted. The old saying<br />
that: “You can’t sell off an empty cart.” still rings true; but<br />
far worse is having a cart where you can’t find anything or<br />
price the goods below replacement cost.<br />
ROBERT FOOTLIK
172<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
SPIROL FASTENING TECHNIQUES FOR PLASTIC HOUSINGS from page 138<br />
components: the bolt, a compression limiter, and a nut<br />
or threaded insert. This adds complexity and cost to the<br />
bill of materials as well as the assembly process. Bolts<br />
should be avoided unless the desired clamp load cannot<br />
be achieved with alternate fastening methods.<br />
FIGURE 4 - MISALIGNED SCREW<br />
Screws<br />
Screws tap into the host component and can be<br />
installed with handheld torque screwdrivers or fixtured<br />
automatic screwdrivers. Both types of screwdrivers rotate<br />
the screw to a specified torque value. It’s important to<br />
recognize that this is considerably more complicated than<br />
the installation process for solid pins. Manufacturers<br />
can experience issues orienting the screws to the driver<br />
bit and holding the screws in place. If the screws are<br />
not perfectly aligned, they can strip the host plastic and<br />
cause scrapped assemblies. Another common issue<br />
when installing screws directly into plastic is that they can<br />
become loose over time due to plastic creep or stress<br />
relaxation. While screws are inexpensive, readily available,<br />
and familiar for operators, they present manufacturing<br />
challenges during assembly.<br />
Snap-fit Joints<br />
Snap-fit joints are typically assembled manually by<br />
pressing components together. The assembly process<br />
for snap-fit joints can vary significantly depending on<br />
the design of the interlocking components. Some snapfit<br />
joints are designed to be serviceable while others<br />
are designed to be permanent. By using snap-fit joints,<br />
manufacturers are minimizing the total number of parts<br />
used per assembly. Ultimately, this reduces costs,<br />
inventory, and handling. However, snap-fit joints provide<br />
lower retention than other fastening methods, as snapfit<br />
joints rely on the strength of the plastic components<br />
themselves. Snap-fit joints are preferred for assemblies<br />
that are exposed to minimal loads. However, snap-fit<br />
joints are prone to failure and can create environmental<br />
hazards like choking hazards.<br />
Features, Advantages & Benefits<br />
FIGURE 5 - IDEAL BOLTED JOINT<br />
Bolts<br />
Bolts function similarly to screws, only they thread<br />
into a nut or metal threaded insert instead of the plastic<br />
host. Bolts provide the greatest retention among the<br />
options in this article and allow for unlimited assembly and<br />
disassembly (without damaging the plastic) when used<br />
in conjunction with a nut or threaded insert. A properly<br />
bolted joint in a plastic component will use three separate<br />
Conclusion<br />
Designers must consider performance, simplicity,<br />
fastener costs, and the cost of assembly when designing<br />
plastic housings. It is recommended that the design<br />
engineers work with the manufacturing engineers early<br />
in the design stage so that the total assembly process<br />
is considered. Far too often, new product designs<br />
are finalized without considering assembly cycle time,<br />
scrap rate, maintenance costs, and consumer behavior<br />
throughout the product’s useful lifetime.<br />
SPIROL INTERNATIONAL CORP.
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 173
174<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
SOUTHEASTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION<br />
PO Box 448, Elba, AL 36323<br />
TEL 847-370-9022 FAX 847-516-6728 EMAIL sefa@thesefa.com WEB www.thesefa.com<br />
IT WAS TIME! SEFA HOLDS FIRST IN PERSON INDUSTRY<br />
EVENT IN OVER A YEAR! SUNNY SANDESTIN DELIVERS<br />
GOOD TIMES FOR SEFA by Nancy Rich<br />
Someone had to break out of lockdown and start<br />
in person meetings again. SEFA took the plunge and<br />
recently held its Spring Conference at the Sandestin Golf<br />
and Beach Resort. Set up may have looked different,<br />
but it was apparent by the enthusiasm of the attendees<br />
that they were ready to see their industry peers again!<br />
COVID locked down events for over a year but thankfully<br />
due to better control of the virus and the vaccines,<br />
group meetings have been allowed again. Registration<br />
may have looked a little different with a thermometer on<br />
hand, facemasks and personal bottles of hand sanitizer<br />
available. The venue as well as attendees was very<br />
conscious of everyone’s comfort level.<br />
This event created great networking opportunities.<br />
The event began with an opening reception where<br />
members could have a relaxing casual atmosphere<br />
to catch up with each other while enjoying dinner and<br />
cocktails. The reception fun then moved on to the<br />
arcade where attendees got to be kids again and forget<br />
their worries and play games. They really enjoyed<br />
reverting for a little while!! Terry Windham-Difco and<br />
Carrie Whitworth-Edsco Fasteners were the arcade<br />
champs scoring the most points for the night.<br />
The next day was a perfect golf day allowing golfers<br />
a great afternoon on the scenic Baytowne Golf Course<br />
(one of four courses at Sandestin). Evening brought the<br />
awards dinner where there was recognition of outgoing<br />
officers in 2020 (Rodney Holms-outgoing Chairman and<br />
Matt Dyess-outgoing president) and outgoing officers in<br />
<strong>2021</strong> (Tom Sulek-outgoing president and Matt Dyess<br />
outgoing chairman) for their outstanding contributions.<br />
SEFA Boards as well as Boards across the industry have<br />
had a challenging past year but we commend all of them<br />
for taking it in stride and adapting to conditions.<br />
Mr. Sulek, president, also took this opportunity to<br />
thank Robbie and Gina Gilchrist for their generosity in<br />
supporting students in the fastener industry through<br />
their scholarship fund. The Gilchrist’s established<br />
the fund 21 years ago awarding over $80,000 to 70<br />
applicants. The industry appreciates Robbie and Gina<br />
for their kindness in their support to our industry.<br />
Robbie addressed the group, especially the young<br />
people, attending extending his appreciation that they<br />
are getting involved in the association as associations<br />
are great for industry. Those new to the industry have an<br />
opportunity to learn from others and enjoy the benefits<br />
especially networking through the association.<br />
Golf Winners Were Announced<br />
1st Place - Edsco Team<br />
¤ Jamie Whitworth<br />
¤ Jamison Baker<br />
¤ Tanner Skinner<br />
¤ Trey Gary<br />
2nd Place<br />
¤ Rex Crawford (Vertex Distribution)<br />
¤ Mike Robinson (Vertex Distribution)<br />
¤ Dewey Oxner (G. L. Huyett)<br />
¤ Andy Roach (G.L. Huyett)<br />
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 186
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 175
176<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
DISTRIBUTION ONE NEW ERP-ONE SOFTWARE FOR FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS IN THE POST-PANDEMIC NORMAL from page 86<br />
Simplifying at-a-glance user engagement, ERP-ONE<br />
includes a built-in toolbar featuring actionable resources<br />
like Favorites, Tasks, Indicators, Status, Messages,<br />
Calendar, and more. ERP-ONE’s Role Management<br />
allows rules to be defined by user types (like Billing,<br />
Inventory, Purchasing, etc.) which then deploys default<br />
Tasks or actions needed to<br />
be handled immediately by<br />
that user.<br />
Integrated Distributor<br />
E-Commerce<br />
The pandemic has<br />
permanently<br />
changed<br />
buying preferences. The<br />
Gartner Future of Sales<br />
2025 report predicts “by 2025, 80% of B2B sales<br />
interactions between suppliers and buyers will occur in<br />
digital channels.” With ERP-ONE, fastener distributors<br />
already have the means to quickly open their own<br />
mobile-responsive ecommONE E-Commerce webstore to<br />
build and support a growing digital customer base.<br />
ecommONE is fully integrated with ERP-ONE<br />
to provide live item availability, retail and contract<br />
pricing, quantity price breaks, related products, and<br />
product images and details pulled directly from the<br />
ERP database. The self-service customer payment<br />
portal provides options to view and pay open invoices<br />
along with access to purchase history, pending orders<br />
and quotes, backorders, and more. The vendor portal<br />
enables third-party suppliers secure web-based access<br />
to functionality including ordering, RFQs, purchase order<br />
lists, and submit bids.<br />
Tax Compliance Service<br />
Distribution One now offers integrated Avalara<br />
tax services. The Avalara tax service integration frees<br />
financial personnel from the stressful manual task of<br />
maintaining state and local sales tax records.<br />
In addition to the calculation of sales tax rates, the<br />
supplemental Avalara tax service can also prepare sales<br />
tax returns and remittance of tax payments, manage<br />
sales tax exception certificates, and track sales to know<br />
where the distributor is required to collect and file sales<br />
taxes.<br />
Complete Distribution<br />
Solution<br />
Comprehensive ERP-<br />
ONE fastener software is<br />
easily navigable with userfriendly<br />
screens and rapid<br />
drilldowns into related<br />
customer, sales, and<br />
product data. ERP-ONE’s interconnected applications<br />
cover Order Entry, Financial Management, CRM,<br />
Inventory & Warehousing Management, Purchasing,<br />
Kitting, Reporting, Dashboards, Wireless Warehousing,<br />
VMI, Document Management, and more. ERP-<br />
ONE supplemental functionality includes integrated<br />
ecommONE E-Commerce, Amazon connectivity, Credit<br />
Card Processing, Tax Compliance services, API & EDI<br />
services, Shipping solutions, and Mobile Apps for remote<br />
engagement.<br />
“ERP-ONE customers were better positioned to<br />
weather recent disruptions because of the innovations<br />
that were already available within the software,” explains<br />
Larry. “Now, as we finally emerge from the uncertainty<br />
of the pandemic, we’re excited by the cost-savings and<br />
growth potential that our new ERP-ONE software will help<br />
generate for our expanding family of customers. Our<br />
focus on the long-term success of our customers is what<br />
continues to drive us, now and into the future.”<br />
For more information or to request a demonstration of<br />
the new ERP-ONE fastener software, contact us at info@<br />
distone.com or visit distone.com.<br />
DISTRIBUTION ONE
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 177
178<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
LAURENCE CLAUS IS THERE VALUE IN APPLICATION ENGINEERING? from page 160<br />
FIGURE 3 - EXCERPT FROM CHAIN SAW TEARDOWN<br />
You now have some intelligence about a potential<br />
new customer opportunity as well as a great story to<br />
pique their interest when you make an appointment to<br />
visit them. Imagine how much more interesting your<br />
story might be to a new, potential customer when you<br />
can explain that you have studied their product and<br />
already support other customers with similar products.<br />
Teardowns, therefore, can be an effective method to<br />
further develop new parts or solidify one’s reputation with<br />
existing customers. They also can be an excellent tool to<br />
utilize the experience you have with one customer or type<br />
of part with a new, similar customer. I have a colleague<br />
that has appropriately named this a “cut and paste”<br />
strategy. Teardowns, especially those proactively driven<br />
by you require time and some financial investment, but<br />
when conducted by experienced application engineers<br />
will usually provide a nice return on investment.<br />
Considering the three examples above, engaging<br />
in Applications Engineering activity can provide your<br />
organization the following:<br />
¤ Build your reputation as a solution provider and<br />
not just a “me too” fastener supplier. Consider for a<br />
moment your personal consumer preferences. Most<br />
likely there are a couple of stores or service providers<br />
that immediately come to mind. Regardless of cost, you<br />
always take your business to these individuals or entities<br />
because they have a proven track record with you as<br />
effective problem solvers.<br />
¤ Provide proactive and creative ways of identifying<br />
new business opportunities. Both the Plant Walkthrough<br />
and Product Teardowns are creative ways to expose<br />
customer problems and challenges that they likely<br />
are not even aware of. By proactively providing your<br />
expertise, you open up new business opportunities and<br />
continue to cement your reputation as the distributor to<br />
go to for problem solutions.<br />
¤ Developing application engineers amongst your<br />
staff raises the knowledge level of your organization.<br />
This can come in handy not only for new business<br />
opportunities but supporting existing customers with<br />
quality and continuous improvement activities.<br />
¤ Applications Engineers can be key individuals on<br />
teams associated with continuous improvement and<br />
quality spills. Their knowledge of the customer’s needs,<br />
products, and methods often allow faster resolution to<br />
such team activities.<br />
Every Distributor should have Application Engineering<br />
talent. Although “Engineer” is in the title, and it usually<br />
involves some highly technical knowledge, this is one<br />
of those roles that does not necessarily require an<br />
engineering degree. There are many individuals that have<br />
gained a great deal of knowledge and experience working<br />
with customers and absorbing everything they can along<br />
the way that can serve as “Application Engineers” or<br />
“Application Specialists”. Therefore, it is important not<br />
to read this article and miss the main point, that having<br />
individuals on your team who combine product and<br />
customer knowledge to provide “Application Engineering”<br />
services is an invaluable commodity to your success and<br />
reputation.<br />
LAURENCE CLAUS
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 179<br />
Optimas Solutions a global industrial<br />
manufacturer/distributor and service provider,<br />
announced the opening of a regional distribution<br />
center in Knoxville, TN to better serve current<br />
customers, deliver more supply chain security<br />
in the surrounding area and to tap underserved<br />
markets. The opening of the facility is part<br />
of a larger Optimas strategy to create a U.S.<br />
distribution footprint that more efficiently brings<br />
supply closer to customer demand to ensure<br />
timely delivery of parts, plus better inventory<br />
management.<br />
The facility, located at 132 Sherlake Lane<br />
in Knoxville, offers over 25,000 square feet<br />
of warehousing and distribution space in a<br />
strategic area along the I-40 and I-75 corridors in<br />
Tennessee and near the McGhee Tyson Airport.<br />
The location is ideal for growing business in<br />
Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina<br />
as well as servicing existing customers in the<br />
area.<br />
“We chose this location for our new<br />
distribution center in Knoxville for a number of<br />
important reasons,” said Daniel Harms, chief<br />
operating officer for Optimas. “Overall, Knoxville<br />
provides good distribution infrastructure and is<br />
a strategic location to reach the markets in<br />
which we want to expand, including Eastern<br />
Tennessee and Western North Carolina and<br />
even Northern Georgia. The area offers a solid<br />
available workforce, a variety of transportation<br />
options, including rail, trucking, and air, and<br />
has a very appealing location to serve our<br />
strategic target markets.”<br />
According to Harms, the expansion to Knoxville<br />
is part of a larger U.S. distribution expansion<br />
strategy that rolls up to Optimas’ overall<br />
strategic business plan called Manufacturing<br />
Solutions—introduced last August. It is<br />
designed to better serve customers, grow the<br />
overall business, and better manage the supply<br />
chain.<br />
“Our distribution expansion plan for the<br />
U.S. is very important to our overall business<br />
strategy,” said Harms. “We’ve improved our<br />
supply chain and inventory management<br />
solutions as a result of key learnings over the<br />
past year. And we will continue to improve our<br />
capabilities in this area as we learn even more<br />
each and every day in what is still a very unique<br />
environment.”<br />
Optimas is the leading global industrial<br />
manufacturer/distributor and service provider<br />
specializing in fastening and supply chain solutions<br />
for manufacturers seeking to improve efficiency and<br />
profitability. It’s our business solutions and ability<br />
to understand our customer’s goals that have set<br />
us apart for over a century. We take care of the<br />
details so customers can focus on manufacturing<br />
cutting-edge products—giving them an unparalleled<br />
competitive edge. While our fasteners and<br />
components bond your products together, it’s our<br />
relationships that bond everything else.<br />
For more information contact Optimas Solutions at<br />
1441 North Wood Dale Rd, Wood Dale, IL 60191. Tel:<br />
630-595-0000, visit them online at www.optimas.com.<br />
Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/<br />
optimas-solutions/ and Twitter @Optimas_S.
180<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
SMITH ASSOCIATES A 50 YEAR LEGACY from page 164<br />
When all the fastener shows<br />
were canceled in 2020, Smith<br />
Associates jumped into gear,<br />
reacted and created the first<br />
“Virtual Tabletop Show” in our<br />
industry to highlight and introduce<br />
our principals to our customers.<br />
Since we could not see them in<br />
person and make sales calls, we<br />
MIKE WITH DON HAGGERTY<br />
brought the sales call to them.<br />
This event took weeks of<br />
Beginning with<br />
the rework of the<br />
planning and coordination but in late January <strong>2021</strong> a<br />
phenomenally successful event was held. The response<br />
company website was amazing and has brought incredible feedback to both<br />
MIKE WITH A BROKEN LEG<br />
(SmithReps.com)<br />
and the addition of<br />
a LinkedIn profile,<br />
the principals and customers.<br />
Changing with the times and keeping the core<br />
principles he has grown up with has always been Mike’s<br />
Corey has brought a younger and more complete marketing<br />
package to Smith Associates. Recently he has added<br />
some educational videos to our website highlighting our<br />
principals and their capabilities as well as instructional<br />
and educational videos, such as “How To Make a Screw”.<br />
Corey is busy with his family and his wife Kailyn and<br />
their sons Caedyn and Benjamin. They live in Flanders, NJ<br />
and are hoping to buy a house soon.<br />
This last year has been tough for all businesses but<br />
rather than sit back and wait for the economy to rebound<br />
the Smith Associates group has looked to other avenues<br />
to keep in front of our customers with information and<br />
help.<br />
mantra and has kept Smith Associates as a cutting-edge<br />
rep agency for 50 years.<br />
The fastener business and selling are Mike’s passions<br />
in life. He has always said that selling is a “24-hour, 7 day<br />
a week” career. Today, not many people stay in one job<br />
for exceptionally long. Mike feels that he has one foot<br />
in the generation of his parents and one in the future.<br />
He believes in the old fashion values of his parents and<br />
new marketing tools of today to bring his principals and<br />
customers the future help they need to be successful.<br />
Mike has said many times “I love what I do! It is<br />
different every day, and I love to fix things and help people<br />
get what they need.”<br />
DAN, MIKE AND COREY IN VEGAS<br />
MIKE WITH MARK SHANNON, LAVERNE PENROD<br />
AND GEORGE LATSIS<br />
SMITH ASSOCIATES, INC.
182<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
GUY AVELLON WHAT FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED TO KNOW: THE LONG AND SHORT OF BOLT FAILURES from page 166<br />
The greater the number of unengaged threads, the<br />
more the external shock or cyclic load is evenly divided<br />
among all of the unengaged threads, which reduces the<br />
stress on the individual threads.<br />
For example, suppose the clamp load of the joint<br />
was at 10,000 pounds and the fastener we used<br />
was too long for the joint, leaving us with only two<br />
unengaged threads within the joint. A sudden impact<br />
causes the joint load to increase to 10,500 pounds.<br />
The fastener must absorb the excess 500 pounds<br />
between the bearing surface of the nut and bolt head:<br />
the threads. This now means each of the two threads<br />
must support an instantaneous shock of 250 pounds<br />
each. This will eventually lead to the formation of stress<br />
raisers and metal fatigue in the thread roots.<br />
If a shorter fastener was selected that fit the joint<br />
which provided 10 unengaged threads, each thread<br />
now only needs to absorb 50 pounds of excess shock<br />
load rather than 250 pounds. This fastener may last a<br />
lot longer in service life and may never develop metal<br />
fatigue, as the stress levels are significantly lower.<br />
So yes, it does make a difference how many<br />
threads stick out beyond the nut. Too many will not<br />
leave many threads within the joint to absorb assembly<br />
torque; too few may mean there is not full thread<br />
engagement in the nut to support the bolt’s load and<br />
the nut’s threads might strip. There should be at least<br />
two threads beyond the end of the nut to assure full<br />
thread engagement.<br />
When performing a visual inspection of joints with<br />
multiple fasteners, take note if some threads are<br />
protruding from one nut more than the others and you<br />
know that all the bolts were the same length. find out<br />
where those extra threads came from. The threads<br />
should all be extending beyond the end of the nut<br />
the same amount. Most likely, the fastener has been<br />
stretched into yield.<br />
Replace them.<br />
GUY AVELLON<br />
NEW ENGLAND FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION<br />
PO Box 151, Lake Zurich, IL 60047 TEL 847-370-9022 TEL 847-516-6728 TEL nancy@nefda.com TEL www.nefda.com<br />
<strong>2021</strong>-2022 NEFDA BOARD by Nancy Rich<br />
<strong>2021</strong> Board Of Directors<br />
President<br />
Katie Donahue, Arnold Supply Inc.<br />
Vice President<br />
Morgan Rudolph, Rick Rudolph Associates<br />
Chairman<br />
Mike Lentini, Spirol International<br />
Treasurer<br />
Lisa Breton, D.B. Roberts<br />
Directors<br />
Jason Bourque, Bolt Depot<br />
Matt Callahan, Callahan Inc.<br />
Dave Couture, D.B. Roberts<br />
Kristi Kauvula, Crescent Manufacturing.<br />
Laura Driver, D.B. Roberts<br />
Frank Hand, Fall River Manufacturing<br />
Corey Magyar, Smith Associates, Inc.<br />
Andrew Potter, Vertex Distribution<br />
Rob White, SB&W<br />
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE<br />
Secretary/Executive Director<br />
Nancy Rich<br />
The NEFDA is pleased to announce this year’s<br />
scholarship winners:<br />
NEFDA Awards $15,000 in Scholarships<br />
$3,500 Barry Carpe Memorial Scholarship<br />
Cailean Nolan, Metric & Multistandard<br />
$3,000 NEFDA Scholarship<br />
Madeleine Mirante, Spirol International<br />
$2,500 NEFDA Scholarship<br />
Ella Monti, Fall River Manufacturing<br />
$1,500 NEFDA Scholarships<br />
Peter Fox, Buckeye Fasteners<br />
Rob McKee, EFC International<br />
Sarah Morrison, Buckeye Fasteners<br />
Escay Pena, Crescent Manufacturing<br />
We thank all our members who support this program<br />
through their donations.<br />
NEW ENGLAND FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
184<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
MWFA PRESENTING FSTNR WEEK from page 54<br />
This dedication has created many years of history<br />
and many great contributors to the CBNSA, now known<br />
as the Mid-West Fastener Association.<br />
This year, we are celebrating our 75th anniversary.<br />
We will be inducting our CBNSA presidents into the<br />
CBNSA Hall of Fame (founded many years ago). We hope<br />
to have many past Board Members attend as well as<br />
members who have been part of the CBNSA and MWFA.<br />
Please reach out to your fastener friends, as<br />
well as those who you may know who have left the<br />
industry and enjoyed years of CBNSA/MWFA. We’ll have<br />
past presidents to speak of the CBNSA years sharing<br />
interesting and fun stories.<br />
We are pleased to announce our Keynote Speaker<br />
will be Matt McMillan. The culinary fire of Matt McMillin<br />
has been burning since he was 4 years old. Today,<br />
McMillin, 50, has fostered that fire into a career as a<br />
chef, educator, cookbook author, and most recently<br />
Vice President of Culinary & Beverage Innovation for<br />
Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants. Chef McMillin<br />
is a graduate of Kendall College, where he received the<br />
Escoffier Award for Culinary and Academic Excellence.<br />
He continues his work at Kendall as a frequent teacher,<br />
guest speaker, and Culinary Advisory Board Member.<br />
It will be an awesome evening of special memories<br />
while creating new memories. Come enjoy this special<br />
social event whether you’ve been part of the CBNSA,<br />
MWFA or both.<br />
August 18th<br />
68th MWFA Golf Outing - Noon Shotgun Start<br />
Chevy Chase Country Club, Wheeling, IL<br />
Our industry has been known to enjoy a good<br />
Golf Outing and MWFA has a reputation for holding a<br />
great outing. Over the years, the MWFA has attracted<br />
from 144-160 golfers at their outing allowing plenty of<br />
networking, fun, and great prizes. Chevy Chase Golf<br />
Course in Wheeling, IL will host the outing. Enjoy 18<br />
holes of golf with all the amenities of a championship<br />
golf course. The well-maintained greens offer challenging<br />
holes, GPS on every golf cart, and a full-service golf shop.<br />
Gather your own foursome or we can pair you with one.<br />
August 19th<br />
MWFA Mixer<br />
Real Time Sports, Elk Grove, IL<br />
Meet fastener friends for a relaxing evening out.<br />
Enjoy complimentary drinks and appetizers with a chance<br />
to win raffle prizes. This 2 hour MWFA sponsored event<br />
is always a fun summer evening.<br />
August 16th-20th<br />
Fastener Training Week<br />
The Fastener Training Institute and the Industrial<br />
Fasteners Institute partner to present the weeklong<br />
intensive version of FTI’s Certified Fastener Specialist<br />
advanced technical training program.<br />
This class will be offered at the Belvedere, Elk Grove,<br />
IL the week of August 16th. Fastener Training Week<br />
includes everything that a student would experience<br />
in the regular seven-course CFS training, but all on<br />
consecutive days. MWFA Members receive substantial<br />
discounts on registration. For more information, go to<br />
www.fastenertraining.org<br />
For more information and registration for FSTNR Week<br />
events please visit us online at www.mwfa.net.<br />
MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 185<br />
Würth Industry North America (WINA)<br />
announces its acquisition Atlantic Fasteners<br />
Inc., a mainstay in the structural industry with<br />
36 years of history manufacturing structural<br />
bolts and distributing standard and specialty<br />
fasteners. The purchase will better serve the<br />
needs of Würth Industry’s customers in the<br />
construction and structural markets by providing<br />
end to end distribution and manufacturing<br />
support and will deepen their geographic footprint<br />
in the mid-Atlantic region. Atlantic Fasteners will<br />
join Würth’s new construction services business<br />
division, Würth Construction Services.<br />
This acquisition fits into Würth Industry’s<br />
strategy to provide expert supply chain solutions<br />
of structural fasteners, safety, and MRO products<br />
and complements Würth Industry’s strength in<br />
the construction market as the premier distributor<br />
of structural products for fabricators, erectors,<br />
and the metal building industry. The acquisition<br />
of Atlantic Fasteners Inc. supplies Würth with<br />
new manufacturing capabilities that increase their<br />
ability to serve customers and offer competitive<br />
lead times on a range of end to end structural<br />
products. Atlantic Fasteners, together with Würth<br />
House of Threads, Weinstock Bros., and Würth<br />
Action Bolt and Tool, as Würth Construction<br />
Services, will provide expanded services to our<br />
structural customers across the US, Mexico,<br />
Canada, and Brazil.<br />
“Through this acquisition, we gain not only<br />
new product and service offerings for our<br />
customers, but also the amazing personnel<br />
and talent of Atlantic Fasteners,” said Dan<br />
Hill, Chief Executive Officer for Würth Industry<br />
North America, “Würth Industry has strong<br />
growth targets, both organically and through<br />
key acquisitions, and we continue to grow with<br />
businesses and teams who can support and<br />
enhance the expansion of our construction<br />
services to offer better supply chain solutions<br />
and cost savings for erectors and fabricators<br />
across North America.”<br />
“Atlantic Fastener adds to our capacity<br />
and geographic presence to better service our<br />
customers, said Eric Wilk, Vice President, East<br />
Region, Würth Industry North America. “Adding the<br />
capability to manufacture anchor bolts to our service<br />
offerings increases the capacity in which we can<br />
support our structural and construction customers.<br />
Serving projects end to end and offering competitive<br />
lead times make us a powerhouse for our partners.”<br />
We are excited to partner with Würth because<br />
it not only maintains Atlantic Fasteners’ history of<br />
outstanding quality and successful partnerships, but<br />
also enhances available offerings to our customers.<br />
Customers will continue to receive the same highquality<br />
products and support that they are used<br />
to. With the support of a global company, they will<br />
have greater resources and inventory expansion.<br />
The acquisition is the best choice for both our<br />
customers and employees, as joining the Würth<br />
family will equate to business growth”, said Bill<br />
Davis, Owner and CEO, Atlantic Fasteners.<br />
For more information on Würth Industry of North<br />
America and the Würth Group, please visit the<br />
website www.wurthindustry.com.
186<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
SEFA IT WAS TIME! SEFA HOLDS FIRST IN PERSON INDUSTRY EVENT IN OVER A YEAR from page 174<br />
Golf Winners Were Announced (continued)<br />
Closest to the Pin (Women) - Tina Windham<br />
Closest to Pin (Men) - Dewey Oxner<br />
Longest Drive (Women) - Tina Windham<br />
Longest Drive (Men) - Dewey Oxner<br />
The final day of the event provided informative<br />
sessions beginning with a panel discussion consisting<br />
of Tom Sulek/Star Stainless Screw, Anthony Crawl/<br />
Birmingham Fastener, and Matt Dyess/Nucor Fastener.<br />
Discussions revolved around the challenges of<br />
business including overseas issues, pricing, inventory<br />
issues, changes in procedures since 2020, supply chain<br />
challenges, hiring issues, and opportunities. Business<br />
has been challenging but the challenges have also come<br />
with rewards.<br />
Following the panel discussion Scott Brindisi, VP Client<br />
Solutions for Unique Logistics International addressed the<br />
group. He began by apologizing he had no good news.<br />
Logistics have been a challenge for quite some time;<br />
however, past circumstances have never caused issues<br />
like COVID has. Between flights stopping during COVID,<br />
containers taking much longer to get back overseas,<br />
container losses, health related issues, Chinese New<br />
Year, and the Suez Canal shut down logistics have been a<br />
nightmare. Pricing and lead time have increased beyond<br />
any expectations. Unfortunately the logistics industry<br />
does not expect to see things back to normal for the rest<br />
of this year.<br />
Adrienne Slack, VP and Regional Executive at the New<br />
Orleans Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta<br />
also addressed SEFA members. Adrienne spoke of the<br />
challenges of businesses finding employees. While we<br />
have had in a very low inflation rate, inflation is expected<br />
to increase to above 2%. Consumer prices are escalating<br />
as the shortage of products continues. This trend has<br />
also greatly affected the real estate market.<br />
Unemployment benefits have allowed some of the<br />
work force to remain unemployed longer than normal.<br />
Unemployment rates had been dropping since 2017 until<br />
COVID surfaced in mid March 2020. Jobs are plentiful;<br />
those willing to work are limited. Wage wars have caused<br />
those working to move from company to company.<br />
Personal consumption dropped dramatically in 2020<br />
but is now on the rise. Government has offered aid to<br />
companies and individuals but it may have to stop before<br />
we see the work force go back to normal. While in town,<br />
Adrienne had the opportunity to speak with many local<br />
businesses as well as attendees regarding our industry<br />
to discuss the various factors affecting the shortage of<br />
employees for businesses.<br />
There is no doubt the economy has been erratic since<br />
Mid March 2020. The public has the option to stay up to<br />
date with the EconomyNow app providing current info on<br />
economic issues.<br />
The meeting closed out with a drawing for a<br />
complimentary (sponsored by SEFA) Certified Fastener<br />
Specialist Class conducted by Fastener Training Week.<br />
Matt Dyess of Nucor Fasteners was the recipient of this<br />
class.<br />
SEFA Is Grateful For The Many Sponsors<br />
Of The <strong>2021</strong> Spring Conference<br />
Premium Conference Sponsor<br />
¤ Star Stainless Screw Co.<br />
Conference Sponsors<br />
¤ Brikksen Stainless<br />
¤ Kanebridge Corp.<br />
¤ Stelfast Inc.<br />
Golf Sponsors<br />
¤ Distribution One<br />
¤ Edsco Fasteners Inc.<br />
¤ Kanebridge Corp.<br />
¤ Nucor Fastener<br />
¤ RIE Coatings<br />
¤ Vertex Distribution<br />
¤ Vulcan Threaded Products<br />
SEFA is looking to meet in Nashville Spring of 2022 so<br />
be sure to check thesefa.com for updates.<br />
SOUTHEASTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION
188<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
NEFDA SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING RETURNED! from page 96<br />
Thank You To Our Hole Sponsors<br />
¤ All Electronic Hardware<br />
¤ Aluminum Fastener<br />
¤ Arnold Supply<br />
¤ Atlantic Fasteners<br />
¤ B&B Threaded<br />
¤ Brighton Best Int’l<br />
¤ Beacon Fasteners & Components<br />
¤ Buckeye<br />
¤ Callahan Sales Inc.<br />
¤ Crescent<br />
¤ Electronic Fasteners<br />
¤ Fall River Mfg.<br />
¤ Fascomp<br />
¤ Kanebridge<br />
¤ Link Magazine<br />
¤ McCormick Assoc.<br />
¤ Moynihan Sales<br />
¤ North East Fasteners<br />
¤ Nylok<br />
¤ Production Fasteners Inc.<br />
¤ Prospect Fasteners<br />
¤ Semblex Corp.<br />
¤ Smith Associates<br />
¤ Solution Industries<br />
¤ Spirol Int’l<br />
¤ Star Stainless<br />
¤ Stelfast<br />
¤ Tower Fasteners<br />
¤ Unicorp<br />
¤ XL Screw Corp.<br />
¤ Yellow Woods<br />
¤ Wyandotte Industries<br />
NEW ENGLAND FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
NEW ENGLAND FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION<br />
SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING - JUNE 10, <strong>2021</strong>
190<br />
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SEFA ANNUAL SPRING CONFERENCE<br />
SANDESTIN GOLF & BEACH RESORT - MAY 3-5, <strong>2021</strong>
advertisers index<br />
#<br />
3Q, INC. 85<br />
Washers, nuts, tapping screws, bolts, special<br />
fasteners, single parts, secondary processes,<br />
in-house kitting and packaging, direct import<br />
services, and remote managed inventory.<br />
Tel (630) 405-8492<br />
Email: sales@3Q-Inc.com<br />
A<br />
ACS MANUFACTURING, INC 79<br />
Formed spring steel fasteners<br />
Tel (888) NUTS-R-US<br />
Email: info@acsmanufacturing.com<br />
AIM TESTING LABORATORY 159<br />
AIM Testing Laboratory is an integrated business<br />
partner. AIM’s technical experts support your<br />
staff and understand your processes so they<br />
can provide the correct knowledge and guidance<br />
when and where you need it.<br />
Tel (619) 396-2046<br />
Email: info@aimtestlab.com<br />
AJAX WIRE SPECIALTY CO., INC. 129<br />
For over 80 years, Ajax has been specializing in<br />
the custom design and manufacturing of wire<br />
springs, custom springs and spring assortments.<br />
Tel (855) 966-AJAX (2529)<br />
Email: ajaxwire@aol.com<br />
ALBANY STEEL & BRASS 83<br />
Specialty Tapping Screws - Swageform<br />
Tel (312) 733-1900<br />
Email: sales@albanysteel.com<br />
ALFA TOOLS ® 75<br />
Hole-Making, Threading, Screwdriving. Our<br />
Tools Make Fastening Happen!<br />
Tel (800) 253-2532<br />
Email: sales@alfatools.com<br />
ALL AMERICAN WASHER WERKS 101<br />
Quality producers of washers and stampings<br />
Tel (847) 566-9091<br />
Email: sales@washerwerks.com<br />
ALLOY & STAINLESS FASTENERS 57, 81<br />
Supplies special metal fasteners in over 150<br />
material grades and over 25 coatings and<br />
platings using over 300 machines with a<br />
10,000 ton inventory with Emergency 24-7<br />
on call service.<br />
Tel (713) 466-3031<br />
Fax (713) 466-9591<br />
ALPHA-GRAINGER MFG. CO. 25<br />
Electronic hardware, captive screws,<br />
shoulder screws, spacers & standoffs<br />
Tel (508) 520-4005<br />
ALUMINUM FASTENER SUPPLY<br />
FRONT COVER, 16<br />
The only exclusive aluminum fastener supplier<br />
of made in the USA products. 6,500 line items<br />
in stock with same day shipping. It’s all we do.<br />
Tel (800) 526-0341<br />
Email: info@alumfast.com<br />
AMERICAN BELLEVILLE 67<br />
Belleville Washers, Belleville Springs, Disc<br />
Springs, Flange Washers, precision-machined<br />
custom components. Contract manufacturing<br />
services – stamping, CNC lathe and mill<br />
machining, grinding, heat treating.<br />
Tel (440) 721-8350<br />
Email: lriga@AmericanBelleville.com<br />
AMERICAN IMPERIAL SCREW CORP. 183<br />
Push on hats, push on bolt retainers,<br />
locknuts, self-treading locknuts and<br />
washers, regular washer locknuts, push-on<br />
retainer fasteners and wing nuts, adhesives<br />
and metal anchors.<br />
Tel (800) 431-2391<br />
AMPG 2, INSIDE BACK COVER<br />
Domestic manufacturer of shoulder screws,<br />
button head sex bolts, flat head sex bolts, prairie<br />
bolts, non-standard flat washers, and machined<br />
specialties from stock. Print to part in 7 days.<br />
Tel (317) 472-9000<br />
Email: sales@ampg.com<br />
B<br />
BAR STOCK SPECIALTIES 65, 81<br />
Metal bar processing; drawing, peeling, grinding<br />
and cutting. Long length stainless bar to 60ft.<br />
Tel (713) 849-0055<br />
Fax (713) 466-3583<br />
BAY SUPPLY 3<br />
Fastener & Tooling Super Warehouse. Top brands<br />
at bottom prices. Ship to over 200 countries.<br />
Tel (800) 718-8818<br />
Email: info@baysupply.com<br />
B & D COLD HEADED PRODUCTS 89<br />
Manufacturer of cold headed products. Wheel<br />
bolts, double ended studs, bus studs, hex<br />
shoulder bolts, leveling screws, and more.<br />
Tel (734) 728-7070<br />
Email: sales@bdchp.com<br />
BIG RED FASTENERS 71<br />
Manufacturer of Domestic Stud Bolts. USA made<br />
and melted. Your full-service stocking distributor<br />
of all bolts, nuts, studs, washers, machine<br />
screws, tapping and self-drilling screws.<br />
Tel (866) 621-6565<br />
Email: sales@bigredfasteners.com<br />
BRADLEY GROUP OF COMPANIES 161<br />
Our proprietary applications of thread lockers,<br />
sealants and nylon patches are renowned<br />
for their effectiveness and reliability. We use<br />
brand names you can trust including Loctite<br />
Driloc and 3M Scotch-Grip, Precote, all applied<br />
in our quality assured processes.<br />
Tel (800) 201-7381<br />
BRIGHTON-BEST INTERNATIONAL<br />
OUTSIDE BACK COVER<br />
Socket & square head set screws, hex keys,<br />
L-Nine products, Grade 8 hex head, shoulder<br />
bolts, pipe plugs, dowel springs, nuts &<br />
metrics, hand tools and full stainless line.<br />
Tel (800) 275-0050<br />
BRIKKSEN STAINLESS 35<br />
Full line of stainless-steel inch and metric.<br />
Tel (800) 962-1614<br />
Email: sales@brikksen.com<br />
BRYNOLF MANUFACTURING INC. 153<br />
Your source for quality American Made cold<br />
headed fasteners.<br />
Tel (877) 237-4554<br />
Email: info@brynolfmanufacturing.com<br />
BRYCE SECURITY FASTENER 145<br />
Manufacturer of the world’s most secure<br />
fasteners. Learn more about KEY-REX®<br />
and their other Made in the USA security<br />
fasteners.<br />
Tel (480) 559-8287<br />
Email: info@brycefastener.com<br />
BTM MANUFACTURING 73<br />
Leading manufacturer of bent and threaded<br />
products. U-bolts, J-bolts, studs, anchor<br />
bolts, spade bolts, eye bolts and bent/<br />
threaded product to custom specifications.<br />
Tel (800) 369-2658<br />
Email: sales@btm-mfg.com<br />
BUCKLEY QC FASTENERS 151<br />
Conversion specialists of threaded<br />
fasteners. Brass tip set screws, nylon tip set<br />
screws, nylon pellet insert.<br />
Tel (800) 344-3874<br />
Email: sales@bqcf.com<br />
C<br />
CAVALIER INDUSTRIAL SPECIALTIES 56, 81<br />
Acorn, dome, flat and radius cap styles<br />
– small and large diameters. Custom<br />
fasteners. Forging, turning, milling, drilling,<br />
slotting, broaching, grinding, and roll<br />
threading. Emergency 24-7 service.<br />
Tel (713) 983-0055<br />
Fax (713) 983-0058<br />
THE CENTER FOR FINANCIAL, LEGAL &<br />
TAX PLANNING, INC. 143<br />
Thinking of buying, selling or transferring<br />
your business? The center is the one-stop<br />
shop for all of your business needs.<br />
Tel (618) 997-3436<br />
Email: rbasi@taxplanning.com<br />
CHICAGO HARDWARE & FIXTURE CO. 169<br />
Mfrs of Wire Rope and Chain Fittings,<br />
Industrial and Marine Hardware and Allied<br />
Products<br />
Tel (847) 455-6609<br />
Email: info@chicagohardware.com<br />
COMPUTER INSIGHTS 19<br />
The Business Edge – The simple solution<br />
with a proven step-by-step method for<br />
unlocking your fastener company’s<br />
potential.<br />
Tel (800) 539-1233<br />
Email: sales@ci-inc.com
advertisers index<br />
C<br />
COMPONENT PACKAGING 109<br />
Contract packager specializing in the<br />
fastener industry - automated or hand<br />
bagging, shrink packaging and order<br />
assembly.<br />
Tel (417) 624-9395<br />
Email: lorim@componentpackaging.com<br />
COPPER STATE BOLT & NUT CO. 105<br />
Standard & metric domestic manufacturing.<br />
Hex, heavy hex, square head, socket, flat<br />
socket, 12-point and specials.<br />
Tel (800) 528-4255<br />
Email: MFGBranchSales@copperstate.com<br />
CRAFTECH INDUSTRIES, INC. 195<br />
Providing high performance plastic solutions<br />
for your prints, parts and engineering<br />
problems for over 50 years. CNC machining,<br />
injection molding and mold making.<br />
ISO9001:2015 Certified, ITAR Registered.<br />
Tel (800) 833-5130<br />
Email: info@craftechind.com<br />
CRESCENT MANUFACTURING 93<br />
With over 50 years of manufacturing<br />
expertise in the field of miniature screws<br />
and miniature fasteners, Crescent offers<br />
distributors an established source to meet<br />
your Aerospace, Military, Commercial, and<br />
Special Engineered requirements.<br />
Tel (860) 673-2591<br />
Email: sales@crescentmanufacturing.com<br />
D<br />
DARLING BOLT 197<br />
Supplier of US, metric and stainless steel<br />
fasteners including nuts, bolts, screws,<br />
washers, hardware assortments and<br />
specialty auto body fasteners.<br />
Tel (800) 882-0747<br />
Email: sales@darlingbolt.com<br />
DDI SYSTEM 139<br />
Daily operations, eCommerce, Warehouse<br />
Management, CRM. ERP software for<br />
wholesale distributors.<br />
Tel (877) 599-4334<br />
Email: sales@ddisys.com<br />
DELTA SECONDARY 91<br />
Cut off & chamfer, cut threading, cross<br />
drilling, tapping, turning, milling, slotting,<br />
grooving.<br />
Tel (630) 766-1180<br />
Email: delta911@msn.com<br />
DISTRIBUTION ONE 87<br />
ERP Software for Fastener Distributors<br />
capable of running the entire operation,<br />
efficiently & profitably.<br />
Tel (856) 380-0629<br />
Email: info@distone.com<br />
DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 175, 193<br />
Tel (800) 356-1639<br />
Email: tracey@linkmagazine.com<br />
E<br />
ELGIN FASTENER GROUP 51<br />
Selection. Service. Success. Discover the<br />
Elgin Advantage<br />
www.elginfasteners.com<br />
E & T FASTENERS, INC 95<br />
Molded, machined, and stamped plastic<br />
fasteners - uts, bolts, washers - Kynar, Teflon,<br />
PVC, Nylon, and Polypropylene. Low minimums.<br />
Tel (800) 650-4707<br />
Email: eric@fastenercomponents.com<br />
E-Z LOK 117<br />
Thread inserts for metal, wood and plastic<br />
Tel (800) 234-5613<br />
Email: sales@ezlok.com<br />
F<br />
FALL RIVER MFG CO., INC. 31<br />
Manufacturers of Stainless steel & nonferrous<br />
fasteners<br />
Tel (800) 275-6991<br />
Email: sales@fallrivermfg.com<br />
FASCOMP ELECTRONIC HARDWARE 123<br />
Male-female standoffs, female standoffs,<br />
male-male standoffs, spacers, shoulder<br />
screws, captive screws, thumbscrews, swage<br />
standoffs and spacers, handles and ferrules.<br />
Tel (407) 226-2112<br />
Email: sales@fascomp.com<br />
FASTAR, INC. 45<br />
Coiled and Slotted spring pins, dowel pins,<br />
cotter pins, taper pins, grooved and special pins<br />
Tel (845) 369-7990<br />
Email: fastar@optonline.net<br />
FASTENER NEWS DESK 101<br />
FASTENER WEBSITE LINKS 146<br />
FCH SOURCING NETWORK 185<br />
(Tel) 877-332-7836<br />
FORD FASTENERS, INC. 15<br />
410 stainless screws, sheet metal, self-drillers,<br />
thread cutters, self-piercing, EPDM washers.<br />
Tel (800) 272-3673 (FORD)<br />
Email: info@fordfasteners.com<br />
G<br />
GF&D SYSTEMS 92<br />
‘One-stop’ for grease fittings and accessories.<br />
Couplers and hose whips, grease fitting<br />
caps, grease guns, custom designed fittings,<br />
assortments, private labeling, custom kitting.<br />
Tel (800) 360-1318<br />
Email: sales@gfdsystems.com<br />
GLOBALFASTENERNEWS.COM 140<br />
GOEBEL FASTENERS, INC. 7<br />
Innovative fastener solutions: blind rivets,<br />
self-tapping/drilling screws, toggles,<br />
strapping, wing seals, tools & safety<br />
equipment and insulation accessories.<br />
Tel (713) 393-7007<br />
Email: sales@goebelfasteners.com<br />
GRAPHIKA CREATIVE 192<br />
Marketing solutions tailored for the Fastener<br />
Industry. Web, digital, email marketing,<br />
exhibitions, point of sale and corporate<br />
branding. Graphika - your off-site, in-house<br />
comprehensive marketing department.<br />
Tel (224) 489-9533<br />
Email: lee@graphikacreative.com<br />
GREENSLADE & COMPANY, INC. 125<br />
Fastener inspection equipment, innovative<br />
gage design, and dimensional calibration.<br />
Tel (817) 870-8888<br />
Email: sales1@greensladeandcompany.com<br />
GROWERMETAL 135<br />
Flat washers, safety and spring washers as<br />
well as split lock washers for railways. EN<br />
9100 certified.<br />
Tel (440) 773-4948<br />
Email: info@gagsf.com<br />
H<br />
HANGER BOLT & STUD CO 131<br />
USA Hanger bolts, studs, dowel screws, pins.<br />
Tel (800) 537-7925<br />
Email: sales@hangerbolt.com<br />
HANSON RIVET & SUPPLY CO. 67<br />
Rivets, threaded inserts, riveting tools,<br />
riveting machines, washers<br />
Tel (800) 777-4838<br />
HILLSDALE TERMINAL 165<br />
U.S. manufacturer of solderless crimp<br />
terminals and also carry a line of wiring<br />
accessories. Full line of crimp terminals,<br />
non-insulated, brazed seam, vinyl, nylon,<br />
heat shrink and instant tap connectors.<br />
Tel (800) 447-3150<br />
I<br />
ICS FLANGE 41<br />
Stocks flange bolts and nuts in Grade 5, 8, 8.8<br />
and 10.9 in steel and stainless in any finish.<br />
Tel (800) 231-0360<br />
iLOC FASTENER SOLUTIONS 190<br />
Proud to offer specialized thread-locking<br />
and sealing solutions. 40 years of industry<br />
expertise and an unmatched level of<br />
expertise.<br />
Tel (973) 706-6931<br />
Email: tamer@ilocfs.com
advertisers index<br />
I<br />
INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS INSTITUTE (IFI) 129<br />
<strong>2021</strong> Edition IFI Book of Fastener Standards<br />
is now available in hard cover and online<br />
format. www.indfast.org/shop<br />
Tel (216) 241-1482<br />
INDUSTRIAL RIVET & FASTENER CO. 113<br />
One name, one number, one source for<br />
rivets and RivetKing FreeSet Series.<br />
Tel (800) BUY-RIVET<br />
Email: info@rivet.com<br />
INTEGRATED PACKAGING 121<br />
Parts are electronically counted, heatsealed<br />
in our poly-bags, and labeled with<br />
identification information on every bag, with<br />
accurate optical counting mechanisms and<br />
printers for SKUs.<br />
Tel (847) 439-5730<br />
Email: sales@integratedpack.com<br />
INTERCORP 1<br />
Premium self-drilling, drywall, needle-point,<br />
pole gripper, stainless steel, outdoor,<br />
concrete, cement board, woodworking and<br />
special application.<br />
Tel (800) 762-2004<br />
ISC – INTERCONTINENTAL SALES 119<br />
Fastener and Building Related Products. Same<br />
day shipping, free private labeling, no minimums<br />
Tel (800) 741-4278<br />
Email: info@isc-sales.com<br />
INTERFAST GROUP 173<br />
Distributor/importer of drywall, deck, selfdrilling<br />
and self-piercing screws.<br />
Tel (800) 605-1233<br />
Email: ifg@interfastgroup.com<br />
INTERNATIONAL FASTENERS, INC. 153<br />
Daggerz quality construction fasteners.<br />
Self-drill, drywall, deck, wood, concrete, clip,<br />
needle point screws, post frame screws,<br />
aluminum industry screws, EDPM bonded<br />
washers, bits & threaded rod.<br />
Tel (888) 241-0203<br />
Email: sales@daggerz.com<br />
INxSQL 49<br />
A full-featured, ERP distribution software<br />
designed and optimized for the Fastener<br />
Industry.<br />
Tel (877) 446-9775<br />
Email: sales@inxsql.com<br />
J<br />
JOHAN SMIT FASTENERS 81<br />
Mfr and supplier of steel nuts in the petrochemical,<br />
steel construction and energy<br />
market.<br />
Tel +31(0)786230088<br />
K<br />
KEN FORGING 36, 37, 55<br />
Domestic manufacturer of eyebolts, nut<br />
eyebolts, rod ends, turnbuckles & fittings, eye<br />
nuts, pad eyes, D-rings, c-clamps & screws,<br />
swivel hoist ring. Custom forgings up to 250 lbs.<br />
Tel (888) 536-3674<br />
Email: sales@kenforging.com<br />
KINTER 141<br />
X-mas tree clips, binder posts and screws, binder<br />
rings, steel barrel bolts and screws, wall anchors.<br />
Tel (800) 323-2389<br />
Email: sales@kinter.com<br />
L<br />
LELAND INDUSTRIES INC 143<br />
Manufacturer of bolts, nuts, screws in<br />
carbon or stainless. Custom threading and<br />
specials. U-Bolts and Anchors.<br />
Tel (800) 263-3393<br />
LOCKNUT TECHNOLOGY 133<br />
Manufacture and process high-quality,<br />
all-metal, prevailing-torque locknuts for<br />
industrial applications. Our specialties<br />
include production of FLEXTOP®, high<br />
performance locknuts, automation locknuts,<br />
flange locknuts and weld nuts.<br />
Tel (630) 628-5330<br />
Email: sales@locknuttechnology.com<br />
LOK-MOR, INC. 21<br />
American-made locknuts at competitive prices.<br />
Tel (800) 843-7230<br />
Email: sales@lok-mor.com<br />
M<br />
BRUNO MARBACHER 157<br />
With over 40 years of experience in the<br />
fastener industry, and a recently retired<br />
Director of Application Engineering, Bruno<br />
is available to assist and resolve critical and<br />
lingering fastening/assembly/quality issues.<br />
Email: brunomarbacher4@gmail.com<br />
MAR-BRO MANUFACTURING 155<br />
Domestic manufacturer of standards,<br />
specials, MS and NAS fasteners.<br />
Specializing in A286, 12 pt flange and hex<br />
flange fasteners.<br />
Tel (602) 278-8197<br />
Email: sales@mar-bro.com<br />
MEHTA TRADING INTERNATIONAL 165<br />
The complete MILL stainless fastener source.<br />
Tel (972) 642-1012<br />
Fax (972) 642-1244<br />
METRIC & MULTISTANDARD 13<br />
Providing quality metric industrial products<br />
and exceptional customer service since 1963<br />
Tel (800) 431-2792<br />
MW INDUSTRIES, INC – TEXAS 33<br />
Washers, special fasteners, and metal<br />
stamping for over 45 years. ISO 9001:2015<br />
certified.<br />
Tel (800) 875-3510<br />
Email: sales@mwindustries.com<br />
N<br />
ND INDUSTRIES<br />
INSIDE FRONT COVER, 42, 43<br />
Self-locking and self-sealing fastener<br />
processing, fastener inspection & sorting,<br />
chemical blending, bottling, and A2LA Lab<br />
testing.<br />
Tel (248) 655-2503<br />
Email: info@ndindustries.com<br />
NORTH EAST FASTENERS (NEF) 11<br />
AS9100 certified, supplying IFI, ANSI, MS,<br />
NAS, NASM, AN, DIN, JIS, JCIS high quality<br />
fasteners for commercial, military and<br />
aerospace.<br />
Tel (860) 589-3242<br />
NOVA FASTENERS CO. INC. 163<br />
Anchors, screws, nuts, washers, rivets, pins,<br />
inserts, rods. Serving industry since 1948.<br />
Tel (800) 645-1234<br />
Email: info@nova-anchor.com<br />
O<br />
OSSCO BOLT & SCREW CO., INC. 173<br />
Distributor of nuts - full range<br />
Tel (800) 367-2688<br />
Email: sales@osscobolt.com<br />
P<br />
PARKER FASTENERS 76, 77<br />
Specializing in providing high-precision<br />
fasteners in the most critical and demanding<br />
industries.<br />
Tel (623) 925-5998<br />
Email: sales@parkerfasteners.com<br />
PIVOT POINT 23<br />
Pins - clevis, cotter pins, quick release,<br />
locking - wire rope lanyards, stock and<br />
specials and award-winning inventions<br />
Tel (800) 222-2231<br />
Email: mail@pivotpins.com<br />
PRODUCT COMPONENTS CORP. 179<br />
Machined and molded fasteners in many<br />
types of plastics. Woman-owned and<br />
operated; specializing in excellent customer<br />
service, competitive pricing, quick delivery<br />
and small minimums.<br />
Tel (925) 228-8930<br />
Email: sales@product-components.com<br />
PROSPECT FASTENER 79<br />
Rings, clamps, pins and more! We distribute<br />
value.<br />
Tel (800) 822-6080<br />
Email: sales@prospectfastener.com
advertisers index<br />
R<br />
RAF ELECTRONIC HARDWARE 157<br />
Domestic standoffs, spacers, male-females,<br />
swage, male-male and modified parts. NAS<br />
fasteners.<br />
Tel (203) 888-2133<br />
Email: info@rafhdwe.com<br />
W.J. ROBERTS CO. 97<br />
Spacers and standoffs. Hex and rounds<br />
3/16 to 5/8 diameter. Standoffs in brass,<br />
aluminum, steel and stainless steel.<br />
Tel (781) 233-8176<br />
Email: sales@wjroberts.com<br />
R&R ENGINEERING CO. 99<br />
Bent bolts, wire forms. Quality craftsmanship.<br />
Tel (800) 979-1921<br />
Email: sales@randrengineering.com<br />
S<br />
SEMS AND SPECIALS 119<br />
Your trusted source for sems and specials<br />
since 1991. A cold forming manufacturer<br />
of fasteners, we offer a diverse portfolio of<br />
products ranging from standard commercial<br />
fasteners to custom specials and ending with<br />
Class II military hardware.<br />
Tel (815) 874-0000<br />
Email: sales@semsandspecials.com<br />
SETKO FASTENERS 103<br />
Domestic manufactured and imported socket<br />
products. Standards or specials. Mill shipments<br />
and blanket orders. Zinc plated sockets, nylon<br />
patches, drilling, etc. Ready...Setko!<br />
Tel (630) 800-6377<br />
Email: sales@setkofasteners.com<br />
SCREW & SUPPLY CO. INC. 111<br />
Tamper-resistant security screws made in USA.<br />
Tel (800) 223-1316<br />
Email: customerservice@screwsupply.com<br />
SHEAR-LOC PRODUCTS 88, 171<br />
The original instant thumbscrews. The<br />
ultimate socket head cap screw accessory.<br />
Over 5000 combinations. Inch and Metric.<br />
Tel (800) 775-5668<br />
Fax (949) 768-8705<br />
SOLON MANUFACTURING CO. 115<br />
Belleville Springs & Washers - Innovative<br />
Fastening Solutions. Made in the USA since 1949.<br />
Tel (800) 323-9717<br />
Email: sales@solonmfg.com<br />
SOLUTION INDUSTRIES 63<br />
Call Solution Man to help you with nonstandard,<br />
OEM specific fasteners, including<br />
per print specials. Solution-ized service to<br />
meet your customer needs!<br />
Tel (866) 297-8656<br />
Email: sales@solutionind.com<br />
SPIROL 69, 94<br />
Coiled and Slotted Spring Pins, Solid<br />
Pins, Disc Springs, Alignment Dowels and<br />
Bushings, Spacers, Compression Limiters,<br />
Threaded Inserts and Shims.<br />
Tel (800) 321-4679<br />
Email: info@spirol.com<br />
SPRING BOLT AND NUT MFG 61<br />
Turning prints into reality for 20 years!<br />
Bolts, nuts and screws per print. Forging<br />
perfection, machining excellence.<br />
Tel (281) 448-4440<br />
Email: sales@springboltandnut.com<br />
SRC SPECIAL RIVETS CORP. 177<br />
Blind Rivets. Company Rep: Tony DiMaio.<br />
Tel & Fax (978) 521-0277<br />
STAR STAINLESS SCREW CO. 47<br />
Stainless fasteners - Inch, metric, standards,<br />
non-standards, import, domestic.<br />
Tel (630) 595-3440<br />
STELFAST INC. 29<br />
Bolts, nuts, screws, washers, anchors, studs<br />
and more! Service You Deserve, People You<br />
Trust.<br />
Tel (800) 729-9779<br />
Email: sales@stelfast.com<br />
SUNCOR STAINLESS 127<br />
A leading manufacturer of stainless-steel<br />
hardware and components in the industrial,<br />
marine, architectural, commercial,<br />
government and OEM markets. Suncor’s<br />
product line is one of the world’s most<br />
complete and highest quality sources for<br />
stainless steel chain, hardware and custom<br />
parts.<br />
Tel (800) 394-2222<br />
Email: sales@suncorstainless.com<br />
SUPERIOR WASHER & GASKET CORP. 39<br />
The single source supplier for all you washer<br />
and gasket needs. Made in the USA.<br />
Tel (631) 273-8282<br />
Email: swg@superiorwasher.com<br />
T<br />
TAMPER-PRUF SCREW, INC. 167<br />
Leader in Security Screws since 1974.<br />
Tel (562) 531-9340<br />
TORTOISE FASTENER CO. 59<br />
Specialty source for slow moving hex heads.<br />
Stainless, brass, silicon bronze, aluminum,<br />
nickel-copper and alloy 20 hex heads.<br />
Tel (800) 691-8894<br />
TUTTLE MANUFACTURING 199<br />
Anchors, bent bolt specials, spade bolts,<br />
acme threaded bars.<br />
Tel (847) 381-7713<br />
Email: tuttlemfg@gmail.com<br />
U<br />
UC COMPONENTS 175<br />
Clean-Critical Fastener and Seal Solutions.<br />
HV, UHV, Cleanroom Ready Fasteners and<br />
seals in just about any size, material and<br />
finish. RediVac® clean-packaged screws and<br />
O-rings. Custom products and prototypes.<br />
Tel (408) 782-1929<br />
Email: sales@uccomponents.com<br />
UMETA OF AMERICA 59<br />
Supplier of OEM quality grease fittings and guns<br />
Tel (800) 595-5747<br />
Email: usa@mehta.com<br />
UNICORP 109<br />
Manufacturer of electronic hardware,<br />
fasteners and handles since 1971.<br />
Tel (973) 674-1700<br />
Email: sales@unicorpinc.com<br />
V<br />
VIRGINIA FASTENERS 177<br />
Specializing in HDG timber, hex, carriage, lag<br />
bolts, tie rods, nuts and washers.<br />
Tel (800) 368-3430<br />
Email: sales@vafasteners.com<br />
VOLT INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS, INC. 9<br />
US made plastic fasteners, all types & quantities,<br />
custom molding since 1992. Over 100 million<br />
parts in stock with worldwide shipping.<br />
Tel (800) 844-8024<br />
Email: sales@voltplastics.com<br />
W<br />
WESTERN WIRE PRODUCTS 181<br />
Cotter pins, custom wire forms, spring pins,<br />
d-rings, s-hooks, hitch pin clips, hog rings, key<br />
rings, and lock washers. Made in the USA.<br />
Tel (800) 325-3770<br />
Email: sales@westernwireprod.com<br />
WILLIE WASHER MFG. 187<br />
Domestic manufacturer of fender, spring, tab<br />
and flat washers,<br />
Tel (847) 956-1344<br />
Email: sales@williewasher.com<br />
WTC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY SERVICES 53<br />
Providing Fastener Specific Technology Solutions.<br />
When utilizing our full array of services, our partners<br />
benefit having one contact for all things IT.<br />
Tel (877) 604-0282<br />
Email: info@wtcvet.com<br />
X<br />
XL SCREW CORPORATION 107<br />
Importer of standard fasteners - hex cap<br />
screws, bolts, nuts, locknuts, thread forming<br />
screws, sheet metal screws, self-drilling screws,<br />
machine screws, washers and anchors, metrics<br />
and mill shipments. Over 14,000 imported<br />
products in stock. America’s finest quality<br />
imported threaded fasteners since 1968.<br />
Tel (800) 323-7367<br />
Email: xlw@xlscrew.com