SPRING 2024

In the Spring 2024 issue of
6 DISTRIBUTOR NEWS
8 HOW FASTENERS ARE MADE – PART 2:
HOT HEADING AND SCREW MACHINING
Laurence Claus
10 UNTHREADED: PROMPT ENGINEERING 101 FOR
DISTRIBUTORS
Eric Dudas
12 THE FASTENER EXPERTS MENTOR GROUP: I HAVE A
FASTENER QUESTION…WHY DO SO MANY FASTENERS FOR
THE SAME PART HAVE DIFFERENT NAMES?
Your Expert, Rosa Hearn
14 FASTENER SCIENCE: THE ROLE OF CARBON IN STEEL
Rob LaPointe
16 [COVER FEATURE] EUROLINK: THE SOURCING REVOLUTION
– A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE IN PURCHASING
26 WHAT DISTRIBUTORS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOW
FASTENERS ARE TIGHTENED IN MAINTENANCE ASSEMBLIES
Guy Avellon
28 LOCKING FEATURES TO PREVENT ROTATIONAL LOOSENING
Bruno Marbacher
30 EXPEDITE SHIPPING PROCESSES & SAVE:
THE BUSINESS EDGE WITH SHIPENGINE
Dennis Cowhey
32 FASTENER TRAINING WEEK GRADS TAKE LEARNING
BACK TO THE OFFICE
Jo Morris
34 IFI ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF ITS NEW CUTTING-EDGE
WEBSITE
Dan Walker
36 INDUSTRIAL RIVET: THE IMPORTANCE OF PAYING IT
FORWARD FROM A 4TH GENERATION FASTENER COMPANY
38 LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN AT A GLANCE
Chris Donnell
40 MEASUREMENT OF MINIATURE SCREW THREADS
Larry Borowski
42 TWICE THE OUTPUT FROM HALF THE WORKERS
Robert Footlik
44 LABOR DEPARTMENT MOVES TO IMPOSE DRASTIC
CHANGE TO OVERTIME THRESHOLD
Jim Truesdell
46 FINDING & RE-SHARING POSITIVE SOCIAL MEDIA ABOUT
YOUR FASTENER DISTRIBUTOR BRAND
Joe Dysart
48 WANT A THRIVING BUSINESS? FOCUS ON AI AND DATA
CAPABILITIES!
Nelson Valderrama
50 CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF HANS H. KOEHL
52 SMART-CERT® - CERT SEND-OFF:
WHY EMAIL’S REIGN IS OVER
Lonni Kieffer
54 ISSCO CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
56 MATE RIVETS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Michael Eichinger
58 TEXAS A&M OFFERS EDUCATION TO STAFDA MEMBERS
Georgia H. Foley, CEO
60 FASTENER FAIR USA IS HEADING TO CLEVELAND!
60 MFDA HOLIDAY PARTY PHOTOS
62 GROWERMETAL SPA: BRINGING EXPERIENCE TO
THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY
64 DENALI – ALASKA’S TRUSTED SOURCE FOR INDUSTRIAL
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Dennis Cowhey, Computer Insights
66 E-Z LOK HELICAL THREADED INSERTS AND KITS
FOR SOFT METALS
68 SECTION 301 TARIFF REVIEW CONTINUES
Jason Sandefur
70 SPIROL: NEW PRECISION MACHINED COMPRESSION
LIMITERS TO PROTECT PLASIC ASSEMBLIES
72 EVERYTHING IFE 2024 HAS IN STORE FOR ATTENDEES &
EXHIBITORS
72 NNI ANNOUNCES A TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
Laurence Claus

volume 47 // issue #2
74 MWFA EVENTS ROUNDUP AND NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ANNOUNCED FOR 2024
Francesca Lewis
75 SUNCOR STAINLESS: PREMIER MANUFACTURER OF
STAINLESS STEEL HARDWARE & COMPONENTS
76 VOLT INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS 2023/24 EXPANSION UPDATE
79 BARBAROTTO INT’L MACHINERY: YOUR CHOICE FOR NEW
AND USED FASTENER EQUIPMENT
80 NCFA: OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW
Mike Robinson
82 MWFA HOLIDAY PARTY PHOTOS
83 PROSPECT FASTENER: 5 HIDDEN COSTS DISTRIBUTORS
SHOULD ELIMINATE FOR CUSTOMERS
92 PAC-WEST HOLIDAY PARTY PHOTOS
103 UNICORP ADDS RETAINING RINGS AS ROTORCLIP
ROTOREXPRESS PARTNER
105 MWFA EVENTS CALENDAR FOR 2024
Francesca Lewis
109 UC COMPONENTS: CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF
UNPARALLED SERVICE & PARTS QUALITY
116 MWFA PUTT SHACK EVENT PHOTOS
120 NEFDA SCHOLARSHIP
Laura Murphy
125 SFA CELEBRATES 50 YEARS!
Becky Buddenbohn
127 SUBSCRIPTION FORM
134 FASTENER INDUSTRY WEB LINKS
141 CRAIG BEATTY ELECTED YFP PRESIDENT FOR 2024
155 MFDA TOYS FOR TOTS HOLIDAY PARTY
Rob Rundle
168 FROM PRINT TO PARTNERSHIP: THE BLUEPRINT FOR
EFFECTIVE CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT IN FASTENERS
Joe Shoemaker
175 SUMMER 2-SHOW ISSUE – BOOK YOUR AD SPACE TODAY!

6 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
E&T Fasteners, Inc. has been seeing some
major growth over the past few years!
Both East Coast and West
Coast headquarters have
moved into larger facilities
to accommodate the influx
in business. We are excited
about the new changes and
look forward to watching our
business continue to grow. We
appreciate all of our customers,
suppliers, and most of all our
families for sticking by our
sides through all of the highs and lows of growing
a business. “The rewards for dedication are right
around the corner!”
E&T Fasteners offers a complete line of
engineered molded plastic fasteners and machined
metal fasteners.
We take pride in offering exceptional service,
remarkable pricing, and lead
times that can’t be beat. Our
staff has extensive experience
in the plastic fastener and
component industry. Need
technical assistance? We
can help. We’re committed
to being on the cutting edge
of what’s new in the industry
so you’ll never deal with an
inexperienced clerk.
For more information about E&T Fasteners
contact them at 2395 Ogulin Canyon
Rd. Unit H, Clearlake, CA 95422. Tel:
707-995-2955 or visit them online at
www.fastenercomponents.com.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
In a significant move forward, Rotor Clip
Company has recently expanded its operation
by establishing a brand-new logistics distribution
center in Fort Worth, Texas to accommodate
customers in a more centralized location.
Located near key global carriers and
transportation distribution hubs, this newly
established logistics hub allows Rotor Clip to
serve its customers both in the US market and
beyond with unprecedented efficiency.
This expanded warehouse facility not only
bolsters storage capacity but also ensures that
a vast array of Rotor Clip’s retaining rings and
wave springs are readily available for order. This
accessibility to a comprehensive range of topquality
products will provide the marketplace with
products meeting the highest standards of quality
and performance.
“We’re a global company that literally holds the
world together, one ring at a time. We’ll continue
to invest in equipment and facilities to ensure the
expanding global marketplace has access to the
highest quality rings and springs in the world,”
states Craig Slass, Co-President of Rotor Clip.
For more than 65 years, Rotor Clip has
been recognized as an industry leader in the
production of retaining rings, wave springs and
hose clamps. Boasting an impressive legacy of
expertise, with hundreds of years of combined
engineering experience, Rotor Clip maintains a
strong commitment to retaining ring and wave
spring solutions, ensuring companies globally
have access to the right ring or spring for their
unique applications.
Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey at
a vertically integrated manufacturing facility and
engineering office, Rotor Clip has five additional
locations including:
¤ Czech Republic: Manufacturing, Sales,
Engineering, Quality & Customer Service
¤ United Kingdom: Sales, Engineering,
Customer Service & Warehouse
¤ Germany: Sales Engineering & Customer Service
¤ China: Sales, Engineering, Quality,
Customer Service & Warehouse
For more information contact Rotor Clip Company
Inc by Tel: 732-469-7333, Email: info@rotorclip.com
or visit them online at www.rotorclip.com.

8
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Laurence Claus
Laurence Claus is the President of NNi Training and Consulting, Inc. He has 25 years of
experience with a medium sized automotive fastener manufacturer, holding positions
including Vice President of Engineering, General Manager, Director of Quality, Director
of New Business Development and Applications Engineer. In 2012 he formed NNi
offering technical and business training courses as well as technical consulting, expert
witness and consultation work. He can be reached at 847-867-7363 or by email:
Lclaus@NNiTraining.com. You can learn more about NNi at www.NNiTraining.com.
HOW FASTENERS ARE MADE - PART 2
HOT HEADING AND SCREW MACHINING
I recently taught a class to a group of engineers
on Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GDT).
This topic is easily one of the most misunderstood
and problematic topics that fastener manufacturers
and suppliers wrestle with. When I teach this class, I
inevitably comment to participants that we should not be
too surprised that our customers make GDT demands of
us that are often challenging and sometimes impossible,
simply because they do not know any better. They do
not know how fasteners are made and, thus, ask for
requirements that are difficult or impossible for us to
fulfill.
Sadly, our customers are not the only ones guilty
of not knowing about how fasteners are made. It is
quite easy for distributors that only work with finished
parts to not really understand the processes employed
to make them. This is unfortunate since even a basic
understanding of how fasteners are manufactured will
make those selling and interfacing with customers about
fastener products that much more knowledgeable and
helpful.
Most fasteners are formed using a process called
Cold Heading. Part 1 of this series explained why
cold heading is the favored process for fastener
manufacturing. Although cold Heading has a number
of important advantages, the speed, minimal waste,
and ability to form net or near net shape blanks really
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
sets it apart from all other processes used to form
fasteners. As remarkable a process as cold heading is,
what happens when you desire a part larger or longer
than the largest cold heading machines can produce, or
a part made from an exotic material that is difficult to
form at room temperature, or when only a few parts are
needed? In these instances, cold forming may not be the
best answer.
For this reason, discussion on this topic of how
fasteners are made would be incomplete without
looking at the other two common methods of producing
traditional threaded fasteners, hot or warm heading and
screw machining. Part 2 of this series will do just that
and look at the basics of Warm and Hot Heading and
Screw Machining.
Warm And Hot Heading
Everyone knows from some personal experience
that warming certain materials up makes them easier
to work with. Consider a hot glue gun, the glue stick
at room temperature is soft and can be easily bent in
different directions, but ineffective at gluing anything.
It is not until heat is added that the glue becomes soft
enough to function as glue. In a like manner, heat allows
the metals used to make fasteners more formable, and,
thus, becomes a valuable tool in our arsenal pf forming
methods.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 84

10
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Eric Dudas Fully Threaded Radio
Eric Dudas co-founded FCH Sourcing Network in 2006 and launched the industry
renowned Fully Threaded Radio podcast in 2010. With business partner and co-host
Brian Musker, FCH operates its widely used digital inventory marketing platform,
and provides data cleansing and formatting services for fastener distributors across
the industry. FCH also produces the monthly Fastener Distributor Index. Apart from
industry punditry, Eric ponders the deeper existential aspects of life driving a tractor
around his small farm in semi-rural northeast Ohio. eric@fastenersclearinghouse.com
UNTHREADED:
PROMPT ENGINEERING FOR DISTRIBUTORS
Recently, I spent the better part of a day paying close
attention to the AI for Distributors Summit presented by
MDM Distribution Intelligence. It was a virtual conference
offered online and free of charge.
The time was well spent.
It might sound like a snore-fest to some fastener
folks, but one of the highlights for me was the
conversation between Endries International CEO Michael
Knight along with MDM host Mike Hockett. They explored
some of the big picture issues surrounding AI during a
session entitled “Risks and Ethical Considerations of AI
Deployment”.
Admittedly, that’s not everyone’s keg of screws.
And to be fair, I took away the most practical
information from some of the more hands-on sessions.
For example, prompt engineering is an important concept
in the expanding AI lexicon, and I just recently began to
appreciate its significance.
Turns out that vaunted AI guru himself, Sam Altman
suggested young techies should learn English as their
first programming language. He says AI will write all the
code better than they ever could if they can correctly
explain what it needs to do. Mind blowing. Just have a
nice conversation with the computer and everything will
work out fine.
When I first heard that, I thought to myself, “Close
the pod bay door, HAL.”
Setting aside those trepidations, and with the idea
of developing my own chops in the new fine art of AI
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
pseudo-coding, I upgraded to ChatGPT 4 and began the
conversation with AI that I’d been putting off for far too
long.
I mean, this stuff has been out since November of
2022. Ancient history, man. Come on already.
My first attempt at prompt engineering began with
building a simple graphic.
ME: “Imagine Colonel Sanders holding a giant fully
threaded cap screw in a blizzard next to a warehouse
rack filled with boxes of fasteners.”
ChatGPT: “The image depicting the scene you
described is shown below.” (Figure A)
I was impressed.
FIGURE A: “CHATGPT DRAWS A PREDOMINANTLY FASTENER-RELATED
IMAGE BASED ON A VERY SIMPLE PROMPT.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 86

12
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
THE FASTENER EXPERTS MENTOR GROUP consists of about 20 fastener professionals in various
stages of developing and sharing their fastener expertise with the fastener community. They have a virtual
meeting twice a month, under the direction of CARMEN VERTULLO, CFS. The discussion is unplanned but
always informative and technically challenging. Many of the questions that are processed by the experts are
worth sharing, and in the interest of developing their expertise they want to put their answers in writing.
If you have a fastener question or topic that you would like to put to the experts, or if you would like to join
the group contact Carmen at carmenv@carverem.com or 619-204-1543.
I have a fastener question... WHY DO SO MANY
FASTENERS FOR THE SAME PART HAVE DIFFERENT NAMES?
YOUR EXPERT
ROSA
HEARN
Rosa Hearn is the Director of Product Marketing
& Product Manager for Brighton-Best International.
Ms. Hearn holds a BBA degree, CPMM & CGBP
Certification. She is also a Certified Fastener
Specialist. Rosa has over 30 years of experience
in distribution, manufacturing and secondary
processing and has received numerous accolades
through her career.
“What’s in a name?” is a famous quote from William
Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. In Act II, Scene
II, Juliet says, “What’s in a name? That which we call
a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” This
quote suggests that a name is just a label and does
not define the essence of a person or a thing. It is the
qualities of a person or in this case a “fastener thing”
that matters, not the name they are given.
If you were looking for a Phillips Type 1A, does it
matter that most of us call it a Pozi©-drive? Or if you live
in Canada would you know a Robertson Drive is the same
as a Scrulox or a square drive in the USA? Working
in the fastener industry for over 30 years, you learn the
many names fasteners are called both domestically and
internationally. You also learn the difference between
brand names and generic names.
Most of these fastener names have become a
genericized trademark, meaning that it is often used to
refer to all types of commonly used fasteners. However,
the reason why people use brand names instead of its
technical name is not clear. It could be because the
term has become so widely used that it has become
synonymous with that type of fastener.
So, here are some examples of some the most
common names you will run into in this industry, that I
wanted to share with you.
POP Rivets
Blind/Button/Dome/Nail Rivet
MENTOR ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 88

14
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Rob LaPointe EXPEDITE TESTING SERVICE
Rob LaPointe is a noted authority in materials and fastener technology. With extensive experience in the
management and science of materials testing laboratories combined with master’s degrees in physics and
education, he excels at bringing solutions to the client. Working specifically in the fastener testing industry,
he has developed expertise in mechanical, nondestructive, metallurgical and chemical testing. With a
background of 20 years in physics education, Rob is effective at communicating complex ideas in a simple
and understandable manner, communicating well with clients enabling them to make informed decisions
about their products and business. Rob is President/CEO of Expedite Testing Service, 11645 Riverside Drive,
Suite 127, Lakeside, CA 92040. Tel: 619-736-7872, Cell: 909-254-1278 or visit www.expeditetest.com.
FASTENER SCIENCE:
THE ROLE OF CARBON IN STEEL
Very occasionally, I get a fortune cookie with a
meaningful message inside. Most of the time it is
something idyllic or self-affirming that you can choose to
believe about yourself and have a temporary and, most
often, undeserved feel-good moment. A few months
ago, my family and I were getting some Chinese food
while waiting on a car repair and I got this one (Figure
1). “Character is to man what carbon is to steel.” As
we shared our fortune cookie messages, everyone at
the table gasped and said, “you’re joking, it does not
say that.” I have a minor reputation for spoofing fortune
cookie messages. I smiled and responded, “No, this
one’s for real, “as I turned it to show them its message.
Everyone laughed as they thought it was so well targeted
toward my interest in materials science and my passion
for self-improvement. I’ve thought about that message
a few times since then and pondered its insight. It’s
TABLE 1 IRON ALLOYS
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
FIGURE 1 FORTUNE COOKIE MESSAGE
interesting what role carbon plays in steel and how
often I consider carbon’s role in steel while working with
fastener products and the materials with which they’re
made.
Steel is an alloy, meaning it is a mixture of two or more
metals that are combined to provide a more desirable
product with increased durability, flexibility, hardness,
and strength. Steel can be divided into the categories
of low alloy steel and high alloy steel by considering
its alloying elements. Low alloy steel, or carbon steel,
as it’s often called, is an iron-based alloy containing
mostly iron (Fe), with small amounts of
carbon (C) and manganese (Mn), and
even smaller amounts of phosphorous
(P) and sulfur (S). Carbon steel can
be categorized into low, medium, and
high carbon content (Table 1) with castiron
having the most carbon. High alloy
steel has additional alloying elements to
enhance its performance beyond low alloy
steel.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 90

26
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Guy Avellon
Guy Avellon has been in MRO and Fastener Distribution for over 30 years, in such positions Sales
Engineer, Chief Engineer, Manager of Product Marketing, Product Engineering & Quality and
Director of Quality & Engineering. He founded GT Technical Consultants where he performs failure
analysis, lectures on fastener safety, works for law firms and designs/audits Quality systems. He is a
member of SAE, is Vice Chairman of the ASTM F16 Fastener Committee, Chairman of the F16.01 Test
Methods Committee and received the ASTM Award of Merit in 2005. Guy can be contacted at 847-
477-5057, Email: ExpertBoltGuy@gmail.com or visit www.BoltFailure.com.
WHAT DISTRIBUTORS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOW
FASTENERS ARE TIGHTENED IN MAINTENANCE ASSEMBLIES
In a previous article I mentioned that torque was
used by three different industries; production assemblies,
structures and maintenance. All use torque differently.
Maintenance and repair tightening do not always lend
itself to tightening with a torque wrench as all repair jobs
are different and new challenges must be met each time.
In the face of possible failure complaints from customers,
distributors need to know that situations are not always
what they appear to represent. There are several variables
that need to be considered.
Production assembly parts are new and clean.
Fixtures are used to correctly position all of the parts
together. Error proofing electronic wrenches are then used
singularly or in tandem with other drivers to tighten a joint
in unison or sequentially. Structures are also new but the
steel and fasteners commonly sit outside and become
subject to weathering conditions before assembly. Some
forms of tightening control is used depending upon
the type of structure. Maintenance personnel will use
anything that is handy and occasionally observe good
torque practices on critical equipment.
For most manufacturing companies, the maintenance
budget is a large portion of the overall operational
expense. There are motors and pumps, hoses and fittings
that need occasional replacement. However, fasteners
are consumables that are used and replenished for
continual repairs and fasteners represent the bulk of the
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
continuing operational expense.
With maintenance operations, fasteners are a
commodity. They are shoved into cubby bins where many
workmen have access to them at any given time. Handfuls
of product are grabbed and used on the jobsite, while
some excess may be returned. Sometimes, the returned
product is never replaced in the same storage bin and the
product may become mixed.
Mixed product will occur, not only by size but by
strength grades, thread pitch and surface finishes. It has
been found that several different grades and thread pitch
bolts were found in the same bin. Likewise, three different
grades of nuts, all the same size and appearance, have
been found together in the same storage bin. When
the maintenance personnel are in a hurry, these slight
differences will go unnoticed.
In another instance, silver colored metal lock nuts
may become mixed with older stocked yellow colored
metal lock nuts. The yellow color signifying a yellow
iridescent hexavalent chromium post dip on a cadmium
plated lock nut. The silver colored lock nuts would identify
a clear trivalent chromium post dip over zinc.
The significance here is of extreme importance,
especially if both are used in the same connection. The
yellow hexavalent cadmium plated lock nut will have a
much lower coefficient of friction than the silver zinc
plated lock nut.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 94

28
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Bruno Marbacher
Bruno Marbacher earned his mechanical engineering degree in Switzerland, he also holds a
business degree. He started out as a tool and die maker (poly-mechanic) and over the years he
has held various management positions in quality and engineering. During his time in America
he has developed and given numerous seminars on topics related to the proper use of mechanical
fasteners and machine elements, and assists engineers in solving fastening/assembly issues. His
has groomed and directed many young engineers in fastening/assembly technology. He now
offers his 40 years of experience through writing and lecturing.
LOCKING FEATURES TO PREVENT
ROTATIONAL LOOSENING
Dear Reader, the common lock washers have been
covered sufficiently in the previous issue. In this issue
we address highly effective locking elements and locking
feature in more detail. We cover locking features
suitable for property class 8.8 (8), grade 5 and higher,
these locking methods have been subjected to vibration
testing in a junker vibration test machine or similar. the
reason why screws and nuts stay tight.
Vibration Testing
The Junker vibration test — named after Gerhard
Junker, who published the article “New Criteria for Self-
Loosening of Fasteners Under Vibration” in 1969. It has
become the standard for dynamic testing of fasteners
and analysis of their self-loosening behavior.
A modern Junker test bench should comply with
the requirements of ISO 16130, DIN 25201-4 B and
the former DIN 65151 standards. The DIN 25201-4 B
supersedes DIN 65151 and is more rigorous. While the
original DIN 65151 only specified that vibration testing
must be conducted using a Junker Test Bench, the new
DIN 25201 sets out exactly how the testing must be
completed. Evaluation of locking effectiveness result
ought to be based on same parameters.
Other vibration tests are covered by NAS standards,
for metric fasteners is stipulated by NA0009, and the
testing apparatus is established in NAM1312-107. The
standard test method for unified fasteners is stipulated
by NAS3350, and the testing apparatus is established
in NAS3354. Unlike the Junker test, it does not indicate
loss of preload in the joint. If the rotation of the bolt is
less than 1 full turn (360 degrees), the element has
passed the test.
Most companies use the junker test to evaluate
locking effectiveness.
Many of the products mentioned in this article were
originally patented. Patents typically run about 20 years.
After that other companies can produce that product.
However, they must be offered under a different name,
as the trademark is still in effect.
Different Styles Of Ribbed Serrated Lock
Washers
The most frequent cause of self-loosening is the
side sliding of a nut or bolt head relative to the joint
— resulting in related motion occurring in the threads.
Typically, the gradual rotation causes a bolted joint
to lose its preload (the initial fastener tension when
tightened).
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
CONTINUED ON PAGE 96

30
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
COMPUTER INSIGHTS, INC.
108 Third Street, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
TEL 1-800-539-1233 EMAIL sales@ci-inc.com WEB www.ci-inc.com
EXPEDITE SHIPPING PROCESSES & SAVE:
THE BUSINESS EDGE WITH SHIPENGINE by Dennis Cowhey
Are you spending time on multiple
carrier web portals searching to be sure
you deliver your products cost-effectively
and with valid labels? If you are, you
are not alone. Computer Insights, Inc.
has partnered with ShipEngine to
help expedite the processes related
to shipping your products by creating a
seamless integration in The Business
Edge. TM
This connection means you
no longer need a specific computer
to process shipments. Anyone can
process a shipment from within The
Business Edge TM
as part of their typical
workflow.
Multiple Shipping Carriers
The Business Edge TM
with ShipEngine can now
connect directly to FedEx, UPS, and the United States
Post Office for instant access to rates, shipping options,
and package sizes.
Your Rates Or Better
View real-time rates based on what you have
negotiated with each carrier. Enter information only once
to check all carriers, significantly reducing data entry
time. Information on your screen while you enter orders
allows you to choose what is best at the moment based
on shipping cost, time of delivery, carrier capabilities, and
more. This streamlined process will save you time and
money.
With ShipEngine’s built-in savings of up to 40% off
USPS postage and up to 29% off FedEx, you could get
better rates than you already have. You can also charge a
flat fee per package or a percentage markup to the freight
cost when shipping “Prepaid and Add.”
Your frequently used carton sizes can be added to
expedite data entry further and increase the accuracy of
rate quotes. You can declare a value when you want to
insure the package.
Tracking Packages
Carrier tracking information is populated in The
Business Edge TM
when shipping labels are created. You
will know where your package is, when it will arrive, and
when it has arrived with one-click hyperlinks in inquiry
screens and PDF documents. When your customer calls
about a delivery, the answer is only a click away.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 98

32
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Jo Morris Marketing Director, Fastener Training Institute ®
FASTENER TRAINING INSTITUTE ®
1545 N. Columbus Avenue, Glendale, CA 91202
TEL 562-473-5373 FAX 661-449-3232
EMAIL info@fastenertraining.org WEB www.fastenertraining.org
FASTENER TRAINING WEEK GRADS TAKE
LEARNING BACK TO THE OFFICE
Eleonor Maturan and Chase Wertz had the opportunity
to attend Fastener Training Week (FTW) in Chicago last
August, thanks to support and encouragement from their
employer, TR Fastenings (TR). Maturan is an internal
account lead in electronics and has been with TR since
2018. Wertz started in the industry at TR three years ago
and is now an automotive internal sales lead.
“I was all over it,” shared Wertz about his excitement
when management reached out with the offer to attend. “I
wanted to improve myself and improve for the company,”
he added. Maturan was honored when she was selected
by her management team for the FTW opportunity.
Wertz works with his engineering team on a daily
basis for drawings, specifications and materials. After
attending FTW, he feels better connected to engineering
and is more confident technically. “It gave me the chance
to get out from behind the computer and gain hands-on
knowledge,” he said.
Maturan prides herself on making sure her customers
are happy and deliveries are on-time. Her new knowledge
helps guide her when completing sales orders, purchase
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
orders and preparing quotes. “It was really interesting
to see how the parts I sell are made,” she said. The
education about materials, including grades and finishes,
has enabled Maturan to have better dialogue with her
customers. “As a salesperson, the training has helped
me better respond to different kinds of inquiries from both
my existing customers and new customers,” she said.
FTW has benefited Wertz with a better understanding
of the industry, the products he sells, and varying points
of view from engineering, quality and manufacturing. “By
understanding these areas more, it has helped me with
the quoting process so I can help customers select better
products and pricing options,” shared Wertz.
Highlights of the week were plenty, including tours
of manufacturing processes at Semblex and SWD, Inc.
As for classroom instruction and hands-on exercises,
standout topics were materials, parts, specifications,
standards, gaging and tensile strength. “The instructors
were excellent,” said Wertz. Getting to know other
professionals in the industry across the states and in
Mexico was an added bonus they agreed.
CONTINED ON PAGE 100

34
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS INSTITUTE
6363 Oak Tree Boulevard, Independence, OH 44131
TEL 216-241-1482 FAX 216-241-5901 EMAIL info@indfast.org WEB www.indfast.org
IFI ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF ITS NEW
CUTTING EDGE WEBSITE by Dan Walker, Managing Director
The Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI) is pleased to
announce the launch of its new website, a cutting-edge
platform designed to enhance the experience of its
members and visitors.
The website offers a host of benefits, including
enhanced navigation for easy access to a wealth
of information about industrial fasteners, standards,
and industry trends. Additionally, it features a robust
resource library housing a comprehensive collection
of research papers, industry reports, and educational
materials, fostering continuous learning within the
fastener community.
Key Features Of The New Website
Enhanced Navigation: The intuitive design
ensures easy navigation, allowing visitors and members
to effortlessly access a wealth of information about
industrial fasteners, standards, and industry trends.
Members-only resources: Enjoy exclusive
content, tools, and discounts only for IFI members.
Improved online store: Easy access to the
IFI Book of Fastener Standards and the Technology
Connection; two of the most comprehensive tools for
fastener standards in the industry.
IFI Events Calendar: The interactive event
calendar ensures that members and the public stays
informed about upcoming industry events, webinars,
and IFI meetings, allowing seamless registration and
participation directly through the website.
Modern and updated mobile friendly design:
The website is optimized for various devices, ensuring a
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
seamless experience whether accessed on a desktop,
tablet, or mobile device.
IFI is the leading voice representing the interests of
North American manufacturers of mechanical fasteners
and formed parts, as well as the key suppliers to the
industry, fostering their working together to shape the
future of the industry. IFI represents the industry to its
suppliers, customers, the government, and the publicat-large
to advance the competitiveness, products, and
innovative technology of the Member Companies in a
global marketplace.
For more information on the Industrial Fasteners
Institute, membership benefits, or to join the IFI, please
contact Dan Walker, Managing Director, at dwalker@
indfast.org or 216-241-1482. Visit the newly launched
website at www.indfast.org.
INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS INSTITUTE

36
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
INDUSTRIAL RIVET & FASTENER CO.
35 Maple Street, Norwood, NJ 07648
TEL 1-800-BUY-RIVET (1-800-289-7483) EMAIL info@rivet.com WEB www.rivet.com
THE IMPORTANCE OF PAYING IT FORWARD
FROM A 4th GENERATION FASTENER COMPANY
It’s no secret in the industry that Industrial Rivet’s
longevity and ongoing success comes down to its
foundation – and that’s family. Founded in 1912 by
Willie Goodman, the company is now in the hands of
his grandson, Bill Goodman, President, and his greatgrandchildren,
Co-Vice Presidents Steven Sherman and
Taryn Goodman.
Beyond helping steer their family business into
its next century of growth, Steven and Taryn say they
are always mindful of giving back to the industry that
helped shape them. “We grew up in this business,”
says Taryn. “Our first jobs were here – and now we’re in
a position to do whatever we can to make the fastener
industry better, stronger and more inclusive.” That’s
why they’ve both chosen to volunteer their time to two
of the field’s most prominent organizations. Steven is
Chairman of the Technical Committee for the Industrial
Fasteners Institute and serves on the Strategic Planning
Committee in addition to being a member of the Board.
Taryn joined the Board of Women in the Fastener
Industry in 2016 and, after five years as Treasurer, is
today the organization’s President.
Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI)
The IFI is an engineering-oriented association
focused on addressing operational concerns within
the industry and setting industry standards alongside
SAE and ASTM standards, as well as the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO). They also have
a robust government affairs program that influences
legislation through member participation.
Steven says he was initially drawn to the
organization’s technical books. “On the one hand, I am
always looking to quench my thirst for knowledge,” he
explains. “But with my years of experience, I felt I could
also add value and play a key role in affecting positive
change.” Plus, coming from a 4th generation company,
Steven says the transfer of knowledge is one of the
things most important to him. “The IFI brings thought
leaders and engineers together to organize, collaborate
and create content for future generations.” That, he
adds, is the only way to keep the industry moving forward
without having to reinvent the wheel.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 102

38
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Chris Donnell
Chris Donnell is the National Sales Director for Scanwell Logistics International (CHI)
Inc., specializing in Supply Chain Management, Inventory Control, Logistics Sales and
Management. Chris excels at selling the “Solution” to advanced program analysis and
implementation. A highly ambitious and effective team leader who thrives on the challenges
of this industry, Chris currently oversees a National Sales and Partnership Program consisting
of more than 100 Sales executives who focus primarily on SCM and Logistics development in
most vertical markets. Contact Chris at 847-228-6789 or email: chrisdonnell@scanwell.com.
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN AT A GLANCE
By the time you are reading this, the Chinese New
Year festival would have come and gone, people are back
at their desks, and shipping and global trade with the
Pacific Rim ramps back up into full swing. Undoubtedly,
the pressures of moving cargo are ratcheted up as
everyone tries to recoup the previous 7 to 10 days where
cargo was basically at a standstill.
Everyone knows that I try to keep a pulse on the
ever-changing market place. The logistics world changes
rapidly and by the time this publication reaches the
masses, a lot of the things I write about have already
taken place. I need to be on point with my facts and
do my very best with forecasting the future. Having said
that, let’s jump in with both feet.
Ocean Freight
The ocean freight industry is definitely the hardest
hit sector at the moment. Importers are seeing their
lead times almost double. Ocean rates have increased
upwards of 300% and available capacity is still being
restricted via one form or another from the Far East.
Let me break down the many issues, the effects these
issues are having on other transportation sectors, and
what importers / exporters can expect in the coming
months. The issues, while not coordinated, do seem to
benefit the ocean carriers in every way.
Red Sea Shipping – This is the most pressing issue
in the transportation world today. This issue is causing
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
massive service disruptions globally. Lead / transit times
have skyrocketed from 30-34 days to North America to
over 70 depending on the cargo location and whether or
not the vessel is transferring thru a European port and
then continuing its voyage to the United States. With the
additional time on the water comes increased costs to
the carrier. On average, going around South Africa costs
the ocean carrier an additional million dollars per vessel
when factoring in fuel, labor and other administrative
services. Additionally, the costs of insurance for the
vessel and its cargo continue to escalate. Since
November of 2023, the cost of war risk insurance has
increase by almost 2% resulting in an additional 1 to
2 million dollars being assessed to the ocean carrier.
Unfortunately, the ocean carriers aren’t simply absorbing
this cost. It is being factored into every shipment that is
loaded and passed along to the beneficial cargo owner.
Ocean carriers will continue to bypass the Red Sea and
importers should expect the current situation to last for
the foreseeable future, especially for those European
shippers who rely heavily on this routing for their cargo.
The Panama Canal – this canal has suffered with service
disruptions since April of 2023 due to the severe
drought affecting the countries in Central American, in
particular Panama. Water levels of Gatam Lake which
makes up the waterway between the Pacific and Atlantic
Oceans, remains at a historic low but there is a light at
the end of the tunnel.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 104

40
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Larry Borowski President
GREENSLADE & COMPANY INC.
2234 Wenneca Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76102
TEL 817-870-8888 FAX 817-870-9199
EMAIL sales1@greensladeandcompany.com WEB www.greensladeandcompany.com
MEASUREMENT OF MINIATURE SCREW THREADS
Miniature Screw Threads are small screws that are
used in time pieces, optical instruments, electrical meters,
measuring instruments, etc. They are used to fasten very
small parts into delicate assemblies, and therefore are
delicate themselves.
Currently there are no gaging standards for screws
smaller than 1.6mm in diameter. These are commonly
referred to as miniature screw threads, and there are (14)
different diameter/pitch combinations that fall into this
category. These start as small as 03mm diameter. Luckily
there are several standards that do govern the design of
such product threads and give guidance for inspection
as well. It should be noted that all the standards agree
that below 1.0mm diameter these screws do vary from
the common basic form in the area of thread height. The
common basic thread height is derived from the equation
.5412659P, where the miniature screw thread series uses
.4800P to derive thread height. The difference is primarily
related to the tapping process of internal threads and the
likelihood of breaking taps using the larger thread height.
There are (8) different countries that are the custodians
of miniature screw thread standards, as shown in the table
below.
Unfortunately, all these standards do not agree with
each other 100% which makes it difficult to define
universally acceptable gaging. As stated in the BS ISO
1501:2009 standard, there are three main differences
between the above listed standards:
[1] Five of the countries/standards restrict the use
of miniature screw threads with diameters from 1mm to
1.4mm
[2] The tolerances of the USA standards are different
from the tolerances of the other countries. For instance,
USA does not designate different classes of fit.
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
CONTINUED ON PAGE 106

42
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Robert Footlik
Robert B. Footlik, PE is a retired Professional Industrial Engineer. With over 50 years’
experience as a Warehouse and Logistics Consultant to a wide variety of clients including
Fastener Distributors, Bob has a wealth of valuable information for our industry and he is
willing to share it. While Footlik & Associates is now closed, his expertise is still available
to his friends and our readers. For friendly advice, a second opinion or just to start a
conversation, he can be reached at robert@footlik.net.
TWICE THE OUTPUT FROM HALF THE WORKERS
The curse of the engineering mind is that
everything can be redesigned, enhanced and
improved. Nothing can ever be completely perfect.
On a recent visit to a proprietary dietary supplement
manufacturer, their “pop-up pick line” was so inefficient
that the problems were as the saying goes, “Immediately
Obvious To The Most Casual Observer” (IOTTMCO).
People were busy, forklifts were restocking the picking
line, materials were being picked, transported, inspected
and packed at what appeared to be a furious rate.
However, it was just wasted effort, with too many people
accomplishing too little and taking too long to do it.
Mission Statement
The overall objective is to raise large amounts of
cash by selling direct to the existing customer base
while attracting new customers. An analog situation for
a Fastener Distributor would be identifying a limited line
of high grade or aircraft fasteners that are commonly
used by the general aviation industry; racecar developers
and teams; along with similar markets where Grade 5
is never used. Every fastener sold will need to have
a trackable pedigree for batch, lot, heat, secondary
treatment, etc. Maximum Stock Keeping Unit (SKU)
count will be 200 individual items, including pre-packed
kits.
The sale will last for only one week and every order
must be shipped, 100% perfect within 24 hours. Speed,
accuracy and customer satisfaction are the primary
metrics. Timing can coincide with year-end to bolster the
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
bottom line, or March 1 to pay last year’s taxes in full
and on time. IOTTMCO every dollar raised is vital to the
future of the company.
Ergonomics
At first glance, IOTTMCO, someone designed
workbenches for inspectors and packers with a 36” high
roller conveyor to remove the completed orders. That is
frequently the standard for bench top assembly, often
from a seated position. It does not work for packing
simply because a 12” high carton on top of a 36” surface,
with flaps that add 6” to the height required the workers
to contend with a 4’6” working height. For a professional
basketball team that is not a problem, but for the women
who were working in this area, with an average height of
5’ the cartons were too high for comfort, productivity or
safety. Everyone was wearing long sleeves to avoid paper
cuts and tilting the cartons to look inside as they lifted
individual products over the flaps.
There are many solutions for this problem. Some
operations use platforms for the workers to stand on
(not recommended) or just hire taller workers (basketball
teams). A quick fix is to fold down one flap of the carton
and hold it in place with a clothespin or clip. A better
alternative is to simply lower the conveyor, reposition the
bench legs to a higher bolthole, or add a lower table or
side shelf for a 24” to 30” actual working surface. Any
viable solution should incorporate the workers needs
and physical limitations. Define the “context” and design
the workplace for comfort and safety.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 108

44
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Jim Truesdell
James Truesdell is Chairman of Brauer Supply Company, a distributor of specialty
fasteners, insulation, air filtration, and air conditioning with headquarters in St. Louis.
Mr. Truesdell is adjunct professor at Saint Louis University and Webster University.
An attorney and frequently published writer, he is the author of “Total Quality
Management: Reports From the Front Lines”.
LABOR DEPARTMENT MOVES TO IMPOSE DRASTIC
CHANGE TO OVERTIME THRESHOLD
Businesses are mobilizing to forestall a dramatic
increase to the minimum salary an employee must earn to
be classified as exempt from the overtime requirements of
the Fair Labor Standards Act. Those white collar workers
who partner with their employers as managers and
supervisors and who are paid a salary to get the job done
may soon find that if the annual salary they make does
not exceed a target of $1059 per week or about $55,000
annually they will be treated as hourly workers who must
be paid time and half for hours worked in excess of forty
per week. Rather than a gradual and incremental rise
which has taken the threshold to its current minimum
level of $35,568, a proposed regulation published last
Fall will send it skyrocketing up to 55 per cent. After the
DOL declined to extend a 60 day comment period for
the proposal, the agency is now considering submitted
comments and preparing to issue final regulations. It is
no coincidence that this will probably occur just as the
presidential election reaches its climactic stage early this
summer. It will present President Biden the opportunity to
tout it as a promise kept and posture himself as a fighter
for supposedly exploited workers, while making it difficult
for those who fear the sudden impact of the move on
business viability to raise objections without appearing to
be oppressing workers.
Some 240 plus national, state, and local organizations
representing employers of private industry and public,
nonprofit and educational organizations have combined
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
into the Partnership to Protect Workplace Opportunity
(PPWO) to forestall this massive change which they argue
will disrupt industry and slow the development of future
business leaders who are eager to take responsibility within
their organizations and demonstrate their capabilities as
business managers. They risk having their roles revised
as they become classified as hourly workers with rigid
time-keeping requirements imposed. They also face the
possibility of cuts in salary as wages are adjusted by their
employers to balance out anticipated overtime which was
probably already taken into account in assigning salary
levels. By the Agency’s own estimate some 3.6 million
workers will be affected. They will face uncertainty as
companies struggle to decide if their salaries should be
raised to get them above the new threshold, if they should
be reclassified as totally hourly (which might affect their
sense of status and inclusion in management, if their
jobs should be restructured to distribute work functions
differently, or even if the increased costs will cost them
their job through layoffs. One of the PPWO organizations,
the National Retail Federation, contracted with Oxford
Economics to evaluate the proposal and they projected
that the number of workers likely to be affected would
be almost double to 7.2 million. Timing may also be a
factor as PPWO estimates companies might have to begin
reacting as early as May 1, 2024--- certainly a politically
convenient time for those who are proponents of the new
regs.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 112

46
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Joe Dysart
Joe Dysart is an Internet speaker and business consultant based in Thousand Oaks,
California. A journalist for 20 years, his articles have appeared in more than 40
publications, including The New York Times and The Financial Times of London.
During the past decade, his work has focused exclusively on ecommerce.
Telephone: 631-256-6602; web: www.joedysart.com; email: joe@dysartnewsfeatures.com
FINDING & RE-SHARING POSITIVE SOCIAL MEDIA
ABOUT YOUR FASTENER DISTRIBUTION BRAND
Fastener distributors looking for a way to discover,
curate -- and re-share -- all the positive comments that
are surfacing on social media about their brand now
have a solution.
Dubbed ‘User Generated Content Platforms,’ these
services are designed to discover brand-affirming content
on social media about you distributorship, curate it -- and
then re-share it as authentic endorsement from the
people who actually use your products and services.
Says Tressa Robbins, content and social media
manager, Burrelles, a media monitoring company: “UGC
is one of the best ways to cultivate and engage with your
community — and foster brand loyalty.”
Agrees Kyle Wong, chief strategy officer, Emplifi, a
digital marketing firm: “Using social media as a vehicle
to source user-generated content from customers is a
scalable and powerful solution for brands.”
For many fastener distributor marketers, re-sharing
authentic customer endorsements that crop-up on social
media seems like a no-brainer.
But there are also some powerful numbers that
affirm the practice.
A 2023 study from EnTribe, for example, found
that 86% of consumers are more likely to trust a brand
that uses content from actual customers -- rather than
paid influencers (https://www.entribe.com/resource/
the-state-of-ugc-2023).
And the same study found that 83% of consumers
are more likely to buy from a brand that uses UGC
content -- rather than traditional advertising.
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
NEW SERVICES ENABLE YOU TO DISCOVER -- AND RE-SHARE --
POSITIVE SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT ABOUT YOUR BRAND.
Meanwhile, a study from Harris Poll found that 58%
of consumers place a high value on product pictures or
videos from customers who have already purchased the
product or service.
Equally eye-opening: That same 58% said
endorsements from those existing customers were more
important to them than product price, shipping costs or
company return policies.
While some fastener distributors are already
leveraging UGC to some extent by inviting, closely helping
develop -- and then publishing -- video testimonials, UGC
platforms focus more on seeking-out and re-purposing
brand-affirming videos that pop-up on social media
unsolicited.
Many of us have already seen these videos on
YouTube and similar services. Some are impromptu
video reviews by customers that offer the pros and cons
of a product or service. Others are ‘unboxing’ videos that
give the basic facts about what to expect when you buy
a particular product.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 114

The Pacific-West
Fastener Association
is pleased to annouce it’s
upcoming events calendar
for 2024. Save the date for
all of these events so you
don’t miss out!
April 18 - After Hours, San
Diego, CA
May 16 - Spring Dinner
Meeting & Vendor
Showcase, La Mirada, CA
June 20 - After Hours,
Vancouver, BC
September 26 - After
Hours, Denver, CO
October 10 - Fall Dinner
Meeting and Vendor
Showcase, La Mirada, CA
November 7 - After Hours,
Bay Area, CA
December 12 - Holiday
Party, La Mirada, CA
March 12-14, 2025
- Spring Conference &
Tabletop Show, Anaheim, CA
The Pacific-West Fastener
Association was created in
2009, as a unification of
the Los Angeles Fastener
Association and the
Western Association of
Fastener Distributors. It’s
goal is to strengthen their
member companies through
educational opportunities,
alliances, advocacy, and
highly effective relationships.
For more information
about Pac-West and its
activities, contact them at
3020 Old Ranch Parkway
#300, Seal Beach CA 90740,
Tel: 562-799-5509, Fax:
562-684-0695, Email: info@
pac-west.org or visit them
online at www.pac-west.org.

48
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Nelson Valderrama
Nelson Valderrama is the CEO of Intuilize, a software Service platform that specializes
in helping mid-sized distributors transform data into profits. With more than 22 years’
experience as P&L manager executive for major PE firms and industrial distributors.
Nelson has dedicated his career to help business uncover hidden competitive advantages
and unleash the power of data in the new Digital Economy. For more information
contact by email nelson@intuilize.com or visit www.intuilize.com
WANT A THRIVING BUSINESS? FOCUS ON
AI AND DATA CAPABILITIES!
Amazon, Netflix, and Microsoft have pioneered
and exploited the potential of artificial intelligence and
machine learning. But, wholesale distribution has been
slow to embrace this game-changing technology.
No one can put a finger on the date things changed.
We once thought of computers as super calculators. We
enjoyed the distraction of video games and welcomed
access to the global internet. Still, the “average” person
didn’t notice the arrival of artificial intelligence (AI) until
Open AI caught the world’s attention with ChatGPT in
2022-2023.
Now, we have Bard, Claude, Jasper, and other
chatbots ready to generate language, images, and music.
This trend is the tip of the iceberg, but it has launched
a global discussion focused on AI’s potential to replace
human potential. But I’ll leave science fiction to others.
I want to see more wholesale distributors move
forward on their tech journey. They will see growth in
sales, leverage, and profits when they commit to AI’s
data capabilities.
Early Adopters Will Lead
I wish we had more credible research on CEO
attitudes toward adopting AI capabilities, but we can
look at surveys across economic sectors.
¤ KPMG 2023 U.S. Outlook Survey found that 72%
of responding CEOs considered AI “a top investment
priority despite uncertain economic conditions.”
Business leaders see a challenge in “remaining agile
to take advantage of new opportunities and respond to
unforeseen challenges.”
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
¤ An IBM Institute of Business Value (2023) study
of CEO concerns reported that “75% believe competitive
advantage will depend on who has the most advanced
generative AI.” 50% are now integrating generative AI
into products and services, and 43% use it to inform
strategic decisions.
¤ The McKinsey Global Institute (MGI-2018)
addressed AI’s impact on the economy through 2030.
The report emphasized, “The AI revolution is not in its
infancy, but the majority of the economic impact of AI is
yet to come.”
“The AI revolution is not in its infancy, but the majority
of the economic impact of AI is yet to come (MGI).”
The MGI report predicts a significant performance
gap, with early adopters far outperforming those slow to
adopt. The report predicts a 6% increase in cash flow for
early adopters and a 20% decline in cash flow for slow
and non-adopters.
STADTBIBLIOTHEK, STUTTGART, GERMANY
2018 IMAGE FROM UNSPLASH.
The Economist, MIT Sloan, Harvard Business Review,
and the Bipartisan Policy Institute all report on the
advantages of early AI adoption.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 118

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 49

50
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SPIROL INTERNATIONAL CORP.
30 Rock Avenue, Danielson, CT 06239
TEL 1-860-774-8571 EMAIL info@spirol.com WEB www.spirol.com
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF HANS H. KOEHL
December 19, 1934 – November 30, 2023
Hans passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife
Christina, son Jeff, and close friend Russ on November
30, 2023. Born in Stolberg, Germany to the late Herman
Koehl and Maria Altdorf Koehl, Hans immigrated with his
mother, father and two sisters, Gerda and Emmy, to the
United States in 1948 and settled in Woodstock, CT.
Hans quickly mastered the English language and
skipped ahead two grades within his first year at The
Woodstock Academy. After graduating from Killingly
High School in Dayville, CT, Hans went on to earn
his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with
distinction from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in
1956, and his Juris Doctorate from Stanford University
in 1958.
A brilliant engineer and keen businessman, Hans
joined Connecticut Engineering and Manufacturing
Company (now called SPIROL) in 1959 after passing the
bar in both California and Connecticut. Hans was elected
Executive Vice President and Counsel in 1962, and
President in 1965, before becoming Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer in 1969. Under his leadership, the
company was transformed from a small, family-owned
business into a world-renowned manufacturing company
with locations on 4 continents and in 13 countries.
Hans retired from active management of SPIROL
as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in 2004 after
45 years of dedicated service, yet remained a steadfast
leader as Chairman of the Holding Board of Directors and
Managing Director of SPIROL Europe, and as Trustee and
founding member of the SPIROL Charitable Foundation.
In support of his commitment to education and passion
for engineering, Hans spearheaded the establishment
of the SPIROL Scholarship Program which has awarded
over $1 million to local students dedicated to community
service who pursue a degree in engineering, basic
science and manufacturing technology. His unwavering
financial support of local schools funded the expansion
of facilities and the implementation of new programs in
support of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering,
Art and Mathematics) at several local schools of
Northeastern Connecticut.
Firmly dedicated in giving back to the local
community, Hans held several Directorships serving
on the Board of Directors of the CT Bank & Trust, the
Danielson Federal Savings and Loan Association, the
Crystal Water Company, Linemaster Switch (Woodstock,
CT) and Prym Dritz Corp (Spartanburg, SC).
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
CONTINUED ON PAGE 51

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 51
SPIROL CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF HELPING CUSTOMERS THRIVE! from page 50
He served as a Director and Vice President of the
Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce and
served on the Brooklyn Planning and Zoning Commission,
the Brooklyn Board of Finance, the Brooklyn Housing
Authority, and the Capital Expenditure Committee for the
town of Brooklyn. He was a founder, former President
and Trustee of the Danielson Exchange Club, and active
with the Connecticut Business & Industry Association
(CBIA) and local Rotary Club.
Hans was a fierce supporter and contributor to the
Audubon Society, the YMCA, 4H Club, Hole in the Wall
Gang Camp, and Day Kimball Hospital. He remained
an active and valued member of the WPI community
throughout his life. He and his wife Christina also
established the Koehl Merit Scholarship Fund in honor
of his parents who prized education.
In addition to his lifelong and distinguished
achievements, it is his impact on the people in his life
that meant the most to him. Hans was a humble and
inspirational leader, and motivated everyone to always
do their best. He played a critical role in the professional
success and personal happiness of thousands of
people.
Hans was an avid skier, skilled boater, and enjoyed
spending time with family and friends at his home on
Sugarbush Mountain (VT) in the winters and at his
seaside cottage in Southport, Maine, in the summers.
As one who loved to travel the world, over the last few
years, Hans walked the Great Wall of China, cruised
the Mississippi, Rhine and Danube Rivers, went on an
African Safari, and an expedition to Antarctica.
Hans is many things to many people. A second
father, a mentor, a coach and a friend. His incredible
entrepreneurial spirit was an inspiration, his dedication
in giving to our community admirable, and he will live on
in the legacy that he leaves behind.
SPIROL INTERNATIONAL CORP.

52
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ARAMID TECHNOLOGIES
2200 E Williams Field Rd, Ste 200, Gilbert AZ 85295
TEL 480-680-7242 EMAIL info@smartcert.tech WEB www.smartcert.tech
CERT SEND-OFF: WHY EMAIL’S REIGN IS OVER
by Lonni Kieffer, Co-Founder
In today’s hyper-connected world, email would
appear to reign supreme as a communication tool. But
ask around and you’ll hear groans and horror stories
aplenty. Email today is a minefield.
When it comes to exchanging critical documents
like quality certifications, email’s limitations can expose
businesses to significant risks. Sending and receiving
cert packages via email, while seemingly convenient, is
fraught with potential perils.
¤ Size Restrictions - Email attachments have
limited size requirements. This often means having to
send multiple emails after receiving error notifications
that your attachments exceed the size limit in place. Not
only does this create extra steps for you, but it makes
receiving the documents a challenge as well.
¤ Security - Email wasn’t designed with security
in mind. Unencrypted emails are like postcards; anyone
with access can easily intercept and read them. Sensitive
data can be exposed, leading to financial losses,
reputational damage, and even legal consequences.
¤ Verification - Verifying the authenticity and
validity of emails, much less PDFs and cert packages
can be challenging. Phishing scams and documents
embedded with malware are exceedingly tricky and
email offers no inherent tools for validation. This creates
uncertainty and increases risk.
¤ Version Control - Multiple copies of certifications
often float around via email, leading to confusion about
which version is the latest and most accurate. This lack
of version control can result in incorrect information
being used, resulting in potential delays and compliance
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
issues for your teams and customers.
¤ Traceability - Tracking certs and confirming
receipt can be problematic. Email doesn’t provide a
convenient way to confirm whether your customers
received the certs, which may cause extra steps and
potential disputes.
¤ Compliance - Customers may increase security
requirements for the delivery of cert packages to reduce
email risks. IT departments are upgrading authentications,
encryptions, and filtering to offset the increased threats
to their teams. Certified defense contractors and the
DoD have expanded CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity
Model Certification requirements due to the high volume
of attacks geared toward government contractors. This
all means if you are using email to receive and send
certs, you should ensure you are meeting all industry
and customer requirements.
It’s likely you are more than aware of email’s
limitations and challenges and security is a major priority
for all aspects of your business. What you may not be
aware of are the digital alternatives to email for receiving
and sending certs. Networks like SmartCert not only
provide encrypted delivery, but they also centralize certs
on a shared and searchable dashboard, making internal
communication and workflows a breeze.
From automated malware and virus scanning to
secure, cloud-based storage, enhanced visibility and
versioning history, opportunities for upgrades and
improvements to your cert process that conform to
CMMC, FedRAMP and ISO standards are just a click
away.
SMARTCERT BY ARAMID TECHNOLOGIES

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 53
The Fastener Training Institute ® is
pleased to announce Würth Industry North
America (WINA) will continue as sustaining
sponsor in 2024.
FTI is the leading nonprofit provider of
fastener product and technical training with
content-rich and expertly instructed courses.
WINA is a division of Würth Group, the world’s
largest industrial distributor. The partnership
between FTI and WINA is now in its sixth
consecutive year.
The alliance demonstrates the importance
of continuing education and training within
the fastener industry. “Support from Würth
significantly enhances our selection of training
options and enables us to advance our
curriculum, ultimately serving our mission to
keep the industry safe and reliable,” said Jo
Morris, Marketing Director for FTI.
“We are excited to continue our partnership.
FTI’s commitment to quality and robust training
is essential to developing the knowledgeable
and highly skilled fastener experts our industry
needs,” shared Rusty Partch, Director of
Marketing and Communications, WINA.
FTI training offerings, all taught by leading
industry experts, include --
Fastener Training Week: FTI’s esteemed
week-long training includes hands-on exercises,
case-studies, networking opportunities, learning
labs and plant tours to witness all stages of the
manufacturing process.
In-Person Classes: One or two-day classes
covering a variety of topics are held in convenient
locations.
Live Webinars: Learn over lunch and gain
knowledge across various topics in a short
amount of time.
Online Learning Library (OLL): More than 60
on-demand digital training courses are available.
Corporate subscriptions are popular with
large companies desiring to offer continuous
educational opportunities to employees.
On-Site Training: FTI brings customized training
on-site for one or multiple departments or entire
organizations.
The Fastener Training Institute is a nonprofit
organization that provides beginning and advanced
training on fastener products, standards and
specifications. Its core purpose is to enhance
fastener use, reliability and safety with a mission is
to make industry professionals more knowledgeable
about the fastening products they buy, sell, specify
or use.
For more information about FTI and to view the
complete training schedule, please visit their website
at www.fastenertraining.org or contact Jo Morris at
info@fastenertraining.org.

54
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ISSCO, INC.
405 SE Bailey Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
TEL 816-525-8889 FAX 816-525-8790 EMAIL sales@isscoinc.com WEB www.isscoinc.com
ISSCO CELEBRATES ITS 50th ANNIVERSARY
“You gotta minute?” When Joe L. Davis Jr, Chief
Executive Officer of ISSCO, INC. asked you that question,
you knew you weren’t going to be having just a normal
conversation.
Joe L. Davis Jr. began his fastener career with
Kansas City Bolt in 1963. Following seven years in various
roles and after a short stint as an outside salesman for
Bosco Bolt, Nut & Screw Company, Joe and Margaret
Davis decided to start ISSCO, INC., a wholesale fastener
distributor located in Independence, MO. Knowing full
well that customers always have plenty of options when it
came to fasteners, Joe placed the success of his company
squarely on the highest service level possible. ISSCO has
always placed great value on the relationships that it has
with its customers and suppliers, and Joe knew that being
truthful and transparent would help the company continue
to grow. He worked countless hours over his first 20
years, ensuring ISSCO’s continued success and growth.
Joe was determined to have one of the most efficient
warehouses in the Midwest, and his implementation
of a paperless warehouse in the late 1980’s allowed
ISSCO just that opportunity. Joe’s hard work and ISSCO’s
sustained growth allowed the company to expand and
move to its current location in Lee’s Summit, MO. With
over 50,000 square foot of office and warehouse space,
ISSCO continues to service its loyal customers throughout
Kansas and Missouri. Also, as VMI systems became
more popular, ISSCO expanded its reach by opening two
additional warehouses to service several key accounts.
As business continued to develop, Joe recognized
the importance of being able to provide value added
opportunities to his customer base. In 2000, Joe became
a minority owner of Majestic Packaging, a woman-owned
packaging company located in Northwest Missouri. The
addition of Majestic Packaging to ISSCO’s arsenal allowed
business to grow in new ways.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 55

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 55
ISSCO CELEBRATES ITS 50th ANNIVERSARY from page 54
The opportunities to supply bagged parts and hardware
kits, among other items, was the perfect fit as ISSCO
continued to service accounts at exceptionally high levels.
Sensing to build on that momentum, ISSCO was presented
with the opportunity to add a domestic manufacturer to its
circle of companies. On January 1, 2013, ISSCO purchased
BTM Manufacturing, a leading manufacturer of bent wire
and threaded products. With the addition of BTM, ISSCO,
along with Majestic Packaging, was able to fully service all
of its customer base, as well as new customers.
On April 1, 2024, ISSCO celebrates the past 50
years as a family owned fastener distributor. Although Joe
has stepped away from day-to-day operations, he credits
the company’s high level of service, along with product
availability and long term employees for ISSCO’s 50 years
of business. ISSCO is looking forward to celebrating its
50 Year Anniversary on May 4th, with family, friends,
customers and suppliers. It has been a challenging and
most fulfilling ride and we can’t wait to see what lies
ahead for all of us!
ISSCO INC.

56
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
BAY SUPPLY A DIVISION OF BAY FASTENING SYSTEMS
30 Banfi Plaza North, Farmingdale, NY 11735
TEL 516-294-4100 FAX 516-294-3448 EMAIL info@baysupply.com WEB www.baysupply.com
MATE RIVETS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
By Mike Eichinger, COO
Rivets provide a permanent joint between two pieces
of material—for example, airplane skins or solar panels—
by pressing the material together. When you have thinner
materials and want a firm joint, conventional rivets or
blind rivets work well. However, sometimes you need
rivets that have a longer grip length or can serve as a pivot
point. In such cases, it makes sense to use mate rivets,
sometimes called Cherrymate rivets or semi-tubular
rivets.
A mate rivet has a similar design to other rivets. It
has a rivet body, and a mandrel is pulled to install the
rivet. What makes mate rivets different is the tubular
mate used to install the rivet. When installed, the mate
rivet body fits inside the tubular mate piece. When the
mandrel is pulled, the rivet body expands and is secured
inside the mate piece to form the joint.
Mate rivets are often used instead of nuts and bolts
because they are tamperproof and won’t loosen over
time. They are also commonly used where a fastener with
a longer grip range is required.
Applications For Mate Rivets
Mate rivets’ unique design makes them the ideal
fastener when, for example, you want a strong fastening
that can be used as a pivot, such as for playground
equipment. Mate rivets are also used for bathroom
stalls or other assemblies where you want a tamperproof
fastener.
Mate rivets were originally developed by Cherry
Aerospace, which started as the Cherry Rivet Company in
Los Angeles in 1940. Carl Cherry designed the first blind
rivets used in aircraft manufacturing, and the Cherry Mate
Rivet evolved from the original blind rivet design.
What makes mate rivets attractive is their superior
performance. They are tamperproof and vibrationresistant,
so they won’t torque out or loosen up like
threaded fasteners. Hole size is less critical with mate
rivets than other rivets, making drilling and installation
easier. Because the mandrel expands inside the mate
tube while you control the fastener tension, there is no
concern about crushing the material; this is why mate
rivets can be used for leather, clothing, and soft goods.
Mate rivets can also be installed using handheld or power
tools for maximum versatility.
The mate rivet’s tubular design is useful for various
applications, such as ducts, light fixtures, binders,
luggage, leather goods, electronics, and street signs.
Mate rivets also have a smooth finish, which makes them
suitable for applications such as truck trailers, fences,
and livestock pens. They also work well with plastic seats
or PVC pipe because they create a firm, lasting joint
and won’t corrode. Consider using mate rivets for any
application needing a longer, tamperproof fastener.
Installing Mate Rivets
Mate rivets are installed much like any other type
of rivet. The only difference is that the installation must
accommodate the mate piece, which means you need
access to both sides of the material. Start with the tubular
or mate piece and insert it from one side of the material.
Then, insert the rivet into the mate piece. Pull the mandrel
as you would with any rivet, and the mandrel will expand
inside the mate piece to form a secure joint without
crushing the parent material. The joint is finished when
the mandrel is broken off and removed.
TECHNICAL ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 120

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 57
Throughout 2023 All
America Threaded
Products adopted a
“Lean” approach to its
manufacturing and shipping
processes. A significant
investment in plant
improvements, equipment,
and increased staffing levels
has resulted in a far more
streamlined production and
process flow for 2024.
On-Time Shipments - The
production and shipping
process improvements
have allowed AATP to target
an On-Time Shipping (OTS)
level of 98% in 2024. At a
95% OTS level, AATP ships
fastener products from
Lancaster, PA and Denver,
CO. These strategically
located facilities make them
more agile and responsive
to shipments nationwide
and to Canada.
With well over half a
century of Fastener Industry
experience, the AATP
Sales team has intimate
knowledge of our product
portfolio and customer
base. They offer a level of
customer service that is
second to none.
Investments in New
Technology - In the second
half of 2023, they took
delivery of their first
Robotic production cell for
chamfering and stamping
Rods and Studs, as well
as new, state-of-the-art
threading machines.
Their ownership group is
committed to continuing
to invest in our US
manufacturing facilities
as we strive to become
the “best in the industry.”
Why All America
Threaded Products? -
All America Threaded
Products is one of the
leading manufacturers
and distributors of
Threaded Rod products,
Anchor Bolts, and U-Bolts.
Their Sales, Production
and Shipping teams are
dedicated to getting their
customers the products
they need on time, every
time.
They stock a wide range
of materials and will produce
either standard rods or
special parts quickly and
efficiently. The vast majority
of our products are made in
the U.S.A. Their continued
growth is based upon
repeat business, satisfied
customers who support high
quality domestic threaded
products and respect what
they stand for and what they
deliver.
For more information
contact All America Threaded
Products at 731 Martha
Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601.
Tel: 1-800-354-3330, email
them at: sales@aatprod.
com or visit them online at
www.aatprod.com.

58
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SPECIALTY TOOLS & FASTENERS DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
PO Box 44, 500 Elm Grove Rd., Ste. 2I0, Elm Grove, Wl 53122
TEL 1-800-352-2981 EMAIL info@stafda.org WEB www.stafda.org
TEXAS A&M OFFERS EDUCATION TO
STAFDA MEMBERS by Georgia H. Foley, CEO
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, one of
schools that regularly participates in the Specialty Tools
& Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) Convention
& Trade Show each year by bringing students, is returning
the partnership by offering STAFDA members two unique
educational opportunities.
Texas A&M is setting up five scholarships and working
with different channel organizations/associations to get a
mix of industries represented by offering one scholarship
per channel. The University has selected STAFDA to
represent the construction/industrial sector.
A STAFDA distributor has the ability to receive a
$5,000 scholarship to earn their Master of Industrial
Distribution (MID) from Texas A&M University, one of the
Top 10 Colleges of Engineering in the U.S. Scholarship
applications will be submitted to Texas A&M whose faculty
will select the STAFDA distributor to receive the scholarship.
The recipient will be recognized during STAFDA’s General
Session in Nashville, November 11, 2024.
The MID program is a 21-month, online curriculum
and designed for working professionals who are emerging
leaders. Requirements are that the participant have at
least three – five years of experience and considered by
their company to have high potential for management.
Students currently enrolled in the MID program average 12
years of experience, but the range is from 3-20 years. The
candidate must apply and be admitted to the MID program
by June for an August start date.
For the first year, classes include: The Science
of Distribution; the Digital Distributor; the Distribution
Customer Experience; and Distribution Profitability
Analysis. Second year coursework focuses on: Distribution
Operational Excellence; Distribution Growth, Models &
Drivers; Distribution Capstone Project Part 1; Leading
People and Managing Performance; Distribution Channel
SHOW EVENT ARTICLE
Development; and Distribution Capstone Project Part 2.
The Capstone Project involves transformational
problem identification, steering committee presentation,
data collection/analysis, and ROI calculation.
Job titles of those currently enrolled in the MID
program include: regional manager, sales manager; district
manager; branch manager; outside sales; independent rep
agent; operations manager; inventory coordinator; COO;
CFO; CEO; vice president; and more!
Texas A&M reports 50% of those students earning
their MID saw a pay increase of 20% and 81% received
a promotion while in the program or within three years of
graduation.
Interested? Please visit, mid.tamu.edu, to learn more
about the MID program.
In addition, Texas A&M is allowing STAFDA to share
their “Talent Matters” micro-learning email series with
members. Sent each Wednesday, STAFDA members
will receive Texas A&M’s quick 3-4 minute read on
actionable insights and strategies to implement into
members’ talent recruitment and retention efforts. The
University has interviewed individuals in all aspects of
industrial distribution, from human resources to business
administration, to executive vice presidents and talent
acquisition, to provide members with fresh, new, and
engaging content each week.
February’s content focuses on “Recruitment: Digital
and Social” while March will concentrate on “Onboarding:
New Hires & Managers.” Other topics for the year include:
“People Metrics”; “Upskilling: Soft Skills Development”;
and “Recognition & Rewards.”
For a list of all themes for 2024, please visit www.tx.ag/
TalentMatters. For more information on these programs or
STAFDA membership, please visit www.stafda.org or Tel:
1-800-352-2981.
SPECIALTY TOOLS & FASTENERS DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION

60
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
FASTENER FAIR USA IS HEADING TO CLEVELAND!
Mark your calendars and join us at Fastener your business.
Fair USA 2024 – where innovation meets opportunity, May 21: Pre-Show Fastener Fair Conference
and connections fuel success. The industry will be featuring an exciting new lineup of educational sessions
reconnecting in Cleveland, Ohio this May at the presented by industry experts.
Huntington Convention Center, and it’s gearing up to be May 22-23: Explore hundreds of exhibitors offering
the strongest edition yet.
a variety of products and services.
Fastener Fair USA isn’t just a tradeshow; it’s May 22: Join us at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for
a gateway to unparalleled opportunities for growth, the much-anticipated Opening Night Networking Party!
learning, and collaboration covering every facet of the Enjoy live music, open bar, appetizers, and a tour of the
market. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or museum exhibits.
a just starting your career, Fastener Fair USA offers a Register now at fastenerfairusa24.com/LINKMAG and
dynamic platform to stay ahead of the curve, connect secure your place at the forefront of fastening technology
with industry influencers, and unlock the full potential of and solutions!
SHOW EVENT ARTICLE
FASTENER FAIR USA
MFDA HOLIDAY PARTY & TOYS FOR TOTS COLLECTION
MAYWOOD, NJ - DECEMBER, 2023

62
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
GROWERMETAL SPA
Via Nazionale 3, 23885 Calco (LC), Italy
TEL +39 039 9535300 FAX +39 039 9535400 EMAIL info@growermetal.com WEB www.growermetal.com
BRINGING EXPERIENCE TO
THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY
In the aviation sector, reliability, safety and
precision are not only recommended, but essential.
High vibrations and extreme environmental conditions
characterize aerospace applications, so compliance
to high standards and international certifications are
paramount even when talking about the smallest detail.
From this point of view, Growermetal SpA has kept
in step with the times, paying particular attention to the
evolving needs of this demanding industry. A focus that
reflects both in the variety of washer solutions and parts
and in the company’s commitment to conformity.
Among the latest milestones, in 2021 the Italian
washer manufacturer has obtained the AS/EN 9100
certification for quality management system according to
the aerospace specifications. A goal made possible by
the constant investments in research and development,
that definitely opened the way to aerospace and defense
markets.
Thanks to this achievement and to 70-year-long
expertise gained by the manufacturer in the fastener
industry, today Growermetal’s engineers offer flat washers,
spring washers and safety washers according to aerospace
standards (such as the MS – Military Standard and the NAS
– National Aerospace Standard), and also special stamped
parts according to customer’s requirements.
These products are available in a variety of raw
materials, which include iron, carbon steel, aluminum,
titanium, Inconel, brass, copper, bronze, stainless
steel and CRES materials, and with many surface
treatments. From this point of view, Growermetal’s
management system sets the company apart thanks
to the combination of designs, treatments, coatings
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
and quality testing, all carried out in-house. In this way,
customers can choose between electrolytic zinc plating,
cadmium plating, passivation, anodization, black oxide,
mechanical zinc plating and phosphating, all available on
Growermetal’s washer range.
In addition, advanced monitoring technologies and
comprehensive inspection of every part produced allow
preventing any possible faults in production and ensuring
flawless performance during application. Whenever it
comes to transparency, the company also provides
the customer with all technical and quality assurance
documentation required by the supply chain of the
aerospace industry.
Shifting the focus to recent partnerships, in 2023
the company’s approach has led to the joining of the
Lombardia Aerospace Cluster: a network that involves
more than 100 local and international companies,
universities, research centers and many other realities
with the aim of creating value, innovation and competitive
growth for the aerospace industry.
Moreover, the focus on aviation and space innovation
is clear if one thinks about Growermetal’s adhesion to
important trade fairs. After participating in Hai Heli-Expo
in Anaheim and the Aerospace & Defense Supplier
Summit in Seattle, 2024 will bring the Italian fastener to
some of the most important international events.
The next stops will include MROS Americas (9-11
April), the Aerospace & Defense Meetings Sevilla (14-16
May) Farnborough International Airshow (22-26 July) and
finally AEROMART 2024 (3-5 December). A rich agenda
that fully expresses Growermetal commitment to its
aerospace and defense customers.
GROWERMETAL

64
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
DENALI INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY
1499 Van Horn Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701 TEL 907-452-4524
4901 Fairbanks Street, Anchorage, AK 99503 TEL 907-770-1274
TOLL-FREE 1-800-478-2658 EMAIL sales@denali-industrial.com WEB www.denali-industrial.com
ALASKA’S TRUSTED SOURCE FOR INDUSTRIAL
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT by Dennis Cowhey, President, Computer Insights
Serving Alaska’s Industries for Over 35 Years
with Premium Products and Exceptional Service.
In Alaska’s rugged and unforgiving landscape,
industries demand tools and equipment that can
withstand extreme conditions. Denali Industrial Supply,
Inc., with over 35 years of experience, has emerged
as Alaska’s principal provider of top-quality industrial
tools, fasteners, and accessories. Founded in 1986 by
Gary Swoffer and Bo Kilbourn, Denali has grown into
a multimillion-dollar operation committed to providing
premium products at competitive prices.
Commitment To Quality And Service
Denali Industrial Supply takes pride in offering a
vast array of industrial products from renowned brands
such as Milwaukee, Makita, DeWalt, Titan, RAD Torque
Systems, and more. With locations in Anchorage and
Fairbanks, spanning over 40,000 square feet, Denali
serves as a crucial resource for diverse industries
across Alaska.
People Make A Difference
At Denali Industrial Supply, we have the ideology
that our organization is defined by its people. People are
our most important asset, and prioritizing training and
mentoring them to grow and find success is of utmost
importance. Our sales team holds weekly meetings to
stay abreast of new products and technology to serve
our valued customers better. We are a firm believer
in hiring veterans whose experiences in the military
enhance our organization, and we have several veteran
employees.
Locations And Services
Denali has strategically placed store locations
in Anchorage and Fairbanks, ensuring accessibility
to customers throughout the state. Additionally, the
company extends its services to the North Slope
Community and Bush Regions, providing essential tools,
fasteners, and accessories to meet the unique needs of
these remote areas.
Denali’s Product Lines
The comprehensive range of products Denali
Industrial Supply offers includes fasteners, safety
equipment, abrasives, tools and accessories, strut and
accessories, paint, firestop, and electrical supplies. This
extensive inventory allows Denali to cater to various
industries, including mining, HVAC, oil and gas extraction,
construction, property maintenance, and auto repair.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
CONTINUED ON PAGE 122

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 65

66
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
E-Z LOK
240 E. Rosecrans Ave, Gardena, CA 90248
TEL 1-800-234-5613 EMAIL sales@ezlok.com WEB www.ezlok.com
E-Z LOK HELICAL THREAD INSERTS AND
KITS FOR SOFT METALS
E-Z Lok, a leading manufacturer and master
distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and
wood now offers E-Z Coil and thread repair kits.
Wire or helical coil threaded inserts quickly repair
or reinforce tapped holes in soft metals. Made from
18-8 stainless steel wire, these helical coil inserts are
corrosion resistant and can withstand temperatures up
to 800°F. Furthermore, they offer corrosion resistance
and protection from wearing and stripping.
E-Z Coil helical insert coils are manufactured by
forming the stainless steel wire into a diamond shape
and then winding it into a spring. Prior to installation,
the insert diameters are larger than the tapped hole.
During installation, the insert diameter of the helical coil
insert is reduced, allowing the insert to thread into the
hole. Once properly installed, the radial pressure of the
released insert holds the insert firmly in place.
Thread Repair kits are available in both standard
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
and economy, and in a variety of sizes. Each Economy
E-Z Coil Thread Repair kit includes a set of inserts, an
STI tap, and an installation tool. The standard kit also
includes a tang break tool and drill bit.
CAD files on this product can be downloaded in over
100 file formats from the E-Z Lok website at www.ezlok.
com/cad-downloads.
E-Z Lok is a leading manufacturer and master
distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and
wood. Inserts for metal include solid wall and helical
wire-thread inserts, while inserts for plastic feature
press-in and ultrasonic/heat stake designs. Those for
wood are die cast zinc alloy hex drives for soft wood and
brass knife threads for hard wood. A variety of kits for
the above inserts are available and feature installation
tools, drill bits, etc.
E-Z Lok is a third-generation family owned and
operated company. Founded in 1956, it primarily
sells through local, regional, and national industrial
distributors.
EZ-LOK

68
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
GLOBALFASTENERNEWS.COM
by JASON SANDEFUR
www.globalfastenernews.com
SECTION 301 TARIFF REVIEW CONTINUES
The Biden administration is
nearing the end of a lengthy review on
whether to adjust or extend Section
301 tariffs on a variety of goods and
materials from China.
The tariffs, imposed in 2018 under
the Trump administration, set levies
on nearly $400 billion in Chinese
products.
The tariffs include 25% duties
on bolts, screws and other fasteners
(HTS subheadings 7318.11.00
to 7318.29.00) manufactured in China and 15% on
all Chinese iron and steel nuts (HTS subheading
7318.16.00).
In May 2022, the Office of the U.S. Trade
Representative initiated a legally-required four-year
review of the Section 301 tariffs that focused on tariff
efficacy in changing Chinese discriminatory practices
and the impact of the tariffs on the U.S. economy,
workers and consumers, among other considerations.
More than 18 months later, the review remains
unfinished, which the National Association of
Manufacturers finds concerning.
NAM is urging USTR to finish and publish it—and to
take actions that “reduce the burdens on manufacturers
while maintaining appropriate leverage to incentivize
China” to adhere to its commitments.
“Ideally, USTR will conclude the four-year review in
the next few weeks and make the results public,” said
NAM Senior Director of International Policy Ali Aafedt.
“We would like to see the results reflect the 1,498
public submissions USTR received during the process
and the reduction or removal of some of the tariffs that
are harming manufacturers in the U.S. more than they’re
creating leverage on China.”
Currently there are 429 existing exclusions from the
tariffs—including 77 COVID-19-related products and 352
reinstated exclusions—which are in effect through May
31.
NAM has also been pushing for a new process that
allows manufacturers to ask the government to exclude
specific products they need from the tariffs.
“The last opportunity to petition USTR for relief from
Section 301 tariffs was in 2020, and a new exclusion
process will help to better align the tariffs with U.S.
economic goals,” said Aafedt.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 124

Star Stainless, a leading wholesale distributor
of high-quality stainless steel products, today
announced its partnership with SmartCert, the
platform built for cert management. Through
this collaboration, Star Stainless will leverage
SmartCert’s network to send certs to its customers
electronically, streamlining the delivery process and
eliminating the potential for missing paperwork.
“We are excited to partner with SmartCert to provide
a more efficient and convenient experience for our
customers,” said Tim Roberto, Division President
of Star Stainless. “By transitioning to SmartCert,
we can eliminate the time and hassle of chasing
paperwork. This will not only improve our customer
service but also free up our internal resources to
focus on other important areas of our business.”
SmartCert’s platform offers a secure and easy-touse
solution for sending, receiving, and managing
digital certificates. Customers can access their
certificates anytime, anywhere, from any device
and receive free, unlimited secure storage. “We
are thrilled to welcome Star Stainless to the
SmartCert network,” said Lonni Kieffer, co-founder
of SmartCert. “Over 1200 companies have already
chosen SmartCert to eliminate paperwork hassles,
reduce costs, and create more time for the work
that drives their businesses forward. We are
confident that Star Stainless will experience the
same benefits and look forward to helping them
achieve their business goals.”
Star Stainless, a division of Lindfast Solutions
Group, is a leading wholesale distributor of highquality
stainless steel products. The company
offers a wide range of products, including bolts,
nuts, washers, pins, screws, socket products,
hose clamps, rivets, and rod for a variety of
industries. Star Stainless is committed to providing
its customers with the highest quality products
and services.
SmartCert is the only network built for certs.
The company’s platform helps businesses large
and small receive, process, organize and send
required documentation. SmartCert is used by
over 1200 companies in more than a dozen
industries.
For more information about Star Stainless visit
them online at www.starstainless.com.
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 69

70
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SPIROL INTERNATIONAL CORP.
30 Rock Avenue, Danielson, CT 06239
TEL 1-860-774-8571 FAX 1-860-774-2048 EMAIL info@spirol.com WEB www.spirol.com
NEW PRECISION MACHINED COMPRESSION LIMITERS
TO PROTECT PLASTIC ASSEMBLIES
SPIROL introduces the new Series CL6000 lightweight,
lead-free, Aluminum Precision Machined Compression
Limiters. Compression Limiters are designed to reinforce
high stress joints in plastic assemblies where bolts
are used to connect two components to each other.
They protect the plastic from excessive compression
by absorbing the load when the bolt is tightened to
the recommended tightening torque. This ensures the
durability and reliability of the joint throughout the
product’s lifespan.
The CL6000 is machined from 2024 grade aluminum
which provides the best combination of strength,
corrosion resistance, machineability and cost. The
CL6000 aluminum Compression Limiters are 40%
stronger and 1/3 the weight of the same Compression
Limiter manufactured from brass.
For applications that require extra bearing surface for
the mating component, the CL6100 Headed Compression
Limiter has all of the same features of the CL6000,
with the addition of a head. In addition, for applications
that require a galvanic alternative to aluminum, SPIROL
is simultaneously launching the new CL8000 brass
precision machined Compression Limiters, as well as the
CL8100 headed brass version.
SPIROL offers several different standard types
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
of Compression Limiters to meet specific application
requirements and assembly methods. The current Series
CL600 & CL800 lines of machined Compression Limiters
are being replaced with the enhanced CL6000 and
CL8000 based on the following benefits:
Precision: Enhanced control of critical features and
better geometric dimensioning and tolerancing make this
series ideal for highly automated or molded-in assembly
processes.
Retention: Superior knurl formation and control result
in more consistent and robust retention performance in
post-mold assembly processes.
Product Range: Larger selection of standard
products to meet expansive application requirements and
preferences.
The new standard Precision Machined Compression
Limiters are available in a wide range of standard sizes, in
both aluminum and brass, and in headed and non-headed
configurations.
The function and total overall cost of the assembly
vary drastically based on the type of Compression Limiter
used in the application. SPIROL’s Engineering team
will help determine the most appropriate Compression
Limiter based on the specific application and assembly
requirements.
SPIROL INTERNATIONAL CORP.

72
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
EMAIL info@fastenershows.com
WEB www.fastenershows.com
EVERYTHING IFE 2024 HAS IN STORE FOR ATTENDEES & EXHIBITORS
The International Fastener Expo is gearing up for
their 2024 show this September 9-11 at Mandalay Bay
Convention Center, Halls B & C, in Las Vegas, NV. Each
year, thousands of attendees from 30+ countries attend
IFE to network and do business with hundreds of suppliers
showcasing every type of fastener for several industries
including construction, aerospace, military, and automotive.
The size, scope, and diversification of the show makes it a
go-to event for every stage of the supply chain.
This year, attendees can expect a new lineup of
educational programming, including FTI’s full-day class,
and both new and returning suppliers that are bringing
exciting products, activations, and demos to the Expo
Hall. Additionally, attendees will be able to connect with
the industry by attending networking events, like the
annual Golf Tournament, Welcome Reception, and Hall of
Fame and Young Fastener Professional of the Year Award
Ceremony at the 2024 event.
SHOW EVENT ARTICLE
“We are eagerly anticipating the 2024 International
Fastener Expo, an event that brings together the very best
of our industry,” says Show Director, Morgan Wilson. “Get
ready for an Expo filled with groundbreaking advancements,
valuable connections, and endless inspiration! The Expo Hall
will showcase over 600 companies and is expected to be an
increase in total space compared to last year’s show.”
The education program has also grown remarkably in
recent years, including the addition of Fireside Chats which
are steered by interactive conversations in a more intimate
setting in the IFE Lounge. “As the industry is changing and
advancing in ways that are new to us all, we are talking
about everything from technology, workforce challenges,
supply chain disruptions, new business practices, and so
much more. We are diligently working to ensure essential
discussions are happening at IFE,” Morgan shares.
For more information and registration updates, please
visit www.fastenershows.com.
INTERNATIONAL FASTENER EXPO
NNi TRAINING & CONSULTING
Laurence Claus EMAIL lclaus@nnitraining.com WEB www.nnitraining.com
NNi ANNOUNCES A TRAINING OPPORTUNITY by Laurence Claus
On April 23-25 2024, Matrix Engineering Consultants
and NNi Training and Consulting Inc. will be conducting
Fundamentals of Threaded Fastener and Joint Design
training session.
The course will provide participants with an in-depth
explanation of fastener terminology, technology, and
threaded fastener joint design calculations and strategies.
Participants may choose to attend in-person or via a
live on-line stream. The course will be conducted from the
training facilities of Matrix Engineering Consultants, 12986
Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344.
The course will be taught be Laurence Claus, President
of NNi Training and Consulting Inc. and Jon Ness P.E.,
Principle Engineer of Matrix Engineering Consultants. Mr.
Claus has over 35 years of fastener industry experience,
in addition to his duties at NNi Training and Consulting he
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
serves in leadership roles in the fastener committee’s of
SAE, ASTM, and ASME. Mr. Ness is a licensed professional
engineer with over 32 years of engineering and design
experience related to the development of on and off-road
vehicles. He has technical expertise in the design and
validation of bolted joints and has led multiple root cause
investigations of bolted joint failures.
This class is an excellent choice for any engineer or
technical individual interested in or responsible for bolted
joint connections. It is especially applicable to designers
and professional engineers seeking to know more about
fastener technology and bolted joint design.
Participants can earn up to 24 Professional Development
Hours with this course. For more information or to register
go to www.matrixengrg.com/classes/fundamentalsof-threaded-fasteners-and-joint-design.
NNI TRAINING & CONSULTING

74
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION
PO Box 255, Park Ridge, IL 60068
TEL 847-438-8338 EMAIL mwfa@mwfa.net WEB www.mwfa.net
MWFA EVENTS ROUNDUP AND NEW BOARD OF
DIRECTORS ANNOUNCED FOR 2024 by Francesca Lewis
MWFA Holiday Party 2023
The Midwest Fastener Association celebrated its
annual Holiday Party on December 14th at Medinah
Banquets in Addison, IL. Alongside spreading holiday
cheer, the event aimed to give back to the community,
raising over $1,500 in cash donations and collecting a
truckload of toys for Toys for Tots Charity. Attendees
enjoyed visits with Santa, casino games, and a chance
to win prizes generously donated by sponsors, including
AirPods and VIP Bulls tickets. The evening also honored
Nancy Rich for her remarkable 40 years of service, with a
heartfelt tribute from the Board of Directors. Additionally,
Cory Wing and Michelle Curry joined the Board, while
farewells were bid to Steve Urhausen and Tabitha
Herbst. The event showcased the MWFA’s commitment
to community impact and camaraderie, making it more
than just a typical holiday party but a heartwarming
celebration of generosity and recognition.
MWFA Joint Meeting with NASF-CMC
The MWFA kicked off 2024 with its premier event
of the year. Joining forces with the National Association
of Surface Finishers- Chicago Metro chapter, this annual
meeting proved to be nothing short of exceptional. The
evening started with a fun networking cocktail hour,
followed by an amazing presentation from Thomas
Walstrum, a senior business economist at the Chicago
Federal Reserve. Walstrum’s economic update provided
guests with valuable insights into navigating financial
landscapes and understanding the dynamics shaping
today’s markets. From discussions on inflationary
pressures to analyses of emerging market opportunities,
attendees gained a deeper understanding of the forces
driving economic shifts.
Following the presentation, guests continued to
mingle over drinks, appetizers, and a fun round of
mini golf, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and
excitement. It was truly an unforgettable evening for all
who attended.
MWFA Announces 2024 Board of Directors
President Jake Davis - BTM Manufacturing
Vice President Jill Lewis - Integrated Packaging
Treasurer George Hunt III - Brighton-Best Intl.
Secretary Bobby Wegner - Beacon Fasteners
Directors Bob Baer - Abbott Interfast LLC
Glen Brin - Innovative Components Inc.
Matt Delawder - SWD Inc.
David Gawlik - Stelfast Inc.
Cory Wing - Wing-Hamlin Co., Inc.
Alternates Rich Cavoto - Metric & Multistandard
Michelle Curry - Sems and Specials Inc
Jen Kushnir - Stelfast Inc.
Wayne Wishnew - XL Screw Corporation
Exececutive Director Francesca Lewis
MWFA Welcomes New Members
¤ 10X ERP - Houston, TX
¤ Fastener Solutions Group - Salem, OH
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 75
PREMIER MANUFACTURER OF STAINLESS STEEL HARDWARE & COMPONENTS
With modern facilities nationally and worldwide,
Suncor’s ever-expanding product line has become one of
the world’s most complete and highest
quality sources for stainless steel
chain, hardware, and custom parts.
From stainless steel rigging hardware
to marine grade fittings, our stainless
steel products will meet and exceed
your expectations. Suncor is one of the
only manufacturers in the United States
to specialize in manufacturing stainless
steel chain and hardware, continuing the
rich history of “Made in USA” at Suncor
Stainless.
Suncor Stainless serves as a one-stop-shop for all your
stainless-steel needs. We offer a variety of value-added
services as well as custom manufacturing.
Our services include Custom Stainless Steel
Manufacturing, Product Testing and Quality Assurance,
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
SUNCOR STAINLESS, INC.
70 Armstrong Road, Plymouth, MA 02360 TEL: 1-800-394-2222
EMAIL sales@suncorstainless.com WEB www.suncorstainless.com
Strength Testing, Custom Stainless Steel Chain Assemblies,
Corrosion Resistance Testing, Metal Content Testing,
Custom Webbing, Custom Threading,
Machine Swaging and Retail Packaging.
The Suncor team can work with
you to design and fabricate virtually any
stainless steel custom product needs.
We can create something from the ground
up or modify one of our existing items to
fit your needs. Not sure if we can do it?
Ask!
We’re proud to say Suncor Stainless
offers the most complete selection of
the highest quality. Our products are backed by a staff
of knowledgeable experts that have been in the stainless
steel industry for decades. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified
company, you can trust that all Suncor products and
services will consistently meet customer and regulatory
requirements.
SUNCOR STAINLESS

76
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
VOLT INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS
700 Hwy 202 West, Yellville AR 72687
TEL 800-844-8024 EMAIL service@voltplastics.com WEB www.voltplastics.com
VOLT INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS 2023/24 EXPANSION
Volt Industrial Plastics, Inc. located in Yellville,
Arkansas has raised the bar yet again. They have
recently completed a very important part of their new
36,000 square foot expansion, giving them a total of
just over 100,000 square feet of total operating space.
10,000 square feet of the new addition is primarily for
their CNC/Tool Room, and will provide the much needed
room they have desperately needed for years. This new
space will enable them to add more new and exciting
products like the Heavy-Duty Cable Clamps which will be
completed later this year!
The architects and engineers that designed this new
expanded space did it in such a way that allows Volt to
grow, but continue to remain efficient. Moving forward,
Volt has always prided themselves on keeping up with
technology and will continue to do so. The new CNC/Tool
Room space is and will continue to be housed with the
most up to date equipment so that they can continue
making customer-driven tools with a quick turnaround.
Making the tooling is the first very important step in
getting the product out the door and to their customers.
Since Volt’s inception in 1992 they have had
continuous growth, and several expansions along the
way. The Tool Room is where the company’s founder, Joe
Volltrauer began his career in the fastener industry many
years ago. In 1952 Joe came to the United States from
Vienna, Austria. Along with his few worldly possessions,
he brought with him the European (German) work
ethic that provided the foundation for the business
that he eventually launched through becoming a tool
and die maker himself in Chicago, Illinois. In 1973,
he started his own company, JV Tool, and a couple
of years later moved his family to Arkansas where he
designed his exceptionally functional, high-quality molds
for manufacturers of plastic components, including
plastic fasteners.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 77

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 77
VOLT INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS 2023/24 EXPANSION from page 76
Volt has been a family-owned business from the
beginning, and Joe’s daughter, Heidi Volltrauer, had
already been intricately involved in the fastener industry
and with Volt for over 32 years. Heidi has been there
by Joe’s side from the very beginning, and now is taking
the reins in overseeing everything, including this very
exciting expansion. The next phase will be the warehouse
expansion.
“We have now expanded our warehouse space by
16,000 square feet, and we are ready to fill it up,” said
Heidi Volltrauer. Volt currently has over 100 million parts
in stock and ready to ship, but with the recent expansion,
they will now be able to keep many more products on
hand. How many more? “We will let you know when we are
at that part of the phase. With the additional space we’ve
recently created for our production machines, we have the
room to grow - and that is exactly what we intend to do.
We will keep you posted,” said Volltrauer.
VOLT INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS

78
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
To accommodate the
significant growth in the
past few years, Suncor
Stainless Inc. is delighted
to announce the newest
addition to the Suncor®
Stainless sales team. Sam
Pegram, who is stepping into
the role of Southeast Region
Account Manager, comes to
us with an impressive track
record, bringing a wealth of
experience and a proven
history of success.
You can contact Sam
Pegram at spegram@
suncorstainless.com - (508)-
732-9191 x1009.
Suncor® is also excited to
announce that Janelle Veiga
has been promoted to the
position of East Region Sales
Manager. Janelle has been
with Suncor® Stainless for 15
years, starting in Customer
Service and most recently
as the Southeast Regional
Account Manager. She has
played an integral role in
our team’s achievements,
and Suncor’s rapid growth
the past few years. We are
pleased to see her thrive in
this new leadership role.
Suncor® Stainless
welcomes Sam to the
Suncor® Stainless family
and congratulates Janelle on
her well-deserved promotion.
For more information
contact Suncor Stainless
at 70 Armstrong Road,
Plymouth, MA 02360. Tel:
1-800-394-2222, Email:
info@suncorstainless.com
or visit them online at www.
suncorstainless.com.

BARBAROTTO INT’L MACHINERY
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 79
3311 Royal Ave, Oceanside, NY 11572 TEL 1-888-988-8733
EMAIL fred@barbarottomachinery.com WEB www.barbarottomachinery.com
YOUR CHOICE FOR NEW AND USED FASTENER EQUIPMENT
Barbarotto International Machinery has been serving
the Fastener Industry since 1981, selling both New and
Used Fastener Equipment and Accessories. In 1986,
they expanded with a line of New Automatic Packaging
Equipment, which has been designed to be interesting
to both distributors and manufacturers of fastener and
hardware products.
Bonotto Packaging SRL has a variety of packaging
systems running all over the world. They have developed
and upgraded their equipment to keep pace with the
evolving technology, supported by over 40 years of
experience in the packaging industry. Fastener and
Hardware Packaging has become a Specialty, and they
have designed systems that are geared towards the
types of packaging automation needed by Distributors
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
who require Kit Packaging capabilities, and/or re-packing
bulk fasteners into smaller boxes or bags. They can also
accommodate individual customer needs for specific
brands of components, and offer user-friendly, easy set-up
HMI screens that operators can quickly learn.
For Fastener Manufacturers, Bonotto offers Automatic
Bulk Packaging Systems for both boxes and bags, and
can design a system with as much, or as little automation
as needed. Smaller systems can be pre-programmed for
additional automation in the future, making it simple for
integration. There are packaging solutions for almost every
type of fastener and hardware product on the market.
Barbarotto also offers Used Packaging Machinery,
and can handle Liquidations, Auctions and Equipment
Appraisals.
BARBAROTTO INTERNATIONAL MACHINERY

80
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
NORTH COAST FASTENER ASSOCIATION
7737 Ellington Place, Mentor, OH 44060
TEL 440-975-9503 FAX 440-350-1676 EMAIL lgraham@ncfaonline.com WEB www.ncfaonline.com
OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW
by Mike Robinson - NCFA President
As the winter shadows retreat, we bring you news
as bright and promising as Punxsutawney Phil’s weather
forecast: NCFA’s lineup for 2024 is nothing short of
spectacular.
First let me introduce our 2024 Board of Directors:
Mike Robinson (Vertex) – President
John Kovatch (AFC Industries) – Vice President
Ken Graham (OFG) - Treasurer
Kim Arnold (Brighton-Best International) –Secretary
Dave Audia (Huyett)
Jackie Ventura (Ventura Industrial Products)
Kurt Triptow (Endries International)
Marty Nolan (R.L. English)
Laura Vath (Solution Industries)
Gary Graham (OFG)
Krista Osborne (Brighton-Best International)
Joe Shoemaker (Marketing Consultant)
Vince Dimora (Wurth Industries)
Diana Barnes (Earnest Machine)
This already strong board got even better this year with
the addition of Diana Barnes from Earnest Machine. If you
see any of these individuals throughout the year be sure to
thank them for volunteering their time for our association
and helping make all of our events successful ones!
2024 marks the 15th Annual NCFA Distributor Social!
A little over 15 years ago, Marty Nolan and his band of
merry fastener aficionados were on a quest for something
“different.” They brainstormed the essentials…
1) We all like to talk, tell stories, and network. Check
2) We all enjoy a nice cold drink, whether it’s a
coke, beer, or bourbon. Check
3) Everyone enjoys some good food. Check
4) Hmm…other fastener people?
Then it hit him (like the Hall of Fame brick with his
name engraved in it), we should have a Social! Let’s call
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
it the NCFA Distributors Social. It will be in a big room, no
tabletops, no pop-ups, just fastener people and a bar with
cold drinks! Little did they know that this “Social” would
evolve into a legendary event, growing more successful
and better attended with each passing year..
This year, as you all have heard by now, we are
hosting our 15th Annual NCFA Distributor Social on May
21st, which is the Tuesday before the first day of Fastener
Fair USA. We are changing our venue to celebrate our
15th anniversary and hosting the Distributor Social on the
Goodtime III cruise ship right in downtown Cleveland. This
boat can hold up to 1,000 people, has 4 different levels for
us to network, and of course we will hold true to our roots
and have several bars for you to get that cold drink.
This ship is docked directly behind the Rock-n-Roll
Hall of Fame, and you will have a beautiful Cleveland
Skyline as a backdrop. We are going to begin boarding
the ship promptly at 5:30pm on May 21st and it will be
leaving the dock shortly after that for a two-and-a-halfhour
cruise that will take you out on Lake Erie and up
and down the Cuyahoga River. Stay ahead of the tide—
register early on our website and let the 15th Annual NCFA
Distributor Social be the highlight of your Fastener Fair
USA experience.
This is just the beginning of our NCFA Events in 2024!
Get ready to mark your calendars for the anticipated
return of the Night at the Ballpark on August 1st, Screw
Open on September 5th, the spectacular Holiday Bash
(date TBA), and some new events that we are finalizing
the details on. These gatherings promise to surpass
expectations, offering bigger, bolder, and more engaging
experiences compared to previous years.
For more information on the NCFA, please visit our
website www.ncfaonline.com or contact our office at
440-975-9503.
NORTH COAST FASTENER ASSOCIATION

MWFA ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY
ADDISON, IL - DECEMBER 14, 2023

PROSPECT FASTENER
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 83
1295 Kyle Ct, Wauconda, IL 60084 TEL 1-800-822-6080
EMAIL sales@prospectfastener.com WEB www.prospectfastener.com
5 HIDDEN COSTS DISTRIBUTORS SHOULD ELIMINATE FOR CUSTOMERS
Sometimes the “cheapest” options end up
being the most expensive ones. Hidden costs
often lurk behind the scenes – in ways that
become obvious only when it’s too late. Here
are five such hidden costs we help customers
avoid with every purchase:
Trickle-Down Delays
Our manufacturers put us at the head of the
line following their production runs, which helps
our customers dodge excessive backorders that
cause costly delays and downtime.
Unwanted Volume
We don’t enforce manufacturer minimums,
ever. Our customers buy only what they need,
with just-in-time delivery.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
Breakage And Defects
We only source from U.S. based
manufacturers who use premium materials and
provide lot numbers for every item. In the rare
event of a problem, we can easily make it right.
Fulfillment Mistakes
Prospect Fastener prides itself on accuracy.
In fact, we consistently ship with 99.5% or
better accuracy year after year.
Internal Logistics Issues
We consolidate your complex order before
it leaves our dock. Everything will be pre-packed
and marked for your team to move it out the
door as soon as it’s received. Less work on your
end means time (and money) saved.
PROSPECT FASTENER

84
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
LAURENCE CLAUS HOW FASTENERS ARE MADE - PART 2: HOT HEADING AND SCREW MACHINING from page 8
But how much heat is needed and what is the
difference between warm and hot forming? Naturally,
some contemplate that question and reply that the
answer is obvious, “it’s the temperature.” Of course, they
are correct, the discriminator between warm forming and
hot forming is simply the magnitude of the temperature.
However, in technical terms it is not that simple. A more
precise answer to that question would be that the process
temperature is either above or below some “critical
temperature.” In fact, warm forming is conducted below
a critical temperature and hot forming above it. What,
though, is a critical temperature? The answer to this
will vary from material to material but generally means
a temperature where either an internal transformation
occurs, or an external reaction is triggered. Steel provides
an excellent example of a critical temperature where
internal transformation occurs. When fastener steels,
which almost always possess less than 0.5% carbon, are
heated up, they undergo their first transformation between
about 1300°F and 1650°F. When this critical temperature
is reached, if held there long enough, the steel will
transform from whatever structure it possesses (most
likely some mix of Ferrite and Pearlite) to the elevated
temperature structure known as Austenite. Austinite is
soft and very formable, and thus is an advantageous
structure to be working with if extreme forming is
necessary. Titanium provides an excellent example of a
metal with a critical temperature that triggers an external
reaction. When Titanium reaches temperatures of about
1600°F to 1800°F and is in contact with surrounding
air, it will react with the oxygen in the air and form a
brittle and undesirable oxide layer known as Alpha Case.
Thus, Titanium must be processed at lower temperatures
that will not trigger this undesirable condition. So, the
manufacturer’s choice of operating temperature becomes
a function of what the lowest critical temperature is for the
material and the consequences of exceeding it.
Whether warm or hot forming, however, the addition
of heat is sometimes necessary to facilitate a successful
forming process. In general, this process is employed for
one of two reasons. There are some materials that simply
will not form without the addition of heat. A couple of
common examples include Titanium, many of the Nickel
alloys (like Inconel and Hastelloy) , and some Stainless
Steel alloys. The other reason is that the parts are too big
to run on a cold header. In fact, the largest cold headers
usually reach maximum capacity between about 1 ¼ and
1 ½ inches in diameter. There are a couple of reasons
for this, but the most significant is a practical one, going
beyond this size increases the scale of the equipment
beyond what is efficient and feasible to work with.
Most warm and hot heading processes only address
a small section of the workpiece, usually the head. Surely
there are high speed hot formers that heat the entire
workpiece and present it to multiple dies like a multistation
cold heading parts former to create complex and
intricate part geometries. However, it is more common,
especially for larger diameter or very long parts to be
formed in single or double blow vertical presses and
horizontal upsetters. In these processes a blank is either
sheared or cut from long bar stock. The area of the part
to be formed (usually the head) is heated in an off-line,
stand-alone induction heater. It is allowed to reach the
appropriate temperature and then loaded into the press or
upsetter and struck by a punch (see Figure 1). The result is
a part with the desired head form (see Figure 2).
FIGURE 1: HEAD FIRMED IN VERTICAL PRESS
CONTINUED ON PAGE 126

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 85
Sherex Fastening
Solutions’ Optisert, the
best performing round body
rivet nut on the market,
was recently awarded as a
winner of the 2023 Fastener
Innovation Awards by
WorldwideFastenerSources.
com.
The innovative Optisert
was chosen as a winner
because of its incredible
performance against
spin-out. Its proprietary
combination of an
engineered knurled body and
underhead wedge design
helps it grip into the base
material to prevent it from
spinning. In softer materials,
like aluminum, plastics, and
composites, the spin-out
performance matches that
of a full hex body rivet nut.
This award “aims to
recognize the people and
companies to encourage
Research & Development
in the fastener industry,”
as stated in the release by
Mike McGuire, president of
WorldwideFastenerSources.
com.
“We are proud that the
Fastener Innovation Awards
are based on technical
advancements compared
to what exists in the
marketplace today,” McGuire was
quoted in the release.
This is now the second
recognition for Optisert, as it was
also a finalist for the Route to
Fastener Innovation 2023.
Optisert took over 7 years of
research and development to
become part of Sherex’s standard
part offering. That meant lots of
testing and tinkering to make sure
Optisert would be ready to perform
as a premier round body rivet nut in
softer materials.
“A driving force in
the evaluation process
is that the fasteners
be innovative in
assemblies today and
that they will become
tomorrow’s standard,”
the award release said.
“Our philosophy is continuous
improvement with innovative
solutions for customers’ fastening
applications.”
Sherex Fastening Solutions is a
leading manufacturer of fasteners
for thin sheet material applications
in steel, aluminum, and composite
materials. Sherex manufactures
rivet nuts, clinch nuts, inserts for
composite, stud and nut plates,
and through the acquisition of Disc-
Lock, wedge-locking washers and
nuts. Sherex services a wide-range
of industries, including automotive,
general manufacturing, renewable
energy, agricultural, and aerospace.
For additional information on
any of the Sherex brand fasteners,
tools, and automation please contact
Sherex at 1-866-474-3739 or visit
our website at www.sherex.com.

86
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ERIC DUDAS PROMPT ENGINEERING FOR DISTRIBUTORS from page 10
Cartoonish? Yes. But with that simple description,
Chat (I call him that now for short.) came up with a
grandfatherly looking guy in a white coat, standing in an
industrial appearing warehouse where it was somehow
snowing. And he is holding a large fully threaded fastener.
Sure, you can argue about the head and point types,
but just look at this picture and think how you would feel
if you were in the graphic arts business.
I decided to make some improvements.
ME: “Add a white goatee to the Colonel and change
to a southern style tie.”
Chat processed for a while, and then returned a link
with all the Python code I would need to overlay on top
of the picture to make the requested changes if it was
on a web page. That was very interesting, but not what I
was expecting. I wanted a new image with the requested
changes made to it.
You can tell I’m not a Python programmer, because
those guys are sweating right now.
I decided to start over and make a new image,
prompting Chat with an improved description.
ME: “Imagine Colonel Sanders with a while goatee
and a southern style black string tie holding a giant fully
threaded cap screw in a blizzard next to a warehouse rack
filled with boxes of fasteners.”
Is it strange that by this point I started feeling a little
rude for not saying please as I issued these requests?
That’s another column for another day.
Chat processed for a few seconds.
ChatGPT: “The image has been created according to
your description and is displayed above.” (Figure B)
Wow, it actually sort of looks like the Colonel now!
And I mean Colonel Harland David Sanders of 11 herbs
and spices fame. The whole picture was re-imagined and
it looks much closer to what I had in mind with the original
recipe, so to speak.
I decided to leave my exploration of Chat’s basic
graphics capabilities in due amazement and to probe
elsewhere. Where to start? Oh, I know. Leo wants a story
FIGURE B: CHATGPT RE-IMAGINES THE IMAGE WITH BETTER
PROMPTING, AND THE COLONEL BEGINS TO LOOK MORE
LIKE THE COLONEL.
about the podcast.
ME: “Tell me about Fully Threaded Radio.”
This began a very long process of me asking Chat
about FTR and adding questions about Brian and Eric,
specific details of the podcast, and Brian’s honorary
Texan status. In a nutshell, Chat gave extremely wordy
answers that seemed to approximate vague answers in a
general way with plenty of extraneous detail.
Did that sound obtuse?
I decided to do what I did with the picture drawing
exercise and supply Chat with some of the answer within
the question, expecting Chat to feed that information back
as part of the answer. And that’s just what happened. In
a few minutes, Chat seemed to know, or “learn”, quite a
bit about the podcast and its hosts.
At certain points during the process it seemed like
Chat was making more progress than I could account
for based on the information I was giving it. Then this
exchange took place, with Chat’s replies truncated for
readability:
ME: “Are you searching the web for any of this
information you are providing about the podcast or is this
knowledge stored elsewhere?”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 128

88
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
FASTENER EXPERTS MENTOR GROUP ROSA HEARN: WHY DO SO MANY FASTENERS FOR THE SAME PART HAVE DIFFERENT NAMES? from page 12
Rivet Nut
Nutsert © /Rivnut ©
Self-Tapping Screws
Sheet Metal Screw
Fillister Head
Carburetor Adjusting Screw
Type 25
BT
Torx
6 Lobe
Shoulder Bolt
Shoulder Screw/Stripper Bolt
Tamperproof Screw
Security Screws
Hex Key
Allen Wrench
CONTINUED ON PAGE 130

90
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ROB LaPOINTE FASTENER SCIENCE: THE ROLE OF CARBON IN STEEL from page 14
Low Alloy Steel
Low alloy steel consists of low carbon, medium
carbon, and high carbon steels where carbon is the
main alloying element. Low carbon steel (0.04-0.3 %
C) has the lowest hardenability of low alloy steels. It
is characterized by its flexibility, machinability, and
low cost. SAE J429, grades 1 and 2 can be produced
from low carbon steel and do not need heat treatment
to achieve the tensile performance characteristics of
60,000 psi and 74,000 psi respectively.
FIGURE 3 SAE J429, GRADE 8 (MEDIUM CARBON) HEX CAP SCREW.
FIGURE 2 SAE J429, GRADE 2 (LOW CARBON) BOLTS. NO HEAD
MARKING REQUIRED.
Medium carbon steel (0.3-0.7 % C) is characterized
by a higher cost than low carbon steel and has good
hardenability through heat treatment involving a quench
and temper process. Medium carbon steels are often
used to produce SAE J429, grade 5 and 8 fasteners as
well as ISO 898-1, classes 8.8 and 10.9 bolts, screws,
and studs.
High carbon steel (0.7-1.7% C) has greater
hardenability than medium carbon steel for applications
requiring greater wear resistance and strength. This
added hardenability comes at the expense of flexibility
and cost. Applications suitable for high carbon steel
include cutting tools, knives, springs, and railway tracks.
High Alloy Steel
High-alloy steels have additional alloying elements
beyond carbon to improve the alloy’s workability,
hardenability ware resistance, and corrosion resistance.
Alloying elements include silicon (Si), titanium (Ti),
vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), Nickel
(Ni), copper (Cu), and molybdenum (Mo) among others.
Often simply called alloy steel, high alloy steels can
be used in producing SAE J429, grade 8, ASTM A574
socket head cap screws, and ISO 898-1, classes 8.8,
10.9 and 12.9 fasteners.
Stainless fasteners are produced from high alloy steel
with high chromium and nickel content. Specifically, it
is the high chromium content that gives stainless its
corrosion resistance. During the process of passivation,
iron is removed from the surface of the alloy by
interaction with an acid and chromium is left to form a
protecting layer of chromic oxide (Cr2O3) which shields
the material from oxidation of iron (red rust) deeper
under the surface. See Figure 4.
FIGURE 4 PASSIVATION PROCESS FOR STAINLESS STEEL, WHERE
CHROMIC OXIDE FORMS ON SURFACE AND PREVENTS IRON
OXIDES FROM FORMING BELOW.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 132

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 91

PAC-WEST HOLIDAY PARTY & TOYS FOR TOTS COLLECTION
HOLIDAY INN, LA MIRADA, CA - DECEMBER 7, 2023
CONTINUED ON PAGE 100

94
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
GUY AVELLON WHAT DISTRIBUTORS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOW FASTENERS ARE TIGHTENED IN MAINTENANCE ASSEMBLIES from page 26
This would mean that at the same torque, the
cadmium plated lock nuts would produce more tensile
load on the fastener, with the potential of stretching the
fastener into yield, than the zinc plated lock nut. The
connection would be compromised. Some maintenance
shops and those performing field repair work will use
a micrometer adjustable torque wrench. This is also
referred to as a ‘click-type’, where the torque value
is numerically adjusted on the handle. The wrench
will produce an audible ‘click’, which can also be felt,
when the set torque value is reached. At this point, the
operator stops turning the wrench. However, there is no
provision for preventing the operator to continue turning
the wrench and applying more torque to the fastener
which will increase the load on the fastener joint. There
are special adjustable torque wrenches available that
have a cam in the head that will prevent over tightening.
Realistically, most of the maintenance performed
on fasteners is done without using a torque wrench but
with the ‘calibrated elbow’. And, many times using either
the torque wrench or elbow, the tightening procedure is
incorrect.
Torque charts have been printed as guides to
achieving the proper tension on the bolt but it may not
be as perfect for the connection or overall joint. We can
achieve adequate tension on one bolt, but what about
multiple fasteners in the joint? What about environmental
FIGURE 1
conditions? Is it a rigid joint or compressible joint?
A common practice in the maintenance industry is
to calculate the torque to produce a clamp load that was
75% below proof load. Proof load being approximately 9%
below yield gave the operator a good margin of safety to
avoid stretching the fastener into yield. However, there
are many variables to consider which can affect the
clamp load by over ±50%.
In Figure 1 we have the ideal clamp load with 25%
safety factor.
Figure 2 represents an example of where a small
installation torque error will result in a wide clamp load
variance. This wide range of a variance is not good for a
multiple bolting assembly.
FIGURE 2
So, the man with the wrench must be consistent.
But the joint will never be consistent with material
hardnesses, flatness, smooth surfaces, burrs, rust, etc.
Then, after tightening, all clamping forces will decrease
as soon as the wrench stops turning and the joint relaxes
from the compression. Typically, a joint relaxes anywhere
between 5-15%, depending on whether the head of the
bolt or nut is turned.
As the joint enters service, the joint may relax even
more which is why critical joints are retightened shortly
after the initial installation, then again after experiencing
service loads.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 95

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 95
GUY AVELLON WHAT DISTRIBUTORS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOW FASTENERS ARE TIGHTENED IN MAINTENANCE ASSEMBLIES from page 94
The joint will also lose clamp load due to material
creep. That is, under a sustained load, the length of the
bolt will continue to elongate without any change in the
external loads especially when experiencing elevated
temperatures. Even the thickness of the metal joint can
change the clamp load with decreasing or increasing
temperatures.
Most repairs are of the type where the mechanic must
get in and go quickly, sometimes in hostile environments.
For example, with replacing a single bolt in a multiple
bolted joint, the ideal situation would be to loosen all of
the bolts, then tighten all of them together in a criss-cross
pattern. This technique hardly ever happens.
Gasketed joints are even more complicated because
the joint interfaces are designed to compress a material
between them for the purpose of sealing any leaks from
a flanged joint. Sealing becomes complicated because if
the mechanic begins to tighten one bolt in an attempt to
stop a leak, he may be compressing the gasket material
even further, damaging the flange or stretching the bolt
into yield after repeated tightening efforts.
There are many different types of gasket materials
with their own elastic or compressive properties. There
is no non-compressible gasket because all materials
are compressible. It does make a difference to have the
correct bolt torque and proper tightening sequence so the
gasket is not crushed beyond its sealing capabilities and
to avoid fracturing the flange material.
As with any multiple bolted connection, if one
bolt needs to be replaced it is incumbent upon the
maintenance personnel to determine the cause. By
replacing just the failed bolt may exacerbate the problem
and the adjacent bolts will be subject to failure as well. It
is always best to replace the adjacent bolts as well.
GUY AVELLON

96
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
BRUNO MARBACHER LOCKING FEATURES TO PREVENT ROTATIONAL LOOSENING from page 28
Ribbed lock washers are made of hardened spring
steel. They ought not to be electro plated to prevent
hydrogen embitterment. They should be mechanically
plated, or zinc flake coated.
There are specific requirements that must be met
during assembly to assure these lock washers are doing
their job.
There are different types of ribbed lock washers,
based on their shapes they have different functions.
Ribbed Lock Washer
¤ The screw / nut was properly tightened.
Only then can the ribs penetrate both surfaces
and lock adequately. The ribs still lock after multiple
re-assemblies.
This lock washer is offered for screws of sizes M1.6
to M36.
Available materials: spring steel, stainless steel
phosphorus bronze, Inconel, etc.
Rip-Lock Washer One Sided Ridges
(French standard NFE 25-511)
This type of ribbed washer has an outside diameter,
which is about the same size as the bearing area
diameter of the screw and/or nut. It is ribbed on
both sides. Ribbed lock washers prevent spontaneous
loosening of the screws and/or nuts.
The washer is compressed. The ridges anchored into
both surfaces. A “ribbed lock washer” can considerably
increase friction. The fastened joint will become more
secure.
These locking elements are generally dished and thus
springy. They can hence compensate for relaxation.
The ridges are designed in such a way that they anchor
themselves into the clamped parts as well as the bolt
head’s bearing area thus resisting back-off.
The ribbed profile can only lock effectively if:
¤ The screw / nut is not too hard, i.e. max. property
class 10.9/10.
¤ The clamped part is not too hard (max 270 HV or 26
HRC).
This type of ribbed lock washer has a much larger
outside diameter. It covers large clearance holes and
elongated holes. The screw’s head or the nut always lies
on top of the ribbed side.
The bottom side of this washer has no ridges. The
large washer diameter produces enough friction on the
clamped part to prevent the washer from turning.
They are excellent locking elements. They are often
used in conveyer systems, pallet racks, elevator guiding
rails, etc.
This washer comes in spring steel with a hardness of
430-500 HV (43 – 49 HRC).
Ribbed washers may be used up to property class
10.9/10.
Ribbed lock washers are also available in stainless
steel. They are only strain-hardened and therefore not
very hard. Still, they provide a sufficient locking effect,
because of the high friction of stainless steel.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 140

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 97

98
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
COMPUTER INSIGHTS INC. EXPEDITE SHIPPING PROCESSES & SAVE THE BUSINESS EDGE WITH SHIPENGINE from page 30
The ShipEngine connection eliminates all manual
data collection processes that leave room for errors. UPS
packages are considered pre-scanned and picked up
without requiring the UPS End-of-Day report; drivers know
everything they need from what is printed on the label.
Shipping Labels
The Business Edge TM
uses ShipEngine and Zebra
printers to create durable shipping labels. The labels
are written in the native Zebra Printer Language(ZPL)
for high-speed and accurate printing. Zebra’s thermal
transfer printing process creates labels that won’t fade
or smudge to ensure everything you ship arrives at the
appropriate destination.
Print from any workstation to any Zebra printer, and
never leave The Business Edge TM
to visit a carrier’s web
portal.
You can consolidate shipments by processing
multiple pre-paid or collect orders as one shipment; all
labels print directly from The Business Edge. TM
International Shipments
Shipping international packages is just as easy
as domestic shipments, with all necessary invoices
and customs forms created for you automatically. The
documents are created and printed without additional
interaction; you never have to worry about forgetting what
is required. The Business Edge TM
allows you to store a
tariff classification in your product file; people taking
orders do not have to look them up or remember them.
The tariff codes are used to complete required customs
and country-specific documentation correctly.
Address Validation
Live address validation prevents mistakes before
your product leaves your building. ShipEngine crossreferences
multiple databases to validate addresses
and identify potential deliverability issues. ShipEngine
supports address validation for virtually every country
on Earth, including the United States, Canada, Great
Britain, Australia, Germany, France, Norway, Spain,
Sweden, Israel, Italy, and over 160 others. The Business
Edge TM uses these features to validate addresses as they
are entered and validates existing addresses as they are
used.
The Business Edge TM
will also validate addresses
when creating new customer records and when new
addresses are entered during the order entry process.
Addresses only need to be validated once; advanced
validation speeds up the shipment process.
Your Current Processes
You may leave the invoicing for your accounting
team, but at this point, the packages are shipped, and
it is more efficient to have the invoice automatically
created once the shipment has been processed. You can
create the invoices immediately or postpone the activity
for someone other than the person printing labels and
shipping packages.
Return On Investment
⬡ The efficiency of the shipping process results in
labor cost savings.
⬡ Increased customer satisfaction with immediate
availability of tracking information.
⬡ Shipping will be a part of the order fulfillment
workflow instead of a detour to offline processes.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 142

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 99
Endries International
a leading distributor of
fasteners and related
production components, today
announced the acquisition of
Ace Bolt & Screw Co. Inc.
Founded in 1969 in
Jackson, Mississippi by
Randal Clark and Tom Keaton,
Ace has grown into one of the
largest fastener distributors
in the southeastern United
States. A symbol of multigenerational
success, Randal
Clark, along with sons Randy
and Mike continued to grow
the business following the
2003 passing of co-founder
Tom Keaton, adding five
locations and expanding
product offerings.
The acquisition signifies a
major milestone, combining
the strengths and expertise of
customer centric businesses.
Ace customers can expect the
continuation of exceptional
service, now with the added
benefits of expanded product
accessibility and enhanced
offerings through the
synergies of the combined
entities. Randy Clark will
continue to lead the business
moving forward. Mike Clark
will be transitioning to a wellearned
retirement.
For over 50 years Endries
has worked with OEMs and
has built its business around
delivering world-class service
to those customers.
For more information contact
Endries International by Tel:
920-756-5381 or visit them
online at www.endries.com.

100
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
JO MORRIS FASTENER TRAINING WEEK GRADS TAKE LEARNING BACK TO THE OFFICE from page 32
Since completion of FTW, Maturan and Wertz both
passed the final exam and are now Certified Fastener
Specialists (CFS). “It was my personal goal for the
course to become a CFS,” said an enthusiastic Maturan.
The two are glad they had the opportunity to attend FTW
and grateful to TR for supporting continuing education.
Fastener Training Week is five-days of accelerated
fastener training and plant tours. After passing a final
exam, students are eligible for CFS designation. There
are three Fastener Training Weeks planned for 2024; the
first is April 8-12 in Cleveland, followed by August 19-23
in Chicago and November 18-22 in Cleveland.
For more information about FTI or to register for a
class/event, Visit Fastener Training Institute online at
www.fastenertraining.org.
JO MORRIS | FASTENER TRAINING INSTITUTE
PAC-WEST HOLIDAY PARTY & TOYS FOR TOTS COLLECTION
HOLIDAY INN, LA MIRADA, CA - DECEMBER 7, 2023
CONTINUED ON PAGE 131

102
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
INDUSTRIAL RIVET THE IMPORTANCE OF PAYING IT FORWARD FROM A 4th GENERATION FASTENER COMPANY from page 36
In his role, Steven works hand-in-hand with technical
leaders, IFI members and CEOs to help lay the groundwork
for the Institute’s future endeavors. “I started my career
using the 6th Edition, and today I’m participating in the
release of the 12th Edition,” he says. “I’m so honored
to carry on the tradition of the wise contributors who
came before me and helped me learn.” He also says he
sees it as his responsibility to add to and pass along the
knowledge so that the technical activities of the discipline
are never forgotten. “It’s exciting to be part of something
that plays such a pivotal role in driving industry growth
through collective thinking – especially within such a niche
field as fasteners.”
Women In The Fastener Industry (WIFI)
The purpose of WIFI is to support and promote the
advancement of women in the fastener industry. Members
work together to educate, mentor, and network with
one another and help women of all levels of experience
develop the skill set needed to grow their careers.
“Historically, there were not many women in the fastener
industry,” explains Taryn. “When my aunt, Steven’s
mother, Joanne, was leading the company – she was one
of just a few women at the industry trade shows.” This is
one of the reasons Taryn is so committed to WIFI.
“I love that we’re able to give women a place where
they belong, where they can meet and learn from women
outside their own companies,” says Taryn. They do that in
part by having a booth at key industry shows, including the
International Fastener Expo held annually in Las Vegas,
Nevada. This is supported by several scholarships, which
WIFI has added to over the years. “Many educational
programs can be very expensive,” she says. That’s also
true of trade show registrations. “Budgets are so tight
these days that companies often limit who can participate
in industry-focused courses or conferences – which makes
our scholarships so crucial for women who may not
otherwise have the opportunity to attend.”
Industrial Rivet established one of the scholarships
WIFI offers to honor the contributions of Joanne Goodman
Sherman (December 8, 1954 to October 10, 2016) made
as a female in the industry throughout her career. The
scholarship gives women who show promise in the field
the opportunity to take part in a formal fastener online
program. In 2023, there were two outstanding recipients.
Expanded Reach With New Technology
Steven and Taryn note they’ve seen a lot of changes
in their time with each organization. “The IFI has taken
its fastener standards from print-only to a digital format,”
says Steven. “This was a huge undertaking, but so
important for giving members easier access to the
information they need.” Likewise, Taryn says that with
the growth of virtual platforms, WIFI can include more
and more women in their meetings. “With Zoom in
particular, now we can have ongoing conversations with
our members throughout the year, not just at annual trade
shows.” That engagement, she says, is critical for helping
women cultivate professional and personal relationships
to enhance their experience in the fastener industry.
INDUSTRIAL RIVET

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 103
UNICORP ELECTRONIC HARDWARE
291 Cleveland St, Orange, New Jersey 07050
TEL 1-800-526-1389 FAX 973 674-3803 EMAIL sales@unicorpinc.com WEB www.unicorpinc.com
UNICORP ADDS RETAINING RINGS AS ROTORCLIP ROTOREXPRESS PARTNER
Unicorp Electronic Hardware is proud to announce we
are now selling retaining rings, wave springs, and hose
clamps through our Electro Hardware affiliate division, as
an official Rotorclip Master Distributor & Rotorexpress®
partner. Electro Hardware is the first Rotorexpress®
partner on the East Coast of the United States.
Unicorp Electronic Hardware also offers custom
designed products. Parts can be manufactured to blueprints
and we can modify all standard products to meet your
specifications. Unicorp can manufacture any type of CNC
and automatic screw machine part. Additionally, Unicorp
provides custom services for complete technical support
that can lead to cost-savings and design improvement. We
offer the largest range of material options and finishes in
the industry.
The Unicorp product lines consist of: Standoffs &
Spacers, Male-Female Standoffs, Male-Male Standoffs,
Jackscrews, Swage Standoffs, Captive Screws and
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
Retainers, Insulating Shoulder & Flat Washers, NAS/
MS Hardware, Shoulder Screws, Plastic Circuit Board
Supports, Nylon Fasteners, Dowel Pins, Thumbscrews
& Thumbnuts, Self-Clinching Fasteners, Cable Ties, 24
styles of Handles, Fixed, Folding, Rack- Panel & Ferrules,
& Retaining Rings.
Since 1971, Unicorp has been a socially and
environmentally responsible leading manufacturer
of American standard and metric precision electronic
hardware, fasteners and handles. We pride ourselves
on our dedication to customer satisfaction and our
commitment to support the needs of our distributors.
Unicorp offers top quality products, fast delivery, excellent
pricing, technical assistance, and manufacturer to
customer print specifications. We are known throughout
the industry as the “oddball king” because we offer the
widest variety of diameters, lengths, and finishes in our
numerous product lines.
UNICORP ELECTRONIC HARDWARE

104
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
CHRIS DONNELL LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN AT A GLANCE from page 38
First, the change from an El Nino to La Nina weather
cycle. The El Nino cycles has created havoc with the
weather patterns in and around Panama, resulting is a
severe 3-year drought. The switch to a La Nina cycle
will cause surface temperatures of the ocean to cool
resulting in a higher chance for storms and weather
needed to bring moisture to Panama. The second
and arguably the most important change, at least for
importers / exporters, is the fact that the Panama Canal
Authority just announced it’s eliminating the restrictions
put in place on container vessels transitioning through
the canal. This is great news, however, don’t expect
to see any significant changes with the carriers for
several months. This also depends on whether the Canal
Authority follows through with their claims. It will take
time to adjust routings, filter through the back-log, and
get all administrative agreements in place. This should
open up capacity at the origin, eliminate a lot of Red Sea
traffic, and ultimately reduce costs.
Another issue currently taking hold involves the
routing of cargo. Importers are eliminating the risks
of shipping through the Panama and Suez canals and
routing their cargo via rail inland from the West Coast.
This switch in routing is having a negative impact on the
ports and their ability to handle the additional cargo,
resulting in elevated levels of congestion and other
delays. We’re seeing upwards of 7–12-day delays for
railed cargo from the ports of Seattle and Tacoma and
3-4-day delays in Los Angeles, our nation’s busiest
ocean terminal. It’s hopeful that with the reduction or
elimination of restrictions through the Panama Canal,
this congestion on the West Coast will subside.
My last topic regarding the ocean sector surrounds
the large amount of misinformation that is out in the
market place. I’ve heard countless times that importers
don’t understand why rates are highly elevated, why
there are capacity issues overseas when its being
reported in various publications that capacity is wide
open, so let me set the record straight. First, the rates
have been elevated since late October of 2023. As of
Valentine’s Day 2024, ocean rates have increased by
more than 300%. This is due in large part to the issues
I’ve mentioned above, as well as the increase in overall
import volumes year over year. You read that correctly,
imports for the month of January increased by more than
7% over the same time last year and more than 4% over
December of 2023. That’s a significant increase. It gives
ocean carriers further leverage to manipulate the ocean
rate market. Also contributing to the capacity constraints
throughout the Pacific Rim is the carrier’s continuation
of their “blank sailing” process. At the current time, a
blank sailing affects every 1 out of 5 vessels resulting
in equipment shortages, port congestion and increased
lead times; all of which gives the impression of a robust
shipping environment and allows the ocean carriers to
hold or raise costs.
Again, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Word
has it that shortly after the conclusion of the Chinese
Lunar New Year celebration, ocean rates should start
to subside and that trend should continue until the new
shipping season starts in May.
Port And Rail News
Other than slight congestion at the ports on the
west coast, things are running fairly routine. In fact, the
rail carriers have played a significant role in keeping
congestion to a minimum, especially with the increased
demand on the west coast ocean terminals. As an
example, during the pandemic, the rail carriers were the
first to eliminate routings or suspend services to inland
rail ramps. Today the rail lines are focusing on opening
channels which weren’t readily available such as rail
traffic from the West Coast to the upper Northeast.
Rail tonnage and traffic has increased roughly 4.5%
week over week and more than 6.4% higher than in
December of 2024.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 144

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 105
MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION
PO Box 255, Park Ridge, IL 60068 TEL 847-438-8338 EMAIL mwfa@mwfa.net WEB www.mwfa.net
MWFA EVENTS CALENDAR FOR 2024 by Francesca Lewis
MWFA Upcoming Events
April 11 Wine Tasting
Venuti’s Restaurant, Addison, IL
April 18 Metallurgy Class
SWD, Addison, IL
May 22-23 Fastener Fair
Cleveland, OH
May 30 Screwed Up Open
White Pines, Bensenville, IL
July 11
Milwaukee Meeting- Brewers Game
Milwaukee, WI
August 18 Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Build
Marriott Resort, Lincolnshire, IL
August 19 MWFA Mixer
August 20 Table Top Show & Class
Marriott Resort, Lincolnshire, IL
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
August 21 Golf Outing
Cranes Landing Lincolnshire, IL
August 19-23 Fastener Training Week
September 9-11 International Fastener Expo
Las Vegas, NV
November 7 Scholarship Awards & Elections
Belvedere Banquets, Elk Grove, IL
November 9 Planning Meeting
Eaglewood Resort, Itasca, IL
December 12 Holiday Party
Medinah Banquets, Addison, IL
For the most up-to-date information on upcoming
events and to stay on top of any changes to the events
calendar, check out our website at www.mwfa.net or
contact Francesca Lewis at mwfa@mwfa.net.
MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION

106
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
LARRY BOROWSKI MEASUREMENT OF MINIATURE SCREW THREADS from page 40
[3] The designations for these threads are presented
differently, where three of the countries/standards do
not use S as the symbol for miniature screw threads. The
standards that do not use S are, DIN, GOST, and ASME.
The above table was taken from BS ISO 1501:2009 to
summarize the differences between the various miniature
screw thread specifications.
For purposes of this article, we are only going to focus
on how to measure or inspect the threads rather than get
into the particulars about sizes and tolerances. For the
most part, the standards refer to the inspection methods
of miniature screw threads as informative or suggested
techniques. In conjunction with the suggested techniques,
it is highly advised that an agreement is reached between
purchaser and vendor regarding the basis of determining
product acceptance. The following gaging suggestions are
the interpretation of the author when compiling sound
practices outlined in the various standards.
External Threads
The major diameter of external threads should be
measured using either hard contact gaging, such as a
micrometer, or other means through optical projection,
or laser inspection equipment. GO and NOT GO plain
diameter gages can also be used if extreme care is taken.
Pitch diameter, lead, thread form, and minor diameter
may be checked using optical projection methods with a
recommended magnification of 100X. Lesser magnification
such as 50X can be used if the diameter and pitch
combination provide enough clarity of the projection to see
deviations in thread form.
A suggested chart for this method should include
minimum, nominal, and maximum sized thread form, and
include approximately 5 pitches.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 146

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 107

108
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ROBERT FOOTLIK TWICE THE OUTPUT FROM HALF THE WORKERS from page 42
A second IOTTMCO problem was that the workstations
were located parallel to and 4’ from the conveyor. This
added miles of walking and hundreds of unnecessary
180 degree turns per day. The benches should be
perpendicular to the take away conveyor and immediately
adjacent to it. Far fewer steps will be required, repetitive
motion reduced and the people can observe what is
going on around them. For this reason, the benches are
frequently oriented so that the workers can see the output
on the conveyor and facilitate the workflow.
Equipment
There are three general types of conveyors used for
moving goods from packing to a shipping area. The most
expensive have powered rollers and provide a dynamic
surface that moves the cartons in a controlled fashion. For
a fixed production line, the expense is easily justified by
reliability and continuous motion. A “pop-up” production
line to serve a time limited need might use full width
non-powered roller conveyors to provide greater support
for heavier cartons. This makes sense for a Fastener
Distributor with cartons weighing over 40 pounds, but
for short orders with carton weights averaging less than
20 pounds roller conveyor is overkill. In this context
skate wheel conveyor is far superior because it is less
expensive, lighter to set up for a temporary operation and
will keep the cartons flowing in a straight line unlike roller
conveyors where cartons slide sideways.
The IOTTMCO here is that the take away conveyor was
set up flat, at the height of the benches. As the finished
cartons accumulate, they must be manually pushed to the
far end. One worker was assigned to doing this part time
and resupplied the packers with cartons for the rest of
the day. Using a skate wheel conveyor set 36” high at the
far end and 24” at the staging area would have provided
enough gravity power to eliminate all the walking and
pushing to move the finished orders to shipping. Along
the way, an automatic carton-taping machine mounted
on wheels as part of the take-away conveyor line would
have saved the packers hours every day. Even a pop-up
production line can be automated with relatively simple
equipment.
Packing Materials
Every packing station was equipped with paper tape
glue machines that had to be constantly refilled with
water (more wasted steps) and the pre-printed, expensive
tape was reinforced for higher strength and security.
Paper tape has been around for years, but plastic high
security, imprinted tapes are far superior when it comes
to strength, durability and with the right adhesive, security.
Even an inexpensive hand dispenser is more reliable and
faster than a hand crank “tape shooter.” IOTTMCO a
review of the carton sealing method is overdue.
In any operation a standard “Regular Slotted Carton”
(RSC) with top and bottom flaps can be used for packing
less than carton orders. This shipping carton required the
packers (or another part-time employee) to set up every
carton, fold the flaps and tape the bottoms before packing
the order. IOTTMCO using a “pop-bottom carton” that
sets up simply by pulling opposite corners is faster, more
secure and a better choice, especially if introduced earlier
in the process. Pickers who pick the orders directly into
these cartons will eliminate much of the order finishing
and packing. In essence, the packers can devote more
time to add promotional literature, insert dunnage for
product protection and process far more orders per hour.
Overstuffing the cartons adds little protection, but
more weight and shipping expense. If the vendor pays for
shipping, any saving accrue directly to them. IOTTMCO,
training the packers to add dunnage in a more efficient
manner is sensible and a high ROI benefit. Continually
reviewing the alternatives for carton filling materials
is especially beneficial to Fastener Distributors where
product weight and sometimes fragility are factors.
Picking Layout
The operation I viewed had three aisles, with the goods
stocked in SKU number sequence regardless of quantity
or product movement (hits). This looked sloppy initially,
was difficult to restock and guaranteed a higher error rate
because of product number misreads. IOTTMCO, the three
aisles also guaranteed an inefficient pick path where the
pickers had to dead head back to their starting position. Up
one aisle, down the next and then a wasted walk.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 148

UC COMPONENTS, INC.
18700 Adams Court, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
TEL 408-782-1929 EMAIL sales@uccomponents.com
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 109
WEB www.uccomponents.com
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF UNPARALLELED SERVICE & PARTS QUALITY
You are important to us at UC Components, Inc., and
we truly take service to the extreme. Your partnership is
not just a transaction; it’s a relationship built on trust,
and we are committed to ensuring that your voice is
not only heard but deeply valued. We offer live fastener
specialists by phone, email, and live chat on our website
for your convenience.
We also maintain a network of worldwide distribution
partners to meet your needs wherever you are or in
what industry you work. We specialize in vented and
non-vented fasteners and O-rings for the Semiconductor,
Cleanroom, Vacuum Processing, Optics, Research,
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
Education, Aerospace, Food Processing, and Medical
industries. We offer numerous finish options, specialized
venting designs, complete custom product development,
and Class 100/ISO Class 5 Cleanroom cleaning &
packaging, and more.
Have a question? Not quite sure what you need for
your application? Looking for a quote? A live UC expert
is waiting to hear from you and will help you find the
perfect part and finish. From student to scientist, no UC
customer is ever too small - and no job too big. For 50
years now: We say what we do, and do what we say,
RediVac® counted, cleaned, consistent.
UC COMPONENTS, INC.

112
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
JIM TRUESDELL LABOR DEPARTMENT MOVES TO IMPOSE DRASTIC CHANGE TO OVERTIME THRESHOLD from page 44
To be exempt from overtime an employee must
[1] Be paid a salary which is fixed and predetermined
amount that is not reduced due to changes in the quality
or quantity of work performed
[2] Meet the specified minimum threshold amount,
whatever it turns out to be
[3] The work performed is primarily executive,
administrative, or professional in nature under a regulatory
“duties” test.
There is certainly reason to believe that some
companies take advantage of lower paid managers and
pressure them to work with no additional compensation
for long hours. That is why there is indeed consensus that
the minimum does need to be raised. The problem with
this move is that it calls for an unjustifiably high amount
which will hamstring otherwise well meaning and fair
employers. It is for this reason that the PPWO Coalition
raises the following arguments in their call for a more
reasonable plan:
[1] The new reg will work to the detriment of
employees who will see fewer opportunities for flexible
and remote work as well as fewer chances for career
development. Companies are likely to play it safe and
shy away from situations where work hours are difficult to
track. It will probably reduce time dedicated to training and
educational programs as well as remote work. Ambitious
workers may not be invited to “play” on high level projects
where they have a high learning curve, thus slowing their
chances for advancement.
[2] Part-time work opportunities may slow. The regs
don’t allow pro rating of the salary threshold. This would
appear to kill part-timers who could be performing at a
managerial level on a part-time basis.
[3] Many employees will see pay reductions rather
than the raises in total compensation they might be
envisioning. The difficulty in determining how to treat
existing financial incentive programs of managers when
it comes to calculating an overtime rate might cause
such incentive programs to be abandoned. Many salaried
managers might find themselves converted to hourly
status and feel a loss of prestige or partnership as a part
of the management team. Companies might start avoiding
scheduling management work that could lead to overtime
expenses thus harming both workers and company
productivity.
[4] Lost cost areas of business such as non-profits,
schools and business in rural areas might suffer the most.
Since salaries tend to be lower in these industries they
are likely to be most affected by the new rule, with more
workers near the threshold. There would be no regional or
market segment variations in the proposed regs.
Beyond these problems that will flow if the high
threshold levels are implemented, there is also a real
expectation that the new plan would not stand if,
inevitably, lawsuits are brought alleging due process
violations and arbitrariness in the job duty classifications.
A similar Final Rule in 2016 was knocked down by the
courts and there is every reason to believe this would be
the case again. So… why do something that will surely
have to be unwound after disrupting businesses who
would be scurrying to revise their salary practices and
employee job assignments all to avoid running afoul of
the regs. The answer to this “why” is probably that it is
a perfectly good political tool to position the President
as the protector of workers and even be able to point to
the need to replace court judges with more pro-employee
arbitrators who would see things more in the way the
Administration desires.
“We’re disappointed DOL has decided to move
forward despite repeated requests from PPWO and the
regulated community to abandon or at least delay the
regulation until the economy stabilizes,” said PPWO
spokesperson Josh Ulman.
As we head into the early Spring period not
much is being said to detract from the impression
that implementation is on track. Will there be another
extension delay or move to lower the proposed threshold?
Watch closely!
JIM TRUESDELL

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 113

114
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
JOE DYSART FINDING & RE-SHARING POSITIVE SOCIAL MEDIA ABOUT YOUR FASTENER DISTRIBUTION BRAND from page 46
And still others offer detailed demonstration videos by
satisfied customers that offer helpful tips on how to use a
product -- or how to use a product most effectively.
In addition, UGC platforms go beyond video to
discover and repurpose other formats of UGC, including
as text-based social media posts, text-based reviews,
text-based comments in online forums,Tweets, podcast
content -- and virtually any other form of content found on
social media.
Granted, fastener distributor marketers can search
manually for all this free promotional content just waiting
to be used. Essentially, there’s nothing stopping them
from spending hours each day visiting the scores of social
networks where they know or believe unsolicited company
endorsements might show-up.
But fortunately, UGC platforms are designed to
relieve marketers of this busy work. They use hashtags,
keywords, key-phrases and similar search variables to
automatically scan for UGC promotional content on all the
social media hang-outs that marketers monitor.
Besides using UGC platforms to mine social media
for positive content generated at the grassroots, many
of these services also enable fastener distributors to
encourage everyday customers to produce UGC that can
be used for marketing.
Says Burrelles’ Robbins: “Brands often motivate
customers through giveaways, awards and recognition,
contests, or exclusive or early access incentives.”
Given that there are a wide variety of UGC platforms
vying for the social media needs of fastener distributors,
you’ll most likely want to go for a best-of-breed solution.
B2B BUSINESS OFTEN GET
ESPECIALLY GREAT MILEAGE FROM
POSITIVE UGC CONTENT THEY FIND
ON LINKEDIN
These services go
beyond simply helping
you discover, curate
and re-share UGC
content that sings your
company’s praises.
Instead, they also
offer tools that
enable you to secure
media rights -- when
necessary -- from the
creators of UGC you’d
BEST-OF-BREED UGC PLATFORMS AUTO-FIND VIRTUALLY ALL
FORMS OF UGC CONTENT, INCLUDING VIDEO.
like to use to promote your distributorship.
And they also enable you to auto-integrate UGC
favorable to your brand into your ecommerce store.
For example: Many of these platforms enable you to
automatically integrate images of a number of positive
Tweets about a specific product -- or a number of similar
images of positive posts on another social media network
-- into the description you have of that product in your
online shop.
Plus, top UGC platforms also offer analytics and
report detailing how well the UGC you find-and-use is
performing on your Web site, in your ecommerce store
-- and across social media.
Bottom line: UGC platforms are at least worth a
serious gander from any fastener distributor looking to
easily cast a wide net for all the positive UGC about their
brand that’s scattered across social media ecosystem.
Here’s a representative sampling of what you’ll find:
¤ EmbedSocial (www.embedsocial.com) - This UGC
platform specializes in gathering positive UGC from
across social media, helping users curate it -- and then
re-publishing the content on a company’s Web site.
The service features five tools: Embed Album, which
embeds positive UGC photos on your Web site using
a widget. Then there’s EmbedReviews, which embeds
Google and Yelp reviews on your site. And EmbedFeed,
which replicates content from a specific social media
network on a ‘brand wall’ on your Web site.
EmbedSocial also offers EmbedForms, which you can
use to create and solicit customer satisfaction surveys.
And there’s EmbedStories, a widget that collects and
publishes Instagram stories on your Web site.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 115

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 115
JOE DYSART FINDING & RE-SHARING POSITIVE SOCIAL MEDIA ABOUT YOUR FASTENER DISTRIBUTION BRAND from page 114
FINDING PODCAST CONTENT TO REPURPOSE FOR PROMOTION
-- SOMETIMES ESPECIALLY TIRESOME FOR SOCIAL MEDIA
MARKETERS -- IS A SNAP FOR UGC PLATFORMS.
¤ StoryStream (www.storystream.ai) - StoryStream
integrates user generated video into ecommerce stores.
The resulting promotional UGC includes the content itself
as well as a link to a bio.
¤ Tagembed (www.tagembed.com) - Tagembed
scans 21+ social media networks for UGC that’s positive
about your fastener distributorship, including Instagram,
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Google Reviews and
Airbnb. It also helps you curate the content you find and
then embeds the UGC you’d like to use on ‘wall’ on your
Web site using a widget.
¤ Taggbox Widget (www.taggbox.com/widget)
- Taggbox relentlessly searches 20+ social media
networks for UGC content that you can use on your Web
site with their presentation widget. Formats that are
easily handled by the widget include social media feeds,
videos, reviews and hashtag content.
¤ Flowbox (www.getflowbox.com) - Fastener
distributor marketers can use Flowbox to collect UGC
and paid promotional content -- and then re-share that
content on a Web site, ecommerce store or across a
number of social media networks.
JOE DYSART

MWFA PUTT SHACK EVENT
OAKBROOK, IL - FEBRUARY 22, 2024

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 117
PennEngineering ® a
global leader in the fastening
industry, announced today
the acquisition of Sherex®
Fastening Solutions, a
global leader in the design,
manufacturing, and
installation of blind rivet nuts
and associated fastening
solutions.
Headquartered in Buffalo,
New York, Sherex is a premier
technical provider of blind rivet
nuts, with strong application
expertise, and production
capabilities worldwide. Sherex
has achieved an impressive
growth trajectory and continues
to grow through technical
solutions selling, providing
best total installed cost
solutions along with industry
leading rivet nut capabilities.
“When combined with our
ATLAS® rivet nut brand, the
Sherex acquisition positions
the company to be the
premier provider of rivet nuts
worldwide. We are extremely
excited to be bringing the
expertise of Sherex to the
PennEngineering® family,”
said Pete George, CEO.
According to Sherex
President, Adam Pratt, “teaming
up with PennEngineering
allows Sherex to provide our
customers with additional
global manufacturing capability
to meet their demands around
the world.”
Adam Pratt will assume
the role of President of
Sherex and ATLAS, reporting
to Pete George, CEO of
PennEngineering.
For more information,
contact visit PennEngineering
online at www pemnet.com.

118
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
NELSON VALDERRAMA WANT A THRIVING BUSINESS? FOCUS ON AI AND DATA CAPABILITIES! from page 48
“By the time a late adopter has done all the necessary
preparation, earlier adopters will have taken considerable
market share — they’ll be able to operate at substantially
lower costs with better performance (HBR).”
Even small business owners (82%) say that AI has
not only helped their business operate more efficiently but
also has helped them compete with larger firms (77%).
The majority (69%) say it has limited cost increases and
grow in challenging conditions (69%).
Wholesale distributors must now decide where they
want to be on that spectrum and how soon they can get
there. But, it struck me that slow adopters and mid-sized
wholesalers benefit from a better understanding of AI
capabilities.
Building Big Data
Let me skip the history of computers. It’s enough to
know that computers eventually hit the wall of “Big Data.”
They needed more space for storage and more speed for
processing. Standard computers can’t handle the volume
and velocity required to optimize various interests in Big
Data.
Your distributorship amasses data with every
transaction. Every purchase and sale generates data.
Every stockout, override, and delivery multiply data. Every
hire, clock-in, and payroll add data, too. If you label inputs
and enter data accurately, in-house computers can pick
and pull the information you need for most business
tasks.
But it takes AI to explore and exhaust every corner of
that Big Data for game-changing, actionable information.
Writing for Thompson Reuters, Tad Simons explains how
real-time predictive analytics of this kind “(rather than
analytics based on historical data) can help companies
anticipate potential supply-chain bottlenecks much further
in advance, formulate up-to-the-minute contingency
options, and respond more nimbly to fluctuations in
supply and demand.”
Inside AI 101
AI uses specifically designed computer programs
and algorithms to perform functions that mimic human
intelligence. Engineers have developed applications to
automate machines, solve problems, manage processes,
and other assignments typically requiring human
intelligence. If you could visualize the concept, it might
look like the following:
It’s like a nest of active technologies;
¤ AI refers to developing agents like machines,
phones, and voice bots to perform human tasks. The
systems might be rules-based, closely following coded
instructions, or use machine learning algorithms.
¤ ML deploys algorithms to enable machines to learn
from data. Codes tell a computer how to get from point A
to point B. Beyond B, algorithms diverge into multiplying
and self-perpetuating options and directions.
Unambiguous directions will guide computers through
a sequence of instructions to achieve a desired outcome
or complete a task. Machine learning algorithms will use
subsequent data and feedback to revise or correct its
initial outcome.
¤ Deep Data exists throughout a dataset. It describes
the high-quality, relevant, and actionable information that
permeates high-volume databases. The information may
hide beyond easy reach. So, it takes AI to locate and
interpret patterns in the data, transforming them into
doable plans.
What Does It Mean To You?
Wholesale distributors sit on a wealth of data.
There’s a whole history of buy/sell transactions. There’s
another history of transactions lost to traditional pricing
and inventory strategies.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 150

120
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
BAY SUPPLY MATE RIVETS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW from page 56
The trick to properly installing mate rivets is ensuring
they are snug before installation. Mate rivets have a
broader grip range, so the joint must be tight enough to
eliminate movement or play.
Mate rivets can be installed with pneumatic tools,
battery-powered rivet tools, manual tools, or a hammer
and bucking bar. Mate rivets only require about onequarter
of the force it takes to install conventional blind
rivets, so it’s essential to set the installation pressure
so as not to crush the parent materials, especially with
soft or brittle materials.
Choosing The Right Mate Rivets
As with all rivets, choosing the proper mate rivet is
a matter of selecting the best diameter and length.
When choosing the best diameter, you want to use
the diameter of the semi-tubular mate piece because
that is the section that fits through the hole. Diameters
are 0.187 inches and up.
Grip ranges scale to fasten materials up to four
inches thick. You have some flexibility in choosing the
rivet length, but you must be sure the grip range falls
within your application’s tolerance. If the mate rivet is
too long, the joint will be loose. If the rivet is too short,
the joint won’t be secure.
Mate rivets are also available in different materials.
All-aluminum rivets are common, although manufacturers
also make steel-alloy mate rivets or rivets made with
aluminum sleeves and steel stems. Special coatings are
available to prevent corrosion.
For applications that require long-term durability, such
as mounting street signs or manufacturing luggage, mate
rivets are the perfect choice because they provide reliable,
lasting performance without marring the materials. They
are also well suited for applications requiring a longer grip
range, such as connecting poles or beams. .
BAY SUPPLY
NEW ENGLAND FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
PO Box 701, Tewksbury, MA 01876 TEL 816-686-8987 EMAIL nefda@nefda.com WEB www.nefda.com
NEFDA SCHOLARSHIP by Laura Murphy
The New England Fastener Distributors Association
scholarship application is now open for 2024. For the
past six years, the NEFDA has awarded an average of
$15,000 per year to deserving member-students. Last
year we received a record number of applications, and
we look forward to high program engagement again this
year.
This program has been ongoing for 40+ years and
this year’s scholarship committee of Lisa Breton (DB
Roberts) Dan Bielefield (Crescent Manufacturing) Katie
Hogan (Arnold Supply Inc.) and Frank Hand (Fall River
Manufacturing) review every application and essay.
For more information on the NEFDA scholarship,
criteria, and to apply, please visit www.nefda.com, contact
Laura Murphy, administrator at nefda@nefda.com or PO
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
Box 701, Tewksbury, MA 01876.
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars for the NEFDA’s Annual
Scholarship Golf Outing! We’ll be teeing off Thursday,
June 13th at Southington Country Club in Plantsville, CT.
Join the NEFDA for a day of golf, networking, great food
and the best people! Last year’s event was a blast with
low scores and high spirits. You fore-sure won’t want to
miss this!
Learn more and register: www.nefda.com/event/
nefda-scholarship-golf-outing.
For more information on the NEFDA, please visit www.
nefda.com, contact Laura Murphy, administrator at nefda@
nefda.com or PO Box 701, Tewksbury, MA 01876.
NEW ENGLAND FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 121

122
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
DENALI INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY ALASKA’S TRUSTED SOURCE FOR INDUSTRIAL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT from page 64
Technology Helps Deliver Quality
“The Business Edge TM
by Computer Insights, Inc.
is essential to our day-to-day operations. We struggled
with ordering for several years, sometimes running out
of stock and losing sales. Within the last year, we have
begun to use The Business Edge software to program
min and max stocking quantities to assist us with
reordering. This has improved our efficiency, reduced
the frequency of running out of stock, and improved our
sales.” Bill Gottmeier, Sales Manager @Denali
Industrial Supply
Specialized Industry Focus
Denali Industrial Supply understands the challenges
faced by Alaskan industries, known for their toughness
and resilience. The company caters to the mining,
HVAC, oil and gas extraction, construction, property
maintenance, and automotive sectors, offering specialized
tools and equipment tailored to each industry’s unique
requirements.
Mining Industry
Denali supports the demanding mining industry with
specialized tools, equipment, and accessories designed
for extreme conditions. From specialty fasteners to
safety equipment and heaters, Denali ensures miners
have the right tools for the job.
HVAC Tools & Industrial Supplies - Strut &
Accessories
Denali’s Fairbanks and Anchorage locations are
stocked with HVAC supplies, including Tek screws, nut
drivers, ladders, fall protection equipment, firestop
products, tools, and flashlights, supporting the critical
role of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in
Alaska.
Oil & Gas Extraction - Fasteners
The oil and gas extraction sector receives tailored
support from Denali, providing safety gear, fall protection
equipment, absorbents, impact sockets, torque
wrenches, and air impact guns necessary for specialized
operations.
Construction & Property Maintenance - Fasteners
Denali Industrial Supply offers a wide range of tools
for construction and property maintenance professionals,
including power, hand, electric, and maintenance tools
from trusted brands.
Auto Repair
Denali carries an extensive inventory of
automotive equipment for automotive professionals,
from screwdrivers to air compressors, ensuring that
mechanics are well-equipped for every repair job.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 152

124
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
GLOBALFASTENERNEWS.COM SECTION 301 TARIFF REVIEW CONTINUES from page 68
Reports indicate that the Biden administration will
look to rebalance the tariffs, potentially reducing those
that are not in the U.S. interest and raising tariffs on
other items, including on imports from China in the EV
and battery sectors.
No Bolts: Door Blowout Caused By
Boeing Error
Four bolts used to secure the panel that ultimately
blew off an Alaska Airlines plane during a January
5 flight were removed and not replaced at Boeing’s
factory in Washington, according to a preliminary report
by the National Transportation Safety Board.
“The panel, known as a door plug, was opened to
repair damaged rivets on the plane’s body, known as
the fuselage,” the New York Times reports. “The report
did not say who removed the bolts keeping the door
plug in place. But the safety board said it appeared
that not all the bolts were put back once the door
was reinstalled on the plane after the rivets had been
repaired.”
As evidence, the NTSB provided a photograph of
the door plug after it was reinstalled but before the
plane’s interior was restored. Three of the four bolts
appear to be missing, while the location of the fourth
bolt is covered with insulation.
The investigation also found that the lack of certain
“contact damage or deformation” to hinge guide fittings
recovered from the door “indicate(s) that the four
bolts that prevent upward movement” of the plug were
missing before the door separated.
Following the report’s release, Boeing issued a
statement.
“Whatever final conclusions are reached, Boeing
is accountable for what happened,” CEO Dave Calhoun
stated. “An event like this must not happen on an
airplane that leaves our factory. We simply must do
better for our customers and their passengers.”
Boeing is taking immediate action to strengthen
quality, Calhoun said.
The company has implemented a control plan
to ensure all 737-9 mid-exit door plugs are installed
according to specifications:
¤ Instituted new inspections of the door plug
assembly and similar structures at our supplier’s
factory and on Boeing’s production line.
¤ Added signage and protocol to fully document
when the door plug is opened or removed in our factory,
ensuring it is reinstalled and inspected prior to delivery.
Also, Boeing is implementing plans to improve
overall quality and stability across the 737 production
system, including:
¤ Layering additional inspections further into
the supply chain and collaborating with suppliers on
production enhancements.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 154

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 125
SOUTHWESTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION
PO Box 173994, Arlington, TX 76003 TEL 817-269-0436 EMAIL info@southwesternfastener.org WEB www.southwestfastener.org
SFA CELEBRATES 50 YEARS! By Becky Buddenbohn
The Southwestern Fastener Association is
proud and excited to celebrate 50 years
of serving the fastener industry! We have
many activities planned to celebrate
this happy occasion!
The historic Fort Worth Stock
Yards will host our annual conference
April 17-18! Our members will enjoy a
golf outing, fun and games at Second Rodeo
Brewing, a full day of interesting and valuable sessions
to be topped off with dinner at the iconic Joe T Garcia’s!
Go to www.southwesternfastener.org to register!
We plan to pair up with Sleep in Heavenly Peace
on Saturday April 20 to participate in our first SHP Bed
Build! As a fellow non-profit, the Southwestern Fastener
Association understands the importance of serving our
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
community. Being the nuts and bolts of a home,
we love the idea of building beds, so that
no child has to be without the warmth and
security of a bed. Please join us in
this fabulous service project! We will
be building at Advance Components at
2920 Commodore Dr #100, Carrollton, TX
on Saturday 4/20 at 9am!
Mark your calendars for all these events and
check our website regularly for the Pop-up Happy Hours
coming to your area!
August 6 Texas Rangers vs Houston Astros,
Night at Globe Life Field, Arlington
September 26 Clay Shoot – Houston (tentative date)
November 14 DFW Food Drive
December 12 Houston Toy Drive
SOUTHWESTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION

126
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
LAURENCE CLAUS HOW FASTENERS ARE MADE - PART 2: HOT HEADING AND SCREW MACHINING from page 84
parts provided the operator or machine can hold the blank
steady during the forming process. Usually, the first blow
forms the head shape, and the second blow creates any
required head markings.
¤ High Speed Header – Cold headers can
be specially transformed to warm or hot headers by
introducing a source of heat and, sometimes, providing
cooling of the tool space and parts so that they do not
overheat (see Figures 3 and 4). Other machines start out
as warm or hot headers and are designed and built to
accommodate introducing heat and cooling the tool space
from the day they are built.
FIGURE 2: STACK OF HOT FORMED HEX BOLTS
Although there are primary and secondary forming
processes that might extrude the pre-threaded blank
diameter, these tend to be exceptions. If the blank diameter
must be closer tolerance than what the straight bar offers,
it must either be turned down or extruded. Most of the time
it is turned down in a secondary machining operation.
The warm and hot heading equipment can take
several different forms:
¤ Press – Vertical Presses are often used to warm
and hot head parts. This option is a good one for shorter
parts but becomes problematic when parts are too long,
and their length would make it challenging to get them out
of the dies.
¤ Horizontal Upsetter – These resemble a large,
bulky cold header and often can toggle to strike a part
twice. The dies are clamshell in design so that the part
is laid into the die, and it closes around the blank. The
part is struck with a punch and the hot material takes
the desired shape defined by the tooling. This is almost
always just forming the head and can be done on very long
FIGURE 3: HIGH SPEED HOT NUT FORMER
FIGURE 4: NUTS FORMED FROM HIGH SPEED HOT FORMER
CONTINUED ON PAGE 156

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 127

128
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ERIC DUDAS PROMPT ENGINEERING 101 FOR DISTRIBUTORS from page 86
ChatGPT: “The information I’ve provided about the
“Fully Threaded Radio” podcast is based on my training
data up until April 2023. I don’t search the web or access
live data for information. My responses are generated
from the knowledge I was trained on, which includes a
wide range of sources and data. For the most current and
detailed information, especially for updates or specifics
not covered in my training, consulting direct sources such
as … would be recommended.“
ME: “I’m just wondering if I give you extra information
about the subject, do you then consider it training data
and add it to what you consider your general knowledge?”
ChatGPT: “When you provide extra information
during our conversation, I use that information to tailor
my responses to your questions within the context of our
current interaction. However, I don’t retain or learn from
user inputs in a way that would modify my training data
or update my general knowledge for future interactions.
Each session with me is stateful within the conversation
but doesn’t contribute to a learning process across
conversations.”
ME: “If you don’t have the capability to update
yourself by retaining knowledge, then what do you
consider “machine learning”?”
ChatGPT: ““Machine learning” refers to a subset
of artificial intelligence (AI) where computer algorithms
improve automatically through experience and by using
data. These algorithms build models based on sample or
historical data to make predictions or decisions without
being explicitly programmed to perform the task. Machine
learning involves…”
Chat went on for three lengthy paragraphs with details
about its definition of machine learning. It seems to know
a ton about machine learning. I didn’t teach it any of that.
I pressed the point.
ME: “Part of what you’re saying is contradictory. You
need to be able to assimilate new data, or understanding,
as well as make new connections among data elements
and concepts involving those data. Do you agree?”
Chat’s answer is a little long, but the whole thing is
worth sifting through because it gets to the point:
ChatGPT: “You’re touching on a nuanced aspect of
how AI and machine learning models operate, and I see
where the confusion might come from. Let me clarify:
[1] Learning Phase: During the training phase,
machine learning models, including large language models
like me, assimilate new data, understand patterns, and
make connections among data elements and concepts.
This is when the model “learns” from vast datasets. It
adjusts its internal parameters to minimize errors in its
predictions or outputs based on the input it receives.
This process is iterative and involves going over the
training data multiple times to improve accuracy and
understanding.
[2] Deployment Phase: Once the model is deployed,
as in the case with me in this interactive setting, it
operates based on the state it was in at the end of its
last training phase. In this phase, the model does not
continue to learn from new data or interactions. Instead,
it applies the patterns, relationships, and knowledge it
acquired during training to answer questions and engage
in conversations. The model can make connections based
on its training but does not assimilate new information
or adjust its understanding based on interactions postdeployment.
So, while I’m capable of “making new connections
among data elements and concepts” based on my
training, I do not assimilate new data or update my
understanding in real-time during user interactions. Any
learning or assimilation of new information would occur
during a subsequent training phase conducted by the
developers, not dynamically during deployment.
The distinction is between the model’s capability to
apply learned knowledge (which I can do) and the ability
to update its knowledge base in real-time based on new
data (which I cannot do post-deployment). This ensures
consistency and reliability in responses but also means
the model’s knowledge is fixed as of its last update and
does not include new information or changes that occur
after that point.”
It refers to itself in the first person, and then to
the model, which it considers itself to be a part of. But
it refers to the model in the third person. Is it trying to
confuse me on purpose? I don’t recall HAL ever doing this.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 129

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 129
ERIC DUDAS PROMPT ENGINEERING FOR DISTRIBUTORS from page 128
I called bullcrap on Chat:
ME: “Then the information you present to me based
on what I supply to you and that is not already in your
training data, is you telling me what I’ve already told you,
with you simulating telling me. Is that accurate?”
ChatGPT: “Yes, that’s an accurate way to describe it.”
At that point I decided to leave my investigation of
prompt engineering for the moment. After all, Leo asked
me to write a story about the podcast, and I’m getting
diverted.
Change of course:
ME: “Imagine a large bolt affected by hydrogen
embrittlement.”
Now get out there and sell some screws. Ask
ChatGPT to teach you if you don’t know how. You might
need to do some prompting, but you’ll be surprised what
you learn.
WILL THERE BE HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT IN THE
NEW AI-GENERATED METAVERSE? IF SO, THIS IS WHAT
IT MIGHT LOOK LIKE.
ERIC DUDAS

130
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
FASTENER EXPERTS MENTOR GROUP ROSA HEARN: WHY DO SO MANY FASTENERS FOR THE SAME PART HAVE DIFFERENT NAMES? from page 88
K-Lock
Keps ©
Spring Pin
Roll Pin/Slotted Pin
Split Lock Washer
Spring Washers
Phillips
Pozidrive
Some other common examples of fasteners with
different names include:
Velcro
Hook and Loop
Nylon Insert Locknuts
ESNA Nut
All Metal Locknut
Stoverlock/Unitorque
Two Way Locknut
Centerlock/Reversible Lock
Rivet Body (USA)
Rivet Shell (Australia)
There are many more examples, but regardless of
how you interpret it the name, this quote has become
a popular saying that is often used to suggest that
names are not as important but, in our case, the
actual specification of the fastener or product is. So,
make sure you are searching the right part for the
application.
Don’t rely on a name when looking for stock, or you
might lose out on a sale.
FASTENER MENTOR EXPERTS GROUP

PAC-WEST HOLIDAY PARTY & TOYS FOR TOTS COLLECTION
HOLIDAY INN, LA MIRADA, CA - DECEMBER 7, 2023
CONTINUED ON PAGE 143

132
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ROB LaPOINTE FASTENER SCIENCE: THE ROLE OF CARBON IN STEEL from page 90
Microstructure
The microstructure of carbon steel is where the
character of the steel is formed. Literally, the character
or properties of the material arise from the atomic and
molecular structures that assemble themselves by the
balancing of electrical force with the actions of the atoms
due to their thermal energy. This balancing act creates
the crystal structure of the metal. To understand the
crystal structure, or microstructure for iron-carbon alloys
at different thermal energies, we rely on experimental
and theoretical research that has been used to develop
a kind of picture of the alloy at a variety of temperatures
and amounts of carbon by weight percent. This picture is
called an equilibrium phase diagram. Equilibrium phase
diagrams represent the material’s uniform physical and
chemical properties charted with respect to the materials
composition and temperature.
Figure 5 shows us an iron-carbon phase diagram. This
phase diagram provides us with a tremendous amount
of information about the structure and properties of
carbon steel. A complete understanding of this diagram
is beyond the scope of this article but focus on a
few aspects of the diagram will serve to illustrate the
properties of low alloy steel and the role carbon plays.
Let’s begin our exploration of the iron-carbon phase
diagram by considering the three structures that pure
FIGURE 5 IRON-CARBON PHASE DIAGRAM.
FIGURE 6 CRYSTAL STRUCTURES OF IRON. IRON ATOMS ARE
PICTURED IN RED.
iron can form as a crystal or solid. To orient yourself to
the iron-carbon phase diagram (Figure 5), percent carbon
is measured on the horizontal axis with 0% carbon
on the left and ranging to 6.67% carbon on the right.
Temperature is measured on the vertical axis with 0°C
on the bottom and ranging up to approximately 1700°C
on the top. Pure iron can be considered to have less
than 0.008% carbon and is situated on the far left of
the diagram. Along the left border of the diagram (Figure
5) we can see the three phases of pure carbon. Above
a temperature of 1536°C (2798°F), iron is a liquid. As
iron cools below 1536°C (2798°F), it solidifies into a
solid called delta phase or delta iron (-Fe). The structure
of -Fe is a body-centered cubic or BCC (Figure 6). In
the body-centered cubic arrangement, an iron atom is
at the center of the cube structure of iron atoms. As
iron continues to cool it transforms
its arrangement to a face-center
cubic (FCC) at 1401°C (2554°F). This
structure is called gamma iron (-Fe) or
austinite. The FCC structure is denser
than the BCC structure. Continued
cooling below 911°C (1672°F) causes
another change in the structure of iron
to alpha iron (-Fe). Alpha iron, also
known as ferrite, is a BCC structure
like delta iron, but is a bit more
compact.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 158

To accommodate the significant growth in
the past few years, Suncor Stainless Inc. is
delighted to announce the newest addition to the
Suncor® Stainless sales team, Michelle Newton,
who is stepping into the
role of Northeast Region
Account Manager, comes
to us with decades
of experience in the
Industrial, Construction,
Oil & Gas, and Fastener
markets with Stanley
Black & Decker. She
has worked in multiple
regions, along the Gulf
Coast as well as New England.
You can contact her at mnewton@
suncorstainless.com - (508)-732-9191 x1002
Her in depth experience includes account
management, customer service, and e-com sales,
making her a great fit at Suncor Stainless. Michelle
has led sales and marketing groups in various
industries, markets, and regions throughout the
U.S. We are excited to welcome Michelle to the
Suncor family, and we are happy to say she has
already hit the ground running in her new role.
“I’m excited to take over the Northeast territory
for Suncor Stainless and aligning with their
exceptional values while providing outstanding
customer service. My role will bring different
challenges and allow me to work with new
customers with an industry leading product line.”
Suncor Stainless, Inc. is a leading manufacturer
of stainless steel hardware in the industrial,
marine, government, architectural, OEM and
commercial industries. Suncor’s modern facilities
manufacture an ever-expanding product line that
has become one of the world’s most complete
and highest quality sources for stainless steel
chain, hardware, and custom parts. As an ISO
9001 certified company, you can trust that all
Suncor® products and services will consistently
meet customer and regulatory requirements.
For more information contact Suncor Stainless
at 70 Armstrong Road, Plymouth, MA 02360. Tel:
1-800-394-2222, Email: info@suncorstainless.com
or visit them online at www.suncorstainless.com.
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 133

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www.linkmagazine.com

140
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
BRUNO MARBACHER LOCKING FEATURES TO PREVENT ROTATIONAL LOOSENING from page 96
Ripp Lock Washer
RIPP LOCK® washers have radial ribs on both sides.
This lock washer is not dished, therefore does not
compensate for relaxation of the joint.
The contact angle at the foot of the ribs is noticeably
larger than the gradient angle of the thread.
Because of the preload force the ribs of the RIPP
LOCK® washers are pressed into the surface of the
parts being clamped during assembly.
The resulting form-lock prevents spontaneous
loosening of the bolted joint, even under severe
vibrations.
Dimensions: M4–M30
Material Steel Hardness 400 – 500 HV (45 – 49 HRC)
Due to their high hardness the washers can be used
with screws of all property classes up to 12.9.
NordLock Washer
A special type of serrated locking washer is the
NordLock washer. There are always 2 washers needed,
jointly they provide the locking effect.
Dimensions: M6–M130.
When a fastened joint is tightened, the serration
of the two lock washers will line up. If the screw is
subjected to vibration and as a result wants to come
loose, the washer will rotate slightly. Since, however
the serration angle is larger than the thread helix
angle , the loosening of the screw is reliably prevented
through the “increase in washer thickness” of the double
washer.
NordLock washers provide excellent locking against
spontaneous loosening. Nevertheless, there are a few
points to be considered:
One must always use 2 lock washers. Lightly glued
double washers are available. However, they must be
installed separately when reassembled.
If the lock washers are packed individually, meaning
not glued together, there is always the risk that only one
washer is assembled. Another problem is that they may
be assembled facing the wrong direction.
The lock washers lock only against rotational
loosening and not against relaxation of the joint. Also,
they don’t stop an already loosened joint from baking-off
and separating.
The lined-up teeth are not completely closed, causing
a capillary effect and as a result crevice corrosion.
The corroded serrated surfaces won’t slide as easy as
new ones, thus impairing the locking effect.
To assure the washer slides in the serrated interfaces
of the two washers, the washer should not slide between
the interfaces of the washer and the bolt’s head, neither
should it slide in the interface of washer and clamped
part.
Therefore, each washer has a ribbed surface, which
must dig into the bearing area of the bolt as well as the
clamped parts. If the bolt or the clamp parts are too hard
this cannot happen.
Material: Alloy steel, hardness 465HV (46 HRC)
CONTINUED ON PAGE 160

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 141
YOUNG FASTENER PROFESSIONALS
WEB www.youngfastenerprofessionals.com SOCIAL www.linkedin.com/company/youngfastenerprofessionals
CRAIG BEATY ELECTED YFP PRESIDENT FOR 2024
Craig Beaty of Beawest Fasteners has been
elected as the 2024 president of the Young Fastener
Professionals. Christian Georgievski of IFE
Americas will serve as vice president,
and Mallory Nichols of Advance
Components will remain on the Board
as immediate past president.
Nihar Sinha of AmeriSteel
Fasteners has recently been elected
to the YFP Board of Directors.
Continuing on the YFP Board are Jake
Glaser of Sherex Fastening Solutions and
Zech Williams of Wurth Revcar Fasteners.
The YFP Board is laying the groundwork to provide
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
YFP involvement and support to all areas of the industry.
If you are interested in volunteering, mentoring, or being
added to the YFP email list, please email Amy
Nijjar at amy@nfda-fastener.org.
Young Fastener Professionals
is an inclusive, non-profit fastener
association aiming to empower
the next generation of fastener
professionals and their companies
through education, collaboration and
networking.
For more information about the Young
Fastener Professionals, visit www.nfda-fastener.
org/young-fastener-professionals..
YOUNG FASTENER PROFESSIONALS

142
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
COMPUTER INSIGHTS INC. EXPEDITE SHIPPING PROCESSES & SAVE THE BUSINESS EDGE WITH SHIPENGINE from page 98
Return On Investment Continued....
⬡ Anyone with access to The Business Edge TM can
access ShipEngine features, eliminating the need for
a dedicated shipping PC.
⬡ USPS shipments receive Commercial-Plus pricing (
⬡
⬡
⬡
The lowest rate offered).
Discounts with FedEx below regular rates.
Eliminate costly address correction and returned
shipment fees.
Qualify for additional discounts if you ship over
5,000 packages monthly.
What People Are Saying....
“The Business Edge TM
ShipEngine Integration has
streamlined the way we process and ship orders since
we don’t have to jump between multiple pieces of (clunky)
software. ShipEngine saves time and reduces errors.
The Ship Engine Integration simplifies things on the IT
side because we don’t have to maintain and update UPS
and FedEx software, including the virtualization software
needed to run their Windows-only clients on our Mac
computers.”
⬢ Ralph Keepers, Director of Operations, Spencer
Aircraft Supply
“The ShipEngine features in The Business Edge TM
have been a huge time saver for FexEx ground shipments,
and I know we won’t be getting any address or dimension
correction fees from UPS anymore.”
⬢ Kelly Blasy, Administration Manager, Mechanical
Power, Inc.
“The Business Edge TM
ShipEngine integration
streamlines BRF’s shipping processes; this saves time
and money while eliminating mistakes.”
⬢ Robert Nathan, Investor & Advisor, Blue Ribbon
Fastener Co.
“I’m very pleased that The Business Edge TM
now has
ShipEngine integration. It keeps our shipping processes
more streamlined and eliminates the need to jump back
and forth to carrier software.”
⬢ Steve Parham, Operations Project Manager,
Lindfast Solutions Group
“AMPG’s integration with ShipEngine took place
almost three years ago. It has streamlined our shipping
process and reduced manual errors while saving us
processing time. A wide range of carriers to compare
rates has also saved money and transportation time.
ShipEngine’s solutions have supported our business
growth without adding additional resources.”
⬢ Linda Thompson, VP of Operations & Finance, AMPG
More Information
For more information about ShipEngine, visit them
online at www.ShipEngine.com.
For more about The Business Edge TM
contact Dennis
Cowhey, President, at Computer Insights, Inc., Tel: (800)
539-1233, email: sales@ci-inc.com or www.ci-inc.com.
COMPUTER INSIGHTS, INC.

PAC-WEST HOLIDAY PARTY & TOYS FOR TOTS COLLECTION
HOLIDAY INN, LA MIRADA, CA - DECEMBER 7, 2023

144
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
CHRIS DONNELL LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN AT A GLANCE from page 104
This increase again is contributed to the timing of
the CNY as well as importers adapting routings initially
bound for the east coast to rail from the west. This trend
should continue as long as issues with both the Panama
and Suez canals persist. As for the United States inland
rail terminals, most aren’t experiencing any type of
congestion or service-related issues; however, for export
cargo, there are some locations reporting equipment
shortages, especially with regard to 20’ft (TEU) units.
Air Freight And Ground Handling
The air freight industry has continued to surge due
in large part to the service disruptions of the ocean
market and the holiday season. Rates steadily increased
over the last quarter of 2023, hitting a peak in the first
week of December. Importers were able to see a steady
decrease in costs leading up to early January, but rates
quickly rebounded upward including additional 14% in
increases occurring in the week leading up to the Chines
New Year celebration. Congestion at the world’s busiest
airports is being held in check but the smaller secondary
air markets are reporting issues related to congestion as
they typically don’t have the resources or infrastructure
to handle the surge.
As for global air cargo tonnage, figures released for
the month of January 2024 show an increase of around
15% year over year (YOY) which represents the highest
increase since the start of the Pandemic back in 2020.
For tonnage to the United States from China, that figure
swells to over 25% compared to the same time last
year. This increase is being contributed to the timing of
the CNY compared to last year but as well as the traffic
disruptions currently plaguing the ocean import markets.
With the surge in demand come issues with delays at
airline terminals for truckers trying to retrieve cargo.
There are reports in multiple national terminals of slightly
elevated delays which are resulting in costs incurred by
truckers to the cargo owners. This seems to be isolated
and should not last much past the CNY holiday.
There are a couple of things happening in the air
freight market that importers should keep an eye on.
The first is the restructuring of multiple airlines as they
try to become leaner and more profitable. We’ve already
seen multiple airlines and service carriers such as UPS
start their restructuring process. For UPS that included
terminating roughly 12,000 jobs, many at the managerial
level. We’ve also seen multiple staged strikes with
airline ground handlers, pilots and operational workers
world-wide which has led to increased costs to both the
airline and consumers. At the time of this article, the
Frankfort International Airport in Germany is currently
going through such an event with is ground handlers.
With each event, cargo and ticket prices increase. Don’t
believe me? Try and book your next flight and you’ll see
airlines have increased their average ticket prices by
more than 20% compared to the same time last year.
Another item of importance is the clean air mandate
from Congress which is pushing airlines to reduce their
carbon footprint in the marketplace. These mandates
typically are long drawn-out processes but result
in increased costs as the mandates are followed.
Additionally, if you’ve flown anywhere over the past year,
you’ll notice that the airports you’re flying into and out of
are under some type of construction. This revitalization
of airports comes on the heels of our government
extending grants to airport infrastructure development.
Construction means more costs incurred for the airport
which is passed along to the airlines by way of increased
gate fees which then is passed down to the consumer.
In the end, we get a more appealing airport but at what
cost?
Trucking
Another industry which is going through a transitional
stage is our nation’s trucking industry. This industry
includes drayage (ocean container), over the road
(OTR) and short and long-haul cargo. We’re seeing in
many sectors where available capacity far out-number
the available loads which is resulting in costs taking a
significant tumble.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 145

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 145
CHRIS DONNELL LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN AT A GLANCE from page 144
We’re seeing in many sectors where available
capacity far out-number the available loads which is
resulting in costs taking a significant tumble. We’re
seeing far less issues with the number of available
drivers, with the exception of weather-related issues
such as the most recent storm to hit the Northeastern
part of the country. Overall truck tonnage and mileage did
decline in 2023, by around 1.4%, resulting in a year over
year decline in 5 years. Costs of Labor and parts have
seen an increase due to inflationary pressure, therefore,
trucking carriers are entering into a stage of resilience
and restructuring.
Fuel costs are hovering around $4.10 per gallon for
diesel fuel which is up $0.11 per gallon from a week ago
but overall, the cost of fuel is down by more than 5%
versus the same time last year. The recent increase is
due in large part to the weather and timing of the year,
an increase in the months of January and February are
typical.
Another benefit taking place in the world is the
infusion of multiple grants and investments geared at
attaining and growing our aging fleet of vehicles, drivers
and infrastructure. Our government is infusing some 45
billion into the redevelopment and improvements to rest
areas, education and road improvements, something
that is vastly needed as the trucking industry is vital to
our nation’s economy. As you know, more than 90% of all
goods sold in the United States moves by truck in some
form or another. In short, hug a trucker, they are vital to
everyone’s global supply chain.
CHRIS DONNELL

146
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
LARRY BOROWSKI MEASUREMENT OF MINIATURE SCREW THREADS from page 106
The limits of size for the minor diameter are typically
used for design of the threading tools, and normally are
not checked for conformance. Below is an example of an
chart that can be used for this method.
Should ring gages be chosen over optical projection,
product would be acceptable if a GO thread ring could
pass freely over the entire thread length, and a NOT
GO thread ring does not thread on more than 3 turns.
For sizes under 1.0mm in diameter, it should only be
necessary to check conformance using a GO thread ring
gage. This is a suggestion found in several standards
due to the delicate nature of these miniature threads.
For practical purposes, it is suggested that all miniature
screw threads be gages using only the GO thread ring.
This in conjunction with the major diameter measurement
should insure proper thread height and functional fit.
A third alternative for measuring pitch diameter would
be the use of measuring wires, although due to the small
nature and fine pitch of these thread forms it may not be
practical.
Internal Threads
Minor diameter of internal threads is normally gaged
with GO and NOT GO plain cylindrical plug gages. Due to
the delicate nature of internal miniature screw threads,
it is recommended that the NOT GO plain cylindrical
plug gage be used first, and inserted only once until
resistance is felt. Subsequently, the GO plain cylindrical
gage is then used and only inserted once. The act of
gaging these threads can wear the threads oversized if
repeated checking or applying force is used.
All other thread elements including pitch diameter,
lead, thread form, and major are checked by means of a
GO thread plug only. There should only be one insertion
of the GO thread plug as well for reasons stated above.
Miniature screw threads are delicate in nature, and
it should be stressed that any hard gaging or contact
gaging can damage the threads or wear them out of
specification if care is not taken. Miniature screw threads
are not designed for strength, but designed for functional
fit, which should be the only acceptance criteria.
In the absence of gaging standards, the above
inspection methods should provide the end user with
acceptable product to use in next higher assembly
operations with confidence that components will function
as intended. It is the authors recommendation that
optical means be used over contact means when
practical.
LARRY BOROWSKI | GREENSLADE & COMPANY INC

148
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ROBERT FOOTLIK TWICE THE OUTPUT FROM HALF THE WORKERS from page 108
With a limited number of SKU’s, a simple multi-aisle
plan works best. The fewer the aisles, the less walking.
Keeping things simple, one aisle with 50 palletized
SKU’s for large quantities of fast moving items and a
few sections of pallet rack in the second aisle for hand
stacked small quantities with pallets below sets up a
circular flow path; going up one aisle and returning to a
home position without backtracking. If more items must
be accommodated, adding pairs of aisles will similarly
reduce walking. In a more permanent operation carton
flow racks for slow moving, limited SKU’s will consolidate
the frontal positions to expedite picking. A maximum
aisle length of 50’ to 100’ without a break is normally
recommended.
If historical data is available, even a pop-up can
segregate the most popular items that will appear on the
bulk of the orders into one high-speed pick aisle. The very
nature of a short term, limited fulfillment program means
that the 80/20 rule (80% of the picks come from 20% of
the SKU’s) is skewed drastically. As much as 95% of the
picks coming from 5% is common. Stocking the layout
to take advantage of this is definitely an IOTTMCO preplanning
step.
“Paperwork”
The workers were using real-time bar code scanners
tied into a sophisticated warehouse management system
(WMS). Every pick required them to scan a floor position
label, the product case label and the actual item label to
verify location, product and lot codes. This information
is download in real time to the WMS for tracking the
materials. The problem was that the pickers used the
scanners just like a paper list.
Materials were profiled in item number sequence, not
according to demand, and the orders were being picked
individually. One order, one person, at one time is an
ancient technique and absurd in an environment where
the WMS can be used to direct the work for batch picking
of multiple orders. As a pop-up the very limited SKU count
and predominantly short (less than three lines) orders are
ripe for picking in batches of up to 100 orders at a time,
especially if these are all one-line orders. IOTTMCO if the
pickers are only getting one item per order pick-pack is
a natural and simple procedure. For control purposes,
a label printer to supply the carton shipping information
(with a suitable bar code) becomes a guarantee that
the right goods are going into the right shipping carton,
envelope or case lot every time.
In essence, the only “paperwork” generated might be
a packing list or customized customer communication that
an “order finisher” will print as they cushion the carton
contents in preparation for carton sealing.
This implies that pop-bottom shipping cartons and
other supplies travel with the pick-packers who can
choose the right shipping medium (or it can be dictated
by their handheld WMS link) and place the materials in
the carton without wasted time and motion. It may take a
few more seconds per order, but pick-pack saves minutes
wasted by a packer.
Strategically locating packing supplies along the
picking path can facilitate resupplying the workers and
further reduce their daily travels. This too should be an
obvious improvement.
Order Checking
Under the current operating procedures, multiple
“order checkers” are reviewing every item that is going
into every box. IOTTMCO they are duplicating inefficiently
all the information and verifications performed by the
WMS. This raises the question, “Why are they there?” The
only answer given attributed this function to “tradition.”
A more sensible approach is statistically sampling
perhaps 4% of the orders by cutting open finished
cartons and evaluating the entire contents the same way
a diligent customer would unpack their order. There are
many advantages to doing this. This final quality check
is an opportunity to assure the customer of your sincerity
by including a card or message that the order has been
thoroughly checked. Beyond this are the benefits of
providing timely feedback to the workers, ensuring that
a corrupt employee is not over shipping to a confederate
and stopping work immediately when a problem is
discovered. If an error is detected, additional sampling
must be performed.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 149

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 149
ROBERT FOOTLIK TWICE THE OUTPUT FROM HALF THE WORKERS from page 148
Monetary or incentive rewards provided when goals
are met, and exceeded, are based on the final, statistical
sampling information. The philosophy is that you are
communicating the satisfaction of your customers.
Restocking
Every time the current pick line was restocked, the
pickers had to stop what they were doing and move to
safety. Operating a forklift in close proximity to personnel
is always an accident waiting to happen. IOTTMCO
restocking can be performed during break periods, or by
staggering starting times. The cost is essentially zero
and no one has to pause.
Using the WMS to digitally determine the daily pick
quantities expedites the process and should totally
eliminate stock outs. If the morning batch of orders
includes 52 widgets, then the picking position must have
at least this much available at the start of the batch
picking period.
For a pop-up where multiple pallets of widgets are
required, two side-by-side positions can be utilized, or
the widgets stocked multiple pallets deep and restocked
from a non-picking aisle. Restocking can even be
expedited by laying conveyor on the floor to create a
movable surface for pallet flow without a forklift.
If All This Works For A Pop-Up Operation
IOTTMCO, it also works for any Fastener Distributor
who has a relatively fast moving operation. Optimizing
every order fulfillment process and raising productivity
adds profits. Once you develop the right Engineering
Attitude, identifying savings of time, money, labor and
aggravation becomes a way of life. This is Immediately
Obvious To The Most Casual Observer.
ROBERT FOOTLIK

150
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
NELSON VALDERRAMA WANT A THRIVING BUSINESS? FOCUS ON AI AND DATA CAPABILITIES! from page 118
Just think of all the information jotted on paper
and thrown away, all the calculations subjected to tribal
knowledge and gut feelings!
Artificial intelligence can integrate seamlessly with
existing ERP and CRM systems, launch with minimal
downtime, and explore every nook and cranny of your sales
and inventory transactions. AI does not recall or calculate.
It seeks patterns, trends, and correlations among the
transactions to prepare predictive analytics.
Real-time and access-easy information prompt sales with
the right price and product at the right time. In its “wisdom,”
AI has also integrated economic, competitor, and custom
trends.
But that’s not all. AI offers additional benefits of
interest to distribution CEOs, CFOs, and Inventory and Sales
Managers:
¤ Optimized decision-making: Quality data drives the
best decisions. AI has the speed and reach to wash and
rinse the transactional history to see what comes out in
the sun. Predictive analytics emerge to improve decisions
on inventory management, strategic pricing, and marketing
tactics.
¤ Improved efficiency and productivity: AI can automate
processes and manual operations, inventory, and sales
tasks. In doing so, it relieves employees to more fulfilling and
productive work.
¤ Projected growth: AI provides the forecasts company
decision-makers and stakeholders need to predict the scope
and timing for facility and labor growth
¤ Enhanced customer service: Sales and customer
service reps will improve service, solve problems faster, and
strengthen customer relationships with a shot in the arm
from AI.
AI vs. BI
Your wholesale distributorship may brag about having
a super Business Intelligence (BI) system. That’s okay. Just
don’t confuse it with AI.
BI will examine your past performance and provide
the information needed to determine what went well and
what needs improvement. It will, for instance, report on the
business’s KPIs. It gathers information that decision-makers
can share or create dashboards for their teams.
The thing is, BI focuses on the past, whereas AI
metabolizes the historical data to deliver predictive and
actionable analytics. Its ML algorithms can integrate the
past’s patterns with information on evolving trends in the
economy, customer behavior, and competition. What you
get with AI is BI on steroids:
What can you expect? AI/ML works independently,
combing your data with a fine tooth comb. It gathers
information so your salespeople can:
¤ Plan their week emphasizing customers and prospects
identified by product preference, reorder likelihood, or
seasonal interest.
¤ Prepare pitches to close orders, cross-sell, and upsell
with the help of customer- and product-specific information.
¤ Access real-time inventory status.
¤ Reduce or eliminate “old school” administrative tasks.
Salespeople can share their information with peers and
managers to trigger collaboration. And sales managers can
share the info across business functions with a need-toknow.
You’ll Want To Adopt AI Capabilities Soon!
Chances and conditions are good for increasing sales
in 2024—if you have the unique power of AI/ML behind
you. Forward-thinking wholesalers constantly seek new
technologies to improve their operations. As their cost
of business increases, their first instinct is to increase
operational efficiencies. They look for better communication,
equipment, and marketing.
We have a legacy of computers that count, sort,
prioritize, and archive data. Now, we can run advanced
analytics to dive deep into databases and find valuable
and useful insights, patterns, and trends. AI will reinvent
distributor sales. You’ll want to be a leader.
NELSON VALDERRAMA

152
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
DENALI INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY ALASKA’S TRUSTED SOURCE FOR INDUSTRIAL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT from page 122
Client Testimonials
“We rely on Denali Industrial Supply for the following
reasons:
[1] They provide an experienced staff that is available
immediately when we call. We don’t have to wait on hold;
we don’t have to leave messages. They are available
when we need them.
[2] Their staff is knowledgeable in the products they
sell and what the industry is using. They understand the
jobsite terminology and language that other suppliers are
unfamiliar with.
[3] They understand there is an urgency in our
industry with same-day delivery on orders. One box of
screws or a truckload of tools, the service is the same.”
- Ben Callahan, President, Callahan Construction
Company
“Denali Industrial has been an exceptional partner
over the years. Gary and crew continually offer high-quality
products while delivering excellent customer service.”
- Mel Weeks, President, Patrick Mechanical Inc.
“Denali Industrial has been one of our core suppliers
for years now. They did not earn this relationship with us
by default or complacency but through professionalism,
integrity, and service. We are proud to be able to partner
with a fellow Alaskan company.”
Jeremiah Raby, President, Slayden Plumbing and
Heating Inc.
Conclusion
Denali Industrial Supply is a testament to Alaskan
resilience and ingenuity, providing industries with the
tools and equipment needed to thrive in challenging
environments. With a commitment to quality, a
comprehensive product range, and knowledgeable staff,
Denali remains the trusted source for industrial supplies
across Alaska. Contact Denali Industrial Supply today to
discover how they can meet your specific industrial tool
and equipment needs.
More Information
Denali Industial Supply is located at 1499 Van Horn
Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701, and 4901 Fairbanks Street,
Anchorage, AK 99503. Contact Bill Gottmeier, Sales
Manager, for more information at (907) 452-4524,
wgottmeier@denali-industrial.com or visit them online at
www.denali-industrial.com.
Computer Insights, Inc. is located at 108 3rd Street,
Unit 4, Bloomingdale, IL 60108. Contact Dennis Cowhey,
President, for more information at (800) 539-1233, email
sales@ci-inc.com or online at www.ci-inc.com.
DENALI INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 153
SPIROL International
Holding Corporation Board
of Directors announces the
unanimous decision to appoint
Jeffrey F. Koehl as Chairman of
SPIROL International Holding
Corporation.
Jeff joined the company in
1997, and has been serving
as Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of SPIROL
International Corporation
since his appointment in
2010.
Jeff succeeds his father,
Hans H. Koehl, who passed
away on November 30, 2023.
Hans’ vision, dedication,
and passion led to the
transformation of SPIROL
from being a small, familyowned
business in Northeast
Connecticut into a worldrenowned
manufacturing
company with locations
on 4 continents and in 13
countries. It is impossible to
put into words the unparralled
contributions that Hans made
to SPIROL over the last 64
years – most importantly
the education, coaching and
mentoring of his son, Jeff, in
preparation for him to be his
successor.
While succeeding his
father as Chairman is no
insignificant task, Jeff is
uniquely qualified for the position.
As stated by Peter von Conta, Non-
Executive Director of SPIROL and
grandson of co-founder Walther G.
von Conta, “As both a Shareholder
and Director, I feel we are extremely
fortunate to have planned for this
natural succession and seamless
transition to the Chairmanship.
Jeff earned his bachelor’s
degree in biomedical engineering
from Brown University, and his
MBA from Boston College. He has
over 26 years of experience at
SPIROL and has held a number
of leadership positions prior to
being appointed Chairman and
CEO of SPIROL International Corp.
Under Jeff’s direction, SPIROL has
achieved profound success and
growth including the establishment
of numerous wholly-owned
subsidiaries as well as the recent
acquisition of Ford Aerospace in
South Shields, England.
Given his proven accomplishments
and his demonstrated capacity to
skillfully lead the company through
numerous unprecedented and
extraordinary challenges, Jeff has the
complete faith of the shareholders
and support of the Board of Directors.
Peter von Conta avowed, “As we
embark on an increasingly complex
period of industry transformation,
Jeff is uniquely equipped to lead
us through this pivotal era. We are
excited about the future of SPIROL
and look forward to the Company’s
next chapter under Jeff’s strategic
leadership as Chairman of the
Board.”
For more information contact
SPIROL at Tel: 1-860-774-8571,
Email: info@spirol.com online at
www.spirol.com.

154
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
GLOBALFASTENERNEWS.COM SECTION 301 TARIFF REVIEW CONTINUES from page 124
¤ Performing more work on airplanes at their
assigned positions.
¤ Dedicating multiple days for our 737 teams to
focus on and implement quality improvements.
¤ Launching an independent assessment to bolster
the quality management system at Boeing Commercial
Airplanes by a highly experienced safety expert.
In addition, Boeing will open its factory to 737
customers to conduct their own additional reviews.
That’s not the only quality issue Boeing is dealing
with.
Recently, Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, which
makes the fuselages of the 737 Max jets, notified
the plane maker that two holes on 50 undelivered
airplanes may not have been drilled exactly to Boeing’s
requirements.
The news comes one month after a catastrophic
failure occurred when a door plug blew off a new Alaska
Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 at 16,000 feet, imperiling
171 passengers and 6 crew members.
The explosive accident caused the Federal Aviation
Administration to increase oversight of Boeing and audit
production of the 737 Max 9 jetliner. The agency also
said it’s reconsidering its longstanding practice of relying
on aircraft manufacturer employees to perform some
safety analysis of planes.
Boeing has dealt with misdrilled holes before.
In August 2023, Boeing found fastener holes on
some 737s in the aft pressure bulkhead — the heavy
metal dome capping the back end of the passenger
cabin that is essential to maintaining cabin pressure —
had been improperly drilled by fuselage manufacturer
Spirit Aerosystems.
Called “snowmen” due to their elongated shape of
two overlapping holes of differing size, these holes were
filled with fasteners and passed quality inspections at
Spirit before being shipped by rail to Boeing.
Fastenal Fastener Sales Slide Steepens
Fastenal Co. reported fastener sales declined for
a fourth straight month in January, falling 6% to $99.6
million (31.2% of overall sales). A year earlier, first-month
fasteners sales increased 11.6%.
Consolidated January sales gained 6.4% to $639.9
million. Daily sales improved 1.6% to $29.1 million.
Sales in the U.S. grew 11.2% to $531.7 million, while
sales in Canada and Mexico increased 17.3% to $87
million.
By end market, sales to heavy manufacturing
customers rose 3.3%, with sales to non-residential
construction customers falling 8.6% during January.
Fastenal’s full time workforce increased 2.7%
during the month to 23,380 employees. Distribution/
transportation personnel grew 3.7% to 3,072, while
manufacturing personnel increased 1.9% to 710 workers.
In the final quarter of 2023, Fastenal sales declined
2.3% to $546.9 million (31.1% of of total sales). The
results included a 1.9% drop in December, with pricing
for fasteners decelerating at a faster pace than nonfastener
products. Web: www.fastenal.com.
GLOBALFASTENERNEWS.COM

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 155
METROPOLITAN FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
233 Rock Road #205, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 TEL 201-254-7784 FAX 201-612-0638 EMAIL mfdaboard@gmail.com WEB www.mfda.us
MFDA TOYS FOR TOTS HOLIDAY PARTY by Rob Rundle
The Metropolitan Fastener Distributors Association
ended 2023 on a high note with its 24th annual Toys
For Tots drive and dinner at the Twin Door Tavern in
Maywood NJ.
It was a crazy year for all, but the members and
friends of the MFDA once again came through for the
children of our community. Along with sending the
representative from Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th
Marines back to Picatinny Arsenal with a vehicle full
of toys for the Corps’ 2023 toy drive, the MFDA also
included a donation of $8000, which was the third
largest cash donation in the history of the MFDA.
Each year the Marines of Golf Company based at
the Picatinny Arsenal help organize donations of nearly
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
100,000 toys to over 40,000 children in our area. The
MFDA has been recognized by Toys for Tots for being a
National Corporate Sponsor in the past.
The members are looking forward to the Silver
Anniversary of the Toys for Tots campaign in December.
We hope to see everyone there with us!
METROPOLITAN FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION

156
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
LAURENCE CLAUS HOW FASTENERS ARE MADE - PART 2: HOT HEADING AND SCREW MACHINING from page 126
through a cutter which allows the part to fully or partially
feed through the die. These threads are most likely cut
threads. The other method is to use a pair of cylindrical
roll dies (see Figure 6). These form the threads and can
provide however many revolutions are needed to fully
form the thread.
FIGURE 5: EXAMPLE OF DIE SEAM
An additional challenge of an Upsetter is the
incidence of die seams under the head. These occur
when the clam shell dies do not close tightly enough or
perhaps, they are wearing out. If this occurs, the dies
separate a little and material is squeezed into this void
leaving a seam (see Figure 5). If this seam is small, it
may simply be ignored but if it is significant it will have
to be removed as its presence will cause the part not
to properly seat flat in the application. When they must
be removed, they will be machined off in a post forming
secondary operation.
Like cold headed blanks, threads must be put on.
Parts in the smaller diameter range will be flat die
rolled, just like their cold headed counterparts. However,
parts that are large in diameter or very long require a
different method. Long parts are most often threaded
FIGURE 6: EXAMPLE OF CYLINDRICAL DIE ROLLER
Screw Machining
Cold and hot heading are relatively new process
technologies. The earliest modern fasteners were made
on screw machines. This technology can be traced all
the way back to the early 1800s. A screw machine is
an automatic lathe that can perform cutting and other
machining operations from the front and sides of the
workpiece. Today most parts are produced from bar stock
that is automatically fed into the machine. However, the
lesser used process of feeding individual blanks into the
machine is also possible. When this feeding method is
employed the “screw machine” moniker is changed to
“chucking.”
Like cold heading, the screw machining process
has fundamental capabilities such as shaving, parting,
threading, etc. that are shared by all different screw
machining equipment. However, the process is defined
primarily by the machine. Screw machines can be
classified into several distinct categories, either by the
number of spindles , the feeding method, or the type of
drive. Like cold headers which are often defined by the
number of dies or blows they can impose on a part, screw
machines are defined by the number of spindles that are
turned past machining stations of the same number. A
single spindle screw machine has only one station to
accomplish the desired work in, while multi-spindle screw
machines move the workpiece through a sequence of
two or more stations. By moving the workpiece through
multiple stations, more complex parts can be created.
The number of spindles is usually, although not always,
an even number. The most common variations are 1, 4,
6 and 8 spindle screw machines. When more than one
spindle is incorporated, the machine must index to each
new station.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 162

158
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ROB LaPOINTE FASTENER SCIENCE: THE ROLE OF CARBON IN STEEL from page 132
of high carbon (> 0.76% C) steel is pearlite (-Fe + Fe3C)
being held together by proeutectoid cementite, which is
a much harder phase of cementite. It is principally this
difference in the microstructures of low alloy steel that
produces a much harder alloy. As the carbon content goes
up, more proeutectoid cementite structures surround
pearlite structures creating a harder metal.
FIGURE 7 CEMENTITE (FE3C). IRON ATOMS ARE PICTURED IN
GREEN AND CARBON IN BLACK.
As we start to add carbon to the iron to form an iron
alloy, we see a third structure form with the carbon atoms
sitting in the spaces between the iron atoms (Figure 7).
This third structure is called cementite, which has the
chemical structure Fe3C. Cementite is very hard and
brittle. The cementite structure has a carbon percentage
of 6.67, which we see on the far-right side of Figure 5.
Thus, at low temperatures, an iron-carbon mixture with
6.67% C would be pure cementite (Fe3C).
If we focus our attention on the region below the
eutectoid point (0.76% C) at 727°C (1341°F), we can
see the area on the phase diagram which represents
low alloy steel. Carbon concentrations less than 0.76
percent represent low and medium carbon steel. Carbon
concentrations greater than 0.76 percent represent high
carbon steel. The microstructure (Figure 8) of low and
medium carbon steel is ferrite (-Fe) with laminations of
pearlite (-Fe + Fe3C). Pearlite is a cementite and ferrite
structure. For low and medium carbon steels, the pearlite
structures are held together with soft ferrite structures
called proeutectoid ferrite. The microstructure (Figure 9)
FIGURE 8 MICROSTRUCTURE OF LOW AND MEDIUM CARBON STEEL.
FIGURE 9 MICROSTRUCTURE OF HIGH CARBON STEEL.
A Fortune or Misfortune Cookie Message
We now understand, at least superficially, how
increasing amounts of carbon produces steel that is
harder and stronger while sacrificing the ductility and
toughness of softer steel with less carbon. As I thought
about my fortune cookie message, I wondered if it was
truly profound or if it was just another fortune cookie
attempt to lift my spirits by believing something good
is about to happen or bolstering my ego. I wondered if,
with the addition of character, a person grows harder
and stronger, but with less resilience. I thought about
the meaning of character building, as in, what builds
a person’s character? Difficult situations? Hardships?
Accomplishments? All these things, I suppose. As we
experience difficulty and resistance in life and get to
the other side of it by pushing and fighting and making
difficult decisions, we build our character. We build our
wisdom. We build a lack of tolerance for meaningless
or idle things or situations that will take us in the wrong
direction. We build a hardness that enables us to resist
being deformed, deflated, or destroyed. This seems like
a good thing, but their formation also makes us rigid and
inflexible. Rigidity and inflexibility prevent us from seeing
and experiencing new ideas, new perspectives, and new
realizations. I do think that my fortune cookie message
was truly profound. As I thought more about it though, I’m
not sure if it was defining the better path or an admonition
for correction toward the better path.
ROB LaPOINTE / EXPEDITE TESTING SERVICE

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 159

160
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
BRUNO MARBACHER LOCKING FEATURES TO PREVENT ROTATIONAL LOOSENING from page 140
Durlok Wedge-Lock Washer
TENSILOK Screw
This type of lock washer is also sold under the name
of Durlok locking wedge washers, they principally function
the same way as NordLock. Durlok wedge lock washers,
when used with standard or high strength screws provide
a high degree of self-locking. Durlok washers come in
pre-assembled pairs. They have wedge faces on the
inside and radial teeth on the outside. The wedge angle
is greater than the thread angle.
Dimensions: M6–M20
Material: Alloy steel heat treated 470 – 540 HV (47-52
HRC)
Wedge lock washers are covered by DIN 25201-4.
Serrated Flange Bolts And Nuts
Normal flange screws/nuts are already more immune
to vibration than normal hex cap screws and hex nuts due
to their larger bearing area diameter.
If the flange is also ribbed or toothed, its friction on the
surface of the clamped part is considerably increased.
Serrations under the screw head dig into the clamped
member during tightening. Loosening of the screw
becomes more difficult. The teeth are directed against
rotational loosening of the screw/ nut and are therefore a
very good safeguard against loosening. However, they can
only be used effectively if the screw is appropriately hard
and if the surface of the clamped part is not too hard.
Screws with locking teeth or ribs typically are available
in hex flange screws, some companies make them in
other head styles. Typically, their lengths ought not to
exceed 6-7 x the thread diameter.
The original serrated flange screw was the TENSILOK
screw from Bauer and Schaurte Germany
The Tensilok (serrated) Flange screw is furnished
with 24 interlocking teeth in the bearing area. An
undercut makes the flange flexible, hence compensates
for embedding and loss of preload. They are also provided
with a smooth support shoulder, thus making a firm
contact with clamped material, also controls the amount
of tooth penetration, penetrating too deep, they could, for
example, cut through thin sheets.
TENSILOCK self-locking hexagon flange bolts are
designated with the property classes 90 and 100 with
a min. tensile strength of 900 resp. 1040 MPa (N/
mm 2 ). They are case-hardened and therefore cannot be
classified as the usual classes 8.8 and 10.9. There are
other brands of serrated screws they come in regular
property classes and grades.
The screws/nuts must be properly tightened, otherwise
the serration will not penetrate adequately therefore not
resisting rotation.
A disadvantage of the TENSILOK screws/nuts is the
damaging of the surface of the clamped parts, if the
joining elements must be loosened for repair work, thus
limiting the re-usability. This disadvantage is true for the
serrated flange nuts as well.
Dimensions: M5 - M16
Also available under the name of ZAHN self-locking
screws.
Electroplating or paint will be milled away in any case
and corrosion could form.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 164

162
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
LAURENCE CLAUS HOW FASTENERS ARE MADE - PART 2: HOT HEADING AND SCREW MACHINING from page 156
This usually means that everything associated
with the part in that spindle must be able to index.
As a result, bar fed, multiple spindle screw machines
vaguely resemble a gatling gun as each spindle must be
independently fed with bar stock that indexes in a rotary
motion around the centerline of the machine (see Figure
7). The feeding method also serves as a distinguishing
characteristic of the process. Screw machines may feed
long, continuous bars through a bar feeding mechanism
or load individual blanks into a collet or jaws that rotate
on the spindle. Finally, screw machines may be known
by the type of drive the machine incorporates. Traditional
machines are cam driven. This means that a series
of cams time when the machine performs its specific
functions such as moving the tools in and out of the
workpiece, indexing the machine, feeding new stock
into the machine, etc. In a cam driven machine, each
operation must be carefully planned and precisely timed
so that the entire process becomes an elegant and
finely choreographed dance. Traditional and Swiss screw
machines are cam driven. Most late model equipment is
numerically controlled by a computer (CNC machines).
The CNC controller executes a predefined program which
controls the overall machine and the precise timing,
placement, and movement of each tool.
Although each machine works a little differently,
the fundamental concept is universal. The workpiece
(continuous bar or individual blank) is fixtured into
a holder (usually a split collet or a set of jaws like a
drill chuck) that is integral to the spindle and grasps
the workpiece allowing it to spin at the speed of the
rotating spindle. Non spinning tools are then moved into
the spinning part. The tools are fixtured into holders
attached to moving slides. The slide may come in from
the front on what is called the axial slide (see Figure 8)
or from the sides on what is called the cross slide (see
Figure 9). In some cases, there can be more than one
cross slide that comes in from different radial directions
relative to the spindle. Common features that come from
tools on the axial slide include end drilled holes, end
tapped threads, and end chamfers. Common features
that come from the tools on the cross slide include
shaved features like grooves, turned down shoulders,
chamfers, faced bearing surfaces, burnished surfaces,
checkering or axial knurls, and parting (part cut-off), to
name just a few. The workpiece is indexed past each
station available and when it reaches the final station it
is cut-off from the continuous bar or released from the
collet.
FIGURE 7: EXAMPLE OF MULTI-SPINDLE SCREW MACHINE
(3 OF 6 SPINDLES PICTURED HERE) FIGURE 8: EXAMPLE OF AXIAL SLIDE
CONTINUED ON PAGE 166

AFC Industries has acquired West Chicago
based Chicago Industrial Fasteners.
Founded in 2003 by John and Cathy Price,
CIF specializes in the supply of both standard
and specialty fasteners to its customer base
of original equipment manufacturers, hardware
providers, and material fabricators that operate
in a variety of end markets, including heavy
trucking, automotive, agricultural equipment,
and wind and solar power.
CIF owner Cathy Price said, “When you work
for many years to build a family business it is
more than just a company. It was important
to us that we found a partner with similar
values who was going to take great care of our
customers and be a great home for our team. A
friend in the industry who had previously sold to
AFC suggested we talk to them. We are so glad
we did. They checked all the boxes, and I am
confident the future is bright for CIF and AFC.”
John Price added, “This new chapter with AFC
opens the door for us to continue to expand the
solutions we can provide for our customers. It is
exciting to have more resources to keep building
on the foundation of service, teamwork, and
partnership that we have established over the
past 20 years.”
AFC CEO Kevin Godin said, “In CIF we found a
business built around the same core commitment
to providing excellent service that we strive for at
AFC. The more we got to know John and Cathy
and their team the more obvious it was that this
was a great fit. Both of these businesses are
better together, each brings key resources and
capabilities that strengthen the other.”
Headquartered in Fairfield OH, AFC Industries
is a dynamic organization dedicated to providing
supply chain management solutions for
fasteners, tooling, and assembly components.
Their supply solutions include Vendor Managed
Inventory, Stock and Release programs, Light
Assembly, Kitting, and Private Labeling services
amongst others. AFC supports a diverse base
of manufacturers across a broad range of
industries.
For more information about AFC Industries visit
them online at www.afcind.com.
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 163

164
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
BRUNO MARBACHER LOCKING FEATURES TO PREVENT ROTATIONAL LOOSENING from page 160
Durlok Flange Screw
VERBUS RIPP screws/nuts are harder than TENSILOK.
They are offered in property class 100; the strength
corresponds approximately to class 10.9/ 10. Hardness,
Durlok self-locking bolts/nuts are designed with
ramp shaped, radial teeth arranged uniformly into a
lightly conical outer surface. The plain outer bearing
ring prevents too much penetration into the clamped
member material. These properties produce adequate
edge pressure, enough to guarantee self-locking. The
Durlok bolt/Nut are fit for multiple reuses because the
serrations do not dig too deep into the clamped material
and still enable locking effectiveness.
12
Available in Property Class: 12.9, nuts property class
Dimensions: M6–M20
Ribbed Flange Bolts And Nuts
(Ribs On The Bearing Area)
The VERBUS RIPP screws/ nuts are a further
development of the TENSILOK fastening elements.
Instead of teeth on the lower side of the flange, they
have radial ribs on the entire bearing area.
While tightening the ribs are pressed into the material,
these ribs produce enough additional friction against a
spontaneous loosening.
However, they do not damage the surface of the
clamped part during dis-assembly.
at the surface amounts to 400 – 500 HV. Some
companies offer VERBUS RIPP screws in property class
12.9, upon request. They are also available as a socket
flange screw.
Since the round profile of the ribs penetrates more
lightly as a serration, VERBUS RIPP screws/ nuts have
to be tightened higher than TENSILOK.
Locking screws made of stainless steel and nonferrous
materials are too soft and therefore not feasible.
This is also not necessary, since joints with long screws
are immune to vibration. in the case of through hole joints,
locking screws and locking nuts must always be used.
Serration or ribs do not prevent the loss of already
loosened locking screw/ nut. It would require additional
locking features.
Dimensions: M5 - M16
There are many copies of the above-mentioned
screws and nuts – especially of the TENSILOK version.
Some serrated flange screws are manufactured in
property 8.8 (8). Such screws/ nuts have limited locking
effect since their serration does not penetrate the harder
work pieces as well.
As of this writing there are no standards covering
serrated/ribbed locking screws.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 165

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 165
BRUNO MARBACHER LOCKING FEATURES TO PREVENT ROTATIONAL LOOSENING from page 164
This graph shows the locking effectiveness for locking
elements designed to prevent rotational loosening of
fasteners for property class 8.8 (gr5) or higher, including
property class 12.9 where appropriate. The results
shown are based on junker vibration tests (DIN 65151).
The locking effectiveness of serrated and ribbed locking
elements typically fall between
the light blue and purple curves.
The dark green curve shows
the locking effectiveness of an
unsecured bolt, clamping range
2 d. Locking elements such as
split lock washer, tooth lock etc.
have shown to be effective for
low strength fasteners, property
class 4.8 or similar.
In conclusion, the junker
vibration test is a great way to verify locking effectiveness,
for most cases it is enough to establish suitability of
the locking element/feature for a given application.
However, there are many applications where the locking
element must be vibration tested in the final products or
subassemblies.
BRUNO MARBACHER

166
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
LAURENCE CLAUS HOW FASTENERS ARE MADE - PART 2: HOT HEADING AND SCREW MACHINING from page 162
FIGURE 9: EXAMPLE OF CROSS SLIDE
Screw machining was the original method of screw
manufacturing but quickly supplanted by cold heading
when that technology became available. Cold heading
became the favored method for its radical improvement in
productivity and efficiency. Recall that cold heading is fast
with average cycle speeds of about two hundred parts per
minute and does not generate much, if any, waste. Screw
machining, on the other hand, is slow, with the average
cycle on very simple parts falling in the five to ten parts
per minute range. Additionally, since screw machining is
a cutting operation, it generates waste. The greater the
change in diameters the more waste generated. Other
limitations include inability to create drive recesses in the
primary screw machining operations and parts that are not
as strong as cold or hot headed parts.
Although that list of limitations seems pretty
significant, there are some instances where screw
machining fasteners is very advantageous. These include
the following instances.
¤ Precision – Cold headed parts do not have
the dimensional precision that can be achieved in screw
machining. Although the typical screw machining process
does not produce parts that are super precise, it will be
capable of providing dimensional results that are several
times better than normal cold headed parts. Swiss screw
machines can sometimes hold tolerances as tight as
0.0002.”
¤ Complexity – Screw machining allows round
features like rings, grooves, undercuts, and multiple
diameter steps to be easily developed through the screw
machining process.
¤ Small Order Quantities – If a customer only
needs a small quantity of parts, it is exceedingly difficult
to support this cost effectively with cold heading. Screw
machining, however, is well suited to production of small
runs without having to carry the same burden that cold
heading would.
¤ Exotic Materials – This actually has two
facets. Some exotic materials are exceedingly difficult to
form but can be cut. In these instances, it proves less of
a headache to screw machine the parts than to attempt
to cold head them. Secondly, many of these materials
are extremely expensive. Cold heading requires, in
minimum cases, at least several hundred pounds of
continuously coiled metal. If the material is extremely
expensive per pound and only a portion of the minimum
coil weight is required to support the customer’s order,
a significant investment in material may be left over.
Someone must pay for this. As such, screw machining
material is purchased in shorter bars. If a little of this
material ends up left over the monetary impact is not
that significant.
Summary
Even though there are a couple of esoteric
manufacturing methods that very occasionally get
employed to produce a threaded fastener, the three
methods covered in this series represent almost the
entirety of manufacturing methods for fasteners. It is
important for fastener suppliers, especially distributors,
to have at least a rudimentary understanding of these
methods so that they know how to best serve their
customers when non-standard requests come in.
Knowledge of these processes will go a long way
to providing the customer with the best and most
appropriate solution for their needs.
Credits
¤ Figures 1 and 2 Courtesy of Hayden Bolt
¤ Figures 3 and 4 Courtesy of Unytite Inc.
LAURENCE CLAUS

168
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Joe Shoemaker
Joe is an accomplished strategic marketing leader with over 20 years of executive
leadership experience in industrial manufacturing and B2B sectors. Joe’s expertise
includes brand leadership, product development, demand generation, digital and
social media strategy, messaging and communications strategies, and market
intelligence. He has built global brand strategies for multi-brand market leaders
driving them to prominent positions in their respective markets. Joe can be reached at
36shoe@gmail.com or 330-720-0552.
FROM PRINT TO PARTNERSHIP: THE BLUEPRINT FOR
EFFECTIVE CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT IN FASTENERS
In the fast-paced world of fasteners, where
precision and reliability are paramount, fostering
strong customer relationships is key. Successful
engagement strategies go beyond the transactional
and delve into creating meaningful connections that
stand the test of time.
Trust and reliability are the cornerstones of enduring
partnerships. Fastener professionals are often inundated
with technical specifications, standards, and a myriad
of product offerings. Amidst this complexity, effective
communication becomes vital for establishing and
maintaining relationships.
¤ Showcasing Expertise Through Articles -
Alongside traditional advertisements, contribute articles
or features that showcase your company’s expertise. This
can include case studies, success stories, or insights into
the latest industry trends. Positioning your brand as an
authority fosters credibility and trust.
¤ Printed Newsletters - Regularly send out printed
newsletters to your customer base. These can include
updates on product innovations, industry news, and
special promotions. The tangible nature of a printed
newsletter adds a personal touch, standing out amidst
digital communications.
Strategies For Customer Engagement
¤ Educational Print Campaigns - Print advertising
allows for in-depth, educational content. Utilize brochures,
catalogs, and industry magazines to highlight the unique
features and benefits of your fastener products. Educating
customers not only instills confidence but also positions
your brand as a knowledge leader.
The Impact Of Print In A Digital Age
In an era dominated by digital marketing, print
advertising offers a unique advantage. Tangibility
and sensory engagement play a significant role in
customer perception. A well-designed, professionally
printed advertisement can leave a lasting impression that
resonates beyond the initial glance.
¤ Targeted Trade Publications - Identify and
collaborate with industry-specific print publications (like
LINK). Placing ads in magazines that cater to the fastener
space ensures that your message reaches a highly
targeted audience. This targeted approach is more likely
to resonate with professionals seeking solutions in the
fastener industry.
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
Measuring Success
Utilize tracking mechanisms to measure the
effectiveness of your print advertising campaigns. Include
unique QR codes, specific phone numbers, or promotional
codes to gauge customer response. This data-driven
approach ensures that your print strategy remains dynamic
and responsive to customer needs.
JOE SHOEMAKER

advertisers index
A
ABBOTT METAL WORKS 105
Comprehensive CNC machining services
cater to the diverse needs of our clients.
Tel (847) 459-6200
www.aicfast.com
ACS MANUFACTURING, INC 91
Formed spring steel fasteners
Tel (888) NUTS-R-US
Email: info@acsmanufacturing.com
ALBANY STEEL & BRASS 61
Specialty Tapping Screws - Swageform
Tel (312) 733-1900
Email: sales@albanysteel.com
ALL AMERICA THREADED 57
One of the USA’s leading manufacturers
and distributors of Threaded Rod and Stud
products, U-Bolts and Anchor Bolts.
Tel (800) 354-3330
Email: info@aatprod.com
ALL AMERICAN WASHER WERKS 133
Quality producers of washers and stampings
Tel (847) 566-9091
Email: sales@washerwerks.com
ALLOY & STAINLESS FASTENERS 99
Special metal fasteners in over 150 material
grades, over 25 coatings and platings using
over 300 machines with a 10,000 ton inventory
and Emergency 24-7 On Call Service.
Tel (713) 466-3031
Email: info@GoASF.com
ALOX4 107
Full-cloud ERP software for independent
distributors. Single location to multiple warehouses
- sales, purchasing, inventory and accounting.
Tel (984) 900-2040
Email: contact@alox.email
ALPHA-GRAINGER MFG. CO. 25
Electronic hardware, captive screws,
shoulder screws, spacers & standoffs
Tel (508) 520-4005
www.agmi.com
ALUMINUM FASTENER SUPPLY 110, 111
The only exclusive aluminum fastener supplier
of made in the USA products. 6,500 line items
in stock with same day shipping. It’s all we do!
Tel (800) 526-0341
Email: info@alumfast.com
AMERICAN BELLEVILLE 65
Belleville Washers, Belleville Springs, Disc
Springs, Flange Washers, precision-machined
custom components. Stamping, CNC lathe
and mill machining, grinding, heat treating.
Tel (440) 721-8350
Email: lriga@AmericanBelleville.com
AMERICAN IMPERIAL SCREW CORP. 89
Push on hats, push on bolt retainers,
locknuts, self-treading locknuts and
washers, regular washer locknuts, push-on
retainer fasteners and wing nuts, adhesives
and metal anchors.
Tel (800) 431-2391
Email: sales@discountscrews.com
AMPG
INSIDE BACK COVER
Domestic manufacturer of shoulder screws,
button head sex bolts, flat head sex bolts,
prairie bolts, non-standard flat washers, and
machined specialties from stock.
Tel (317) 472-9000
Email: sales@ampg.com
B
BARBAROTTO INT’L MACHINERY 79
High speed counting units, weigh scales,
vertical and horizontal bagging machines,
carton forming and closing, palletizing,
material handling and more!
Tel (888) 988-8703
Email: fred@barbarottomachinery.com
BAY SUPPLY 3
Have you joined Bay Supply’s Marketplace
Yet? Join the 400+ Manufacturers and
Distributors already connecting with 44,000
Sourcing Professionals FOR FREE! We’ve
developed the most powerful RFQ software
application available in our industry. Join
today!
Tel (800) 718-8818
Email: help@baysupply.com
BRADLEY COATINGS 147
Our proprietary applications of thread
lockers, sealants and nylon patches are
renowned for their effectiveness and
reliability. We use brand names you can
trust including Loctite Driloc and 3M Scotch-
Grip, Precote, all applied in our quality
assured processes.
Tel (800) 201-7381
Email: coatingpros@bradleygoc.com
BRIGHTON-BEST INTERNATIONAL
OUTSIDE BACK COVER
Socket & square head set screws, hex
keys, L-Nine products, Grade 8 hex head,
shoulder bolts, pipe plugs, dowel springs,
nuts & metrics, hand tools and a full line of
stainless products.
Tel (800) 275-0050
www.brightonbest.com
BRIKKSEN STAINLESS 9
Full line of stainless-steel inch and metric.
Tel (800) 962-1614
Email: sales@brikksen.com
BTM MANUFACTURING 55
Leading manufacturer of bent and threaded
products. U-bolts, J-bolts, studs, anchor
bolts, spade bolts, eye bolts and bent/
threaded product to custom specifications.
Tel (800) 369-2658
Email: sales@btm-mfg.com
C
CARVER ENGINEERING 113
Fastener testing and consultation. With
13 dedicated in-house labs and external
partners, we have your needs covered.
Tel (619) 204-1543
Email: carmenv@carverem.com
CHICAGO HARDWARE & FIXTURE CO. 125
Mfrs of Wire Rope and Chain Fittings, Industrial
and Marine Hardware and Allied Products
Tel (847) 455-6609
Email: info@chicagohardware.com
COMPONENT PACKAGING 97
Kitting, hand packaging, and assembly. We are
passionate about packaging - it’s what we do!
Tel (417) 624-9395
Email: nickm@componentpackaging.com
COMPUTER INSIGHTS 19
The Business Edge – The simple solution with
a proven step-by-step method for unlocking
your fastener company’s potential.
Tel (800) 539-1233
Email: sales@ci-inc.com
CRAFTECH INDUSTRIES, LLC. 123
High performance plastic solutions for prints,
parts and engineering problems for over 50
years. Product design, engineering, prototyping
and manufacturing. Proudly made in the USA.
Tel (800) 833-5130
Email: info@craftechind.com
CRESCENT MANUFACTURING 33
Over 60 years of manufacturing expertise in
the field of miniature screws and miniature
fasteners, Crescent offers distributors an
established source for Aerospace, Military,
Commercial, and Special Engineered needs.
Tel (860) 673-5983
Email: sales@crescentmanufacturing.com
D
DARLING BOLT 173
Supplier of US, metric and stainless-steel
fasteners including nuts, bolts, screws, washers,
assortments and specialty auto body fasteners.
Tel (800) 882-0747
Email: sales@darlingbolt.com
DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 175
Tel (800) 356-1639
Email: tracey@linkmagazine.com

advertisers index
E
E & T FASTENERS, INC 43
Molded, machined, and stamped plastic
fasteners - Uts, bolts, washers - Kynar, Teflon,
PVC, Nylon, and Polypropylene. Low minimums.
Tel (800) 650-4707
Email: eric@fastenercomponents.com
EDSON MANUFACTURING, INC. 2
US Mfr of blind rivets, structural eyelets. 302,
304, 305, 316 alloy, Monel, aluminum, steel,
stainless, copper, brass, mill spec/IFI/DFARS/
ISO 9001/Rreach. A complete line of import
fasteners/rivet nuts/hand and pneumatic tools.
Tel (203) 879-2529
Email: CustomerService@edsonmfg.com
EUROLINK FSS FRONT COVER, 16
Specializing in the provision of metric fasteners,
Eurolink offers a wide range of options to fit
various industrial applications and with their
Fast, Faster and Fastest freight methods. They
cater to the unique requirements of each client.
Tel (864) 801-0505
Email: sales@eurolinkfss.com
EXPEDITE TESTING SERVICE 159
Fast and efficient testing solutions.
Delivering excellence, on-time.
Tel (619) 736-7872
www.expeditetest.com
F
FALL RIVER MFG CO., INC. 27
Mfrs of Stainless steel & non-ferrous fasteners
Tel (800) 275-6991
Email: sales@fallrivermfg.com
FASCOMP ELECTRONIC HARDWARE 139
Male-female standoffs, female standoffs,
male-male standoffs, spacers, shoulder
screws, captive screws, thumbscrews, swage
standoffs and spacers, handles and ferrules.
Tel (407) 226-2112
Email: sales@fascomp.com
FASTAR, INC. 47
Coiled and Slotted spring pins, dowel pins,
cotter pins, taper pins, grooved & special pins
Tel (845) 369-7990
Email: fastar@optonline.net
FASTENER DIMENSIONS 67
Mfr of high strength, close tolerance fasteners
and machine components for aerospace,
military and racing industries.
Tel (718) 847-6321
Email: David.H@fastdim.com
FASTENER FAIR USA 115
May 22-24, 2024 – Huntington Convention
Center, Cleveland, OH. Fastener Fair USA is the
premier exhibition in the US dedicated to the full
fastener supply chain. Learn more and register
today at: fastenerfairusa24.com/LINKMAG.
FASTENER WEBSITE LINKS 134
FCH SOURCING NETWORK 163
(Tel) 877-332-7836
Email: eric@fastenersclearinghouse.com
FIXI SRL 93
Specialized in fastening systems and related
tools. Threaded inserts, blind rivets, selfclinching
fasteners, fasteners for plastic,
wire inserts, inserts for tubes and inserts for
stone and solid surfaces.
Tel (011) 707-2398
Email: info@fixi.it
FORD FASTENERS, INC. 15
Celebrating 60 years of providing 410
stainless steel screws, sheet metal screws,
self-drilling screws, self-piercing screws, and
EPDM bonded sealing washers.
Tel (800) 272-3673
Email: info@fordfasteners.com
G
GF&D SYSTEMS 117
‘One-stop’ for grease fittings and accessories.
Couplers and hose whips, grease fitting
caps, grease guns, custom designed fittings,
assortments, private labeling, custom kitting.
Tel (800) 360-1318
Email: sales@gfdsystems.com
GLOBALFASTENERNEWS.COM 159
GOEBEL FASTENERS, INC. 7
Innovative fastener solutions: blind rivets,
self-tapping/drilling screws, toggles,
strapping, wing seals, tools & safety and
insulation accessories.
Tel (713) 393-7007
Email: sales@goebelfasteners.com
GRAPHIKA CREATIVE 169
Marketing solutions tailored for the Fastener
Industry. Web, digital, email marketing,
exhibitions, point of sale and corporate
branding. Graphika - your off-site, in-house
comprehensive marketing department.
Tel (224) 489-9533
Email: lee@graphikacreative.com
GREENSLADE & COMPANY, INC. 107
Fastener inspection equipment, innovative
gage design, and dimensional calibration.
Tel (817) 870-8888
Email: sales@greensladeandcompany.com
GROWERMETAL USA, LLC. 63
The American branch of a leading European
washer manufacturer since 1950, provides
standard washers (ASME, AREA standards)
and customized special blanked parts.
Tel (440) 773-4948
Email: info@growermetal-usa.com
H
HANGER BOLT & STUD CO 151
USA Hanger bolts, studs, dowel screws, pins.
Tel (800) 537-7925
Email: sales@hangerbolt.com
HANSON RIVET & SUPPLY CO. 65
Rivets, threaded inserts, riveting tools,
riveting machines, washers
Tel (800) 777-4838
I
ICS FLANGE 41
Stocks flange bolts and nuts in Grade 5, 8,
8.8 and 10.9 in steel and stainless in any
finish.
Tel (800) 231-0360
Email: matt.daleiden@
innovativecomponentsales.com
IDEAL SUPPLY, INC. 149
One of the largest Monel® fastener
inventories in the world to meet your
customer’s military & commercial
requirements to ASTM/MIL-SPEC.
Tel (847) 961-5900
Email: idealsupply@idealsupplyonline.net
INDUSTRIAL RIVET & FASTENER CO. 37
One name, one number, one source for
rivets and RivetKing® FreeSet Series.
Tel (800) BUY-RIVET
Email: info@rivet.com
INTEGRATED PACKAGING 77
Parts are electronically counted, heatsealed
in our poly-bags, and labeled with
identification information on every bag, with
accurate optical counting mechanisms and
printers for SKUs.
Tel (847) 439-5730
Email: sales@integratedpack.com
INTERCORP 1
Your expert-grade fastener supplier for
the professional advantage. Premium selfdrilling,
drywall, needle-point, pole gripper,
stainless steel, outdoor, concrete, cement
board, woodworking and special application.
Tel (800) 762-2004
www.intercorpusa.com
INTERNATIONAL FASTENER EXPO 73
September 9-11, 2024 – Las Vegas, NV.
500+ Exhibitors at the Largest B2B Expo
for Fasteners, Tooling & Machinery in North
America.
www.fastenershows.com

advertisers index
I
INTERNATIONAL FASTENERS, INC. 155
Daggerz construction fasteners. Self-drill,
drywall, deck, wood, concrete, clip, needle
point screws, post frame and aluminum
industry screws, EDPM bonded washers,
bits & threaded rod.
Tel (888) 241-0203
Email: sales@daggerz.com
INxSQL SOFTWARE 59
Full-featured, easy-to-use ERP distribution
software designed and optimized for the
Fastener Industry.
Tel (877) 446-9775
Email: sales@inxsql.com
ISC – INTERCONTINENTAL SALES 49
Fastener and Building Related Products.
Same day shipping, free private labeling, no
minimums
Tel (800) 741-4278
Email: info@isc-sales.com
J
J. LANFRANCO FASTENER SYSTEMS, USA 121
Manufacturer of self-locking nuts, t-bolts,
and other safety critical hardware. Available
in carbon steel, stainless steel and exotics.
DFAR compliant. 40 years of experience and
trusted worldwide.
Tel (855) 694-3250
www.jlanfranco.com
K
KEN FORGING 21
Domestic manufacturer of eyebolts, nut
eyebolts, rod ends, turnbuckles & fittings, eye
nuts, pad eyes, D-rings, c-clamps & screws,
swivel hoist ring. Custom forgings up to 250 lbs.
Tel (888) 536-3674
Email: sales@kenforging.com
KINTER 161
X-mas tree clips, binder posts and screws,
binder rings, steel barrel bolts and screws,
wall anchors.
Tel (800) 323-2389
Email: sales@kinter.com
L
LELAND INDUSTRIES INC 51
Manufacturer of bolts, nuts, screws in
carbon or stainless. Custom threading and
specials. U-Bolts and Anchors.
Tel (800) 263-3393
Email: info@lelandindustries.com
LINDFAST SOLUTIONS GROUP 29
Bringing you the world’s Best Brands in
fasteners. By any measure, by any size, by any
finish, by any quantity and in any material.
Tel (800) 328-2430
www.lindfastgrp.com
LOK-MOR, INC. 35
America’s leading made-to-stock
manufacturer of commercial-grade locknuts,
servicing the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and all
overseas markets. We manufacture more
than 20 different types of locknuts, and we
continue to develop and manufacture new
standard locknuts, along with a variety of
specialty fastener designs.
Tel (800) 843-7230
Email: sales@lok-mor.com
M
BRUNO MARBACHER 165
With over 40 years of experience in the
fastener industry, and a recently retired
Director of Application Engineering, Bruno
is available to assist and resolve critical and
lingering fastening/assembly/quality issues.
Email: brunomarbacher4@gmail.com
MAR-BRO MANUFACTURING 81
Domestic manufacturer of standards,
specials, MS and NAS fasteners.
Specializing in A286, 12 pt flange and hex
flange fasteners.
Tel (602) 278-8197
Email: sales@mar-bro.com
MEHTA TRADING INTERNATIONAL 163
The complete MILL stainless fastener
source.
Tel (972) 642-1012
Email: corp@mehtati.com
METRIC & MULTISTANDARD 13
Providing quality metric industrial products
and exceptional customer service since 1963
Tel (800) 431-2792
MW INDUSTRIES, INC – TEXAS 39
Washers, special fasteners, and metal
stamping for over 45 years. ISO 9001:2015
certified.
Tel (800) 875-3510
Email: sales@mwindustries.com
N
NEWCO PRODUCTS 53
JIS indented hex flange bolts, 7603 metric
sealing washers, JCIS micro screws, pan &
flat head phil and many more products. Over
35 years in business.
Tel (818) 341-9216
Email: info@newcoproducts.com
NORTH EAST FASTENERS (NEF) 11
AS9100 certified, supplying IFI, ANSI, MS, NAS,
NASM, AN, DIN, JIS, JCIS high quality fasteners
for commercial, military and aerospace.
Tel (860) 589-3242
Email: nef@nef1.com
NOVA FASTENERS CO. INC. 157
Anchors, screws, nuts, washers, rivets, pins,
inserts, rods. Serving industry since 1948.
Tel (800) 645-1234
Email: info@nova-anchor.com
P
PERFECTION CHAIN 85
Largest producer of weldless chain
products in North America as well as
a prime distributor of welded chain,
chain assemblies, and wire rope used in
numerous industries and applications.
Tel (888) 856-4864
Email: info@perfectionchain.com
PIVOT POINT 87
Pins - clevis, cotter pins, quick release,
locking - wire rope lanyards, stock and
specials and award-winning inventions
Tel (800) 222-2231
Email: mail@pivotpins.com
PROSPECT FASTENER 83
Master distributor for Rotor Clip, Driv-Lok,
KMC Stampings, SPIROL, Davies Molding
and Kerr-Lakeside. Our products are made
by American manufacturers.
Tel (800) 822-6080
Email: sales@prospectfastener.com
R
RHS STAINLESS 97
Stocking a full range of domestic/DFARS
stainless pitch diameters and standard
diameters. Non-standard and custom lengths
are also available. Supplying nationwide.
Tel (610) 997-7604
Email: sales@rhsstainless.com
W.J. ROBERTS CO. 121
Spacers and standoffs. Hex and rounds
3/16 to 5/8 diameter. Standoffs in brass,
aluminum, steel and stainless steel.
Tel (781) 233-8176
Email: sales@wjroberts.com

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R
ROTOR CLIP 31
The only manufacturer of every style of
Retaining Ring (tapered section, constant
section, spiral rings). Wave Springs and
Self-Compensating Hose Clamps. We offer
a full line of inch, metric, DIN, ANSI and
JIS parts. Also support assembly through
installation tooling, including applicators,
pliers, dispensers, and automated assembly
equipment available.
Tel (732) 469-7333
Email: info@rotorclip.com
R&R ENGINEERING CO. 78
Bent bolts, wire forms. Quality
craftsmanship.
Tel (800) 979-1921
Email: sales@randrengineering.com
S
SCREW & SUPPLY CO. INC. 69
Tamper-resistant security screws made in
USA.
Tel (800) 223-1316
Email: customerservice@screwsupply.com
SEMS AND SPECIALS 95
Your trusted source for sems and specials
since 1991. A cold forming manufacturer
of fasteners, we offer a diverse portfolio of
products ranging from standard commercial
fasteners to custom specials and ending
with Class II military hardware.
Tel (800) 888-7367
Email: sales@semsandspecials.com
SHEAR-LOC PRODUCTS 133
The original instant thumbscrews. The
ultimate socket head cap screw accessory.
Over 5000 combinations. Inch and Metric.
Tel (800) 775-5668
Email: sales@shear-loc.com
SPIROL 71, 153
Coiled and Slotted Spring Pins, Solid
Pins, Disc Springs, Alignment Dowels and
Bushings, Spacers, Compression Limiters,
Threaded Inserts and Shims.
Tel (800) 321-4679
Email: info@spirol.com
STAR STAINLESS SCREW CO. 45
Sockets, screws, nuts, bolts, washers, rod,
pins, full line of mil-spec fasteners and
more. Star Stainless is a division of Lindfast
Solutions Group.
Tel (630) 595-3440
www.starstainless.com
SUBSCRIPTION FORM 127
SUNCOR STAINLESS 75
Leading manufacturer of stainless steel
hardware and components in the industrial,
marine, architectural, commercial, government
and OEM markets. Suncor’s product line is
one of the world’s most complete and highest
quality sources for stainless steel chain,
hardware and custom parts.
Tel (800) 394-2222
Email: sales@suncorstainless.com
SUPERIOR WASHER & GASKET CORP. 23
Your “single source supplier” for Made in
the USA washer and gasket products for the
last 50 years.
Tel (631) 273-8282
Email: swg@superiorwasher.com
T
TAMPER-PRUF SCREW, INC. 119
Leader in Security Screws since 1974.
Tel (562) 531-9340
Email: sales@tamperpruf.net
TORTOISE FASTENER CO. 129
Slow moving hex heads. Stainless, brass,
silicon bronze, aluminum, nickel-copper and
alloy 20 hex.
Tel (800) 691-8894
TUTTLE MANUFACTURING 171
Anchors, bent bolt specials, spade bolts,
acme threaded bars.
Tel (847) 381-7713
Email: tuttlemfg@gmail.com
U
UC COMPONENTS 109
Clean-Critical Fastener and Seal Solutions.
HV, UHV, Cleanroom Ready Fasteners and
seals. RediVac® clean-packaged screws and
O-rings. Custom products and prototypes.
Tel (408) 782-1929
Email: sales@uccomponents.com
UMETA OF AMERICA 127
Complete lubrication equipment, grease fittings
and accessories line. Made in Germany for over
80 years. OEM quality and ISO 9001 certified.
Tel (704) 966-0724
Email: usa@umeta.com
UNICORP 103
Manufacturer of electronic hardware,
fasteners and handles since 1971.
Tel (973) 674-1700
Email: sales@unicorpinc.com
V
VIRGINIA FASTENERS 145
Specializing in HDG timber, hex, carriage,
lag bolts, tie rods, nuts and washers.
Tel (800) 368-3430
Email: sales@vafasteners.com
VOLT INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS, INC.
INSIDE FRONT COVER
US made plastic fasteners, all types &
quantities, custom molding since 1992.
Over 100 million parts in stock.
Tel (800) 844-8024
Email: sales@voltplastics.com
W
WESTERN WIRE 101
Your source for Standard and Specialized
Wire Fasteners. Cotter Pins, Hitch Pins,
S-Hooks, V-Hooks, Spring Pins, Safety
Pins, D-Rings, Key Rings, King Clips, and
Perforated Hanger Bar.
Tel (800) 325-3770
Email: sales@westernwire.com
WILLIE WASHER MFG. 167
Domestic manufacturer of fender, spring,
tab and flat washers,
Tel (847) 956-1344
Email: sales@williewasher.com
X
XL SCREW CORPORATION 141
Importer of standard fasteners - hex cap
screws, bolts, nuts, locknuts, sheet metal
screws, self-drilling screws, washers and
anchors, metrics and mill shipments.
Over 14,000 imported products in stock.
America’s finest quality imported threaded
fasteners since 1968.
Tel (800) 323-7367
Email: xlw@xlscrew.com