One method of manufacturing steel fasteners stands out for its efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness: cold forming. This technique involves shaping metal through force alone, without additional heat or cutting processes. At Wilson-Garner, we’re proud to utilize this technique to produce high-quality carbon steel and alloy fasteners. We know all the ins and outs of cold forming and are here to give you the inside scoop.  What Is Cold Forming? Cold forming, also called cold heading, is a common manufacturing process that produces steel bolts and fasteners. Unlike methods that involv ..read more

The seemingly straightforward act of fastening hinges on a crucial detail: the screw drive. Choosing the right screw drive can make all the difference in the success of your project, affecting factors like torque, ease of use, and resistance to wear. Here’s what you need to know to make the right selection. What Is a Screw Drive? The screw drive is the mechanism by which the screw head is designed to be turned. It can be a groove or recess, or it can be the shape of the head itself. It’s what allows a screwdriver, wrench, or other tool to engage and turn the fastener. Choosing the appropriate ..read more

At the heart of what makes fasteners reliable and resilient is the concept of torque. Torque isn’t just a measure of turning force; it’s the key to ensuring that the components and machinery held together by these small but mighty parts stay put.  Below, we’ll take a look at the science behind calculating fastener torque. Hopefully, it can provide some insight into how to achieve better performance, safety, and reliability in fastening applications.  Understanding Torque Torque is the rotational force used to turn a nut, bolt, or screw as part of a bolted joint. You’ll see torque mea ..read more

Bolts may seem like small components in the grand scheme of machinery and structures, but their integrity is crucial. One common problem that engineers and maintenance professionals encounter is bolts loosening due to vibration. This issue can lead to safety hazards and equipment damage if left unaddressed.  This article explores why bolts loosen from vibration and provides four essential steps to prevent it. Why Do Bolts Loosen From Vibration? Sources of Vibration Consequences of Loosening How to Stop Bolt Loosening Why Do Bolts Loosen From Vibration? When securing heavy machinery a ..read more

Screws are ubiquitous in our everyday lives, used in everything from assembling furniture to constructing complex, heavy-duty machinery. If you’ve ever wondered how these essential fasteners are made, we’re here to give you an inside peek.   How Is a Screw Made? 3 General Manufacturing Methods Before delving into a real-world screw manufacturing example, let’s first review the three most common overarching methods of manufacturing screws: cold forming, hot forging, and machining. Cold forming (also known as cold heading) is the process of shaping a screw without heating the steel. T ..read more

There are thousands of fasteners manufactured every day, all used for a variety of applications. Washers are one that we don’t often touch on here at Wilson-Garner, but they can be an important part of ensuring secure, long-lasting connections.  Below we explore the world of washers, when they’re needed, and when they’re not needed. What Are Washers and How Do They Work? A washer is a type of fastener used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, such as a bolt or a screw, over a larger surface area. It is typically a flat, thin, disc-shaped piece made from materials like metal, pla ..read more

Few fasteners can match the strength and reliability of Grade 8 bolts. For that reason, they’re very common and play a critical role in various industries, from automotive and construction to heavy machinery and manufacturing.  If you’re considering a Grade 8 bolt for your application, it’s important to understand just how strong they truly are, plus other characteristics that affect their performance. We have that information for you below. What Is a Grade 8 Bolt? A Grade 8 bolt is a type of high-strength fastener that’s named after its SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) grade classif ..read more

Whatever your engineering or manufacturing application is, it’s likely that you’re well-acquainted with screws of various types. However, as often as you may have used screws, you may still be unfamiliar with their components.  Understanding key screw components is essential when you have to decide which type of screw to employ for a specific function. And when there are so many options available, that understanding becomes even more important.  This article will help, as it outlines the anatomy of a screw and describes the various types, styles, and functions of each part. The 5 Key ..read more

Bolts are an essential component in the manufacturing and engineering industries. From the intricate machinery of automobiles to the robust structures of bridges and buildings, bolts play a vital role in keeping everything together. For this reason, it’s important to understand what bolts truly are, plus all the types, grades, nomenclature, and functionalities associated with them.  We cover all of this information below. Feel free to use the table of contents below to jump to a specific section that interests you. Definition of a Bolt The Difference Between a Bolt and a Screw How Is a B ..read more

Bolts are one of the most common fasteners used in engineering, manufacturing, and construction processes. While some are simple in design and can be manufactured with relative ease, others are more complex (in shape, size, etc.) and call for a more complicated manufacturing process. Regardless, the ways bolts are manufactured are important to understand because they play a larger role in how well the parts perform.  In this article, we’ll discuss a few general methods of bolt manufacturing, as well as give you an inside look at the step-by-step process we use to manufacture a bolt here a ..read more