Fasteners like bolts, screws, staples and rivets are often the lowest cost items in any structure. As a result, fastener selection is often overlooked in the design and engineering process. However, joint connections made with incorrect or inferior materials can quickly turn a routine job into a costly one wrought with issues.   Proper fastener selection can help you avoid:  Premature failure   Diminished load strength   Higher material costs   Shortened fastener life   Voided warranties   Higher labor and repair costs &nbs ..read more

Fasteners are often the least expensive component in manufacturing and assembly, but often the most critical. Unfortunately, they are most often overlooked when it comes to purchasing.   The screws, bolts, nails, rivets, threaded inserts, and staples you choose must be based on the application as well as your industry’s specific fastener regulations.   It’s one thing to choose the wrong gauge staple for upholstery fastening. It’s another to select the wrong bolt for a heavy-duty application like constructing buildings or bridges. In both scenarios, however, failure can cost ..read more

Clamps are fastening devices used to secure objects tightly together to minimize movement and prevent separation. This, you know. But did you know all the different varieties of clamps that exist? For general work holding needs, clamps are available in endless variations to accommodate nearly any application. Whether you need reusable clamping devices or economical one-and-done versions, there is a clamp to help you ensure an effective and secure connection. Curious what clamp is right for your next job? Automotive Clamps: Automotive tubing and hose clamps are typically used in fleet applicati ..read more

Managing your supply chain has never been more critical than in the days since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Successful operation of your business relies on timely and reliable delivery of parts and supplies, as well as trusted service when you need it the most. Without a reliable supply partner, your business and your reputation are at stake.   That’s why we are proud to carry the region’s most robust inventory of industrial fasteners, electrical supplies and hydraulic hose supplies. Whether you routinely order supplies or need emergency repair, Superior Industrial Supply has it ..read more

What are Cables Ties? Sometimes called zip ties, cable ties are self-locking fasteners used to bundle cables and wires together for organization and to prevent damage to cable systems. Cable ties have several uses including electrical installation, identification and network connectivity, as well as routing, protection and insulation. Standard cable ties are strong, versatile and resilient and used in a variety of industries such as aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, industrial automation, machine and equipment manufacturing, railways, heavy equipment and data communications. Common uses ..read more

The purpose of using an anchor is to distribute the load of tension force and shear force when a structural element is connected to a non-structural element. Choosing the right anchor for your next project may seem simple enough. That may be true if you are looking for drywall anchors to hang a painting in your house. However, it’s not that simple of a task when selecting the anchors to be used in industrial capacities like oil and gas, construction or manufacturing. Picking the wrong anchor can be critical to the structural integrity of the connected parts — leading to potential disaster. Th ..read more

Curious when a rivet is the right option over a bolt or screw? You’ve seen them on heavy-duty structures like bridges, skyscrapers and ships, and for good reason. Rivets have been the go-to fastener for centuries for their sheer holding power and durability. While they may not be as widely used today, thanks in part to technological advancements like the high-strength bolt, they remain an inexpensive and reliable choice in metal joint assembly. In the past, rivets were used primarily in heavy industrial fastening applications. Today, they are used in a variety of projects including: Aerospac ..read more

Traditional locking devices such as washers and nuts are supposed to prevent loosening in threaded assemblies, and most of the time they do. But for applications that are subject to gaps, vibration, thermal expansion and contraction, side-to-side movement and torque, these threaded assemblies often fail, costing you time and money. Sometimes, threaded assemblies fail when you’re relying on mechanical locking devices. The nuts and bolts seize together or are friction-welded. This can occur from corrosion and rust, especially when conditions include humidity, high temperatures or a combination o ..read more

Have you ever ordered the wrong pipe size and wondered what happened? You measured the pipe threads. In fact, you measured it a few times before placing your order, but once your order arrives and you go to use pipe, it doesn’t fit. Well, measuring pipe threads seems simple enough, but it can be deceivingly complicated. A few tweaks in how you measure pipe threads could make all the difference- and save time and frustration. The most common threads used in general applications, follow the American National Standard Pipe Thread standards, or national pipe thread (NPT). They include both tapered ..read more