PREFACE

Specification of the appropriate fasteners for a particular application is the realm of appropriately qualified engineers and this manual does not attempt to provide the basis for specification.

Many of these products have common features such as driving methods, threads, heads, points, materials, finishes etc. While others may have additional unique features such as nylon inserts, serrations, tamper resistance, welding lugs or may be an adjunct to the primary fastener such as nuts, washers and cotter pins.

In this manual, we attempt to identify each of these features, the common and optional terminology for it, its use or purpose and the products likely to incorporate it, so that users of this manual improve their ability to quickly identify and describe a specific product.

We also attempt to provide a basic understanding of the mechanics of threaded fasteners, their materials and strength grades, how they work, how and where to measure them and which finishes are available, so that manual users are better equipped to provide superior customer service.