SUMMER 2021

in the Summer 2021 issue of
6 DISTRIBUTOR NEWS
8 DRIVING SYSTEMS FOR FASTENERS TO SUIT THE APPLICATION
Bruno Marbacher
10 FASTENER SCIENCE: SHEAR TESTING - SINGLE AND
DOUBLE SHEAR FOR FASTENERS
Rob LaPointe
12 IS THERE VALUE IN APPLICATION ENGINEERING?
Laurence Claus
14 FCH SOURCEFINDER EXPANDS DURING SUPPLY CHAIN CRUNCH
Ellis Wyatt
16 [COVER FEATURE] ALUMINUM FASTENER – IT’S ALL WE DO!
24 SALES TAX LAWS DRIVING YOU NUTS?
Dennis Cowhey
26 EXCITING UPDATES FROM INTERNATIONAL FASTENER EXPO
28 SMITH ASSOCIATES: 50 YEAR LEGACY
30 WHAT FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED TO KNOW:
THE LONG AND SHORT OF BOLT FAILURES
Guy Avellon
32 SMARTCERT: AUTOMATING THE TRANSFER OF
REQUIRED DOCUMENTION
Lonni Kieffer, Co-Founder
34 FASTENER FAIR USA – FOR ALL THE INDUSTRY,
IN THE HEART OF MANUFACTURING
38 IFI SOARING EAGLE AWARDS 2021
Salim Brahimi
40 FAIRNESS TO PREGNANT WORKERS – PROPOSAL
PROVIDES SOLUTIONS
Jim Truesdell
44 DEATH BY COOKIE: FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED A
NEW WAY TO ADVERTISE ON THE WEB IN 2022
Joe Dysart
46 STAFDA’S IN-PERSON EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS IN ORLANDO
Georgia H. Foley, CEO
48 DO IT YOURSELF GAGING
Larry Borowski
50 UTILIZING SURFACE MOUNT TECH FOR MECHANICAL
FASTENING TO PCBS
Michael J. Rossi
52 WTC IT SERVICES – A LEGACY OF SUPPORT
54 MWFA PRESENTS FSTNR WEEK, AUGUST 16-20
Nancy Rich
58 REPORT: INDUSTRIAL FASTENER DEMAND AT 4% CAGR
John Wolz
60 SPRING BOLT AND NUT MFG: SPECIALTY FASTENERS
ON DEMAND
62 FTI BRINGS NEW ADVANCED IN-PERSON TECH
TRAINING TO CHICAGO AUGUST 16-20
Jo Morris
63 SOLUTION INDUSTRIES RECOGNIZES EMPLOYEE TENURES
64 TAKING ANOTHER LOOK AT INVENTORY
Robert Footlik
66 AMCO ENTERPRISES: YOUR METRIC FASTENER
SPECIALIST FOR OVER 50 YEARS
68 FASTENING TECHNIQUES FOR PLASTIC HOUSINGS
Jeff Greenwood
70 BIG RED FASTENERS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN
THE FASTENER INDUSTRY
72 THE FASTENER POWER OF BLIND RIVETS
Anthony Di Maio
73 BTM MFG ACHIEVES ISO 9001:2015 RECERTIFICATION
74 TOPICS TO CONSIDER REGARDING SECOND DRAW
OF PPP FUNDING
Roman Basi
76 PARKER FASTENERS: FORGING THE FUTURE
78 THE INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTOR’S GUIDE TO STARTING
A DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Nelson Valderrama
80 PAC-WEST: LIVE EVENTS ARE BACK!
Amy Nijjar
82 CELO FIXINGS TECHNOLOGY: MECHANICAL ANCHORS
THROUGH THE YEARS
84 SEFA SPRING CONFERENCE PHOTOS
85 3Q INC: YOUR FULL-SERVICE SUPPLY CHAIN ANSWER
86 DISTRIBUTION ONE: NEW ERP-ONE SOFTWARE IN
THE POST-PANDEMIC NORMAL

volume 44 // issue #3
90 WIFI ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
93 CRESCENT MANUFACTURING WELCOMES BACK
DAN BIELEFIELD
96 THE NEFDA SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING RETURNED!
Nancy Rich
97 NEFDA GOLF OUTING PHOTOS
98 AROUND THE FASTENER INDUSTRY
103 SETKO: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THAT CUSTOMERS
CAN COUNT ON
114 MFDA ITR ECONOMIC FORECAST MEETING RECAP
Rob Rundle
115 SOLON MANUFACTURING: FIRST-EVER RECIPIENT
OF PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
118 SEFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNOUNCED
Nancy Rich
127 SUNCOR: PULLPRO - VERSATILE & INNOVATIVE
STAINLESS-STEEL SHEAVES
136 MWFA RECONNECTS FOR GOLF OPEN
Nancy Rich
137 MWFA GOLF OPEN PHOTOS
139 DDI SYSTEM: TECHNOLOGY TO EMPOWER
DISTRIBUTOR SUCCESS
154 NFDA HOSTS FREE MONTHLY VIRTUAL EVENTS
Amy Nijjar
162 SFA AT TOP GOLF: WE CAME OUT OF 2020 SWINGING
Cari Bailey
162 SFA TOP GOLF PHOTOS
174 SEFA HOLDS FIRST IN-PERSON INDUSTRY EVENT
IN OVER A YEAR!
Nancy Rich
175 SHOW SEASON IS BACK! COME AND VISIT US
182 NEFDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNOUNCED
Nancy Rich
191 SEFA SPRING CONFERENCE PHOTOS
193 WE MAKE THE CONNECTIONS HAPPEN - RESERVE
YOUR AD SPACE FOR OUR BIG FALL SHOW ISSUE!

6 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
All Integrated Solutions (AIS), a division
of MSC Industrial Supply Co., announced that it
has received an Outstanding Quality Award from
Motus Integrated Technologies for a
second consecutive year.
The award recognizes AIS
for shipping more than
10,000,000 pieces with zero
defects in 2020 to Motus, a
Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier of
automotive interior products
to the world’s automakers.
“Although the global
pandemic created many
challenges for companies
in 2020, the entire AIS
team was focused and
worked hard to ensure that our customers
received best-in-class products and service
throughout the year. Being recognized by a
leading company like Motus for our efforts is very
special and rewarding for our team.” stated AIS
President Nick Ruetz.
AIS, which was founded in 1962,
is a leading value-added distributor
of industrial fasteners and
components, assembly tools,
and maintenance, repair,
operations and production
supplies (MROP).
In 2018, AIS was acquired
by MSC as the platform for
the company’s OEM fastener
and components strategy. AIS
has seven locations in six
Midwestern states.
For more information
contact All Integrated
Solutions at 8625 Industrial Dr., Franksville,
WI 53126. Tel: 262-770-3305, email: info@
allintegrated.com or visit them online at
www.allintegrated.com.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
3Q, Inc. is pleased to announce that Jim
Hetfleisch is the new 3Q, Inc. General Manager
replacing Mark Maddelein in day to day operations.
Jim joins 3Q, Inc. with over 30
years of fastener industry experience.
He’s been a successful manager in
all areas of the fastener distribution
business. He has traveled extensively
to visit suppliers, both domestic and
overseas. The relationships he has
built over the years will benefit 3Q,
Inc. and our customers.
Mark Maddelein will continue to be
President and focus on outside sales, company
culture and continuous improvement goals.
We are confident Jim will exceed our
expectations with his depth of fastener knowledge,
experience and enthusiasm to provide the very
best customer service and employee growth.
Please feel free to reach out to Jim at
JimH@3Q-Inc.com or give him a call at 630-405-
8492. Jim is more than happy to
answer any questions you might
have or talk about the exciting
world of fasteners.
3Q is based in Naperville,
Illinois, and serves hardware
distributors as well as original
equipment manufacturers in
the Midwest, as well as the
continental U.S.
For more information contact 3Q Inc at
1707 Quincy Avenue, Unit 159, Naperville, IL
60540. Tel: 630-405-8492, Fax: 630-839-0990,
Email sales@ 3Q-Inc.com or visit them online at
www.3Q-Inc.com.

8
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.
DRIVING SYSTEMS FOR FASTENERS TO
SUIT THE APPLICATION
Dear Reader - any given screw or bolt needs a feature
to drive a screw in and home and finally tightens the joint.
A drive is typically chosen based on the application. A
certain feature is good for one application but not that
important for another. So, starting with this article we
are going to cover the drives that are available today (pro
and cons etc.). Since there are so may drives or driving
systems, as they are sometime called, we will spread this
topic over several magazine issues.
Critical Drive Features
To choose a screw with certain drive there are several
things to be consider. The Critical Functional Features are:
¤ Amount torque it can absorb.
¤ Off-angle driver to drive.
¤ Ease off alignment/engagement
¤ Cam-out, tendency to push driver out.
¤ Durability of drive, repeated assembly
¤ Good Stick fit, hold driver in drive.
¤ The effect of the coatings on driver engagement
¤ Tamperproof, preventing unauthorized access.
¤ Its worldwide availability
Amount Of Torque A Drive Can Absorb
This is critical for most thread forming screws, tapping
screws, any screw that forms its own thread, it is also
important for any screw driven into wood.
Off-Angle
Ideally, the screws in an assembly, should be positioned
for easy access so the driver can be insert straight into
the drive using a screwdriver or power driver etc. This may
not always be possible so a drive which allows for off
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
angle may be the best
option.
Ease of Alignment/
Engagement
In High volume
assembly is critical how
easy a driver engages
in the drive without
damaging the drive. This
is crucial for high volume
automated assembly,
where the screw is fed via feeding hose to the mouthpiece.
The driver bit has to be able to engage easily to prevent
jamming.
Cam-Out
Cam-out (camming out) is used to describe a
screwdriver’s tendency of the driver bit disengaging from
the drive (bit slipping out of the screw’s drive). Cam-out
typical occurs when the screw is driven in when the
torque is applied. Cross recesses with tapered walls
have the tendency to cam-out. For today’s assemblies,
cam-out is not desirable. The applied torque to machine
screws is typically low so came-out is low. Torx, Pozidriv,
ACR drives, etc. have been specifically designed not to
cam-out.
Durability of Drive
For equipment that requires frequent service, a durable
drive should be used. Screws with a durable drive can be
reused several times. A durable drive is crucial for field
service, a replacement screw may not be available.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 100

10
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Rob LaPointe AIM TESTING LABORATORY
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. AIM is located at 1920 Cordell Court #101, El
Cajon, CA, 92020. Tel: 909-254-1278, email: sales@aimtestlab.com or online at www.aimtestlab.com
FASTENER SCIENCE: SHEAR TESTING -
SINGLE AND DOUBLE SHEAR FOR FASTENERS
Although not as common as tensile testing and
nowhere near as ubiquitous as hardness testing, shear
testing for fasteners is considered a common test
and is required by many specifications. Shear testing
measures the strength of the material perpendicular
to the metal’s predominate grain direction, which is
typically in the same direction as the longitudinal (long)
axis of the fastener. In other words, shear testing loads
the fastener sideways to the normal loading direction
that is achieved by tightening the fastener.
It is common for metal to have a shear strength in
the range of 50-70% of the material’s ultimate tensile
strength (UTS). Just like wood, metal is stronger in the
direction of the grain than it is perpendicular (crossgrain)
to the direction of the grain. For example, an
SAE J429, Grade 8 fastener has a minimum UTS of
120,000 psi. That would mean that the expected
shear strength would be about (120,000 psi x 0.60)
72,000 psi.
Fasteners can be used in two principal ways to hold
a joint together and keep it from slipping of failing. The
predominate use of a fastener is to create sufficient
clamp-load to keep a joint ridged and keep it from
slipping. Most of the time fasteners are used in tension
and experience all forces in the longitudinal direction
(along the long axis) of the fastener. These longitudinal
forces are created by threading the fastener into a hole
against the head of the fastener or by putting a nut on
the end of the fastener and tightening it against the head
and assembly. When a fastener is properly tensioned
(about 60 % of UTS) it creates an enormous amount
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
FIGURE 1 TENSION LOADS ARE IN THE LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION
OF THE FASTENER AND SHEAR LOADS ARE IN THE TRANSVERSE
DIRECTION (PERPENDICULAR TO THE LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION)
OF THE FASTENER.
of friction between the components of the assembly.
It is this friction that holds the joint tight and keeps
the components of the assembly from slipping due to
loads in the transverse (perpendicular to longitudinal)
direction.
Friction is created by holding the pieces of the
assembly tight together. The tighter the hold, the
greater the frictional force available to resist movement
of the assembly. Friction is a product of the clamp-load
of the fastener and the quality of the surfaces in contact
with one another. From a physics perspective, Frictional
force is equal to the Normal force times the Coefficient
of friction, where the Normal force originates from the
clamp-load created by tensioning the fastener and the
Coefficient of friction is a value that characterizes the
smoothness or roughness of the surfaces in contact with
one another. Figure 2 illustrates the frictional force as
a product of the Normal force (N) and the Coefficient of
friction, which is given by the symbol mu (µ), Ff = Nµ.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 102

12
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.
IS THERE VALUE IN APPLICATION ENGINEERING?
I began my career in the fastener industry over
thirty years ago as an Application Engineer. This was a
great place to start, and, perhaps, the most cherished
time of all my years in the industry. I suppose that
Application Engineering can mean different things to
different people, but within the fastener realm this
role is pretty universally understood as an interface
which works with the customer to provide the best
fastening solution. This not only means choosing the
correct fastener but also the related joint design,
fastener heat treatment, finish, packaging, and any
number of other design or process related decisions.
A good Application Engineer is a combination engineer/
technician, salesman, project manager, and customer
service representative. An Application Engineer is often
the primary company contact with both new and existing
customers. Therefore, in addition to these individuals
needing good technical skills, they must be personable
and possess the finesse of a salesman who works with
customers all day long. To be successful, they must
have enough gravitas in the organization to successfully
make and fulfill commitments to the customer.
Most manufacturers have one or more Application
Engineers on staff, even if they are not purveyors of
many proprietary fasteners or fastener features. Sadly,
however, too few fastener distributors follow this
lead and instead rely on salesmanship and pricing to
develop customers, both new and old. Although there
is nothing wrong with using salesmanship to develop
new and existing accounts (in fact, this is necessary),
in my experience many of the customers served by
distributors do not have sophisticated, experienced
individuals or departments focused on fasteners and
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
fastener engineering. The result is, perhaps, a greater
need than the average fastener manufacturer/customer
account to supply application’s based knowledge,
assistance, and expertise. Several times in my career,
I have been requested to accompany a distributor
representative on a problem solving visit with their
customer. In almost every case I have been shocked
to experience antagonism and obstruction from the
very person I was sent to help. Although this behavior
perplexed me at the time, I have concluded that they
perceived the application’s solution we might arrive
at would in some way supplant the existing parts and,
thus, the business they already had in-place. This is
extremely unfortunate and short sighted as solving a
customer’s problem almost always serves to improve
the supplier-customer relationship and open up new,
and often greater, future opportunities.
Thus, fastener distributors and their customers
would likely benefit more than anyone else by
possessing and supplying application engineering
services. Unfortunately, often both the supplier and
the customer all too often take fastener products for
granted and choose to forget or overlook that a fastener
is not a mere piece of hardware but rather an integral
component in holding the customer’s products together.
In my opinion every fastener distributor should be
developing individuals within their organization that
possess knowledge of fastener engineering, fastener
technology, and their customer’s products. Following
are three real world examples of application engineering
activities that provide insight into methods that can
be utilized in developing and aiding a new or existing
customer.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 104

14
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
FCH SOURCING NETWORK
FASTENER DISTRIBUTOR INDEX www.fdisurvey.com
FULLY THREADED RADIO www.fullythreaded.com
FCH FASTENER SEARCH www.fastenerscleringouse.com/search
FCH SOURCEFINDERMEMBERSHIP www.fastenersclearinghouse.com/join
SOURCEFINDER EXPANDS DURING SUPPLY
CHAIN CRUNCH by Ellis Wyatt
Everyone in the fastener industry knows it’s getting
strange out there.
Lead times are stretching to unimaginable lengths,
costing issues are everywhere, and customer buying
patterns never cease to amaze. On top of it all, inventory
has become harder to obtain across the board.
Still, fastener distributors are strongly optimistic
about future business prospects, according to the most
recent Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) report. Based
heavily on record-setting sales activity, the trend of
positive sentiment extended to a 12 month positive
streak with the May survey, as the Forward Looking
Indicator (FLI) came in at a robust 76.0, only slightly off
the all-time high on the measure of expectations for the
next six months.
Less clear is the picture surrounding the numerous
supply chain issues that have begun causing problems for
distributors. Raw materials shortages, shipping disruptions,
unprecedented customer orders and other influences are
impacting fastener companies, who are increasingly finding
themselves scrambling to locate inventory.
One FDI respondent commented on the apparent
conflict in trends, “Distributors are starting to run out of
critical stock and domestic lead times continue to rise,
but amazingly new orders continue to be higher than last
year with no sign of slowing.”
Another survey participant alluded to challenges
related to the master distributors, “Suppliers are REALLY
slow in shipments to distributors, and when they do
have inventory, it could be coming from anywhere in the
country. Lead times are out of this world!”
As the market experiences this mix of brisk sales
and increasing supply challenges, FCH Sourcing Network
(www.fastenersclearinghouse.com) is reporting an uptick
in usage of FCH SourceFinder, its broadcast RFQ
system, available to all fastener distributors with no
membership required.
Supporting thousands of weekly users, and offering
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
over 1.5 million inventory listings, FCH has long been
used by fastener professionals across North America to
locate hard to find parts. Using SourceFinder, an inquiry
can be sent across the network and delivered to the
distributors most likely to have the part in question, even
when the part is not listed on FCH by a member company.
The typical SourceFinder inquiry is sent directly to
over 100 fastener distributors, making it a powerful tool
for confronting problematic supply disruptions.
“FCH has always been a reliable source to find
fasteners that seem to be in short supply. These days,
that seems like every fastener we come across! With
SourceFinder, the far reach across the industry gets
you in front of a huge collection of fastener suppliers,”
said Allan Weitzman of Jaycee Sales & Rivet (www.
RivetsOnline.com).
The SourceFinder system was devised to help
distributors help each other. There is no charge for
distributors to submit a SourceFinder inquiry, and
responding companies deal directly with the requester.
On top of that, the simple process takes only moments,
and there is no obligation.
While there is no cost to use FCH, only member
companies can receive and respond to SourceFinder
inquiries. In response to the rise in demand, an all-new
membership package is being offered with SourceFinder
as the focus. The new membership level is perfect for
distributors interested in receiving product inquiries from
companies who are in urgent need of product.
No matter how long the positive sales trend continues,
everyone in the fastener industry understands that supply
challenges are likely to be with us for a while. FCH
SourceFinder is a potent tool for handling the resulting
inventory gaps.
FCH Sourcing Network supports the fastener industry
with a variety of digital inventory marketing services.
Based in Ravenna, OH, FCH was founded in 2006. Tel: 877-
332-7836 or email eric@fastenersclearinghouse.com.
FCH SOURCING NETWORK

24
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
SALES TAX LAWS DRIVING YOU NUTS?
by Dennis Cowhey
Over half of the states changed their sales tax laws
at the beginning of 2021. That doesn’t take into account
local sales taxes. Texas alone has over 1,600 local tax
jurisdictions. With all of the various taxing authorities
out there, you can expect around six hundred tax rate
changes every year. Keeping up with the details can be a
lot. Do you know where your company has nexus and what
tax laws affect you? Does your current software take care
of everything for you automatically in the background as
you go about your business? Do you wish it did?
Computer Insights, Inc Partners With Avalara
The Business Edge TM
by Computer Insights is a fullfeatured
state-of-the-art ERP system that helps businesses
streamline their business processes in every aspect of
their business. The Business Edge TM
eliminates steps from
day-to-day activities and provides unparalleled reporting
and analysis features. Benefits include intuitive Vendor
Managed Inventory systems, direct connections to master
distributors with the Fastener Supply Chain Network,
Wireless Warehouse Options, Lot and Location tracking,
Integrated Quality and Inspection, and much more.
The Business Edge TM
became a certified Avalara
AvaTax integration in 2019. When activated, the
connection talks to Avalara as you work without any extra
effort required by you. This will free up the time you are
spending managing sales taxes and spend it on more
important things.
Sales tax is automatically calculated based on the
product type and customer taxability by ship-to address.
If an order requires different sales tax rules applied to
different line items, you can handle that with a single
click of a button.
Do you sell to companies that require custom tax
rules? The Business Edge TM
makes setting up custom tax
rules easy, after they are created they are automatically
used when applicable. You do not have to worry about
remembering who has special requirements.
Addresses are validated once as you enter them.
Your existing addresses will only be validated once when
you use them as a ship-to location. Validating addresses
ensures the taxes calculated are accurate.
Information is available where you need it and when
you need it. For example, if a customer asks why you
charged them what you did for sales tax, you can easily
see the detailed tax jurisdiction breakdown. Summary
and detailed tax reports are available for review. Avalara
can prepare and file your returns while distributing
payments to all tax jurisdictions on your behalf or you
can use these reports if you want to continue to file and
remit your own taxes.
Who Is Avalara?
Avalara helps businesses get tax compliance right by
partnering with leading ERP systems like The Business
Edge. TM
Avalara is a publicly-traded company and was
ranked one of the fastest growing companies in North
America on Deloitte’s 2018 Technology Fast 500.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 106

26
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
TEL 323-817-2226 EMAIL morgan.wilson@fastenershows.com
WEB www.fastenershows.com
EXCITING UPDATES FROM
INTERNATIONAL FASTENER EXPO
Registration is open at fastenershows.com for the
International Fastener Expo (IFE) 2021. IFE 2021 will
take place on September 21 – 23 at the Mandalay Bay
Convention Center, Bayside B, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The expo is North America’s most extensive business-tobusiness
tradeshow of its kind for all types of fasteners,
machinery & tooling and other industrial products.
This September, IFE will host a robust conference
schedule with highlights on new technology, industry
trends, testing and inspection, growing sales, and more
– all in an environment that places the health & safety of
IFE’s customers, partners, and staff as its top priority.
Each year, IFE brings together thousands of
attendees, buyers, and sellers from across the entire
supply chain. VIP attendees at IFE are consistently
included in Industrial Distribution’s Big 50 List and
exhibitors are among the top international and domestic
distributors, manufacturers, material suppliers, tooling
and machinery providers and ancillary services. Top
confirmed companies that will be in attendance this year
include Fastenal, Wurth Industry of North America and
Optimas. The 2021 show floor will also give attendees
the chance to meet with representatives and explore
top products from exhibitors such as Brighton-Best
International, Lindstrom, Stelfast, Nucor Fasteners, Star
Stainless and Copper State Bolt and Nut.
In addition to the education and networking
available, registration to International Fastener Expo
gives you access to special events such as a welcome
reception at Daylight Pool, the Hall of Fame and Young
Fastener Professional of the Year Awards, celebrating
outstanding members of the fastener industry and the
second annual IFE Golf Tournament at the Bali Hai Golf
Club on September 21. Join IFE and fellow members of
the fastener industry for some friendly competition to
start the show.
SHOW EVENT ARTICLE
CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 27
IFE EXCITING UPDATES FROM INTERNATIONAL FASTENER EXPO from page 26
IFE, which is owned by Emerald, will be
implementing a robust Health & Safety Plan in
addition to Emerald’s Preparedness, Prevention
and Response Plan, both of which outline the
specific protocols being implemented both during
the event-planning phase and onsite at IFE.
“The excitement and enthusiasm to see
everyone face to face seems to be growing
every week. We’re thrilled to create a safe and
comfortable environment for our audience to
meet in-person once more,” said Morgan Wilson,
Show Manager, International Fastener Expo.
In addition to preparing for the upcoming 2021 show,
IFE also recently launched a blog and newsletter, both of
which are committed to distributing quality, timely content
to regularly strengthen and educate the industry. Please
contact info@fastenershows.com if you have a relevant
product release or company update to share.
Attendees are encouraged to register early. The price
for attendee passes is $75, and the onsite fee will be
$85. To register, visit fastenershows.com.
INTERNATIONAL FASTENER EXPO

28
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SMITH ASSOCIATES, INC.
PO Box 683, Hopatcong, NJ 07843
TEL 973-810-2900 EMAIL office@smithreps.com WEB www.smithreps.com
SMITH ASSOCIATES: A 50 YEAR LEGACY
When one hits a milestone in one’s life, it often
evokes a self-reflection… an assessment… a thoughtful
evaluation of what has transpired.
For Mike Smith, manufacturer’s representative and
owner of Smith Associates, those remembrances that
helped shape his legacy are recalled with a smile.
Back in 1971, after a year in mechanical engineering
at New Hampshire Technical Institute, Mike found that he
did not enjoy the confines of sitting at a table and
drafting. He wasn’t sure what he wanted but
he knew he needed to move on. Call it
divine intervention, luck, or just life
stepping in when Mike’s uncle,
who owned Davis-McCormick
Associates in Lyndhurst, NJ,
called him and offered him a
job as an apprentice in his
rep agency.
Mike jumped at the chance
to move to NJ and start his
new career. Having grown
up in the picturesque town
of Exeter, NH, he was
excited to try his luck in
the bustling metropolitan area.
This was very exciting, yet very
scary, for the very naïve Mike Smith. His uncle was a task
master, and not only gave Mike an amazing education in
the business of fasteners, but also helped him become a
conscious worker and a more worldly person. Not all the
lessons were easy, but the toughness of his uncle would
give him the basics he would need to become successful
in his chosen career.
MIKE SMITH, CHRIS SMITH, COREY MAGYAR
AND DAN BIELEFIELD
Living in a rooming house in Kearny, NJ, Mike
learned the business from the inside of an office and
was quickly sent on the road to start selling in Yonkers
and The Bronx. This was a difficult and dangerous area,
but Mike’s sunny personality and drive to succeed carried
him through to his new found love of selling. Not being
a native to NYC, simply finding his way around New
York roads and encountering so many
different types of people was an
education in itself. All of the
different religions, ethnicities,
and cultures were so unique
to him, it increased Mike’s
eagerness to learn as much
as he could.
He would soon figure
out where to find quiet
phone booths to call into
the office twice a day, and
where the safe bathrooms
are located (not an easy
task). Mike had to deal with
constant rejection but keep his
spirit up and move on to the
next call. He would live on hot
dog cart food for his first five
years to save money. And when the gas shortage hit in the
1970’s, he would find ways to make friends with the gas
station owners so he could continue his work “pounding
on random doors in warehouses all over The Bronx”. The
city gave Mike the energy to find the next order whether
it was for $50 or $5000; the thrill of the completion of a
contract with a customer was his ultimate joy.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 108

30
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 FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED TO KNOW:
THE LONG AND SHORT OF BOLT FAILURES
There are many reasons why fasteners fail and many
different ways to cause failure. Small fasteners are prone
to fail when assembled with power tools, especially if the
thread length is too short and long fasteners are prone
to fail when used improperly.
How Many Threads Do We Really Need
To Be Within The Joint?
Under certain conditions, a fastener that is too long
can fail as fast as one that is too short.
First of all, the number of threads on a fastener
does not change the strength of a fastener. The fastener
may be subjected to a force, or forces, that will cut the
fastener in two or stretches it into yield. However, the
performance of the fastener will change and be greatly
affected by how the fastener is installed; whether the
entire components match for strength and grade, how
many threads are left inside the joint or grip area and if
there is full thread engagement with the threads of the
nut.
Strength is not determined by how many threads are
protruding beyond the nut as long as there is full thread
engagement, or complete thread contact, with all of the
threads of the nut. What really matters is the number
of threads within the joint. The total material thickness
being clamped together is known as the joint and is also
called the ‘grip’ area of the fastener. The threads within
the grip are called the ‘unengaged’ threads, as they do
not contact any mating threads. Of course, the number
of unengaged threads is determined by how many
threads protrude from the nut.
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
A threaded fastener is a series of different spring
rates; each portion of the fastener, from the head, shank
and threads, experience a different stress load and
stretches at a different rate. It is the threaded portion of
the fastener that is between the fastener head and the
thread run-out and the first thread outside the nut, or
grip area in a tapped hole, that experiences the highest
amount of stress concentration of the fastener under
tension. These unengaged threads will act as shock
absorbers under dynamic loading.
FIGURE 1
Figure 1 illustrates a fastener in a connection
with no threads protruding beyond the end of the nut.
The first thread in the nut is incomplete as a lead-in
thread and therefore, will not carry much of any applied
service load. The threads of the nut may even strip while
tightening or cause joint failure from incomplete load
distribution.
Also, in Figure 1, it is important that the threads of
the bolt are not within the shear plane of the joint.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 110

32
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ARAMID TECHNOLOGIES
TEL 480-442-7073 EMAIL info@aramidtech.com
WEB www.aramidtech.com
SMARTCERT: AUTOMATING THE TRANSFER OF
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION by Lonni Kieffer, Co-Founder
The pressure to work smarter is forcing companies
to move up their timeline for digital advancement. Many
will say it’s overwhelming to consider all the options and
ensure they are maximizing their investment in a way that
will drive ROI and business growth. Others will tell you
they feel limited by their legacy systems and don’t want
to be forced to make changes to their existing processes
and teams. Yet everyone agrees automation is the key to
their future.
One priority for many companies is solving for the
inefficiencies associated with the transfer of required
documentation. From time spent tracking lost certs to the
quarantine shelf and expense of scrapped parts, this is
a clear and immediate opportunity to boost productivity
and profits when considering the path forward in futureproofing
your business.
Armed with decades of experience in manufacturing
and distribution and a focus on this very problem, Lyndon
Lattie assembled a team of industry experts, thought
leaders and developers, and set out to help companies
clear the paperwork bottleneck. He envisioned a tool that
would make certs available where they are needed most
– right on the packaging – and provide a communication
channel for everyone from raw material suppliers to
manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers that would
streamline the transfer of industry-required certifications.
SmartCert has been developed as a universal platform
that aligns with current processes, automates certification
procedures, and binds documentation to parts using QR
codes. Now, certs can be accessed and viewed with a
Smartphone or tablet on a job site or assembly line and
inbound cert packages can instantly be available to your
teams and technology.
Integration with ERPs, eCommerce and QMS systems
upgrades legacy systems and allows for demonstrated
continuous improvement and value-add service to
customers. As a cloud-based subscription, features and
benefits are continually added to the platform, and IT
departments aren’t required to orchestrate expensive and
timely updates or create server space for the software.
While creating a standardized process for supply
chains is the ultimate goal for SmartCert, it immediately
solves common problems for most businesses and lays
the foundation for continued digital innovation.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
ARAMID TECHNOLOGIES

34
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
FASTENER FAIR USA – FOR ALL THE INDUSTRY, IN
THE HEART OF MANUFACTURING
After a year-long hiatus, the fastener industry will
reconvene in-person in Cleveland on November 8-10,
2021 (Conference: November 8 | Exhibit Hall: November
9-10) for Fastener Fair USA. With a dynamic educational
program followed by two days of exhibitions geared towards
the entire fastener industry, fastener professionals from
every segment of the market will find the latest products
they need at Fastener Fair USA and the manufacturing
sectors it serves. Specializing in Industrial Fasteners and
Fixings, Construction Fixings, Assembly and Installation
Systems, Fastener Manufacturing Technology, Storage,
Distribution, Factory Equipment, Services, and Information
and Communications, Fastener Fair USA is your platform
to meet with new and current customers and network with
industry leaders.
Current Exhibitor List
¤ Aadvik Inc,
¤ Advance Components
¤ AFI Industries, inc.
¤ All America Threaded Products
¤ All American Washer Werks
¤ Allegheny Coatings
¤ Alloy & Stainless Fasteners
¤ Allstate Fasteners
¤ Aluminum Fastener Supply Co Inc
¤ AMAC Enterprises
¤ American Ring
¤ Anderson Controls, Inc.
¤ APM Hexseal Corp.
SHOW EVENT ARTICLE
¤ Art Metals Group
¤ Asia-Pacific Trade News Magazine
¤ Assembly Magazine
¤ Atotech USA LLC.
¤ AVK Industrial Products
¤ Avtar Exports
¤ Beijing Jinzhaobo High Strength Fastener Co., Ltd.
¤ Bi-mirth Corp
¤ Bodycote S3P
¤ Bradley Adhesive Applications
¤ Brighton-Best International, Inc
¤ Brynolf Manufacturing, Inc.
¤ Buckeye Fasteners Company
¤ Canatex Industrial Co., Ltd.
¤ Capital Bolts and Hardwares
¤ Cardinal Fastener
¤ Carlo Salvi
¤ CEIA USA
CONTINUED ON PAGE 112

38
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 SOARING EAGLE AWARDS 2021
by Salim Brahimi
At an awards ceremony held during the 2021 Annual
Meeting of the Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI) in
Scottsdale, Arizona, the IFI Soaring Eagle Technology
Award was presented to Chad Larson of Lejeune Bolt
Company, and the IFI Soaring Eagle Meritorious Service
Award was presented to Laurin Baker of The Laurin
Baker Group.
The 2021 Soaring Eagle Technology Award
Recipient is Chad Larson
The IFI Soaring Eagle Technology Award is named
after Roy P. Trowbridge. It recognizes individuals who
have extensive experience in the industrial fastener
industry and who have made significant contributions
to the technological advancement of the industry.
Contributions may be through extensive work on
fastener standards committees; the publication of widely
acclaimed principles or documents; and/or through the
development of fastener-related equipment, products
or processes which have been widely acknowledged as
advancements in fastener technology.
Chad Larson serves as the President of Lejeune
Bolt Company in Burnsville, Minnesota. Chad’s career in
the fastener industry has spanned 30 years and he has
worked in manufacturing, distribution, sales, production,
quality assurance and now executive management.
Chad Larson is recognized for his service and on-going
contributions to the fastener industry, especially in the
field of structural bolting. He initiated and led a massive
CHAD LARSON - IFI SOARING EAGLE TECHNOLOGY AWARD RECIPIENT
undertaking to combine six divergent ASTM structural
bolt standards into a single coherent standard that has
vastly improved standardization of structural fasteners.
The ease with which ASTM F3125 was adopted by the
entire supply chain is a testimony to Chad’s knowledge
and meticulous grasp of the details. His innovative
Torque+Angle 144 ksi Fastening System combines
improved technologies with appropriate methodologies
to achieve an “error-proof” turnkey system for fastener
installation and pretensioning, while also simplifying the
design of bolted connections. These contributions are
significant and enduring advancements in the state of
the art of structural bolting.
TECHNICAL ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 116

40
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Jim Truesdell
James Truesdell is President 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”.
FAIRNESS TO PREGNANT WORKERS...
PROPOSAL PROVIDES SOLUTIONS
There are fewer Americans being born than are
needed to keep up with the needs of our society. Just
like in much of Europe and Japan, our country is starting
to see a slowdown in the population replacement rate
as birth rates are declining. This has implications for the
ability of businesses to find future workers, for the funding
of all of the entitlements that seem to be the direction
in which our government is headed, and for the forward
looking sense of inevitable growth that has always fueled
America’s confidence in the future. If this is a reality
with which we must grapple then it is time to start doing
the things some of those other countries are doing to
encourage and accommodate working women who are
choosing to have children, even as they continue their
careers and play important roles in keeping our wheels of
commerce turning.
It is this realization that is garnering bi-partisan
support for the “The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act”
which has gathered support from The US Chamber of
Commerce and other business associations in addition
to the expected endorsements from social agencies
and women’s rights groups. Businesses are seeing the
future in their current struggles to find and keep sufficient
workers. They see assistance to their current workers and
potential employees as important not only in securing and
retaining workers, but as a necessary part business must
play in the long term welfare of the country. If we do not
wish to become dependent on an ever increasing flow of
immigration to supplement our industries’ needs then
we ultimately will need to provide environments where
families and children are a top priority reflected in the way
we structure our workplaces and support our workers.
Why is this legislation needed since we already have
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Family and
Medical Leave Act? It addresses those” in between”
situations where the worker does not wish to take leave
and wants to keep working but requires a little help to
do so. Since pregnancy is not a “disability” under the
ADA there are often situations where the worker faces
a stark choice between taking time off or continuing to
work while possibly endangering her health or that of her
unborn child. Likewise, the FMLA provides job protection
for unpaid leave, but not necessarily for taking the steps
to keep someone on the job. Because of this ambiguity
there have been numerous lawsuits filed (most decided
in favor of the employer) but it has left companies with
very unclear guidelines as to how they are to handle these
situations.
Passed by the House this spring and pending in the
Senate with sponsors from both parties, the “PWFA”
would extend the “accommodations” requirement of the
Americans With Disabilities Act to women workers who
are pregnant. This act would make it illegal for businesses
with more than 15 employees to deny reasonable
accommodations to employees who face the limitations
from pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions. It
would still exempt companies able to demonstrate
“undue hardship” in making those accommodations.
Such supportive actions could include things like longer
breaks, providing proper height stools for workers who
would normally have to stay on their feet for long periods,
additional bathroom breaks , access to drinking water
and food, help with lifting, or sometimes temporary
assignment to lighter duties. A pregnant worker could not
be compelled to take paid or unpaid leave if a reasonable
accommodation can be provided.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 118

44
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
DEATH BY COOKIE: FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED
A NEW WAY TO ADVERTISE ON THE WEB IN 2022
Fastener distributors that rely on ad tech companies to
post ads for their goods and services across the Web will
need a new plan in 2022, when support for that technology
mostly disappears.
Essentially, Google is warning businesses that it’s
widely popular Chrome browser will no longer support the
technology needed to make those advertising placements –
known as third-party cookies – beginning next year.
Triggering Google’s move
is widespread consumer
backlash that has been building
against third-party cookies for
years – technology that enables
ad tech companies to track
consumers every movement as
they surf the Web.
Says David Temkin,
director of product
management, ads privacy and
trust, Google: “Seventy two
percent of people feel that
almost all of what they do
online is being tracked by
advertisers, technology firms
or other companies.
“And 81% say that the
potential risks they face because of data collection outweigh
the benefits, according to a study by Pew Research Center.
“If digital advertising doesn’t evolve to address the
growing concerns people have about their privacy and how
their personal identity is being used, we risk the future of the
free and open Web.”
Not surprisingly, Google’s decision to forsake third-party
cookies in 2022 is sending shockwaves throughout the
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
AS SUPPORT FOR THIRD-PARTY COOKIES DISAPPEARS, MANY
FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED A NEW PLAN FOR WEB ADVERTISING.
DISAPPEARING SUPPORT FOR THIRD-PARTY COOKIES IN GOOGLE
CHROME HAS SPELLED DEMISE FOR THE TECHNOLOGY.
fastener distribution community and across the Web.
Sixty four percent of all Web users now use Google
Chrome to cruise the Web, according to StatCounter (www.
gs.statcounter.com/browser-market-share). And two other
major browsers - Firefox and Apple’s Safari - have already
dropped support for third-party cookies as well.
Since the mid-90s, ad tech companies have been using
third-party cookies to continually track of your movements
on the Web -- taking note of
the Web sites you visit, what
ads you click on and similar
interactions – to develop an
extremely informed perspective
on what you’re most likely to
buy.
Based on that knowledge,
those same ad tech companies
serve you customized ads on
the Web sites you visit that
features their ad tech.
So if you visit a number of
Web sites about fasteners and
click on a few ads advertising
fasteners, for example, you’ll
most likely start noticing more
fastener ads popping-up on
many of the Web sites you subsequently visit.
Ad tech companies are able to place third-party cookies
in your Google Chrome Browser by cutting deals with Web
sites that already feature their ads. A Web site featuring
ads placed by a specific ad tech company, for example, has
most likely also given that same ad tech company running
those ads permission to place a third-party cookie in your
Chrome Browser.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 120

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 45
OBITUARY
Steve Welch, a longtime
veteran in the Fastener industry
passed away unexpectedly
on Sunday May 2, 2021, way
before his time, aged 65.
Steve began his
fastener career over 40 years
ago as a warehouse and Inside
Salesperson with Service supply
in Knoxville, TN. Steve then
moved to Nitro, WV where he
became the Branch Manager of
the Service Supply facility. It was
in this location where he met
and married his wife, Suzann.
From WV he was transferred to
the Dayton, OH Service Supply
location as Branch Manager,
ending up in Chattanooga, TN
as the Territory Sales Manager.
Steve left Service Supply and
for a short time joined Hillman
Fasteners as a District Sales
Manager before rejoining
Service Supply in Greenville, SC
as the Territory Sales Manager
and then the National Accounts
Sales Manager.
In (2000) Steve joined
Lindstrom Metric as an Outside
Salesperson where he remained
until 2016, when he formed
his Rep Agency S. A. Welch &
Associates. One of his first lines
was Lindstrom Metric, along
with Titan Fasteners and finally
Stelfast, all under the Lindfast
Solutions Group.
Steve is survived by his wife
Suzann, and daughter Hillary of
Charlotte, NC and son Andrew
of Greenville, SC.

46
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 FAX 262-784-5059 EMAIL info@stafda.org WEB www.stafda.org
STAFDA’S IN-PERSON EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS
IN ORLANDO by Georgia H. Foley, CEO
One of the biggest complaints professional speakers’
have had the past year about Zoom meetings or webinars was
the lack of audience interaction. Thankfully, with widespread
COVID vaccinations and the State of Florida being pro-active
on keeping people safe yet allowing meetings to take place,
STAFDA’s back on track to hold its in-person Convention &
Trade Show, October 24-26, in Orlando, FL.
STAFDA will comply with Florida and Orlando mandates
regarding COVID safety in October. Orlando Health works
with the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) to
ensure the health and well-being of all meeting attendees
and STAFDA is no exception.
STAFDA’s 45th Annual Convention & Trade Show
leads off with four, concurrent 90 minute workshops
Sunday morning, October 24, from 8:30 – 10 a.m. and
10:30 a.m. – Noon. The workshops repeat to a different
audience following a 30 minute break. There is also one
workshop Sunday afternoon and an additional program
Tuesday morning, October 26.
Sunday Morning Workshops, October 24
Decoding Micro-Expressions
To Increase Sales!
Janine Driver
As a former federal law
enforcement officer with the
Department of Justice, Driver will
share her knowledge of how to
read others’ body language and
unlock tricks of master manipulators to easily spot
deception on phone calls, emails, Facebook posts,
handwritten notes, and social media. People often think if
a person crosses their arms, they’ve lost interest or it’s
a power pose. Driver believes when people cross their
arms it’s not a negative, rather it indicates they’re using
both sides of their brain. But, if they’ve crossed both their
SHOW EVENT ARTICLE
arms and legs, they’ve emotionally withdrawn from the
conversation. She’ll share tips on how to spot discomfort
and deviations in hidden facial expressions along with
fear and disgust. Driver believes rapport building is the
foundation upon which interactions with others are built
and the framework of successful relationships. She’s a
popular guest on NBC’s TODAY, NBC’S Weekend TODAY,
FOX News, along with being quoted in other media outlets.
How to Work with & Lead
People Not Like You
Kelly McDonald
Diversity in the workforce is
a hot topic. Many employers are
under pressure to ensure their
employee base is diverse and
represents the customers they
serve. Progressive companies value diversity since it can
lead to better decisions, solutions, and innovations while
growing business and profits. But a diverse workforce
doesn’t just mean different racial and ethnic backgrounds:
it can also be diversity of thought. A new mom is in a very
different place than an empty nester. Someone with a
master’s degree is different from someone who is a high
school graduate. Different people may not see eye-to-eye
on an issue. Communication styles may differ. Cultural
backgrounds vary and even men and women see situations
differently. How can today’s leaders motivate and lead
groups of people from different backgrounds? McDonald will
offer specific tactics for employees to succeed in today’s
workplace without becoming frustrated by approaches to
work that may differ from theirs. And for leaders, they’ll
learn three key steps to make a diverse team more
cohesive, productive, and enjoyable. McDonald has been
featured in Fast Company, Forbes, BusinessWeek, and her
clients include Toyota, State Farm, Nike, and Miller-Coors.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 122

48
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
DO IT YOURSELF GAGING
As a gage manufacturer, the topic of Do It Yourself
Gaging is difficult to address. On the other hand, I have
to embrace the fact that it is real and there are many
individuals making their own gages. For this reason, it
would be irresponsible for me to not address it.
Gaging can be broken down into two basic types, fixed
limit and variable type.
Fixed Limit Gaging
Fixed limit gaging, as the name implies, is nonmeasuring
and locked in at the item’s dimensional
minimum and maximum sizes. These are also referred
to as Go/NoGo gages. Fixed limit gaging works well
when your primary focus is form, fit, or function. In other
words, it’s utilized you are more concerned that parts fit
together and work properly than dealing with how close
or far the actual size is from their dimensional limits.
Some very common fixed limit gages are go/nogo pins
or plugs. Typically, these are used to ensure a hole is
not too big or not too small, and that hole can be of any
cross-sectional profile, and doesn’t necessarily have to be
a round circle. Other fixed limit gages include ring gages
for external profiles, feeler style gages for gaps, feature
location gages, and many more. The main drawback I find
with fixed limit gages is that they can only be used for a
particular feature and are not very versatile for multi-use.
In other words, once you’ve finished your go/nogo gage,
you can only use it to check the feature it was designed
for. Any design changes or similar features of different
size will need another fixed limit gage. Unfortunately,
fixed limit gaging cannot be used in every inspection
job. There are situations where it is not practical, not
beneficial, or not cost effective.
Variable Type Gaging
Variable type gaging are tools that will actually adjust
to the size of the feature being measured, include some
type of indicator, and provide a numerical value of that
size. Variable gages are necessary when your main
concern is controlling the size of a feature so you know
exactly where it lies in the tolerance range. Statistical
Process Control (SPC) is a perfect example of when to
apply variable type gaging. Variable gages work with in
the same application that fixed limit gages might be used
for (i.e. internal, external, feature to feature, etc.). The
great thing about variable gages is that they can typically
be used in more than one application, and are quite
versatile. The cost associated with variable gaging is
generally higher than fixed limit gaging, which sometimes
can steer an individual away from using them.
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
CONTINUED ON PAGE 124

50
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
PENN ENGINEERING
5190 Old Easton Road, Danboro, PA 18916
TEL 1-800-237-4736 FAX 215-766-0143 EMAIL info@pemnet.com WEB www.pemnet.com
UTILIZING SURFACE MOUNT TECHNOLOGY FOR MECHANICAL
FASTENING TO PCBS by Michael J. Rossi, Marketing Services Supervisor
Historically, electronics manufacturers faced a difficult
choice when assembling printed circuit boards. They could
deal with the inconvenience and poor productivity of loose
fastening hardware, or they could use broaching fasteners
that hold circuit boards securely but can easily damage
fully populated boards when not installed properly.
However, fasteners designed with Surface Mount
Technology (SMT) provide a technically superior alternative
for PCB assembly. The surface-mount installation method
uses a system in which various types of fasteners are
adhered directly onto a solder pad on the surface of the
PCB, using the same soldering processes as the board’s
other electronic components.
Before discussing the advantages of SMT fasteners,
let’s examine some traditional fastening options and the
potential drawbacks of their use.
Traditional Methods Of Fastening
Hardware To PCBs
Loose Spacers
The most common method for fastening hardware
to PCBs is the use of loose spacers. They are often
in the form of plastic or metal columns used to offset
two boards. The spacers must be placed secondarily,
sometimes snapping onto the board, sometimes screwing
together with another component. This secondary process
is typically performed manually, which is quite time
consuming and labor-intensive.
Loose Nuts and Screws
Loose nuts and screws are handled much the same.
Used during assembly, handling can be an issue because
of the detailed work that is necessary to align all of the
parts typically on both sides of the PC board. Care must
be taken so that any dropped hardware is identified and
removed so as to not cause rattle, or worse, shorts and
product failure.
Broaching Spacers or Nuts
To avoid the use of loose hardware and help simplify
the assembly process, some manufacturers utilize
broaching spacers or nuts. The hardware permanently
fastens to the PCB so that handling becomes simpler by
eliminating one of the loose components. The broaching,
however, is achieved by pressing a knurled component
into a slightly smaller hole in the board, forcing the knurls
to cut into the board. If done wrong, this method can
cause issues with board integrity. Problems can also
occur during the installation process if the parts are
misaligned while being pressed into the mounting hole.
Other attachment methods such as adhesives do
exist, and all have both advantages and disadvantages.
But one common factor is they all must be placed on the
board or assembled – which represents a cost, typically
in manual labor, which can be very high. And with each
additional touch to the board, the chances for damage
and quality issues increase.
TECHNICAL ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 126

52
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
WTC BUSINESS
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
TEL 1-877-604-0282 EMAIL info@wtcvet.com WEB www.wtcvet.com
WTC IT SERVICES – A LEGACY OF SUPPORT
WTC is a Fastener Specific Technology Company.
We have worked in warehouses across the country
bringing new/current technology to all aspects of the
Fastener Workflow.
Walk into their corporate offices and you will find 3
generations of the same family working away. Serving as
an Army Officer during the Vietnam War, Thomas J White
Jr and his wife, now of 55 years, gave birth to his first
of 4 children. Professionally, a love of technology was
created for Tom while working 8 years in a “Thinktank”
for the Xerox corporation as they created and tested
SAAS business tools and internet network solutions all
within their business cloud, (1970’s) Personally, the
love of his family would produce a deep passion to tie
them together. At a young age, each sibling would join
the working class in one of Dad’s businesses. Over
the next decades family and business would continue
to thrive across different ventures and industries. The
entire group is part of Tom’s legacy. A legacy where
family comes first, love, and business are all just part of
life. WTC is the culmination of one man’s vision made
possible through a family’s vision to eat, sleep, and yes
WORK together.
After over 50 years of computer innovation,
technology, and information systems management Tom
began a quest in the Fastener Industry. Specifically,
Tom directed technology for Porteous Fasteners. While
at Porteous, Tom would meet and work with Will Snyder.
Soon they would find Porteous was at the end of their
long successful legacy, but Tom and Will were just about
to create their own. The necessity, for a Fastener Industry
specific IT Company, was very clear. Together, Will and
Tom would create WTC IT Services, LLC. The family
legacy would closely follow as members begin to occupy
board seats, executive positions, and the remaining
backbone of the company. While many companies seek
out a 5-to-10-year plan, WTC’s notion of “Family Legacy”
produced the “100-year plan.” A company where future
generations from Tom and “Uncle” Will could thrive and
provide valuable IT Services.
TOM WHITE JR. AND HIS GRANDCHILDREN
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
CONTINUED ON PAGE 154

54
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION
PO Box 5, Lake Zurich, IL 60047
TOLL-FREE 1-800-753-8338 TEL 847-438-8338 EMAIL mwfa@ameritech.com WEB www.mwfa.net
MWFA PRESENTS FSTNR WEEK
by Nancy Rich
August 16th-20th
In keeping with the concerns of safety for our
members, the MWFA has chosen to move some of
their events to later in the year to allow time for more
normalcy. To make it easier for industry and your
personal scheduling we have put our major events into
one week. This is what the week looks like. COVID 19
protocol will be followed at all events.
August 16th
Basic Print Reading Seminar - 9:00am-12:00pm
Belvedere Banquets, Elk Grove, IL
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn: what
are prints, types of prints, understanding what is on
prints, technical components of prints and part to print
recognition.
August 17th
MWFA Fastener Show - 12:00pm-4:00pm
Belvedere Banquets, Elk Grove, IL
The Mid-West Fastener Association will host their
39th Table Top Show on August 17th, 2021. Fastener
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
suppliers are invited to showcase their products and/or
services at this one-day show.
The MWFA hosts an annual Table Top Show
allowing suppliers a convenient venue to showcase as
they do at other shows but at a more economical fee
and in the heart of the fastener industry. The fastener
industry has the luxury of being able to showcase their
product in a booth or Table Top environment. The MWFA
appeals to all exhibitors by offering each every other
year.
Exhibitor registration is being accepted at this time.
The floor plan will be finalized six weeks before the
show based on COVID regulations. At that time we will
reach out to exhibitors, for exhibit selection, in the order
registrations were received
Exhibit space includes: Skirted 6’ x 30” table,
2 chairs, table company sign, two lunches, and free
attendee passes.
75th Anniversary/Hall of Fame Dinner - 6:00pm
Venuti’s Ristorante, Addison, IL
It all started when the average cost of a new house
was $5,600, average wages were $2,500 (yes, a year),
gas was 15 cents a gallon, coffee was 85 cents for 2
pounds, a new car was $1,120 and the first electric
blanket came out. 1946 was the debut of the Chicago
Bolt, Nut & Screw Association.
Some probably wondered if this would be a shortlived
men’s club. Fast forward, time has come to
prove this was a group with a purpose and the energy,
ambition, and dedication to continue for many years.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 184

56
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
OBITUARY
John Longyear formally
from Metric & Multistandard
passed away June 2, 2021
after a year and a half battle
with pancreatic cancer.
John started his fastener
career at Metric & Multistandard
Components Corp. of Elmsford,
NY in May of 1972.
His talents and know how
were quickly recognized and
John was promoted to be the
first Assistant Manager in Metric
& Multi’s history. The ownership
of Metric & Multi recognized
what they had in John and Chris
and decided this was a great
opportunity to open a branch
somewhere in the South West,
the obvious choice was Dallas.
In 1976, John and Chris drove
their Lotus from NY to Texas
and opened our Dallas branch.
In March 2019, after 47 years
of excellent service at Metric &
Multi, John and Chris retired.
In his retirement, they enjoyed
traveling, going to restaurants,
playing golf, spending quality
time with his daughter Serena
and his 2 grandchildren.
John was heavily involved
with the SWFA where he was
the Treasurer in 1990 and
Chairman in 1991. He then
returned to be the Treasurer
from 2011-2013 and was a
fixture at all the SWFA events
until his retirement.
John will be greatly missed not
only by his co-workers at Metric &
Multi, but anyone who knew him
in the fastener industry.

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 57
Century Fasteners Corp.
as hired longtime fastener
industry professional Denise
Murphy as the Syracuse, NY
Branch Manager.
Denise Murphy brings over
twenty years of fastener industry
experience in sales, supplier
relations, customer development,
inventory management and a
strong technical background. In
addition, Denise has expertise
concerning Aerospace products,
systems and applications,
supply chain management and
strong leadership skills.
Denise will be responsible for
growth and profitability through
existing business development,
new customer relationships,
leading corporate initiatives and
managing the sales force.
Denise is a graduate of the
University of Phoenix, Phoenix,
AZ with a degree in Business
Management (2010) and is
Six Sigma Green Belt Certified
(SSGBC) from the Management
and Strategy Institute.
Century Fasteners Corp.
is a Master Distributor of
fastener and non-fastener
components to the military,
aerospace, electronics, sheet
metal fabrication, automotive,
telecommunications, contract
manufacturing and medical
industries. The ISO and AS
certified company stocks more
than 100,000 discrete parts,
and offers a wide variety of valueadded
services. Century is an
authorized stocking distributor for
Cherry Aerospace
For more information contact
Century Fasteners Corp. by
Tel: 1-800-221-0769, Email:
corporate@centuryfasteners.
com or visit them online at www.
centuryfasteners.com.

58
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
GLOBALFASTENERNEWS.COM
by JOHN WOLZ EDITOR
editor@globalfastenernews.com
REPORT: INDUSTRIAL FASTENER
DEMAND AT 4% CAGR
The global industrial fasteners market is predicted
to expand at over 4% CAGR through 2031, while
the demand graph for threaded and plastic industrial
fasteners is set to climb among diverse end-use sectors,
according to a new report by Fact.MR.
“While the outbreak of COVID-19 affected industry
growth temporarily in 2020, with the commencement
of vaccinations and adoption of the new normal, the
automotive, building & construction, and other
key end-user sectors have started getting
back on their feet since the
last quarter of the year,”
the report found. “As such,
overall industry outlook has
remained positive during the
last 5 years from 2016 to
2020.”
With manufacturers
of industrial fasteners
incorporating advanced technologies and making heavy
investments in various research & development (R&D)
activities, the industry is projected to expand further over
the coming years.
Fast and steady recovery of the automotive
industry and growing adoption of industrial fasteners
in commercial & residential construction projects are
anticipated to increase supplier revenue in the U.S.
Germany’s advanced automotive sector and rise
in the number of construction & building projects after
overcoming hurdles due to the pandemic position that
country for strong growth as well, according to the report.
Likewise, China is expected to register substantial
growth in the coming years, with demand from the
construction, automotive, and home appliance sectors
boosting sales of industrial fasteners in that Asian
country. As the world’s largest vehicle market, China
expects automobile output will reach 35 million by 2025.
India has emerged as a lucrative
country in terms of demand,
sales, and production of industrial
fasteners, and is expected to grow
further through 2031. Abundance
of raw materials and labor,
and high demand from the
construction sector are
fueling sales in India.
Presently, plastic
is gaining traction in terms
of material for industrial
fasteners. According to Fact.
MR, this segment will gain
further popularity owing to
such advantages as:
¤ Lightweight
¤ Cost-effective
¤ Flexible in terms of usage
¤ Free from the drawbacks due to rusting
Non-threaded and aerospace grade industrial
fasteners are expected to further fuel the sales of
suppliers through 2031.
The automotive and construction industries have
high demand for industrial fasteners. Other key end-use
segments are aerospace and home appliances.
The 170-page report costs $4,500 for a single user
license. For more information visit www.factmr.com/
report/industrial-fasteners-markets
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
GLOBALFASTENERNEWS.COM

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 59

60
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SPRING BOLT AND NUT MANUFACTURING
3280 Wheat Street Houston, TX 77086 TEL 281-448-4440
EMAIL sales@springboltandnut.com WEB www.springboltandnut.com
SPECIALTY FASTENERS ON DEMAND
With an emphasis on quality and delivery, Spring Bolt
has been turning prints into reality for 20 years.
Growing from a 5,000sqft garage with a handful of
machines to a 25,000sqft facility with 8 forging presses,
7 threading machines and over 20 CNC machines, we
have become North America’s premier manufacturer of
critical application bolting and machined components.
Manufacturing everything from studs and nuts to 12-point
flange screws.
What Is The Spring Bolt Difference?
We separate ourselves from other manufacturers by
utilizing our technical knowledge of material specifications
and our proven production flow to manufacture superior
fasteners with the quickest lead time in the industry.
Spring Bolt founders, Richard Sivley and Tim Malone,
have been the go-to resource for fastener distributors when
they have questions concerning material capabilities and
requirements. They have instilled that same knowledge
and eye for detail in their current team. Answering
questions dealing with everything from J429 Grade 8 bolts
all the way to 718 Inconel 12-point flange screws, our
team knows what is required and get it made for you.
Now sole owner, Richard Sivley is the captain of our
ship. Leading our production team to move jobs through the
RICHARD SIVLEY, RALPH WALKER( WALKER BOLT) & TIM MALONE
facility effectively and efficiently, thus allowing us to provide
our customers with standard lead times of four weeks and
expedite options as quick as same day manufacturing.
What’s Next?
Looking toward the future, we have made great
investments in the past year to reinsure we can grow
with our customers. Adding both capacity and capability
with the purchase of our Tesker 236E, capable of thread
rolling up to 3-inch diameter, and our Okuma LU35 CNC
turning center, capable of machining fasteners over 10
inches in diameter over 100 inches long. The future looks
bright here at Spring Bolt and for our customers.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINNUED ON PAGE 140

62
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Jo Morris Marketing Director, Fastener Training Institute ®
FASTENER TRAINING INSTITUTE ®
5318 East 2nd Street #325, Long Beach, CA 90803
TEL 562-473-5373 FAX 661-449-3232
EMAIL info@fastenertraining.org WEB www.fastenertraining.org
FTI BRINGS NEW ADVANCED IN-PERSON
TECHNICAL TRAINING TO CHICAGO AUGUST 16-20
In today’s competitive business world, having
knowledge and skills above and beyond the basics of
your field can give you a professional advantage. For the
fastener industry, the most noteworthy measurement
of technical aptitude is the Certified Fastener Specialist
(CFS) designation. With more than 1,600 alumni, the
CFS advanced technical training program was developed
in 1998 and is now attainable through Fastener Training
Week, offered by the Fastener Training Institute (FTI) in
partnership with the Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI).
August In-Person Fastener Training
Week Hosted by the Mid-West Fastener
Association
The next opportunity for this accelerated training is
August 16-20 in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, located 20
miles northwest of Chicago.
Rather than seven separate
one-day courses spread out over
several months, Fastener Training
Week offers five intensive days of
education covering manufacturing
processes, consensus standards
and quality control, as well as
plant tours. The week features a
brand-new refreshed curriculum
with even more learning labs and
more hands-on interactive class
exercises and quizzes to reinforce
learning. Courses are taught by
industry experts including Salim
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Brahimi, Industrial Fasteners Institute; Laurence Claus,
NNi Training and Consulting; and John Medcalf, Peak
Innovations Engineering.
Attendees are encouraged to have at least two years
of experience in fastener sales, purchasing, manufacturing
or quality assurance or have completed FTI’s Product
Training Program. Fastener Training Week enrollment
is open to fastener distributors, manufacturers, endusers
and original equipment manufacturers. After
completing this invaluable industry training in a small
group environment and passing a final exam, attendees
are eligible for the CFS designation.
Registration and course information is available at
fastenertraining.org with early bird pricing through July 29.
Can’t make it to Chicago? An additional Fastener
Training Week program will take place in Los Angeles
November 29-December 3.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 128

SOLUTION INDUSTRIES LLC
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 63
21555 Drake Road, Strongsville, OH 44149
TEL 1-866-297-8656 FAX 440-816-9501 EMAIL sales@solutionind.com WEB www.solutionind.com
SHOUT OUT TO THE SOLUTION ‘OGs’ FOR REACHING 10+ YEARS TENURES!
Laura Vath, Controller - 18 years - AKA Ms.
Sunshine, though challenged in 2020, she always
maintains her positive vibe as she flies around the
office like a butterfly. And look for her creative
finesse when she is marketing Solution Man &
the rest of Team Solution. You never know
what crazy idea she has up her sleeve.
Steve Parham, Operations/IT - 15
years - Steve has a very unique role. One
minute he’s on the roof over-seeing the
A/C project and the next, he’s in the server
room fighting off cyber-crime. In-between
he is coordinating import purchases or
solving computer problems as he rolls
his eyes and says, “did you restart?” He
is the Swiss army knife of Solution.
Dustin Windsor, Sourcing - 12 years - Dee, Big
Brown, D-Wind is our quiet one who ACES special projects
and packages where he can stay in the BACKCOURT only
to come out when nature calls him out for a SPIKE. Watch
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
him BLOCK when he gets ambushed with
hugs, but the suggestion box is filled
with his GAME-WINNING ideas.
Keith McGuire, Quality - 10
years - Keith is Solution’s one and only
ginger, but “red” isn’t limited to his hair…
his face can be an angry shade of red as
he tackles the departmental challenges –
always patient yet still manages to remain
positive. He might know our processes (and
craft beverages) better than anyone.
Tim Vath, Assistant General
Manager/CPA - 10 years - Tim keeps Solution
grounded. It always seems like the “quiet” sign is
on his office door, so not sure if he’s deep in thought or
practicing his golf swing. He’s our thinker/problem solver,
has a big heart and a great listener and always finds a way
to communicate with Team Solution.
To our OGs - We applaud your continuous drive to
make Solution a better place – Solution Strong!
SOLUTION INDUSTRIES

64
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.
TAKING ANOTHER LOOK AT INVENTORY
What happens when you install a new Warehouse
Management System, change accounting methods, hire
a new Purchasing Manager or a Covid-19 Pandemic hits
the world. Radical changes of any kind means that many
of the old inventory schemes and paradigms are going to
change. But have you made any recent changes to your
inventory level programs?
Safety Stock, Do We
Still Need It?
The normal place to start
examining inventory levels is
with demand, but not this time.
Too much has changed in the
supply chain and these new
realities will severely impact
the Fastener Industry. With the number of manufacturing
plants that have closed, consolidated and moved offshore
none of the old paradigms are still in place. And the next
major shift in American manufacturing will come with the
realization that cheap labor isn’t anywhere as cheap as
automation. With the right tax incentives factory jobs will
return to US soil.
During Covid-19 a decrease in sourcing alternatives
coupled with decreased demand meant that product
might be more available. This didn’t last for long.
Manufacturing that is designed for long production runs
is being replaced with lean operations that can do short
production runs with far faster production line changes
Safety stock should therefore decrease radically, if the
vendors raise their efficiency by becoming “lean” in their
operations. More frequent production runs means faster
turnaround and even if the vendor’s inventory level is
reduced in dollars or quantity you should be able to get
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
product faster, but there will be fewer vendors to choose
from. Similarly on your end new internal procedures with
more frequent ordering should cut safety stock by a
significant percentage.
Given this as a likely scenario, if you have been
living off of current, in stock inventory for the last year
now is the time to develop
alternative sources, change
lines and take a good look
at the time required from the
order entry date to the arrival
of the materials. If this has
significantly decreased then
the safety stock level should
be adjusted accordingly. The
order time depends on many
factors, including the distance and complexity of the
vendor inventory, but Amazon has set a new standard for
delivery expectations.
Often simple materials, stored in larger quantities will
be available overnight. If this is the case why maintain
more than a week of stock? The lesson to be learned is
that establishing one rigid safety stock rule for everything
guarantees that you will miss opportunities to improve
inventory turns and therefore need more capital for
inventory. While it is best to examine purchase timing
data for each Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) individually, be
sure to review the numbers by vendor, plant (source) and
“family” of materials or production processes. Anything
done strictly by vendor alone is a waste of your time.
Balanced against these vendor production and supply
improvements are changes in raw materials availability.
Shortages in basic metals and alloys can create
procurement problems if there is a rapid upturn in demand.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 130

66
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
AMCO ENTERPRISES
4209 Hahn Boulevard Fort Worth, Texas 76117 TEL 866-651-AMCO
EMAIL info@amcoenterprises.com WEB www.amcoenterprises.com
AMCO ENTERPRISES: YOUR METRIC FASTENER
SPECIALISTS FOR OVER 50 YEARS
AMCO Enterprises is a full-line distributor of topquality
fasteners, industrial “class C”, and specialty
items. They specialize in solutions for high-volume OEMs
across a broad range of industries.
AMCO Enterprises was initially founded in response
to the rapidly-growing need for Hardware and Bracket
Kits to support the fledgling after-market automotive airconditioning
industry, which has its roots in the North
Texas area. The business quickly evolved to supply the
state-side installation of so-called “luxury items” such
as air-conditioning, power windows, and power locks into
imported cars. Japanese and European carmakers were
faced with stiff tariffs on these “luxury items” at the time
and responded by setting up mini-factories near the ports
of entry into the United States where these options and
upgrades were installed using Hardware Kits supplied, in
part, by AMCO Enterprises. This led to their initial focus
on metric hardware, while most of the domestic fastener
industry largely ignored metrics.
Unparalleled Customer Service
While it may sound trite, what makes AMCO
Enterprises unique is its focus on customer service.
They recognize that no two customers are the same,
and they are willing to adapt and adjust to the way each
customer prefers to operate. With a few exceptions, the
hardware they provide is no different from that offered by
their competition - that’s just the nature of the business.
The difference at AMCO Enterprises is their people and
the flexibility in their approach to doing business. They
learned a long time ago that there is no one-size-fitsall
solution to keeping a customer happy. The magic
happens when combining that flexibility with a rock-solid
dependability day in and day out, year after year.
More than just a supplier, AMCO Enterprises is a
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
resource. Delivering exactly the right parts on time, every
time is just the beginning.
At AMCO, they pride themselves on being much
more than a simple components supplier. By offering a
broad array of value-added services, they have become
a valuable resource to their clients in the areas of
design assistance, logistics, materials management, and
production support.
With their relentless focus on efficiency and prudent
application of modern technology, they have repeatedly
been able to assist their clients in maximizing the return
on their Class C purchasing expenditures. From the early
stages of product design through preliminary testing and
on to final production, AMCO Enterprises is available to
assist every step of the way.
¤ Design assistance - selecting the best
fastening solution for a particular application involves
much more than simply understanding the mechanical
characteristics of assembled joints (though this is, of
course, a minimum requirement). Often, the key to
success is combining that technical information with
an up-to-date working knowledge of the ever-changing
components supply industry. It is during the early stages
of design that the greatest opportunities for real-world
cost savings can be found.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 134

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 67

68
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
FASTENING TECHNIQUES FOR PLASTIC HOUSINGS
by Jeff Greenwood, Product Sales Engineer
Plastics have become more and more common
in manufacturing, and there is still plenty of room for
growth. As such, Engineers must ensure that new
plastic products meet performance requirements while
considering component costs and assembly cycle time.
While plastic materials provide many advantages, they can
introduce manufacturing challenges during the assembly
process that lead to inefficiencies, scrapped parts, and
added costs. This article addresses the advantages and
disadvantages of the following fastening methods used
to assemble plastic components: solid pins, adhesives,
screws, bolts, and snap-fit joints.
Serviceable vs Permanent
Before selecting the fastening method, designers
must decide if their product needs to be serviceable. For
example, products like fire detectors, television remotes,
and key fobs must be designed so that consumers can
disassemble the product to replace batteries. Conversely,
products like hair dryers and single-use medical devices
are typically not designed to be disassembled or serviced.
Furthermore, some designers will specifically design
components to be tamper resistant so that consumers
cannot easily disassemble the product (i.e. electronics).
Serviceable
Screws, bolts, and snap-fit joints (i.e. plastic buckles)
are the most common fastening methods used in
serviceable products. Bolts and screws provide a clamp
load that compresses the components within an assembly.
This is accomplished when the bolt/screw is torqued
beyond the point at which the head makes contact with
the mating component. Bolts and screws provide superior
retention compared to snap-fit joints, which rely on the
strength of the plastic component itself.
FIGURE 1 - BACK OF A POCKET CALCULATOR
Snap-fit joints provide retention by interlocking
multiple components together. Snap-fit joints can be
assembled quickly and they simplify the overall assembly
process because there are fewer parts on the bill of
materials. Snap-fit joints are often preferred when minimal
retention is needed in a plastic product. For example
shown in Figure 1, most pocket calculators use snap-fit
joints for the battery cover so that consumers can easily
change the batteries.
Permanent
Solid pins, adhesives, screws, bolts, and snapfit
joints are all commonly used to fasten permanent
assemblies. While designers may not specifically require
a new product design to be serviceable, many products
still use serviceable fasteners like screws for convenience
and operator familiarity. For example shown in Figure 1,
most pocket calculators use screws to connect the plastic
housing together even though consumers do not need to
pull the assembly apart during the useful life of the product.
TECHNICAL ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 138

70
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
BIG RED FASTENERS INC.
608 North Walnut Ave., Broken Arrow, OK 74012
TEL 1-866-621-6565 FAX 918-251-7311 EMAIL sales@bigredfasteners.com WEB www.bigredfasteners.com
BIG RED FASTENERS IS CELEBRATING ITS
20th YEAR IN THE FASTENER INDUSTRY
The journey began in 2001 as a small mom and
pop distributor business. Shawna and Jerry Clark rented
a 3500 square foot building in Tulsa, Oklahoma and
started their quest. The upstart was fraught with many
obstacles including several established competitors,
economic conditions and 9/11. However, the Clarks
had a vision and belief that despite the challenges, they
could successfully overcome with dedication to customer
service, commitment to excellence and hard work.
With patience and determination, the Clarks began
to methodically pick up new customers and establish
their identity as BIG RED FASTENERS in the Tulsa and
Oklahoma industrial markets. By 2004, only 3 years after
they opened the doors, they made the move to Broken
Arrow, Oklahoma and purchased their first building.
Over the years, under the leadership of Shawna
Clark, BRF has continued to monitor the ever-changing
landscape in the world of industrial fasteners. Never
afraid to take a calculated risk, BRF expanded their
product lines to include a sizeable inventory of 100%
domestic materials and products, as well as coated
products, i.e., Blue Xylan. In 2017, the decision was
made to delve into the manufacturing sector. With the
acquisition of their 3rd building, and additional equipment,
BRF began manufacturing industrial stud bolts (B7, B7M,
B8. B8M. B16 & L7). BRF is the largest manufacturer and
distributor of stud bolts in the state of Oklahoma.
And so today BRF facilities operate within the
confines of 3 buildings, 45,000 square feet of operational
space, with over $2,000,000 in local inventory ready to
ship to customers. BIG RED FASTENERS has become an
integral supplier to the energy, manufacturing and steel
fabrication sectors across the United States.
Through these first 20 years, BRF have never lost
sight of our founding principles to better serve our
customers with unparalleled customer service on a day
to day basis. We thank all of our customers for your
continued support, and look forward to providing sales
and service for the next 20 years.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
BIG RED FASTENERS

72
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Anthony Di Maio
Anthony E. Di Maio attended Wentworth Institute and Northeastern University. In 1962 he
started working with Blind Fasteners as Vice-President of Engineering & Manufacturing for two
blind rivet manufacturers. He has been Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Industrial
Fasteners Institute (IFI) and is still involved in the writing of IFI specifications. In 1991, he
started ADM Engineering and is working with Fastener Manufacturers developing new fasteners
and special machinery. He can be reached at ADM Engineering, 6 Hermon Ave., Haverhill, MA
01832; phone and fax 978-521-0277; e-mail: tdimaio@verizon.net.
THE FASTENING POWER OF BLIND RIVETS
The fastening power is the most important factor
when selecting a fastener for your application. Your
fastener selection must have the shear and tensile
values great enough to offset all forces your assembled
application that will be subjected to in all conditions.
You’re fastener selections must always be positioned
in such a way so as to offer it’s maximum shear and
tensile values. If your fastener selection is a threaded
fastener, you must be sure that the threaded fastener
is tightened to the proper torque to give your application
the maximum shear and tensile values.
Blind rivets have the following built in benefits in it’s
design and performance.
Ease Of Setting Operation
Blind rivets are a two piece fastener having a rivet
body and a mandrel.
Body
.062 Max
Mandrel
Shear And Tensile
The set blind rivet is now offering the manufacturers
listed shear and tensile values. The rivet body has
been designed to upset when the mandrel is pulled by
the blind rivet setting tool. The rivet body material is
according to the Industrial Fastener Institute (IFI) and is
formed and heat treated to give the (IFI) listed shear and
tensile values.
Open-End blind rivets specification IFI-114 have 5
different diameters, 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16 and 1/4
and are produced in 12 different alley combinations
listed with the rivet body and mandrel materials as
shown in the IFI-114 specification.
Shear Plane
“A”
Tensile
After Setting
Setting a blind rivet, you would insert the mandrel in
a setting tool. The setting tool will pull the mandrel until
it breaks at it’s tensile breaking point. The blind rivet is
now properly set. The operator does not control when
the mandrel breaks and also has no affect regarding the
shear and tensile value of the set blind rivet.
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
RIVET RIVET BODY MANDREL
GRADE MATERIAL MATERIAL
9 ALUMINUM ALLOY 1100 ALUMINUM ALLOY
10 ALUMINUM ALLOY 5050 ALUMINUM ALLOY
11 ALUMINUM ALLOY 5052 ALUMINUM ALLOY
16 ALUMINUM ALLOY 5154 CARBON STEEL
18 ALUMINUM ALLOY 5062 CARBON STEEL
19 ALUMINUM ALLOY 5056 CARBON STEEL
20 COPPER ALLOY 110 CARBON STEEL
26 ALUMINUM ALLOY 5062 STAINLESS STEEL (400 SERIES)
30 LOW CARBON STEEL CARBON STEEL
40 NICKEL-COPPER ALLOY (MONEL) CARBON STEEL
50 STAINLESS STEEL (300 SERIES) CARBON STEEL
51 STAINLESS STEEL (300 SERIES) STAINLESS STEEL
(300 SERIES, A286 or equivalent)
CONTINUED ON PAGE 142

BTM MANUFACTURING
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 73
15403 Andrews Rd Kansas City, MO 64147
TEL 1-800-369-2658 EMAIL sales@btm-mfg.com WEB www.btm-mfg.com
BTM MANUFACTURING ACHIEVES ISO 9001: 2015 RECERTIFICATION
BTM Manufacturing is proud to announce their
recertification to the ISO 9001: 2015 standards
requirements. This certification period
is from May 17, 2021 through June 6,
2024.
“I am pleased to share the news that
BTM Manufacturing is recertificated as
ISO 9001:2015. From early on, BTM’s
management team knew that our success
would be tied to becoming an ISO certified
company, so we intentionally set out to
improve our quality management system,
and continually strive to remain compliant.
At BTM Manufacturing, our team is our greatest asset,
so we will promote safety first, then quality, service, and
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
price as we continue to meet the expectations of each
customer,” says BTM Manufacturing President, Jake
Davis.
ISO 9001 helps organizations
demonstrate to customers that they
can consistently provide products and
services to meet their requirements. It
also acts as a tool to streamline their
processes and make them more efficient
at what they do.
BTM Manufacturing is committed to
continual improvement and efficiencies
that will benefit our customers, and
is proud to maintain compliance with ISO rigorous
standards.
BTM MANUFACTURING

74
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Roman Basi
Roman Basi is the President of The Center for Financial, Legal & Tax Planning, Inc. Roman
graduated from Milliken University obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science Degree with a minor
in Psychology. He earned an MBA from Southern Illinois University with an emphasis
in Accounting and recevied his JD degree from Southern Illinois University. Roman is a
licensed CPA as well as being a licensed attorney in Illinois, Missouri and Florida and is
in high demand for his expertise in financial, legal and tax matters. His areas of expertise
include mergers and acquisitions, contracts, real estate law, tax and estate planning.
TOPICS TO CONSIDER REGARDING
SECOND DRAW OF PPP FUNDING
Business owners, CPAs, loan officers, and if
applicable, business brokers, should use a variety of
tactics simultaneously as businesses pursue economic
support in the form of a second draw of PPP funding.
Per advice from the AICPA, the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants, borrowers may need to
act quickly and diligently
to fill out their forms for
a second round of PPP
funding. Some lenders are
requiring PPP borrowers
to apply for forgiveness
on their first-draw PPP
loan before they file to
seek a second-draw PPP
loan. However, according
to the SBA and Treasury, this is not a requirement.
Possible borrowers may want to consider other lenders
to process the second-draw loan application without the
business having to file for forgiveness on their first PPP
loan.
Compiling the relevant data that lenders seek is a
critical step. Information such as average monthly payroll
amounts and (for second-draw PPP borrowers) quarterly
revenue comparisons are necessary. Supporting
documentation for the average monthly payroll calculation
used to calculate the maximum loan amount can be
obtained from clients to support those amounts they
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
come up with and will be helpful in the future, as it drove
the amount of the PPP funds the borrower received.
Borrowers also need to be aware of updates on
PPP forgiveness and differences between first-draw
and second-draw loans. Potential borrowers should
understand that second-draw applications require
borrowers to prove they
have experienced at
least a 25% reduction
in gross receipts as a
result of the pandemic by
comparing one quarter of
2020 to the same quarter
in 2019. New guidance
makes certain covered
operations expenditures,
covered property damage costs, covered supplier costs,
and the covered worker protection expenditures eligible
for PPP forgiveness. As of January 20, 2021, the SBA
and Treasury released an updated and simplified version
of the PPP Forgiveness application.
The form is called PPP Loan Forgiveness Application
Form 3508S. It can be used by borrowers that received
a PPP loan of $150,000 or less. Borrowers are not
required to submit any supporting documentation with
the application but are mandated to maintain payroll,
nonpayroll, and other documents that could be requested
during an SBA loan review or audit.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 142

IFE Group is proud to
announce the assignment of
Rick Rudolph Associates to
promote IFE products in New
England.
Rick Rudolph Associates is a
Manufacturer’s Representative
Agency representing the
highest quality manufacturers,
master distributors, and
importers of the finest products
and services to New England’s
distributors. Rick Rudolph
Associates, based in Melrose,
MA, has a team of experts that
can provide the resources and
solutions you need to get the
job done right.
To speak with an experienced
member of their staff, phone them
at 617-240-5326, email rick@
rickrudolphassociates.com,
or send an email to morgan@
rickrudolphassociates.com.
With IFE you have access
to a large range of connecting,
clamping and protection
products, and the support to
help you find the best solution
for your application – and
your budget. Our customer
support includes in-house
testing facilities and global
manufacturing in strategic
locations.
With the number of suppliers
shrinking, if you are looking
for an experienced partner…
a company that is fast and
flexible. Consider IFE.
For more information,
contact IFE Americas USA
at 7000 Kensington Road,
Brighton, MI 48116. Tel: 248-
446 1900, Email: info@ifegroup.com
or visit them online
at www.ife-group.com.
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 75

78
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
THE INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTOR’S GUIDE TO
STARTING A DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
“At least 40% of all businesses will die in
the next 10 years...if they don’t figure out how to
change their entire company to accommodate new
technologies.”
- John Chambers, Executive Chairman, Cisco Systems
If you are considering or using automation in your
reporting, using BI software, implementing a CRM or
launching your website/e-commerce platform, you’re
taking crucial steps toward diving into the digital world.
As a tenured distributor who is now helping other
businesses, I have dealt with stubborn CEOs; haggled
with unsophisticated owners that prefer to add a temp
employee rather than invest in technology; and at times,
watched as businesses have deployed projects with fewto-no
resources.
Along the way, I’ve learned that digital transformation
is not about technology or resources — it’s about people
and how leaders can adapt their company culture to thrive
in the 21st century.
Know Where You Stand
To make things simple, let’s say your company might
fall into any of these three buckets: Laggards, Adopters
or Innovators. Before getting started, take the time to
categorize yourself based on what you are thinking and
doing around e-commerce, CRM, analytics or any other
digital strategy.
Laggard distributors believe the full-service distribution
model they are following is sustainable in the long term.
Things like e-commerce, CRM, analytics or other digital
initiatives are not for their customers and/or for them.
If you are reading this article, you probably don’t fall into
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
this bucket, but your current customers and partners
might!
I invite you to perform an informal survey every few
months with your customers and team (not just the owner
or VP but middle management and beyond) within your top
accounts. Ask them how frequently, if at all, they are using
the internet to look for products or value-added services.
Create a chart for the survey results, and you’ll surely
note that each time the percentage increases. By the time
your business tries to play catch-up, that middle-manager
will have become a senior-manager making decisions —
many of whom will be screaming with their dollars through
e-commerce portals. If you pay attention, the market will
tell you:
¤ B2B buyers are moving online due to the
convenience of ordering on their own time and not
being limited to the 9-to-5, sales-assisted
transaction.
¤ Experienced B2B buyers — who are buying
the same thing (commodities) — don’t need sales
assistance to re-order products. If they want to
research a new product, they use Google, Amazon,
Grainger, etc., before calling.
¤ Buyers prefer simple interactions throughout
the supply chain processes (self service = instant
gratification) instead of calling or emailing an inside
sales, CSR, etc.
Adopters are those that respond to surveys, or attend
informal expos or industry association gatherings, and
acknowledge that there is a digital world out there. They
are considering some tools but typically do not initiate
concrete actions because they are confused where to
start or do not have the time/resources or talent to do so.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 144

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 79

80
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
PACIFIC-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION
3020 Old Ranch Parkway #300, Seal Beach CA 90740
TEL 562-799-5509 FAX 562-684-0695 EMAIL info@pac-west.org WEB www.pac-west.org
LIVE EVENTS ARE BACK! by Amy Nijjar
We are excited to bring back Pac-
West’s popular After Hours networking
events. Here’s the schedule:
¤ July 15 – San Diego CA
¤ July 22 – Denver CA
¤ August 19 – Seattle WA
¤ October 7 – Bay Area CA
¤ November 4 – Corona CA
Check our website www.pac-west.org for locations
and times. We are excited to see everyone again!
Join us in San Antonio October 20-23
We are partnering with the Southwestern Fastener
Association to bring you timely education and lots of fun
in the great city of San Antonio, Texas.
Here are some of the highlights, with more still to be
confirmed:
¤ Economic Update by Dr. Chris Thornberg
(a Pac-West favorite)
¤ Fastener Industry Update by Tim Roberto Jr.,
Danielle Riggs (Würth Industry North America),
and Mike Bailey (Nucor Fastener)
¤ Craft Brewery Tour with Texas Barbecue
¤ Cookie Decorating Tips spouse program by the
award-winning Suzy Cravens (Advance Components)
All details can be found at www.pac-west.org or www.
southwesternfastener.org.
It will be a worthwhile and fun trip. Y’all come!
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
Tabletop Show Scheduled for 2022
It’s not too early to save the dates of March 16-18,
2022 for Pac-West’s Spring Conference and Tabletop
Show, which is moving from Long Beach to the Westin
Anaheim Hotel. You can start making plans to bring your
family for some Disney fun!
Did you know that Pac-West Members are also
eligible for discounts on IFI Technology Connection
Subscriptions and Manuals? Now there are even
more reasons to be a member of Pac-West. Exclusive
discounts on the following programs offered by the
Industrial Fasteners Institute are now offered to Pac-
West members:
¤ 10% discount on subscription renewals for
IFI Technology Connection
¤ 20% discount on new subscriptions to the
IFI Technology Connection
¤ 20% discount off the print edition of the
IFI Inch Fastener Standards book
Details can be found at the association website,
www.pac-west.org
PACIFIC-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION

82
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
CELO FIXINGS TECHNOLOGY
Rosselló, 7, 08211, Castellar del Vallés, Spain
TEL +34 93 715 83 83 EMAIL info@celofixings.com WEB www.celofixings.com
MECHANICAL ANCHORS THROUGH THE YEARS
Did you know that while the use of mechnical anchors
has been around for decades, the popularity of different
types of anchor hasn’t always been the same? Below we
take a look at 3 different types of mechnical anchors, to
compare their usages, advantages and popularity through
the decades.
The Start Of The Millenium (2000)
Sleeve anchors have always been the most popular
form of mechnical anchor, providing a strong and reliable
hold in concrete. Commonly used for connecting structural
and non-structural elements to
concrete. The anchor has an
expansion cone, which expands
the sleeve through its internal
threading. As it is tightened it
will expand against the base
material, giving it a strong hold
that distributes the load along the
length of the embedment. Their
thicker width, provides them
with a higher shear resistance
making it the best mechanical
anchor for installations on walls.
SLEEVE ANCHOR
Back in 2000 it is estimated
that around 90% of all fasteners in concrete were sleeve
anchors. Their popularity with experts was due to their
versatility of being applied to cracked or non-cracked
concrete, as well as providing a suitable option in
countries like Chile and Japan, where seismic activity
needs to be taken in to account.
2010
By the time 2010 came
around other mechanical
anchors like the wedge anchor
started to become popular, as
well as the use of chemical
anchors.
The wedge anchor provided
a cheaper alternative to the
sleeve anchor, due to way it
is designed and behaves on
installation. Unlike the sleeve
anchor the wedge anchor gets
its hold from just a small area
with a short collar at the base
of the anchor that will open
as the anchor is tightened.
WEDGE ANCHOR
It is this collar that makes it
suitable for ceiling applications as it can readjust in
case of cracking from the pressure of weight. Wedge
anchors are also typically thinner than sleeve anchors,
reducing the time and effort needed when drilling a pilot
hole.
During this time we saw the rate of construction
growing in places like the Middle East and there was
an increasing demand for wedge anchors due to its
benefits in ceiling and other applications. There was
also growing awareness of the concrete screw and its
faster installation time. Which is why by 2010 the use
of the sleeve anchor was now around 70% globally, a
20% reduction compared to the previous decade.
TECHNICAL ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 152

SEFA ANNUAL SPRING CONFERENCE
SANDESTIN GOLF & BEACH RESORT - MAY 3-5, 2021
CONTINUED ON PAGE 191

3Q INC.
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 85
1707 Quincy Avenue, Unit #159, Naperville, IL 60540
TEL 630-405-8492 FAX 630-839-0990 EMAIL sales@3q-inc.com WEB www.3q-inc.com
3Q, INC. YOUR FULL SERVICE SUPPLY CHAIN ANSWER
As the fastener world faces some of the most
challenging times our industry has seen, 3Q, INC. has
answered the call. Our goal has always been to provide
a single part number solution with inventory programs,
top-notch customer service and a focus on long-term
relationships.
Q is For Quality
As an ISO9001:2015 certified fastener distributor,
3Q, INC. is dedicated and focused on every aspect of
our customers consideration; from receiving your inquiry
to receiving your order and every step that sees a quality
product, to your specification arrive at your door. Our
outside secondary partners that provide us with your special
finishes have the same dedication and focus on providing
what you need when you need it without exception.
Let Us Take Care Of That For You
Special labeling, packaging, kitting, assembly and
stocking programs are what we enjoy and what makes 3Q,
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
INC. a unique and valued source for the fastener distributor.
Our in-house packaging and assembly department will
complete your requirements to your specifications. 3Q,
INC proudly supports the local hiring of challenged adults.
We are dedicated to help reduce the unemployment rate
of challenged adults. We ask you to consider supporting
the movement of acceptance and inclusion of people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities.
We Can Do That Too...
Engineering assistance, design overhauls, cost
savings and general problem solving can take your focus
off of your customers biggest need - getting parts when
the need them. Let 3Q, INC. take some of that off your
shoulders and into our think tank. Our growing catalog
of engineering and design partners are more than willing
to help you solve “that problem”. If you are in need of
design verification or design validation samples, let 3Q,
INC. be the call you make. Give us an inch, we will give
you back a mile.
3Q INC

86
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
DISTRIBUTION ONE
4004 Church Road, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
TEL 856-380-0629 FAX 856-222-0061 EMAIL info@distone.com WEB www.distone.com
NEW ERP-ONE SOFTWARE FOR FASTENER
DISTRIBUTORS IN THE POST-PANDEMIC NORMAL
Supply-chain uncertainty, mandated safety measures,
shifting buying preferences… The pandemic’s impact on
distributors varied wildly. While fastener distributors in
areas the construction and automotive industries suffered
a significant drop in demand according to the “Industrial
Fasteners Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2020-
2025” report, distributors providing medical products,
cleaning supplies, and paper goods experienced such
high demand that it led to significant supply-chain
disruptions. And some of these impacts still linger.
“The pandemic wrought a perfect storm of challenges
due to supply chain instability, shifting customer buying
preferences, and tightening margins due to desperate
competitors,” explains Larry Ward, Distribution
One President. “This past year forced distributors to
acknowledge shortcomings within their manual systems
and legacy software. Within a very short window of time,
distributors have had to prioritize spending on digital
technologies to unify business systems, support remote
user productivity and open E-Commerce sales channels.”
As daunting as the last year has been, there’s
light breaking at the end of the tunnel. “As distributors
collectively review and rebuild from the past year,”
continues Larry, “fastener ERP technologies will play an
even larger role in daily business processes. To fulfill
the technology requirements fastener distributors and
wholesalers need through this transition, Distribution One
proudly announces our new ERP-ONE software.”
For 25 years, Distribution One has developed trusted
software solutions to help fastener wholesalers and
distributors achieve greater productivity while eliminating
the costs of manual errors and processes. The new
ERP-ONE software builds upon the strengths of its
predecessors to improve the user experience and further
increase fastener distribution process productivity while
providing options like a fully integrated E-Commerce
webstore and a seamless tax compliance service.
Customized User Experience
Increasing user productivity, ERP-ONE grants broader
control over how users align system information with
their individual Tasks by supporting the creation of
user-specific contact lists, active programs, system
shortcuts, and more. Visually, ERP-ONE features a larger
interface with a minimum resolution of 1366x768 plus
interface skin mode options like light, dark, or green.
Users can also “free the window” enabling them to pop
a program window out of the software environment to
move it to a second screen to allow for convenient data
comparison.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 176

88
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Earnest Machine has received the Smart
Culture Award for demonstrating cutting-edge
practices in sustaining a “Smart Culture.” 2020
marks the second year in a row the distributor
and manufacturer of large diameter and specialty
fasteners is being recognized with the Smart
Culture Award presented by the Smart Business
Cleveland and Alliance Group.
Smart Business recognizes companies
in Northeastern Ohio for inspiring employee
performance, creating an employer-of-choice
environment, and appreciating the employees who
impact revenue. To receive the award, the company
must demonstrate how it improves productivity,
enhances job satisfaction and provides a
marketplace competitive advantage.
“2020 was a year we’ll never forget,” Elise
Bastian, Director of Culture and Talent Development,
said. “with many unknowns and rising challenges,
we have seen first-hand how our culture empowers
and guides our teams to deliver results.”
Earnest’s culture is built upon their core values
of putting the customer’s needs first, respect one
another, customers and suppliers, embracing
change and continue to learn, and doing what
they say they we will do. These guiding values
helped turn a difficult year into a year of growth.
“When the pandemic began, Earnest Machine
was in the middle of an acquisition. Every one
of our core values were tested every day. Our
customer focused culture helped us integrate
new processes, add new product inventory,
and most importantly build new customer
relationships, under some trying circumstances.”
states Bastian.
Earnest Machine receives the award yearover-year
because it provides relatable company
values, personal and professional growth
opportunities, fun and educational activities,
and community involvement. This year, Earnest
Machine continues to push the same company
values and mission, which will guide employees
to once again exceed expectation.
“Earnest Machine provides opportunities to
grow personally and professionally by giving all
employees the ability to contribute ideas – no
matter their role.” Kirk Zehnder, President and
Chief Executive Officer, said. “Our business
success is a direct result of our company culture.”
Earnest Machine was founded in 1948 and is
a global importer, distributor, and manufacturer
of large diameter and hard-to-find fasteners for
the agriculture, construction equipment, heavy
transportation, mining, structural construction
and wind industries. Earnest maintains
warehouses, sales offices, and manufacturing
centers in Cleveland, OH, and Wolverhampton,
England, as well as warehouses in Atlanta, GA,
and Indianapolis, IN.
For more information contact Earnest Machine
Products at 1250 Linda Street, Suite 301, Rocky
River, OH 44116. Tel: 1-800-327-6378 or visit
them online at www.earnestmachine.com.

90
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Kathi Petersen, Optimas Solutions, is the winner
of the Joanne Sherman E-Learning Scholarship. THORS
online fastener training will give Kathi the opportunity to
take online classes of her choice pertinent to
her industry.
Kathi is a Customer Service Manager
for Optimas Solutions in Greenville, SC.
She has been in the fastener business
for the last 22 years.
She has a passion for continued
learning to help her grow her knowledge so
she can learn more about how to support and help her
customers succeed.
WOMEN IN THE FASTENER INDUSTRY
PO Box 242, Northvale, NJ 07647 EMAIL events@fastenerwomen.com WEB www.fastenerwomen.com
WIFI ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
WOMEN IN THE FASTENER INDUSTRY

92
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
The Manufacturing Leadership
Council, a division of the National
Association of Manufacturers
(NAM), announced the list
of world-class manufacturing
companies and individuals
recognized as winners of the
2021 Manufacturing Leadership
Awards. MacLean-Fogg’s
Metform Division was awarded
in the category of Advanced
Analytics Leadership for their
Manufacturing 4.0 pilot program
in partnership with IoTco.
The Manufacturing 4.0
project utilizes two platforms to
connect and analyze machine
data - Lighthouse, a traditional
MES platform used for real-time
monitoring and Predictronics
(PDX), monitors critical process
parameters such as motor amps,
axis harmonics, and bearing and
bar temperatures.
Currently, the project is piloted
on the Hatebur AMP 50, the largest
hot forming press at Metform,
and will be expanded to all 9
remaining Hateburs. The Metform
division manufactures forged
and machined components for
various industries including light
vehicles, electric vehicles, heavy
truck, agriculture and construction
equipment.
“We are incredibly thankful to
have been nominated for this
award by IoTco and recognized
as a leader by the National
Association of Manufacturers.
Though we still have much to
learn, we are excited for the
innovations to come,” said Steve
Wright, General Manager of
Metform.
For more information visit www.
macleanfoggcs.com/locations/
savanna-metform.

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 93
CRESCENT MANUFACTURING
700 George Washington Turnpike, Burlington, CT 06013
TEL 860-673-2591 FAX 860-673-5973 EMAIL sales@crescentmanufacturing.com WEB www.crescentmanufacturing.com
CRESCENT WELCOMES BACK DAN BIELEFIELD
The Crescent Manufacturing Company is excited to
announce that Dan Bielefield has returned to the company
as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Dan started
his fastener industry career with Crescent. In his new
position Dan will be responsible for growing the Crescent
brand while overseeing sales operations including the
outside sales team.
With over 30 years of experience in the industry including
time spent working on the manufacturing side Dan brings a
unique perspective to the job. He has spent the last 18 years
working as an independent manufacturer’s representative.
Crescent Manufacturing Chairman Steve Wilson stated “I am
delighted to announce that Dan has joined Crescent as our
Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Dan has significant
sales experience in the fastener industry and will bring a new
dynamic to our sales team.”
Crescent would also like to announce that Wendi
Velasco has been promoted to the role of Inside Sales
Manager. Wendi has been with Crescent for the past 6
years in the dual role of inside sales and expeditor. In
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
making the announcement Steve Wilson, Chairman at
Crescent said “Wendi has done an incredible job in a
very challenging role. Her dedication and attention to our
customers has been well documented and we are excited
to have her take on the role of managing our Inside sales
team.“
Located in Burlington, CT Crescent Manufacturing
has been producing high quality, cold headed engineered
products since 1960. Specializing in parts from 00 through
3/8” in diameter up to 3” long Crescent can quote your
fastener needs from 1,000 pieces to millions of parts.
Crescent manufactures and supplies fasteners and
miniature screws to many industries through several
fastener distributors. These industries include aerospace,
military, marine, aeronautics, electronics, automotive,
computer technologies, telecommunications, consumer
products, industrial products, medical and optical
equipment. Crescent’s fastener distributors are located
on five continents including North America, South America,
Europe, Asia, and Australia.
CRESCENT MANUFACTURING

94
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
The NEFCO Corporation, a
leading partner to the professional
construction trades, celebrates the
40th anniversary of its founding
in 1981. In celebration of this
achievement, NEFCO is launching
a new branding initiative that will
lay the foundation for the next 40
years of growth and partnership. The
new brand, built around the theme
of United We Build, emphasizes
NEFCO’s mission-critical partnerships
with contractors, manufacturers, and
employees.
“We have reached this
monumental milestone through
the hard work of our exceptional
associates who have truly been
partners in our success. While
our name remains the same, our
newly designed logo and messaging
has changed to better represent
who NEFCO is and how we plan to
enhance our relationships with our
valued customers,” states NEFCO
President and CEO David Gelles
Today, NEFCO is comprised of
four world-class divisions – NEFCO
Construction Supply, NEFCO
Engineered Supports, NEFCO Strut
Service, and NEFCO Fastening
Solutions with 13 locations up and
down the Eastern Seaboard, from
Maine to Miami.
“We have dedicated ourselves to
40 years of service and partnership,
always striving to be a strong
leader in the construction supply
industry. As the next generation
of family leadership continues to
execute on our vision, we continue
to be fully committed to best serving
our associates, customers, and
suppliers,” Gelles adds.
Alongside President and
CEO David Gelles, NEFCO
will continue to be led by
Executive Vice President,
Matthew Gelles and Senior
Vice President of Operations
and General Counsel, Ron
Cipriano.
“We have a long-term vision
for NEFCO and are focused
on building a company that
will last for generations,”
said Matthew Gelles. “As
we look to the future, we
are not slowing down, we
are just getting started. We
are really excited about our
new brand identity as we
take our business to the next
level and double down on
our commitment to building
unparalleled partnerships with
the contractor.”
The NEFCO Corporation is
a family owned and operated
construction supply company
providing a broad range of
products and services to a
large variety of professional
contractors, with a focus on
the Mechanical, Electrical,
Plumbing, and HVAC trades.
With 12 locations along the
East Coast, NEFCO provides
localized, contractor-centric
supply services including a
broad product offering, large
local inventories, next day jobsite
delivery, engineering services
and special-order expertise.
For more information,
contact NEFCO Corporation
at 411 Burnham Road,
East Hartford, CT 06108.
Telephone: 1-800-969-
0285 or visit them online at
www.gonefco.com.

96
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
NEW ENGLAND FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
PO Box 151, Lake Zurich, IL 60047
TEL 847-370-9022 FAX 847-516-6728 EMAIL nancy@nefda.com WEB www.nefda.com
THE NEFDA SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING
RETURNED! by Nancy Rich
Second Place
¤ Patrick King, SB&W
¤ Rob White, SB&W
¤ Lori White, SB&W
¤ Bill Wisk, Revcar
The NEFDA Scholarship Golf Outing returned, for the
32nd year, after COVID shut everything down in 2020.
Juniper Hill Golf Course in Northborough, MA hosted the
outing this year. It could not have been a more perfect
day to reunite with fastener friends!
The outing had a different format this year, beginning
with breakfast at 8:30 am., shot gun start at 10:00 a.m.,
followed by an Open Bar and Barbeque at 3:00 p.m. A
great display of raffle prizes prompted lots of ticket sales
with proceeds going directly to the scholarship fund.
Prizes varied from summer essentials for the beach
and backyard as well as golf clubs and balls, tools,
Patriots tickets, Red Sox tickets and other fun items. A
traditional 50/50 raffle also benefited the scholarship
fund.
Target gift cards, courtesy of Star Stainless Screw,
were awarded to course contest winners:
¤ Longest Drive - Patrick King
¤ Longest Drive - Carrie Ingham
¤ Closest to the Pin - Bill Wisk
¤ Closest to the Line - Matthew Callahan
¤ Closest to the Line - Katie Donahue
Thank You To Our Sponsors For Helping To
Make This Outing A Great Success
Hospitality Sponsors
¤ Chryslynn Threaded Inserts
¤ Callahan Sales Inc.
¤ Moynihan Sales
¤ Nylok
¤ Rick Rudolph Associates
¤ Star Stainless Screw
Cash prizes went to the first and second place teams:
First Place
¤ Ed Breck, Atlantic Fasteners
¤ Brad Henry, Atlantic Fasteners
¤ Mike Londergen, Atlantic Fasteners
¤ Josh Londergen, Atlantic Fasteners
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
CONTINUED ON PAGE 188

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 97
NEW ENGLAND FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING - JUNE 10, 2021
CONTINUED
ON PAGE 189

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 99
The NEFCO Corporation,
a leading partner to the
professional construction trade,
has completed the acquisition
of Sigma Engineering Int’l
through the NEFCO Engineered
Supports division.
Sigma Engineering Int’l Inc.,
founded in 1995 and located
in Lincoln, Rhode Island, is
a professional engineering
company providing structural
and piping services to
Architects, Engineers, Utility
Companies, Municipalities,
Industrial and Commercial
Plant Operators, Construction,
and Steel Fabricators. Sigma
Engineering is led by Senior
Professional Engineer, John
Tsikouras and Senior Design
Engineer, Gary Rego.
The addition of Sigma
Engineering allows the NEFCO
Engineered Supports division
to expand its engineering
capabilities and geographical
reach to all current and
future NEFCO locations. This
expansion will better serve
NEFCO’s customer base and
will continue to drive NEFCO’s
growth and differentiation. “We
are really excited to team up
with Sigma Engineering. This
partnership provides additional
value for our customers and
further supports our mission
to be the single best partner
for contractors whenever they
build,” states NEFCO Executive
Vice President, Matthew Gelles.
“We are confident that the
joint business with John and
Gary will operate successfully
by combining nearly 40 years
of industry knowledge and
experience with our current
engineering staff.
This partnership allows NEFCO
to offer additional value-added
engineering services to more
customers in the markets we serve”
adds NEFCO Senior Vice President,
Operations & General Counsel, Ron
Cipriano.
Sigma Engineering Int’l is a
professional engineering company
providing structural engineering
services to Architects, Engineers, Utility
Companies, Municipalities, Industrial
and Commercial Plant Operators,
Construction Companies, Steel
Fabricator and Steel Erectors. Sigma’s
goal is to deliver quality, on time and
cost effective designs and services,
while meeting project specifications
and client objectives.
For more information, contact
NEFCO Corporation at 411 Burnham
Road, East Hartford, CT 06108.
Telephone: 1-800-969-0285 or visit
them online at www.gonefco.com.

100
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
BRUNO MARBACHER DRIVING SYSTEMS FOR FASTENERS TO SUIT THE APPLICATION from page 8
Stick Fit
Stick fit is the term used to define the ability of a drive
to hold the screw in place before and during tightening. A
good stick fit is critical for thread forming screws, tapping
screws etc. Where access of screw is hampered Stick fit
can be improved with a magnetic bit. Frees up one hand.
The Effect, The Coatings Have On
Driver Engagement
Thick coating may impair drive/driver engagement
preventing the bit being inserted into the drive.
Internal drives are more likely to cause an issue, most
external drives can accept a thicker coating. Thick layer
coatings and fluorocarbon coatings are not suitable for
internal drives.
Worldwide Availability
Many of today’s products are sold worldwide to
developed or underdeveloped countries, where special
wrenches or screwdrivers/bits may not be available to
service the equipment. So, it is best to stick to basic
drives for product going to underdeveloped countries or
very remote areas.
The Individual Drives
Straight Common Slot
The simplest drive is a straight slot, it is a sawed
across the screws head. The slot can also be formed
in the heading process but as it is tapered it has the
tendency to cam-out.
Screws are driven in by a flatbladed
screwdriver.
Features and concerns:
The slot is commonly used
in food processing industry
etc. (can easily be cleaned).
Wood screws may be driven
by a Yankee pump action driver as the drive is very
susceptible to the driver slipping out, causing damage to
parts it is holding together. It has a low torque capability
due to small contact area and shallow entry depth of
driver blade.
Screws with straight slots can be tightened anywhere
and everywhere. Some international companies used
to apply them so parts could be serviced in developing
countries, one may use a coin or even a even a Swiss
army knife. Often combined with other drive systems to
overcome unique tool requirements. This drive can be
reused serval times assuming careful handling.
This drive is worldwide available but does not offer
other critical features.
Cross Recess (Philips)
The self-centering Phillips drive was designed to
‘Cam-Out’ when the driver reached the maximum torque.
This saved the screw from being over tightened and/
or the head from being damaged or broken off. It was
designed and used on the production lines. First used
on 1936 Cadillac. On today’s assembly lines cam-out is
not practical.
Features and concerns: System is subject to camout,
in which the driver is forced up and out of the recess
due to the angle of the recess walls. With this drive it’s
easy to line up the driver bit with the driver. It also works
in off angle applications. 4 different drive and recess
sizes are commonly used.
The same drive size is used for inch and metric
screws (Bit and drive)
Cross recess should not be used for thread forming
screws, the driving torque is too high, the driver is likely
to cam-out damaging the drive in the process.
Depending on how it is being handled it can be reused.
Other critical features do not apply or are not
prominent.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 156

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 101
Advance Components is proud to announce
a new partnership with Gage Bilt, a top
manufacturer of rivet and lockbolt installation
tools and components. Advance will now stock
Gage Bilt’s extensive line of pneudraulic,
hydraulic and pneumatic tools.
Since 1956, Gage Bilt has been manufacturing
economically-priced, heavy duty riveters to install
a wide variety of aerospace and commercial
fasteners. Gage Bilt tools are ergonomically
designed for fast installations, reduced hand
fatigue, and simple maintenance. Gage Bilt tools
can be used to install fasteners from POP®,
Avedel®, Cherry® and Huck®.
“Gage Bilt is a great addition to the products
Advance brings to the industry,” says Gary
Cravens, Advance’s President. “Our goal remains
to be a customer-focused company, so we work
hard to provide the best products, the best
prices and the best customer service, and Gage
Bilt is the perfect fit.”
Advance Components is a master distributor
of ARaymond/Tinnerman, AVK Industrial, Heyco
Products, Parker Fasteners, Vogelsang, Caillau,
Davies Molding, Essentra Components and
more. Based in Carrollton (Dallas), TX Advance is
a trusted supply chain partner for manufacturers
and distributors in the industrial market, and
carries a large variety of in-stock products that
are available online 24-7.
For more information contact Advance
Components at 2920 Commodore Drive, Suite
100, Carrollton, TX 75007. Tel: 1-800-275-7772,
email: sales@advancecomponents.com or visit
them online at www.advancecomponents.com.

102
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ROB LaPOINTE FASTENER SCIENCE: SHEAR TESTING – SINGLE AND DOUBLE SHEAR FOR FASTENERS from page 10
FIGURE 2 FRICTIONAL FORCE IS THE PRODUCT OF THE NORMAL
FORCE AND THE COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION µ.
FIGURE 4 BEARING CONNECTION
When a joint is tightened in this manner, there are no
shear loads on the fastener itself, even if there are shear
loads on the assembly. The shear loads are carried by the
frictional force that is created by the tensioned fastener.
This type of joint is known as a Slip-critical joint and relies
on the friction in the joint rather than the shear properties
of the fastener to keep the joint from slipping. The Slipcritical
joint is illustrated in figure 3. Notice that the bolt
itself does not bear the load needed for the joint to not
slip, but rather it is carried by the fiction created through
tensioning of the bolt-nut assembly.
Fasteners used in the Bearing Connection application
must be able to withstand shear loads applicable to the
conditions that will be experienced in service. Thus, it
is paramount to the performance qualification of these
fasteners that shear testing be performed and that the
fastener is able to withstand the loads necessary to
achieve good performance.
Testing fasteners for shear properties is typically done
in one of two ways, single shear or double shear. Single
shear tests the fastener in one plane and double shear
tests the fastener in two planes. Figure 5 illustrates the
two types of shear testing. The test chosen depends
on the application, specification and configuration of
the fastener although, often times, the two tests are
interchangeable and either test can provide the necessary
data. The principal difference between the two tests is
the testing fixture. Single shear creates a shearing force
in one plane and double shear creates a shearing force in
two parallel planes.
FIGURE 3 SLIP-CRITICAL JOINT
The second principal way fasteners are used in
a Bearing Connection where the bolt itself bears the
shear load of the joint rather than the friction. Figure 4
illustrates a bearing connection where there is little or
no clamp-load created by tensioning the fastener. This
type of joint relies on the shear strength of the fastener
to hold the joint in registration rather than relying on the
tensile strength of the fastener to create friction in the
joint assembly.
FIGURE 5 SINGLE SHEAR TEST ASSEMBLY (LEFT) AND DOUBLE
SHEAR TEST ASSEMBLY (RIGHT)
CONTINUED ON PAGE 158

SETKO FASTENERS
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 103
300 N Klick Street, Unit A, Hampshire, IL 60140 TEL 630-800-6377
EMAIL Sales@SetkoFasteners.com WEB www.SetkoFasteners.com
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THAT CUSTOMERS CAN COUNT ON
The name “Setko” will sound familiar
if you have been in the fastener industry for
some time. Setko, a family owned business,
continues to stand firm in its belief of strong
customer service and long-lasting relationships.
At Setko, we offer our customers more than
great pricing. Setko builds relationships that
customers can count on, quality they can trust
and a personal commitment to each company
no matter how small or large.
Today, Setko Fasteners continues its legacy by
opening their doors to all companies looking to expand
and develop strong customer / supplier relationships.
Whether it’s domestically manufactured or imported socket
product, hard to find semi-standards, or items that re-quire
secondary operations such as plating, patching or drilling -
Setko Fasteners will provide the finished product and save
you valuable time and money!
Setko already stocks Hex Socket Set Screws with
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
every point style in Alloy and Stainless, Metric
and Standard sizes. In addition, Setko has a
full line of Socket Head, Button and Flat Head
Cap Screws - Plain and Zinc Plated.
Setko Fasteners is adding new product
every day! We are expanding our lines to
include more Socket Shoulder Bolts, Square
Head Set Screws, Nylon and Brass Tip Set
Screws, Short and Long Arm Hex Keys, 6-Lobe
(Torx) Keys, Hex Jam Screws, and Dowel Pins! Setko
continues to offer Mill Shipments and blanket orders
with releases over a full year to support each customer’s
monthly requirements.
Setko works directly with each customer to fulfill their
requirements by analyzing yearly usage and processing
parts accordingly. This reduces costs and ensures
product is available when needed. Please contact Setko
Fasteners - your full
service supplier.

104
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
LAURENCE CLAUS IS THERE VALUE IN APPLICATION ENGINEERING? from page 12
Plant Walkthrough
Early in my consulting career I was contacted
by a small distributor looking for some application
engineering assistance. They had recently just renewed
a contract with their largest VMI client. Although this
seven year contract was a real success story for them it
came with an agreement to provide steep year over year
cost reductions for the entire duration of the contract.
Their customer, however, had thrown them a bone and
agreed to offset the yearly reductions with credits for any
cost savings improvements they could identify and be
realized. Not having any Application Engineering talent on
staff, they hired me to tour their customer’s facility and
seek out potential improvement opportunities.
I “discovered” a variety of different potential
improvement areas including incorrect pairing of hardware
(Grade 8 bolts were being paired with Grade 2 nuts),
fasteners that were clearly longer than they needed to
be (often up to 200% longer than necessary), and use of
high strength parts (grade 8) in applications that carried
little or no load. Perhaps the most fascinating issue I
discovered, however, is illustrated in Figure 1. This is a
joint that was used to attach a fan motor on one side of a
sheet metal “wall” and a shroud to cover the fan blades
on the other side. I noticed some variant of this joint
being used in at least a dozen places in the plant. What
really caught my attention were the materials utilized in
the different components. These joint stack-ups included
some mix of zinc electroplated, powder coat painted,
and stainless steel parts nestled against a galvanized
steel sheet. My immediate observation and question
was, if several of the components can acceptably
utilize zinc electroplated parts, why the stainless steel
components? Additionally, although these were brand
new units being prepared for service, I suspect that if I
had the chance to review units that had been in service a
while, the dissimilar metal contact would have produced
unfavorable galvanic couplings and the zinc plated
parts and galvanized steel sheet would be experiencing
galvanic corrosion. As this exercise was primarily
intended to be one of finding unnecessary cost drivers,
if the answer to the immediate question of sufficiency
of zinc electroplating was in the affirmative, then using
any stainless steel parts, which were likely three to four
times the cost of equivalent zinc electroplated versions,
was a significant finding.
FIGURE 1
Of course every observation that identified a
potential cost savings would need further exploration
to determine feasibility relative to the design intent of
the joint. It is unlikely that every observation, therefore,
would produce an actual cost savings. However, if only
one half of the items I observed were truly feasible,
the impact of changes would still be significant.
In fact, I really wouldn’t be shocked if I identified
somewhere between $500,000 and $1,000,000 of
potential cost savings, many with tangible quality
improvements associated with them. This particular
case may represent an extraordinary example, but this
just serves to illustrate what can be identified by simply
walking your customer’s plant floor and looking for
items of concern and improvement. This activity may be
the single most productive applications activity you can
engage in.
Solving An Unexpected Problem
Very often, Application Engineers are problem
solvers. Figure 2 illustrates a fine example of this. This
part is a Brake Caliper Bolt, one of two pins (or bolts)
that the brake caliper slides along. This particular part
was designed about twenty years ago for a very high
profile, next generation vehicle. The OEM had a great
deal riding on an on-time, problem-free vehicle launch.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 160

106
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
COMPUTER INSIGHTS INC. SALES TAX LAWS DRIVING YOU NUTS? from page 24
The Benefits of Avalara
Avalara’s cloud based features are provided as an
a la carte subscription service. You can sign up for just
what you need.
¤ Calculate Taxes - Per line item based on
geo locations, entity-use, and product
classifications.
¤ File & Remit Taxes - Avalara can prepare and
file your returns while distributing payments to
all tax jurisdictions on your behalf.
¤ Manage Certificates - Taxes will
automatically be omitted from exempt sales
while managing exemption documents.
¤ Evaluate Your Nexus - Based on your sales
history, Avalara can show you where you are
obligated to file taxes and they can get you
registered.
¤ Address Validation - The Business Edge’s TM
event driven address validation means this
can usually be added with no additional
cost.
What People Are Saying....
“Projects come down to people and technology.
We appreciate the collaboration between Avalara and
Computer Insights, as well as our Monroe accounting
and implementation teams. The entire team had a winwin-win
attitude. The technical implementation is saving
Monroe a ton of time processing sales tax across our
different state and local jurisdictions. As more states
and local jurisdictions put the onus on businesses to
collect tax, these partnerships are going to be essential
for industrial distributors”
- Dan Hutchinson, CFO Monroe Engineering LLC.
“Avalara integration through The Business Edge has
cut time spent on sales tax and compliance by over 80%.
Every aspect of the process is smoother, from Avalara
specifying correct tax jurisdictions and tax rates, to
remitting sales tax payments to countless jurisdictions
across the country. Handling sales tax across multiple
states was one of our biggest headaches. Now, thanks to
Avalara and Computer Insights, it’s not even a concern.”
- Scott Habetz, Owner, STS Industrial, Inc.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 107

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 107
COMPUTER INSIGHTS INC. SALES TAX LAWS DRIVING YOU NUTS? from page106
“Avalara has made what was previously a complex
process and technical reporting activity and automated
it. Not only has it streamlined our process, it has also
improved our reporting and ensures it’s accuracy.”
- Joseph Stephens, CEO, Motor City Industrial
“Avalara has great customer service. Their people
are very personable and they keep reaching out to make
sure you are moving along in the setup. Now that we
have it working in TBE, we like that Avalara not only gets
the tax correct, but it also does an address check which
helps us reduce shipping errors.”
- Ralph Keepers, Director IT & Avionics,
Spencer Aircraft
Get Connected
If you are already lucky enough to be using The
Business Edge TM
by Computer Insights you are only a
few phone calls away from enabling your system to take
advantage of all of the Avalara time saving features.
Are you looking for an ERP system that will help you
run your business more efficiently?
More Information
For more information about The Business Edge TM
contact Dennis Cowhey, President, Computer Insights,
Inc. 108 Third Street, Bloomingdale, IL 60108. Tel:
1-800-539-1233, email: sales@ci-inc.com or visit them
online at www.ci-inc.com.
COMPUTER INSIGHTS, INC.

108
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SMITH ASSOCIATES A 50 YEAR LEGACY from page 28
MIKE WITH HIS ORIGINAL ROLL TOP DESK 1982
In this time most of Mike’s customers and potential
customers were OEM’s. He would go up the stairs of
10-story factory buildings knocking on the doors of all the
other businesses that were there asking “Hey, what do
you make here?”. Sometimes he would meet the owner
of a piano company and see a women’s bra factory in the
same building. Other times he would go in to an existing
customer to follow up on orders placed or to show them
other lines he had. He laughs when he remembers
parking his car on the street, which by the way had no air
conditioning (imagine July in the Bronx), hoping it would
be there when he returned, or trying not to get sprayed
with the water from a fire hydrant while kids were playing
on the street. The stories Mike has about those days are
the tales that create a picture of what the 1970’s were
in NYC. For a 19 year old boy from NH, this was what the
American dream was made of.
Mike was very honored to become friends with many
of what he called his “rabbis” in the business, and has
been to many weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs and parties
with his customers. Many times, Mike’s car would break
down, or his car battery would die, and his customers
would come out and help him jump start his car. Ben and
Morty Robinson of Robinson Screw were so kind to Mike;
they have helped him jump start his car many times.
Mike became true friends with these men and absorbed
their insight and help over many years. Mike remembers
talking and laughing with Greg Robinson because he
is now selling to the grandchildren of many of his first
customers.
Mike said about selling “I am selling myself to
these people, and I honor, cherish, and respect all my
customers and principals.” He is immensely proud of
the fact that he has never taken a line from another rep
agency, and has lived an ethical and honest life.
In the 1980’s Mike married Chris, who was then a
buyer for Macy’s in Newark, NJ. Together they moved to
Sussex County, NJ and soon adopted two beautiful girls.
Interestingly, the adoption of their second daughter came
as a result of showing pictures of their first daughter
Mollie, to Carol and Amelia, the owners of Hustle Screw.
They were instrumental in Chris and Mike finding and
adopting Emily, their second daughter.
Over the years Mike and Chris have enjoyed living in
the northern part of NJ and have found many hobbies to
keep them busy. Mike loved to cut his grass and take
care of his yard. In the late 1990’s through a business
dinner with a customer, he became a fan of Chris Craft
wooden boats. Mike remembers seeing one as a boy
back in NH and had always wanted to ride in one. Now
that he finally owns one, he is often seen giving rides
to anyone that asks. His main hobby on the weekends,
Mike enjoys fixing up his boat as well as driving it on
Lake Hopatcong, where he and Chris now live.
MIKE IN HIS ROCKAWAY NJ OFFICE
CONTINUED ON PAGE 164

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 109

110
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
GUY AVELLON WHAT FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED TO KNOW: THE LONG AND SHORT OF BOLT FAILURES from page 110
FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3
Figure 2 illustrates a correct assembly. There are
about two threads sticking out beyond the end of the
nut allowing the maximum number of unengaged threads
inside the grip of the connection. This provides shock
absorbers to absorb any shock or vibration loads or
heavy impacting during installation.
A fastener’s threads are very important. They stretch
significantly more than the rest of the fastener and
therefore have a much higher level of stress. During
axial tensile testing, the ASTM Test Method Standards
of F606 and F606M require a minimum of six complete
threads between the test grips for a standard fastener,
and a minimum of four complete threads for the shorter
thread length of a structural fastener, such as an A325
(F3125/F3125M) cap screw.
If the nut or test mandrel is too close to the thread
run-out, the tensile readings will not reflect the actual
properties of the fastener. The stresses will be much
greater on the few remaining threads.
Structural fasteners (A325 and A490 for example)
have a shorter thread length than standard SAE Grade
5 and 8 and their respective ASTM counterparts ASTM
A449 and A354. This is to ensure that the full diameter
of the fastener’s shank is completely within the shear
plane of a structural joint.
This now leads into assembly variables because the
most critical time of a fastener’s life is when it is being
tightened. Figure 3 depicts a pure axial tensile load of
only one force: tension.
However, when tension is combined with another
force, as with torsion during tightening, the combination
of forces acting on the fastener drastically reduces
the amount of force required to cause it to fail. The
illustration of Figure 4 shows what happens when
tension and torsion are combined when installing a
fastener. Once the torsional forces stop, that load
dissipates and only pure tension remains on the
fastener.
During assembly, any quick, sharp or jerking motions
while tightening the nut or bolt head can also become
very detrimental. This is why the use of power assembly
tools or impact wrenches can cause fasteners to
fail prematurely if these power tools are not properly
regulated.
A fastener cannot achieve clamp loads much beyond
its minimum yield strength. Any further tightening may
cause the fastener to fail. However, the load by direct
tension, as depicted above in Figure 3 and compared in
Figure 4 with the tension by turning the nut, illustrates
the ductility of the fastener and its capacity to sustain
further loads. Service loads would include shear and
direct tension. Torsion will not occur again. Note the
reserve strength of the fastener above the minimum
tension in Figure 4 as well as the increased elongation
potential.
The unengaged threads are critical during installation.
A fastener must be able to absorb a certain amount of
torsion during assembly.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 166

Birmingham Fastener and Supply Inc. is
excited to announce the acquisition of Steel City
Bolt and Screw. With over 100 years of combined
fastener production, the acquisition strengthens
Birmingham Fastener’s product offering, equipment
depth, and most importantly it allows us to add
teammates to our world class staff.
Brad Tinney, owner of Birmingham Fastener
says, “With this acquisition we continue to
double down on domestic manufacturing and
provide our customers with a domestic solution
on any fastener requirement they have. This
equipment will assist in our expansion into the
Carolinas and continue to expand our east coast
footprint. Our customer base is second to none
and we will ensure their needs are meet and
expectations are exceeded.”
Operations of Steel City Bolt and Screw will
be consolidated into the production facility at our
corporate headquarters in Birmingham Alabama.
In doing this, the level of service we can offer our
valued customers will be increased. Customer
service remains paramount at Birmingham Fastener;
in-turn, all Steel City Bolt and Screw customers will
become valued partners of Birmingham Fastener
and be serviced as a top priority.
Birmingham Fastener continues to invest in the
future and make strategic moves and acquisitions
that will yield long term benefits for our customers.
Our plan is to take this 100 years of customer
service and turn it into 200 years of outrageous
service for our entire family of customers. We can’t
wait to build and strengthen new partnerships with
the customers of Steel City Bolt and Screw.
Founded in 1980, Birmingham Fastener is a
leading domestic manufacturer and distributor of
fasteners for structural steel fabrication, metal
building manufacturers, water works, OEM, and
MRO. The Birmingham Fastener family of companies
consists of multiple locations across the nation. In
2018, Birmingham Fastener received the Alabama
Manufacturer of the Year award.
For further information contact Birmingham
Fastener Inc. at 931 Avenue W, Birmingham, AL
35214. Call Toll-Free: 1-800- 695-3511, Local: 205-
595-3511, Fax: 205-591-7107 or visit their website
at www.bhamfast.com.
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 111

112
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
FASTENER FAIR USA FOR ALL THE INDUSTRY, IN THE HEART OF MANUFACTURING from page 32
Current Exhibitor List Continued...
¤ China Fastener Info
¤ China Fastener Magazine
¤ Clampco Products
¤ Cold Heading Company
¤ Continental-Aero
¤ Crescent Manufacturing
¤ Curtis Metal Finishing Company
¤ D.L.P. Coatings, Inc.
¤ Decker Manufacturing
¤ Distribution One
¤ Distributors Link Magazine
¤ Doerken Corporation USA
¤ Drawing Technology Inc
¤ Easylink Industrial co. ltd
¤ Eaton Steel Bar Company
¤ Edward W. Daniel LLC
¤ EFC International
¤ Engineered Components Co.
¤ Eurolink FSS
¤ Fastener Engineering
¤ Fastener EurAsia Magazine
¤ Feng Yi Titanium Fasteners
¤ Fong Yien Industrial Co., LTD
¤ Fontec Screws Co Ltd
¤ Forplan/STC Dip Spin
¤ G.L. Huyett
¤ Gardner Spring, Inc.
¤ Garg Techno Cast
¤ Goebel Fasteners, Inc.
¤ Gofast Co Ltd
¤ Greenslade & Company. Inc.
¤ Hangzhou Grand Import& Export Co., LTD
¤ Haude Holdings Ltd
¤ ibg NDT Systems Corporation
¤ Industrial Nut
¤ Industrial Rivet & Fastener Co.
¤ Infasco
¤ Intercorp
¤ International Fasteners Inc
¤ InxSql Software
¤ Ji Li Deng
¤ Jiaxing HJ Tech Industry Co., LTD
¤ JM TOR PAR SA de CV
¤ Ken Forging
¤ Kerr Lakeside Inc.
¤ Kinefac Corporation
¤ Kova Fasteners Pvt. Ltd.
¤ KPF USA (aka Korea Bolt)
¤ Leyong Industrial Shanghai Co., Ltd
¤ Maadhav Automotive Fasteners Pvt. Ltd.
¤ Magni
¤ Marer SRL
¤ Marposs Corporation
¤ Michigan Metal Coatings Company
¤ Midland Metal Framing and Fastener LLC
¤ MOLS Corp.
¤ ND Industries, Inc.
¤ Ningbo Anchor Fasteners Industrial Co. Ltd.
¤ Ningbo Qunli Fastener Manufacture co.
¤ Ningbo Western Fitting Co., LTD
¤ Nord-Lock Group
¤ Ornit Blind Rivets
¤ Perfection Chain Products
¤ Pivot Point Inc
¤ Prospect Fastener
CONTINUED ON PAGE 168

114
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
METROPOLITAN FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
PO Box 72, Lake Zurich, IL 60047
TEL 201-254-7784 FAX 847-516-6728 EMAIL admin@mfda.us WEB www.mfda.us
ITR ECONOMIC FORECAST MEETING RECAP
by Rob Rundle
“What investments are we [you] making now to
handle future growth?” was a question posed to the MFDA
membership by ITR Economics’ Tyler St. Germain at the
MFDA Economic Forecast meeting this past March. Tyler’s
virtual presentation discussed ITR’s forecast for the near
and long-term future of the US Economy, and the Fastener
business in general.
Tyler said that the first half of 2021 will continue to
be a recovery from the COVID-19 lockdown recession of
2020. ITR predicts that the remainder of 2021 and much
of the next three to four years will be a period of strong
growth.
In order to be in the best position to handle the
coming surge, MFDA members should ask themselves the
following:
¤ Do we have the cash to climb the hill?
¤ Are we investing in capital? Personnel?
¤ What are our current bottlenecks?
How can we overcome them?
¤ What would we have done differently in 2010
(the last time we came out of large recession)?
ITR sees interest rates staying relatively low for the
next few years, but increasing afterwards, making now a
good time to borrow money at the current low rates.
Inflation will be a concern during this decade. Tyler
shared that the ITR president was encouraging employees
to purchase property and stocks, which tend to be hedges
against inflation. That being said, he felt the stock market
was overvalued compared to corporate profits.
ITR is very concerned about 2030, which they
feel will be the next depression. The combination of
demographics (baby-boomers retiring), rising health
care costs, entitlement costs increasing, inflation, and
continued US National debt growth (The US national debt
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
to GDP ratio is now 133.1%, a number not seen since
WWII. The national debt is now $84,000 per person)
will cause the county severe problems if not addressed.
However, we are not the only country facing issues with
our population. According to the presentation, Japan now
purchases more adult diapers than baby diapers.
While there will be bumps in the road in the 2020’s
and the 2030’s won’t be terrible the entire decade, Tyler
gave the members a glimpse into what the trends and
indicators showed. Now it’s up to us to take advantage of
that information.
The MFDA board thanks Brighton-Best International
for providing the Zoom platform for the event.
Save The Date!
MFDA’s 25th Annual Golf Outing
“The East Coast Fastener Premier Golf Outing”
Saturday, September 11, 2021
Event:
Pre-Golf Cocktail Party
Location: Crystal Springs CC
Time:
Hardyston, NJ
4:30pm – 6:30pm
Sponsored by Member & Associated Companies
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Event:
Golf Outing
Location: Ballyowen Golf Club
Time:
Crystal Springs CC, Hardyston, NJ
6:45am - Registration
8:00am – Shot Gun Start
For more information contact Ken Schneeloch
or Nancy Montesano by Tel: 201-644-7424, or email
theschnee@aol.com or nmonte81@gmail.com.
METROPOLITAN FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION

SOLON MANUFACTURING CO.
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 115
425 Center Street, Chardon, OH 44024
TEL 1-800-323-9717 EMAIL sales@solonmfg.com WEB www.solonmfg.com
SOLON FIRST-EVER RECIPIENT OF PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
Solon is honored to be chosen as the first-ever
recipient of the Geauga County 2021 Excellence in
Manufacturing award presented by the Geauga Growth
Partnership in partnership with the
manufacturing growth and advocacy
network, MAGNET.
Says company president, Diane
Popovich, “we are grateful for the
support from these organizations who
are dedicated to helping businesses
in Northeast Ohio thrive. This award
is so meaningful as it highlights
our collective achievements as we persevered through
a particularly challenging time in our 72-year history
due to the pandemic. Thank you humbly and sincerely,
for the honor of acknowledging our strategic vision and
operational excellence”.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
The award, a bench made of iron, steel and wood
was hand-crafted by BAMF Welding and Fabrication,
LLC in Newbury, Ohio and sits outside Solon’s main
office for all employees and visitors
to enjoy. A video was made by a
local film company to announce and
present the award, which took place
during the GGP Annual Meeting held
via Zoom and was live-streamed by
Solon’s employees as they gathered
to celebrate this achievement
together as a team.
Established in 1949, Solon Manufacturing Co.,
located in Chardon, OH, is a premier designer and
manufacturer of Belleville springs and washers used to
reduce bolted joint failures by maintaining the bolt preload
in industrial bolting applications.
SOLON MANUFACTURING

116
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
IFI SOARING EAGLE AWARDS 2021 from page 38
The 2021 Soaring Eagle Meritorious Service
Award Recipient is Laurin Baker
The IFI Soaring Eagle Meritorious Service Award is
named after George S. Case, Sr. It recognizes individuals
who have contributed outstanding time and effort in the
leadership of the Industrial Fasteners Institute and/or
contributed to the health and well-being of the entire
industrial fastener industry.
Laurin Baker is recognized for his many years of
outstanding service to the institute representing and
protecting IFI’s interests in Washington, DC.
Laurin’s expertise in navigating international trade,
tariffs, environmental and tax policies has greatly
benefited the interests of the Institute’s member
companies, their employees and fastener users the
world over. He has provided visibility of the IFI and
its members to the U.S. House and U.S. Senate
representatives of IFI’s members, and to other lobbyists
and governmental agencies involved in issues of the
utmost importance to the Institute. Laurin’s tireless work
in coordinating and leading the coalition of IFI members,
fastener distributors and North American fastener users
resulted in the significant reform and improvement of
the Fastener Quality Act. The culmination of his efforts
on behalf of the IFI members and the North American
fastener industry and users will continue to benefit future
generations.
Submit a Nomination
Visit our website at www.indfast.org/info/award.asp
to submit a nomination for next year’s Soaring Eagle
Awards program.
LAURIN BAKER - IFI SOARING EAGLE SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
About IFI
Industrial Fasteners Institute, headquartered in
Independence, Ohio, is an Association of the leading
North American manufacturers of bolts, nuts, screws,
rivets, pins, washers, and a myriad of custom formed
parts. Suppliers of materials, machinery, equipment
and engineered services, are Associate Members
of the Institute. IFI membership currently stands at
70 Company Members with 61 Subsidiaries and 55
Associate Members.
For 90 years, IFI’s fastener manufacturing member
companies have combined their skills and knowledge to
advance the technology and application engineering of
fasteners and formed parts through planned programs of
research and education. Users of fasteners and formed
parts in all industries benefit from the continuing design,
manufacturing, and application advances made by the
Industrial Fasteners Institute membership.
To inquire about IFI membership, contact Dan Walker,
Managing Director at dwalker@indfast.org or call 216-241-
1482 for details on membership eligibility and benefits.
INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS INSTITUTE

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 117
TriMas announces the
retirement of Robert (Bob)
Zalupski as Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer. Scott
Mell was appointed as Chief
Financial Officer, effective May 1,
2021. He will report to Thomas
Amato, TriMas President and
Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Zalupski, who has served
in finance leadership roles within
TriMas for 19 years, and as
its Chief Financial Officer since
January 2015, joined TriMas in
2002. Over the years, he played
a critical role in a number of
the Company’s strategic and
financial business initiatives,
which included leading
global cash management,
capital allocation and capital
structuring initiatives, as well
as managing numerous
acquisitions, divestitures and
a spin-off. He has been an
instrumental member of TriMas’
leadership team, and vital to the
development and successful
execution of the Company’s
business strategies.
Mr. Mell joins TriMas with
more than 25 years of strategic
leadership and financial
management experience.
Since 2018, he has served as
Managing Director of Recovery
& Transformation Services for
Riveron, working on a variety of
projects across a diverse set
of industries. In this role with
Riveron, he has led important
projects at TriMas over the
past three years to support
continuous improvement efforts
within TriMas’ Packaging and
TriMas’ Aerospace segments.
For more information, contact
TriMas by Tel: 248-631-5450 or
online at www.trimascorp.com.

118
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SOUTHEASTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION
PO Box 448, Elba, AL 36323 TEL 847-370-9022 FAX 847-516-6728 EMAIL sefa@thesefa.com WEB www.thesefa.com
2021/2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNOUNCED by Nancy Rich
2021 Board Of Directors
President
Lee Parker, Vulcan Steel Products
Vice President
Anthony Crawl, Birmingham Fastener
Chairman
Tom Sulek, Star Stainless Screw
Directors
Matt Dyess, Nucor Fastener
Hayden Gaston, International Fasteners, Inc.
Carrie Whitworth, Edsco Fasteners
Terry Windham, Dixie Industrial Finishing Co.
Stephanie Wood, Fastener Supply
Secretary/Treasurer
Nancy Rich
Executive Director
Nancy Rich
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
SEFA Welcomes New Members
Atlas Distribution Services, Ltd., Winona, MN
DLP Coatings Inc., Elk Grove Village, IL
Congratulations 2021 Scholarship Winners
Em Webb Memorial Scholarship - $1,000
Garrett Spillman, Southern Fasteners & Supply
Gilchrist Foundation Scholarship - $1,000
Anna Katelyn Pittman, American Specialty Products & Machine
SEFA Scholarships - $2,000
Spencer Hyman, Kanebridge Corp.
Jacob Stewart, Edsco Fasteners
SOUTHEASTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION
JIM TRUESDELL FAIRNESS TO PREGNANT WORKERS...PROPOSAL PROVIDES SOLUTIONS from page 40
Since there is no one size fits all approach to
identifying and approving what are reasonable
accommodations that do not place an undue burden on
an employer, the employer is merely obligated to engage
in an interactive process with the employee to determine
what kind of reasonable accommodation is needed. If
an employer demonstrates that they did engage in that
process in good faith then that would be a defense in a
lawsuit, the same as it would be under the Americans
With Disabilities Act.
Since most of the accommodations necessary for
pregnancy are minor, the burden on employers should
be relatively light and inexpensive. The requirement
to engage in a discussion process with the employee
about her special needs opens up communication and
would help to avoid conflict or litigation from arising. The
employee is also protected from retaliation from raising
these needs, but better to let the employer respond with
a good faith response than to shut down all discussion
about making things work.
Of course many, but not all, companies already
engage in these kinds of conversations and come up
with practical ideas to keep women working during
pregnancy. There will always be some employers who
cannot be bothered to set up flexible responses, or who
are uncertain of just what they can and cannot do, and
so have rigid policies which do not address these needs.
That is why the clarity of the PWFA is needed.
There are far more expensive and onerous proposals
circulating which deal with these concerns. It would
seem, as reflected by the support from both sides
of the political aisle and from some major business
associations, that this Act is a workable compromise
that will head off more draconian measures. Given the
demonstrated need to encourage and support parenting
in this country, combined with most women now being
active in the workplace, it would seem that this is a good
solution which everyone can support.
JIM TRUESDELL

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 119

120
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
JOE DYSART DEATH BY COOKIE: FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED FOR A NEW WAY TO ADVERTISE ON THE WEB IN 2022 from page 44
That third-party cookie – owned by the ad company –
begins tracking your movements on the Web the moment
it’s embedded in your browser. Moreover, the same ad tech
company has the same agreement with many of the dozens
-- or perhaps even hundreds of Web sites -- you also visit in
any given day.
And with each Web site you visit featuring advertising
from that same ad tech company, another third-party tracking
cookie is placed in your Google Chrome Browser, tracking
you all the way.
Each new cookie beams back data to the ad tech
company about your Web movements and preferences. And
each cookie enables the ad tech company to develop an
ever-deepening interest profile
on you, which enables it to
target ads to you on other Web
sites featuring its technology –
based on your preferences.
For more than a quarter of
a century, tracking consumers
using third-party cookies has
been an extremely precise way
to target ads to consumers –
and also anger more than a
few consumers who felt such
tracking violated their privacy
and often made them feel
creeped-out.
That consumer resentment
has reached a crescendo.
“Invisible and gratuitous data
collection leaves users unable to exercise their rights and
protect their privacy. We need substantive, enforceable
regulation to stop this exploitation of our data,” says
Gus Hosein, executive director, Privacy International (www.
privacyinternational.org).
Google, which also runs one of the Web’s most powerful
and widely used ad tech platforms, has apparently decided
that its not worth further inflaming that consumer anger
over third-party cookies – even if that means phasing-out
one of ad technology’s most effective ad personalization
technologies.
The Upshot? Beginning in 2022, fastener distributors
that have relied on ad tech companies powered by third-party
ad tech companies will need to use alternate systems to get
their brand in front of audiences using Google Chrome.
“It’s time to kick third-party data for good and focus on
developing relationships with your customers,” says Owen
EMAIL MARKETING IS EXPECTED TO EXPERIENCE A SPIKE IN
2022 AS THIRD-PARTY COOKIES FADE AWAY.
SOME COMPANIES ARE CONSIDERING DEVICE FINGERPRINTING TO
TRACK CURRENT AND POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE WEB.
Ray, senior content marketing manager, Invoca (www.invoca.
com/), a digital marketing services provider.
Here are a few solutions for fastener distributors
recommended by Web advertising experts:
¤ Email Marketing Lists: While Web advertising fads
come-and-go, email marketing keeps on chugging along,
offering marketers some of the best ROI for marketers’
efforts, year after year. Marketers build email lists by
soliciting email addresses in exchange for providing riveting
email newsletters, informative white papers, early notice on
new goods and services, discounts and coupons and the
like. Expect increasing numbers of fastener distributors to
double-down on this tried-and-true marketing tool in coming
months.
¤ Old School Advertising:
Back in the ‘olden days,’
marketers would seek out
content that matched the goods
and services they were selling,
and place ads alongside that
content.
A fastener distributor might
embed its ads in an article
about new directions in the
fastener industry, movers and
shakers in the fastener industry,
or new markets opening to
fastener distributors. These
days, they’re calling this old
school technique ‘contextual
targeting.’ But it’s the same
idea: matching ads to content.
¤ Buying Someone Else’s Audience: While you may
have some data on people who are interested in fasteners,
another Web site – such as a fastener industry publication
– may have plenty. Once third-party cookies are phased-out,
expect more fastener distributors to buy and use info about
such potential customers from such Web sites.
¤ Device Fingerprinting: Similar to third-party
cookies, device fingerprinting is an extremely effective
tracking technology – but also extremely controversial.
Device fingerprinting enables a Web site to reach down
into your device and retrieve all the information about that
device that makes it unique to you – the language it runs
on, the Web browser it uses, the times of day it’s usually
used, its location, its IP address, and similar personalized
data. Once an ad tech company has your device fingerprint,
it can track you as you move across the Web.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 121

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 121
JOE DYSART DEATH BY COOKIE: FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED FOR A NEW WAY TO ADVERTISE ON THE WEB IN 2022 from page 120
¤ Google FLoC: While Google is phasing-out support
for third-party cookies, it still has every intention of
continuing to track your every movement using its Chrome
browser instead. To some, this distinction may sound like
privacy hair-splitting. But either way, look for that tracking
using the Chrome browser to most likely be leveraged by
Google sometime in 2022.
Specifically, Google says it will use the Chrome browser
to track what you do on the Web – and then ‘anonymize’
that data by placing you in an anonymous group of people
who share the same interest – what it calls ‘cohorts.’
So again, if you visit a lot of fastener Web sites, for
example, you’ll be placed in a ‘cohort’ or group of people
who do the same and sent fastener ads. Again, for many,
this ‘anonymization’ may sound like privacy hairsplitting.
But it’s the brave new world of digital advertising come
2022, for better or worse.
Google began testing this new system – which it calls
the Federated Learning of Cohorts, or ‘FLoC’ -- in April,
with plans to offer use of the tech to select companies
sometime in 2022.
The only problem – at least from the perspective of
outsiders – is that selling ads based on FLoC enables Google
to become the sole source of information about the billions
of people who use its Chrome Browser to surf the Web.
Essentially: If you want to advertise to the people who
use the Google Chrome Browser, you’re most likely going
to need to rely on data gleaned by FLoC - which, whaddaya
know, is also owned by Google.
That cozy connection has led to cries of ‘No fair’ from
competing ad tech service providers.
And it has also triggered an antitrust lawsuit brought
against Google by 14 states and Puerto Rico -- as well as
preliminary scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice
and commerce regulators in the United Kingdom.
“Today’s filing underscores the broad consensus that
Google’s practices require review and swift action under
antitrust and consumer protection laws,” says Ken Paxton,
Texas State Attorney General.
Stay tuned for 2022. Should be interesting!
JOE DYSART

122
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
STAFDA IN-PERSON EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS IN ORLANDO from page 46
The Unspoken Rules of
Leadership
Jamie Turner
Turner led a webinar for STAFDA
earlier this year and it was so well
received he was invited to Orlando!
His workshop will look at the four
pillars of leadership (mentoring, marketing, mindset,
management) where attendees will determine which “pillar”
they are. He will cover why the world’s best leaders work on
their mindset first and their skillset second; How thinking
“backwards” can help improve one’s influence with others;
Why humility is a secret weapon all powerful leaders
possess; How to use the Law of Reciprocity to create a win/
win environment; Turning a yes/no question into an either/
or question to grow influence; and Why leading with a story
(rather than facts) can turn a person into a more effective
persuader. Turner is an author, professor, and CEO who
was recognized by CareerAddict as one of the world’s best
speakers along with Ariana Huffington, Daymond John, and
Gary Vaynerchuk. His client list includes Coca-Cola, AT&T,
Microsoft, Verizon and SAP. He’s a professor at both Emory
University (Atlanta) and the University of Texas (Austin).
Overcoming the 7 Deadliest
Communication SINs
Skip Weisman
Yet another STAFDA webinar
speaker who resonated well
with members so he’s on deck
for Orlando! Prior to starting his
consulting business creating championship work teams
for clients, he served as CEO for five different professional
baseball franchises affiliated with the Boston Red Sox,
Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners,
Tampa Bay Rays, and Texas Rangers. In this workshop,
Weisman will do a deep-dive into interpersonal workplace
communications. Attendees will learn these four key
points: 1). How to calculate the actual dollars of how
dysfunctional communication and behavior impacts a
company; 2). Defining workplace communication problems
and applying specific strategies, tools, and techniques to
get different results; 3). Increasing workplace productivity
by 50% overnight by committing to just one of seven
deadliest communication sins; and 4). Committing to
adjusting one’s own communication habits to initiate the
change they want in their workplace.
Sunday Afternoon - 1:30pm-3pm
Sales PRO Update - Paul Reilly
In 2006, Tom Reilly, then
STAFDA’s Sales Consultant, spent six
months researching and interviewing
STAFDA outside sales professionals
and their managers before he wrote
STAFDA’s outside sales training
manual, Sales PRO. Fast forward to 2021 and Tom’s son,
Paul, who has been STAFDA’s Sales Consultant for several
years, is now updating the original Sales PRO. This spring,
Paul surveyed STAFDA distributors to learn about their
specific outside sales policies and trends. The COVID-19
pandemic has revolutionized the way outside sales is
now conducted. It still involves field sales calls, but virtual
selling has soared to the forefront. The updated Sales PRO
will include research and techniques to address today’s
new selling environment to include virtual selling, creating
personal value, and customer messaging. Paul’s Orlando
session will be a preview of his soon-to-be printed manual.
In addition, in late 2020/early 2021, he’ll be conducting
a series of virtual webinars for members which will focus
on Sales PRO’s new research to help outside salespeople
navigate today’s challenging environment.
Tuesday Morning - October 26, 8am-9:30am
Economic Update - Alan Beaulieu
As STAFDA’s Economic
Advisor, and one of the pre-eminent
economists in the country, Alan
Beaulieu will present his annual
economic recap of 2021 and offer
his forecast for 2022 and beyond.
As the U.S., and world, emerges from the worst of the
COVID-19 pandemic, economies are regain their footing
while businesses hit the accelerator. Everyone wants to
get back to ‘normal’ and he will highlight what sectors
are achieving success over others. Some forecasts say
normalcy won’t set in until 2023 so find out if Beaulieu
agrees with them or not. He writes STAFDA’s Quarterly
Economic Advisories which updates members throughout
the year, but they’re no substitute for his standing-room
only workshop. Beaulieu is President of ITR Economics
and will lead a 90-minute free webinar on June 10 for
STAFDA members. Since 1990, ITR helps companies
around the globe forecast, plan, and increase their profits
based on business cycle trend analysis.
SPECIALTY TOOLS & FASTENERS DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION

124
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
LARRY BOROWSKI DO IT YOURSELF GAGING from page 48
In my opinion, the best solution is a combination of
variable and fixed limit gaging. When deciding what type
of gaging to use, one should have good answers to the
following questions:
¤ How many parts will need to be inspected?
¤ What is the tolerance of the feature needing to be
inspected?
¤ Will this be an ongoing inspection, or is there a
short term need for a gage?
¤ How much money is in the budget for inspection
equipment?
¤ How quickly do parts have to be inspected?
¤ What kind of environment will the inspection take
place in?
Once you decide on what type of gaging will best
fit your application, the “Do it Youselfer” will have to
decide if they can hold the tolerances in question. In
other words, can you actually make this yourself or will
you need outside help? Gages are precision tools that
must provide precision results. A good rule of thumb is
to maintain a minimum of a 10:1 ratio. That is, the gage
tolerance should be 10 times better than the feature
tolerance. For instance, if you have a hole with a .010”
tolerance, your gage should be accurate to at least .001”.
The more accurate your gage is, the better off you are.
The only exception to this is when consensus standards
dictate the tolerance of the gage or equipment to check
a feature. For instance, thread measuring wires must be
within .000020” of “best wire,” and within .000010” of
each other in the set. You can’t simply purchase (3) X
tolerance pin gages and call them thread wires.
Now that the “Do it Yourselfer” has successfully
made a gage, now comes the proving ground. A gage
R&R (Repeatability and Reproduceablity) study should
be performed. This study is used to determine whether
the new gage can perform adequately for the task at
hand. To say a gage is repeatable is to note that one
person using a given gage will obtain consistent results
when measuring the same parts at different times. To
say a gage has reproduceability means that when two
or more persons use that gage, they will get consistent
measurements. The results break down this way:
¤ Less than 10% is an excellent gage.
¤ Between 11% and 20% is an acceptable gage.
¤ Between 21% and 30% is a marginal gage.
¤ Over 30% is not acceptable.
The above percentages indicate how much feature
tolerance is consumed by the gage error alone. So you
can see how, as the percentages get larger, the gage
becomes less desirable. ASTM F1469 provides an
excellent guideline for performing Gage R&R studies, and
should be consulted for additional details.
Generally speaking, if the “Do it Yourselfer” takes the
time to fully evaluate the costs of developing and making
their own gages vs. using a gage supplier, they will probably
find it more cost effective to use the gage supplier. What
a gage supplier has over the DIY process is:
¤ Gage suppliers have the equipment to hold the
necessary tolerances because that is their job.
¤ Gage suppliers have the broad and deep experience
to determine the best, most cost effective solution, and
often employ some type of engineer that is good at what
he or she does. They develop gages every day for a wide
range of customers with a wide range of applications.
Chances are pretty good that they have run across your
similar situation at one time or another and already have
a good idea on how to meet the demand.
¤ Gage suppliers have additional resources to call
upon when needed. They typically work closely with
other gage manufacturers and suppliers and can obtain
pieces and parts relatively quickly. Examples are clamps,
bearings, special hardware, indicators, slides, posts,
scales, tooling, etc.
¤ A good gage supplier will stand by their workmanship
and correct defects quickly and at no additional charge.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 125

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 125
LARRY BOROWSKI DO IT YOURSELF GAGING from page 124
There are many “Do it Yourselfers” (DIY) in the market
place, however it is my opinion that everyone should
work to their strengths. Let the manufacturers make
parts, and the gage people make inspection equipment.
Blurring those lines often involves higher cost and lost
time. As a gage manufacturer and accredited calibration
laboratory, many of our customers send in their home
made custom designs and/or gages for us to either
manufacture or certify. We find that while there are
great ideas and excellent gages, there are just as many
poor designs and poor workmanship examples that
come through our facility. Poor designs can be corrected
before any metal is cut, however poor workmanship
results in scrap. Both scenarios result in lost time.
DIY gaging is a great concept, but more often easier
said than done. DIY gaging can also be very rewarding if
done correctly. So if you are a “Do it Yourselfer” make
sure you look at the big picture before diving into your
next project and make an informed decision on whether
to do it yourself, or involve the experience of a gage
manufacturer.
LARRY BOROWSKI | GREENSLADE & COMPANY INC

126
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
PENN ENGINEERING UTILIZING SURFACE MOUNT TECHNOLOGY FOR MECHANICAL FASTENING TO PCBS from page 50
The Solution – Surface Mount Technology
The solution to many of these challenges is to
eliminate the need to manually place the hardware
after the board is populated. The better solution is to
place the hardware while the board is being processed
using existing infrastructure in the PCB market. By
placing hardware on tape and reel and presenting it like
other electronic components, it can be installed with
conventional surface mounting equipment. This uses the
machines and process that already exist during board
construction and eliminates the need to have further
human contact with the part.
A Closer Look At SMT Fasteners
SMT fastening solutions offer several benefits over
traditional attachment options.
When surface mounting fasteners to a board, fasteners
are fed on a tape and reel, assembled with pick and
place equipment, and reflowed alongside other electronic
components. They can be installed in as quickly as 1/3
second – as opposed to up to 30 seconds for secondary
operations. This assembly method not only provides
significant cost and labor savings without compromising
the performance of the design, but also helps reduce
quality failures associated with manufacturing.
Scrap savings is another benefit when comparing
SMT to the broaching method. Manufacturers typically
install broaching fasteners once the boards have been
fully populated with electronic components. But with the
broaching process, boards can be subject to significant
amounts of stress after they are populated, which can
damage the costly PCBs.
Surface Mount Technology At-A-Glance
¤ Ideal for PCB assembly
¤ Eliminates productivity and damage issues caused
by loose fastening hardware and broaching fasteners
¤ Supplied in tape-and-reel packaging for easy pickand-place
assembly
¤ Reflowed alongside other components for cost/time
savings
¤ Excellent pullout and torque-out forces
¤ Available as panel fasteners, spacers, nuts, and
right-angle styles
The PEM ® SMT Fastener Portfolio
At PennEngineering®, our PEM® brand surface mount
fasteners are available in several standard options.
Surface mount technology can also be applied to other
fastener designs for custom solutions.
Captive Panel Screws are appropriate for applications that
require easy removal and reinstallation of circuit boards.
Spacers are the choice for board-to-board stacking and
a convenient means of fastening, where previously a
broaching or loose fastener was used.
Right-Angle Fasteners take a unique approach to
joining components with a 90° separation.
The PEM® SMT fastener portfolio currently offers
these fastening solutions:
¤ SMTSO ReelFast® Nuts and Standoffs
¤ SMTSS ReelFast® SNAP-TOP® Standoffs
¤ SMTSK ReelFast® KEYHOLE® Standoffs
¤ SMTPFLSM ReelFast® Captive Panel Screws
¤ SMTRA R’ANGLE® Fasteners
Installation That Reduces PCB Damage
Using PEM® SMT fasteners is an economical and
reliable method for fastening hardware to PCBs. Provided
on tape and reel that is compatible with existing SMT
automated equipment, their efficient pick-and-pack
installation method reduces scrap, handling, and the risk
of board damage. Fasteners adhere directly onto a solder
pad on the surface of the PCB and use the same soldering
processes as the board’s other electronic components.
PENN ENGINEERING

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 127
PULLPRO - VERSATILE & INNOVATIVE STAINLESS STEEL SHEAVES
Suncor Stainless recently launched PULLPRO, a
new line of innovative premium stainless steel sheaves
designed to address an industry need for versatile, robust
and long lasting sheaves to meet today’s demanding
applications.
PULLPRO sheaves are comprised of high quality
grade 316 stainless steel and incorporate a weight
optimized design with recessed sides and lightening holes.
They are available for fibrous or wire rope and feature
either stainless steel bearing or bronze bushing type hub
styles. Stainless steel spacers are included with most of
the bushing style sheaves. The inclusion of spacers allows
a standard sheave to adapt to various shaft sizes. The
working load limits (WLL) were certified through extensive
in-house laboratory testing. The WLL represents a 5:1
design factor and the sheaves meet ASME B30.26-2610.
Historically, end users have been limited by sheave
sizes and large diameter sheaves are often used in
situations where a smaller, less expensive sheave would
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
SUNCOR STAINLESS, INC.
70 Armstrong Road, Plymouth, MA 02360 TEL: 1-800-218-7702
EMAIL sales@suncorstainless.com WEB www.suncorstainless.com
meet the demands of the application. As a result, Suncor
has developed HiLOAD and LoLOAD sheaves for wire rope
applications. HiLOAD indicates a larger diameter sheave
suitable for 180° rope turns. LoLOAD indicates a smaller
diameter sheave designed for economical small deflection
turns less than 90°.
PULLPRO premium stainless steel sheaves answer
several challenges currently facing sheave users. The
variety of sizes, hub styles and spacers allow the user to
select a sheave tailored to fit their specific shaft size and
the design provides optimal weight, groove diameter and
throat angle. The result is one of the most versatile, safe,
long-lasting, and high quality offerings of premium sheaves
that has ever been introduced.
SUNCOR STAINLESS

128
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
JO MORRIS FTI BRINGS NEW ADVANCED IN-PERSON TECHNICAL TRAINING TO CHICAGO AUGUST 16-20 from page 62
Fastener Training Week Grant Opportunity
Committed to providing technical education and
support to their members, IFI has offered grants to the
August Fastener Training Week for IFI members. Grant
allocations for Fastener Training Week can be obtained
by requesting an application from Jennifer Bennett at
jbennett@indfast.org. Other scholarship opportunities are
available through the NFDA and Pac-West Fastener
Associations. In addition, a $500 discount is available
for Pac-West, NFDA, IFI, MWFA, NCFA, SFA and AIM Prime
members.
What Our Students Say About Fastener
Training Week
“The CFS program drastically shortened my learning
curve regarding fastener specifications. The program
materials were well organized and professional. Each
instructor was very knowledgeable and infused the lesson
topics with real-world examples. CFS is a great program
taught by excellent instructors.”
“This course helped me gain a solid understanding
of mechanical engineering and develop the technical
knowledge important to this field. It also makes me realize
the complexities and challenges we face, and that makes
the work even more interesting.”
Additional 2021 Training Opportunities
Fastener Basics Webinar Series
Sponsored by Brighton-Best International, “Fastener
Basics Like Never Before” is a recently launched 22-part
webinar series presented by Carmen Vertullo, CFS. You
can join anytime and still complete the full series. Carmen
is a master at webinar fastener training classes and uses
his talents to present Fastener Basics in an innovatively
new way. Each webinar is 90 minutes including a closing
30-minute Q&A session. Jo Morris moderates the program
and keeps the class interactive. This fast-paced program
will cover all topics relevant to new fastener professionals
and get you prepared for advanced learning in our CFS
track. Visit fastenertraining.org for complete class details.
Online Learning Library
FTI will continue to offer its expanded Online Learning
Library featuring over 35 training videos. FTI’s webinar
series provides a great introduction to any of the Certified
Fastener Specialist sessions. Reference materials and
quizzes are included with each video rental, when available.
FTI thanks our 2021 Sustaining Sponsor, Wurth
Industries of North America.
For detailed descriptions of classes, webinars and the
Online Learning Library, visit FastenerTraining.org. Email
Jo Morris at JoM@FastenerTraining.com to be added to
the newsletter and stay updated on training opportunities.
The Fastener Training Institute’s core purpose is to
enhance fastener use, reliability and safety by providing
fastener product and technical training at all levels. Through
this, FTI can achieve its goal of strengthening the industry
and its personnel in all segments.
The objective of the Fastener Training Institute is to
elevate the level of technical understanding and expertise of
individuals in the fastener industry by providing a variety of
training programs presented by recognized industry experts.
FTI provides beginning and advanced training on fastener
products, standards and specifications.
JO MORRIS | FASTENER TRAINING INSTITUTE

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 129

130
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ROBERT FOOTLIK TAKING ANOTHER LOOK AT INVENTORY from page 64
The “Pandemic pause” has certainly made everyone
aware of this phenomenon. Mines and processing
plants were “mothballed” not dismantled, and inventories
availability is short while new plants and production
capacity are developed. The net result has been
sufficient capacity to support incrementally staged growth
in a “normal demand economy.” But is this true in your
market base?
Barring war or a global upheaval, basic commodities
for the fastener industry will not be a factor for at least five
years, except for exotic metals. Between environmental
considerations and capital availability for massive new
development, everything moves relatively slowly and often
lags well behind demand, but this should not produce
shortages until the older sources are fully operational or
depleted.
So the answer to the safety stock question is to
watch the commodity markets and news while data mining
resupply timing yourself.
What About “The I Word?”
For those who remember the OPEC war of the mid-
1970’s when gas prices increased (remember those
lines) and inflation increased faster than pricing, a new
paradigm developed virtually overnight. Materials that were
sold for $1.00 at retail suddenly cost $2.00 to replace at
wholesale. Even worse, the cost of the goods changed
between the time when the order was placed and the arrival
of the product. Sales promises became meaningless
because vendor pricing emulated fish on a restaurant’s
menu, “Today’s market price.” The Fed has artificially
held down interest rates while government spending is
now going crazy. Inflation (the long dreaded “I-word”) is
inevitable and devaluation of the dollar is still likely.
If (or when) this happens sales prices will need to
change rapidly so that long term margins will not be
negatively impacted. For example, if a current item that
is sitting on the shelf cost $1.00 and would be sold today
for $1.40 the 40% gross margin looks just fine, especially
if you neglect the 4% or so per month that it has cost you
to hold the inventory. Now if the market value moves to
$1.60 it makes your margin look even better…until you
go to replace this inventory at a price of $2.00. This puts
tremendous pressure on marketing to price the materials
according to replacement, not the more traditional initial
cost accounting.
Operationally there are several new considerations.
The customers paid $1.40 last year and now you are
charging over $2.00 for the same stuff with the same
profit margin. Charging customers more than ever before
is even less palatable when the materials are dusty, dirty
and worn dues to poor housekeeping. Stopping to clean
up the grime as the item is picked is not much better.
A fast wipe with a damp paper towel makes mud and
this looks even worse. The best answer is to keep the
warehouse clean, maintain the products in perfect shape
and practice “first in-first out” picking techniques. This
means training and dedication so that every warehouse
employee is an inspector, cleaner and quality expert.
Pickers and Stockers will need additional training to
reliably rotate the stock.
Any overstock/replacement inventory should be
stocked in a back up location first, then moved into the
prime picking spot. Pulling the order directly from incoming
materials, even with a rigorous check-in process, while
highly efficient, should be avoided. The new paradigm is
to never cross dock when there is stock in house.
It is also vital that the inventory and stock locations
must match at all times. If an item is stored in a specific
location, in a known quantity, this must be 100% reliable
information. Every piece must be in easily found, salable
condition. Get in the habit of looking for misplaced
inventory now and teach this diligently to every individual
who will be passing through the warehouse regardless of
their job title. This takes “spot checking” or statistical
sampling to a much higher level and emphasizes that the
oldest piece must always go out first.
Do this now, before inflation eats up all the money
that you are working so hard to generate. Putting systems
in place to react after inflation sets in will be too little, too
late. Anticipation beats inaction every time. Inflation is
like lightening. Statistically the longer it doesn’t strike the
more likely it will hit the top of a hill.
Ok, If Prices Are Going To Rise, Why Not Lay
In More Inventory Now?
Good question, with an obvious answer that inventory
eats both capital and space. Of course if you have a
surplus of both commodities go right ahead and take a
chance. The rest of us can watch from a safe distance.
Volatile pricing is a way of life in many industries.
Copper wire and tubing are a good example of products
that are essentially raw materials with minimal “value
added.” Plumbing and Electrical Supply Houses have
attempted to play the commodity market for years; usually
with limited success.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 170

134
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
AMCO ENTERPRISES YOUR METRIC FASTENER SPECIALISTS FOR OVER 50 YEARS from page 66
¤ Metric Conversion - for many companies with
existing designs based on the English (inch) System, the
process of converting these designs to the metric (SI)
system can be a daunting task. These projects involve
more than simply multiplying a few dimensions by the
appropriate conversion factors. Materials and components
must be converted to metric equivalents that are actually
available in the market, and that requires an intimate
knowledge of the metric components industry that many
companies new to the metric system simply do not have.
Materials Management Solutions -
Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)
Vendor Managed Inventory programs have become
increasingly popular in recent years. While no two VMI
implementations are exactly the same, they generally
share the same objectives: to reduce costs and improve
the reliability of the supply chain for the manufacturer.
By eliminating or drastically reducing the client’s time
and resources spent on those activities that do not
directly add value, procurement and material handling
tasks become significantly more efficient. Targeted VMI
activities include but are not limited to:
¤ Receiving
¤ Inspection
¤ Placing large numbers of low-value
purchase orders
¤ Processing large numbers of low-value
invoices and payments
¤ Repeat handling of the same items
“Just In Time” (JIT) Delivery Programs
Before the relatively recent rise in popularity of
VMI programs, AMCO partnered with a number of their
clients to develop custom JIT programs which continue
to perform very well today. JIT programs often provide
a better fit when the circumstances involve greater
distances, multiple facilities with differing requirements,
lower volumes, irregular production schedules, or when
security restrictions preclude on-site service.
Custom Kitting and Packaging
AMCO provides a full range of custom kitting,
packaging, and labeling services. From small poly bags to
1/4-keg cartons, with optionally bar-coded labels (virtually
all symbologies) custom printed to meet the clients
specifications.
Quality
Quality is more than just a buzzword from the
Marketing Department. Quality has been a top priority
at AMCO since long before it became fashionable.
As the first commercial fastener distributor in the
Southwest to establish a comprehensive Quality Assurance
Program, AMCO has earned an enviable reputation for
consistent quality of both products and services.
Their Quality Management System is ISO 9001:2015
certified, and has been approved to MIL-Q-9858, ISO
10012-1, and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1 for calibrations.
AMCO Enterprises has been approved for dock-tostock
delivery and/or passport vendor status for each of
their major clients that support such programs.
Their entire inventory is fully lot number traceable
and is labeled accordingly. Certificates of Conformance,
RoHS Compliance Certificates, and PPAP (Production Part
Approval Process) reports are available upon request. They
can provide a custom-designed inspection regimen and/or
reporting program to meet any unique quality requirements.
Covid-19 Poses Real Challenges
AMCO Enterprises managed to minimize the impact of
the COVID-19 pandemic as much as possible. Internally,
they provide PPE for their staff and encourage commonsense
practices such as distancing, disinfecting, and
regular hand-washing. Those that can work from home
are allowed to do so at their discretion. Externally, it is
once again about flexibility. If their customers’ procedures
have changed, the people at AMCO Enterprises adapt
and adjust. They feel they have been blessed in that their
business has not suffered as much as some others. Rick
shared, “I wish I’d known how long the effects would last
and how delayed some of the effects would be. We’re
only now beginning to see any material impact on our
business. Demand seems to be as strong as ever, but
supply is becoming increasingly difficult, and we fear the
worst is yet to come.”
Technology
Their use of technology continues to evolve and
improve. Rick Neil told me, “upgrading to The Business
Edge, TM
by Computer Insights, Inc. was one of the
most significant improvements to our internal operations
that we’ve ever made. It has allowed us to reduce our
reliance on paper-based information exchange/retention
drastically.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 135

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 135
AMCO ENTERPRISES YOUR METRIC FASTENER SPECIALISTS FOR OVER 50 YEARS from page 134
As a result, more information is available to the
right people in a timely manner than ever before, both
internally and externally. We’re far more efficient in
every department, and that makes life easier for our
staff and our customers. Digital signature capture, in
particular, has been a huge hit with several of our largest
local customers. We have been very pleased with The
Business Edge, TM
and with the service/attention/training
provided by Computer Insights.
folks.”
It has been a pleasure doing business with your
Products
¤ Standard Fasteners - A complete line of
Metric and English (Inch) Fasteners
¤ Specials & Hard To Find Items - We
specialize in finding those hard to find items
¤ Military Grade Hardware - Approved Supplier
to America’s Leading Contractors & Sub-Contractors.
¤ NORD-LOCK® - The NORD-LOCK bolt securing
system uses geometry to safely lock bolted joints in the
most critical applications.
¤ So Much More - Clamps, handles, bearings,
adhesives, plastics, more…
More Information
AMCO Enterprises can be reached at 4209 Hahn
Boulevard Fort Worth, TX 76117. Contact Rick Neil,
President by telephone at 1-866-651-AMCO, email
info@amcoenterprises.com or visit them online at
www.amcoenterprises.com.
Computer Insights, Inc. can be reached at 108
3rd Street, Unit 4, Bloomingdale, IL 60108. Contact
Dennis Cowhey, President, by telephone at 1-800-539-
1233, email sales@ci-inc.com or visit them online at
www.ci-inc.com.
AMCO ENTERPRISES

136
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION
PO Box 5, Lake Zurich, IL 60047
TOLL-FREE 1-800-753-8338 TEL 847-438-8338 EMAIL mwfa@ameritech.com WEB www.mwfa.net
MWFA RECONNECTS MAY 19th FOR GOLF
by Nancy Rich
The MWFA decided to have an informal Golf Outing
on May 19th to allow members and fastener friends
a chance to get together before August. There was
definitely interest in getting together as 60 golfers came
together for the outing.
White Pines in Bensenville, IL hosted the event
utilizing both their courses to allow the golfers to finish
close together to join for refreshments and prizes. Each
team was awarded a MWFA 75th Anniversary golf ball
which they had to try and not lose during their round.
Only two teams returned with the 75th ball. The team
with the lower score winning the 75th ball prize was
Integrated Packaging & Fastener: Jill Lewis, Maria
Hernandez, Dominic Fiorito, and Erin O’Donnell. They
were awarded Amazon gift cards.
The first place teams on each course received cash
prizes. The two skilled teams were:
TEAM ONE: Oliver Baumann (South Holland Metal
Finishing), Brian Christianson, Wes Grobelny (AFT)
and Andre Lizano (Holo-Krome).
TEAM TWO: Doug Newton & John Grimsby (both
Loomis International) and Herb Gottelt & Jonathan
Bojarski (both Metal Resource Solutions).
Congrats to all our winners!
Thank You To Our Event Sponsors
Lunch Sponsors
¤ Brighton-Best International
¤ Morgan Ohare
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
Refreshment Sponsors
¤ Integrated Packaging & Fastener Inc.
¤ Urpoint LLC
¤ XL Screw Corporation
2021 Schedule of Events
August 16-23 FSTNR Week
August 16 Basic Print Reading Seminar
Belvedere Banquets, Elk Grove, IL
August 17 Table Top Show
Belvedere Banquets, Elk Grove, IL
August 17 75th Anniversary/Hall of Fame Dinner
Venuti’s, Addison, IL
August 18 Golf Outing
Chevy Chase Country Club, Wheeling, IL
August 19 MWFA Mixer
Real Sports, Elk Grove, IL
August 16-23 Fastener Training Week Class
Belvedere Banquets, Elk Grove, IL
October 7 Oktoberfest
November 4 Scholarship Awards
Belvedere Banquets, Elk Grove, IL
December 9 Holiday Party
Medinah Banquets, Addison, IL
MWFA Welcomes New Members
¤ B.L. Duke - Forest View, IL
¤ Crescent Manufacturing - Burlington, CT
¤ INCOM Distributor Supply - Fort Wayne, IN
¤ Rick Rudolph Associates - Melrose, MA
MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION

MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION
“SCREWED-UP” 2021 GOLF OPEN - MAY 19, 2021

138
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SPIROL FASTENING TECHNIQUES FOR PLASTIC HOUSINGS from page 68
Solid pins and adhesives are preferred for
permanent assemblies that are meant to be tamper
resistant because they provide excellent retention in
plastics. Adhesives provide retention by binding multiple
components together. Meanwhile, solid pins provide
retention by deforming the host material, creating
interference. Note that solid pins with retention features
(i.e. knurls, barbs) are preferred over plain dowels
because they allow for wider hole tolerances and reduce
stresses on the plastic components.
Tamper resistance helps mitigate the risk of
warranties, product damage, or environmental exposure
(i.e. moisture, particles). Additionally, serviceable
fasteners like screws create a significant safety hazard
in products like children’s toys (choking hazard). For
these reasons, solid pins and adhesives are typically the
preferred fastening options for items that do not require
servicing.
Assembly Process & Maintenance
FIGURE 2 - PLASTIC BACKFILL AFTER INSTALLATION
OF BARBED SOLID PIN
Solid Pins
Solid pins are easily installed with presses, ranging
from manual to fully automatic. During the installation
process, the press provides a linear force to advance
the pin until it reaches a predefined stop distance.
Assemblies with multiple pins can use platen-style
presses to install multiple solid pins simultaneously.
For these reasons, the assembly cycle time for solid
pins is quicker than using screws or bolts. When the
components are fixtured and oriented correctly, solid
pins also provide the lowest failure rate compared to
other fastening methods. The installation equipment
used to install solid pins has minimal maintenance
requirements.
Note that some Solid Pins, like SPIROL’s Press-N-
Lok Pin in Figure 3, are designed to be hidden in the
final assembly for aesthetics. This allows for the use of
blind holes.
FIGURE 3 - PRESS-N-LOK PIN CROSS SECTION
Adhesives
Adhesives can be applied with manual handguns or
automated dispensing equipment. Oftentimes, surface
preparation is required for the host components. The
process of applying the adhesive during assembly is
quite complicated and requires skilled operators. If
too little or too much adhesive is applied to a single
assembly, it can lead to field failures. Furthermore, many
adhesives require temperature control, pressure control,
and/or the controlled mixing of different fluids prior to
contact with the host components. After the adhesive is
applied, there is a curing process that in some cases can
extend beyond 24 hours!
The installation equipment for adhesives requires
extensive maintenance and monitoring, as adhesives are
messy and the equipment can clog if contaminants are
introduced. In addition, many adhesives have a limited
shelf life. All of this adds costs and complexity to the
assembly process and also reduces machine availability.
With so many variables involved, repeatability and control
can be challenging.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 172

DDI SYSTEM
75 Glen Road, Suite 204, Sandy Hook, CT 06482
TEL 1-877-599-4334 FAX 203-364-1400 EMAIL sales@ddisys.com WEB www.ddisystem.com
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 139
TECHNOLOGY TO EMPOWER DISTRIBUTOR SUCCESS
Having a single-source system that understands and
connects your business enables Fastener distributors to
create an exceptional customer experience that drives
sustained loyalty and consistent new business. DDI System’s
leading-edge ERP technology equips wholesale distributors
with the ability to become and remain successful with
pivotal tools to increase customer reach, quickly respond to
sales requests, and provide customers with uninterrupted,
steady service.
The undeniable increase in online shopping has created
a need for distributors to expand their product offering
capabilities to remain competitive over the past year. DDI
System’s Inform eCommerce Pro seamlessly connects
to Inform ERP Software, allowing distributors to unify the
customer shopping experience while maintaining consistent
and accurate inventory levels and pricing both online and
in-store. Inform eCommerce Pro allows distributors to offer
customers convenient services such as pick-up in-store,
order status messaging, online payments, multiple shipping
options, and a secure online credit card acceptance,
creating a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience.
In addition to providing a content-rich webstore,
having Inform ERP functionality on a smartphone or tablet
equips sales team with the information they need to take
immediate action while working remote or away from the
desk. DDI System’s InformMobile is optimized for sales
teams, giving users the freedom to service customers and
manage CRM activities from anywhere. Create invoices and
orders, see customer service details, and view performance
dashboards right from any mobile device. Having valuable
ERP details and information streamlined to smartphone
scale offers the opportunity to deliver exceptional service
and gain a competitive advantage with the tools needed for
remote and on-the-go operations.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
DDI SYSTEM

140
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SPRING BOLT AND NUT MANUFACTURING SPECIALTY FASTENERS ON DEMAND from page 60
MIKE CANTU, BARON YARBOROUGH & RICHARD SIVLEY
Spring Bolt holds the prestigious API 20E (BSL-1,
BSL-2, BSL-3) Monogram License and the prestigious API
20E and 20F Monogram Licenses.
We currently provide fasteners to several industries
including Turbine, Subsea, Wind Power, Oilfield, Mining,
Petrochemical, and Construction. Our company offers
a wealth of manufacturing experience. Our philosophy
is simple, to serve our customers and to provide the
service they expect when they expect it.
Founded in 2001, Spring Bolt and Nut Manufacturing
has been helping companies fill rush orders and been
turning prints into reality for over 20 years.
Spring Bolt is a ISO 9001:2015 and API Q1 certified
fastener manufacturer specializing in precision-crafted
bolts, nuts, studs, and machined components. The
company produces critical application, high integrity
fasteners to ASTM, ASME, API, DIN, ISO, SAE, and ANSI
or to your company specifications and drawings.
SPRING BOLT AND NUT MANUFACTURING

142
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ANTHONY Di MAIO THE FASTENING POWER OF BLIND RIVETS from page 72
A Product Design Engineer has many choices when
selecting a blind rivet that will work well in their riveted
application. There are blind rivets made of many alloys and
sizes that have many shear and tensile qualities to satisfy
any riveting application.
Always refer to (IFI) specification that list minimum
shear and tensile values when selecting a blind rivet for
your application. Also, use the (IFI) specification on blind
rivets that lists minimum and maximum dimensions of the
blind rivet. In this way, you can compare the dimensions of
the blind rivet you have received to be sure that the blind
rivet has been produced to (IFI) dimensional specifications.
IFI-114 “Break Mandrel Blind Rivets” In the 8th edition
dated 2011, lists minimum and maximum dimensions of
the blind rivet body and mandrel. This edition is very good
to use as an incoming inspection procedure for your blind
rivets to be sure the blind rivets have been produced to (IFI)
specifications. It also shows the Minimum Ultimate Shear
and Tensile Strength
IFI-114 “Break Mandrel Blind Rivets” in the 9th
edition dated 2014, does not lis minimum and maximum
dimensions, it only shows one reference dimensions with
no plus or minus tolerance. I do not recommend this 9th
edition of IFI-114 as an incoming inspection procedure.
Without dimensional tolerances, you cannot determined if
blind rivets have been manufactured to (IFI) specifications.
Painted blind rivets have grown in usages because
of the blind rivet manufacturers have greatly improved in
matching paint colors. Painted blind rivets only have the
rivet body painted. The mandrel is not painted because
when setting a blind rivet with a painted mandrel, the paint
on the mandrel will clog the teeth of the pulling jaws and
the pulling jaws will slip on the mandrel. This pulling jaws
slippage will affect the stroke of the setting tool.
The paint quality has also improved. The new and better
paint does not crack when the mandrel head expands the
rivet body. Before this new paint, the paint would flake off
the rivet body when the rivet body was expanded by the
mandrel head when the blind rivet was set. The new paint I
available in a gloss or dell finish.
ANTHONY Di MAIO
ROMAN BASI TOPICS TO CONSIDER REGARDING SECOND DRAW OF PPP FUNDING from page 74
The groups also released a Form 3508 for entities
that received PPP funds in excess of $150,000. The
second-round of PPP funding also opens the possibility
of PPP funding for entities that were not eligible for the
first-round such as certain 501(c)(6) not-for-profits.
These entities include chambers of commerce,
destination marketing organization, certain housing
cooperatives, and some local media stations. If a
borrower falls into this category, they should take notice
to specific lender restrictions regarding funding as
lender requirements for these entities tend to vary by
lender.
Next, professionals and business owners should
always be aware of possible changes that can be
made to the PPP application/forgiveness process. For
example, earlier in 2020, the IRS released guidance
stating that PPP recipients would be unable to claim tax
deductions on expenses that were paid for using PPP
loans. While the AICPA respectfully disagreed, the IRS
refused to change their position on the ruling. It was not
until the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 passed
in late December, that Congress passed legislation
opposing the position of the IRS. Applicable expenses
paid using PPP funds are also deductible on the tax
return of the business.
There is no denying that certain industries have
been hit harder than others by the COVID pandemic
and regulations. If a business is eligible under the 25%
gross revenue test, there should be no issues obtaining
a second draw of PPP funding.
If you own a small business and have any questions
regarding applying for a second round of PPP loans,
forgiveness on the loan, or any questions regarding the
treatment of PPP loans during a sale or transfer of your
company please reach out to the professionals at The
Center for Financial, Legal and Tax Planning, Inc.
ROMAN BASI

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 143

144
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
NELSON VALDERRAMA THE INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTOR’S GUIDE TO STARTING A DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION from page 78
If somehow you think the digital world is calling you
and you are educating yourself on how e-commerce, CRM
or analytics work, you’re in the right place! Maybe you
have legitimate questions such as:
¤ Will I upset anyone?
¤ Will online ordering integrate with our existing
systems?
¤ Do we have the right people?
¤ How will we measure success?
¤ How much will this cost?
¤ How will my sales people react?
Let me reiterate my #1 belief in this space: digital
transformation is not about money, time or technology;
it’s about culture, about people. Transformation requires
owners or senior management who are committed to
embracing a cultural change that takes resources, energy
and perseverance. It is no easy feat, but those companies
who refuse will quickly learn the same lessons companies
like Blockbuster and Sears learned…just a little too late!
Engaged distributors are those owners/employees
that realize the full-service distribution model is vulnerable.
The digital world is here to stay, and these savvy leaders
want to take full advantage of technology to grow their
business so it will be around for decades to come.
Digital Transformation Is A Mind Set
During a recent expo, a gentleman approached
me and asked for ideas on how he could optimize his
operation. He told me he was able to serve 20-30 orders
per day running his business in QuickBooks, and using a
shopping cart hosted by Hostgator that he had integrated
into his system. His question for me was how to take the
next step.
So why I am describing this man’s relatively basic IT
environment?
While most of the people reading this might have
an ERP and/or CRM set-up and probably have more
infrastructure than this gentleman, I would bet good money
that he has more success than most. And that’s because
the challenge today is not technology; the challenge is to
be open to listening to your customer’s behavior by using
the data you have in your ERP and CRM — which he was
eager to do!
The Brave New Digital World for Industrial
Distributors
As industrial distributors, most of us have spent
our careers focusing on specialization and arguing that
our business model is not like retail. In our business,
relationships matter, and complexity is high due to
long-term negotiations, numerous SKUs, and technical
assistance we need to provide. Also products can be
bulky, heavy, and should be stored close to the final
application. So we think we have solid entry barriers —
but that also means our industry tends to be very slow to
change.
Today, as we watch the industry shift rapidly toward
an online, data-driven world, most “Engaged” distributors
are realizing it is time to make big changes before it is
too late to take advantage of the opportunities and new
tactics the digital world can offer.
Undoubtedly, if you are in the early stages of a digital
transformation or still weighing the risks and rewards
of doing so, you are considering a change because you
are seeing competition increase, sales stall or bottom
out, and online giants taking some of your business.
We’ve been there, we’ve seen it first hand, and we did
something about it — just like you’re about to do.
Shifting your business to the digital world model is no
small feat. The process will be long, the pain points will be
many, and the hiccups will be frequent…but the rewards
will be immense.
We’ve entered a brave new digital world, and we are
being challenged to serve two masters: the present and
the future.
Don’t Repeat The Fax Machine Mistake
If you are a business leader and not employing tools
of the digital world right now, I’m sorry to say you’re
already behind the curve. For mid-sized distributors among
us, you’ll soon find yourselves in the same boat as the big
fish if you don’t embrace the opportunities of the digital
world right now.
Here at Intuilize, we help distributors across the
revenue spectrum take advantage of the opportunities
that tech offer — and the good news is, it’s far easier to
get started than you think.
NELSON VALDERRAMA

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 145
Bryce Fastener Inc. got serious about offering
their customers real security fasteners in 1996 when
one of Bryce’s customers experienced a terrible
breach. Despite using the Hex-Pin security screws Bryce
Fastener had sold them, someone stole $40,000
worth of computers from their hospital. Since then,
Bryce developed the research and manufacturing
facilities to provide their customers with innovative
patented security screws, bolts, and nuts.
Mimicking a custom lock, Bryce Fastener’s Key-
Rex® technology gives every customer their own
private fastener where only their matching bit tip
can install or remove it. In addition to manufacturing
Key-Rex®, Bryce Fastener offers other types of
exclusive security drives and styles (Penta-Plus
& STYKFIT®7) where bits are not available to the
public. If customers don’t want to be limited to
where they can buy the bits, Bryce Fastener will
also fulfill Tam 6-Lobe and Hex-Pin orders.
¤ Manufacturing Capabilities to Make
Everything In-House
¤ Lead Times 2-6 weeks
¤ Sizes 0-80 – 5/8-11 (M2- M16) & #2 – #14
¤ Nut sizes from 6/32 – 7/8-9 (M4 – M16)
¤ Distributor Discount Pricing
If your customer is looking for true asset,
property, or trade secret protection, be careful
with inferior products. They may look similar,
but in 25 years nothing comes close to the
effectiveness of Key-Rex®.
For more information contact Bryce Fastener
Inc. by Tel: 480-503-3801, Fax: 480-503-3834,
Email: info@brycefastener.com or visit them online
at www.brycefastener.com.
A South-Central Virginia Distributor is seeking a
buyer for the company. With a customer base consisting
mostly of vender managed inventory accounts, the very
profitable company owners are ready to retire and are
seeking a buyer that will continue the employment of
the current employees. The owners will continue to
work for a transitional period that would be agreed with
both the buyer and the sellers.
For more info and memorandum contact Robbie
Gilchrist at Gilchrist Associates by Tel: 336-906-9401
send an email to rgilchr485@aol.com.

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152
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
CELO FIXINGS TECHNOLOGY MECHANICAL ANCHORS THROUGH THE AGES from page 82
2020
Innovation, technology and
efficiency have been the
theme of recent years in many
aspects of life. In the mechnical
anchor world, this has lead
to an increase in popularity
of the concrete screw. The
concrete screw provides a
simpler method of installation,
by only needing to predrill a
pilot hole and then screw it in.
This reduces installation times
dramatically while still providing
CONCRETE SCREW good tension and shear values.
The concrete screw is also perfect in those “close to the
edge“ applications where the minimum edge distance
is small and the screw will not produce any excess
expansion and pressure on the base material.
The popularity of the concrete screw market is
increasing in Europe while the
market is much more mature
in the USA, where popular
brands such as “Tapcon”
brought the screw a faster
introduction to the market.
Overall the concrete
screw provides the fastest
installation method while still
maintaining good values, and
has taken up about 20% of the
mechanical anchor market.
Due to its efficiency, time and cost saving properties,
we expect the popularity of the concrete screw to
increase in the years to come, which is why CELO has
developed a large range of concrete screws for all types
of heavy duty installations that come with ETA approval
and are fire resistant.
All data provided in this article based off of CELO’s
demand for sleeve anchors, wedge anchors and concrete
screws.
CELO is a family-owned international company that
is dedicated to the design and manufacturing of highquality
screws and fixings; with manufacturing plants in
Spain, Germany, China and the United states, as well as
10 logistics centres across four continents.
CELO FIXINGS TECHNOLOGY

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 153

154
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
WTC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY SERVICES A LEGACY OF SUPPORT from page 52
For 2021, WTC continues to position itself as a
technology leader in the Fastener Market. WTC’s focus
on the Fastener Industry encompasses the bulk of its
partnerships. To further the commitment to the industry,
WTC is a proud member, sponsor, and committee leader
for Pac-West. Membership in NFDA became a given
as WTC’s footprint now reaches the East Coast. At its
core, WTC is a Managed Service Provider (MSP) that
understands ALL aspects of the Fastener Business,
providing a bundled total package approach to its
services. For all things IT, clients enjoy one call and one
contact for everything in the technology spectrum. A large
focus on security in today’s malicious culture is at the
heart of our services. Security is survival for WTC and its
clients. Desktop, Network, VOIP, Hardware, Infrastructure,
Security, and Cloud management is just a basic list of
WTC OWNERS WILL SNYDER AND TOM WHITE JR. WITH VP SALES/
MARKETING JEFF WHITE AT INTERNATIONAL FASTENER EXPO
what encompasses the WTC IT Services menu.
For more information, feel free to contact our family.
We will treat you as another valuable member.
WTC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
NATIONAL FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
3020 Old Ranch Parkway #300, Seal Beach CA 90740 TEL 562-799-5509 EMAIL nfda@nfda-fasteners.org WEB www.nfda-fasteners.org
NFDA HOSTS FREE MONTHLY VIRTUAL EVENTS by Amy Nijjar
Don’t miss NFDA’s free monthly virtual roundtable
discussions highlighting key business areas such as
human resources, operations, and sales and marketing.
The virtual platform allows everyone in your company to
access these educational programs with ease, and at no
cost.
The next virtual event “Employee Accountability and
Engagement – Moving Forward” roundtable discussion
will be held on June 9, 2021 at 2:00 PM EST.
Also, save the date for the “Taiwan and the US
– Overcoming the Pandemic in the Fastener Industry”
webinar presented with the Taiwan External Trade
Development Council (TAITRA) on July 15, 2021.
All are welcome to participate in NFDA’s monthly
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
virtual roundtables and webinars, as membership is
not required. These events are free but do require
registration.
Visit www.nfda-fastener.org for more info or to register.
Schedule of Events 2021
August 19 Sales/Marketing Roundtable
September 9 Human Resources Roundtable
October 14 Operations Roundtable
October 28 CEO Roundtable
November 11 Sales/Marketing Roundtable
December 9 Human Resources Roundtable
For registration information visit www.nfda-fastener.
org or call Amy Nijjar at 562-799-5519.
NATIONAL FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION

156
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
BRUNO MARBACHER DRIVING SYSTEMS FOR FASTENERS TO SUIT THE APPLICATION from page 100
Pozidriv
Pozidriv, commonly spelled incorrectly as “Pozidrive”,
is an improved version of the Phillips drive design. After
the patent for the Phillips drive expired, the company GKN
created the Pozidriv design.
The Pozidriv drive style was originally created to
address the cam-out issue. Pozidriv has the same selfcentering
design as the Phillips drive.
The Pozidriv system is compatible with the Supadriv
system, which was supposed to be an improvement over
Pozidriv, however never caught on.
Features and concerns: Pozidriv is similar to the
Philips drive, however, has vertical walls thus is highly
resistant to cam-out, the vertical walls angle is less than
90 º, thus tends to pull the driver into the drive.
Pozidriv has radial grooves between recess wings. The
distinctive ‘Cross’ mark is used to distinguish the drive
from the Philips. However, Pozidriv can still be confused
with Philips drive. It has the same drive size for inch and
metric screws.
Pozidriv is more commonly used in Europe, in particular
for thread forming screws. It aligns easily, though not as
easily as Philips. This drive can be reused serval times.
Other critical features do not apply or are not
prominent.
ACR Drive (Phillips II)
This ribbed version of the common Phillips drive
system was developed to eliminate cam-out problems.
It is differentiated from the common Phillips recess
by a double line head marking. The serration system
is known as the ‘ACR’ system, or ‘Anti Cam-out’. While
engaging the driver bit forms groves on specific side
walls.
Features and concerns: The ACR ribbed system can be
applied to almost any drive. The driver aligns easy with
the drive, even at an 8 % off angle. Driver can also be
used in common Philips reducing cam-out.
A CR (Phillips II) Screw Drive has mating serrations
between recess and driver to grip the screw more
securely.
ACR Phillips II Plus (Phillips II SQUARE-DRIV) and
POZISQUARE® are both combination type drives
Combination drives (combi drives) will be addressed in a
future article.
ACR drives are widely used in automotive industry in
the USA. This drive can be reused serval times.
Other critical features do not apply are not prominent.
Frearson Drive
The Frearson screw drive, also known as the Reed
and Prince screw drive, it is similar to a Phillips drive.
The Frearson pre-dates the Phillips and has a more
pointed 75° V shaped recess.
Features and concerns: Frearson drive is a perfect
cross and allowing for high torquing, without cam-out.
In principle one driver or bit fits may be applied for all
screw sizes, although different sizes are recommended.
It is often found in marine hardware and requires a
Frearson screwdriver.
It aligns easy and can be applied on an off angle. This
drive does not have a wide use anymore. Depending on
how it is being handled it can be reused.
Other critical features do not apply or are not
prominent.
This concludes the first part of driving systems, there
are many more systems to illustrate and explain.
This will take several issues; more drives are still
developed as we speak. I will try to cover them all.
After will completed the series reader are encouraged
to inform Distributors Link to point out any new drive
system.
BRUNO MARBACHER

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 157

158
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ROB LaPOINTE FASTENER SCIENCE: SHEAR TESTING – SINGLE AND DOUBLE SHEAR FOR FASTENERS from page 102
For single shear testing, the shear strength is
determined by measuring the force to shear the material
and dividing it by the cross-sectional area of the bolt.
Shear force in pounds (lbf) divided by the cross-sectional
area in square inches (in 2 ) gives shear strength in
pounds per square inch (psi). Since most specifications
require the shear test to be done on an unthreaded
portion of the fastener body, the cross-sectional area of
a round fastener is simply the area of a circle or pi times
the square of the radius, A = πr 2 .
FIGURE 6 SINGLE SHEAR FIXTURE. SHOWN WITH A CUTAWAY TO
BETTER DISPLAY THE SINGLE SHEAR PLANE.
For double shear testing, the calculation is identical
to single shear. The shear strength is determined by
measuring the force to shear the material and dividing
it by the cross-sectional area of the bolt. But because
there are two shear planes, thus “double” shear, there is
twice the cross-sectional area in the shear plane. Since
the double shear fixture shears the bolt in two parallel
planes, it requires twice the force of a single shear
fixture to shear the material. In the above formula, both
the force and the area are doubled for a double shear
test. Since both the numerator and the denominator in
the formula above are doubled, the ratio of force and
area are the same as for single shear.
There are two ways that specifications might declare
acceptance values for shear testing. One way is to
declare the shear strength acceptance value in pressure
units such as psi or MPa. For a specific material and
grade, the shear strength will be the same regardless of
the size of the fastener or the type of shear test (single
or double). If, however, the specification declares the
acceptance requirement for the shear load (value in
force units such as lbf or kN) for a material and grade
the value will be based on the size of the fastener as
well as whether it is to be a single or double shear test.
For example, using the SAE J429, Grade 8 bolt in our
previous example, the shear strength value will be the
same for single or double shear (72,000 psi). However,
the shear load for a particular size fastener in double
shear will be twice that of the same size fastener in
single shear.
The type of shear test needed for a particular
fastener is determined by the fastener, its use and the
specification which governs its production and testing
requirements. Typically, if a specification has a shear
strength requirement with no additional information,
either single or double shear tests may be performed.
The choice of which may depend on the configuration
of the fastener or the availability of test fixtures. Single
shear can be done on fasteners with small, unthreaded
portions of the body (Figure 6) where double shear
requires an unthreaded portion of the body with a
minimum length of two times the diameter (Figure 7).
FIGURE 7 DOUBLE SHEAR FIXTURE
CONTINUED ON PAGE 159

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 159
ROB LaPOINTE FASTENER SCIENCE: SHEAR TESTING – SINGLE AND DOUBLE SHEAR FOR FASTENERS from page 158
For fasteners threaded to the head or with unthreaded
portions that are too small for shear testing, the
specification may allow shear testing to be omitted from
the testing requirement or the specification may require
the manufacturer to produce unthreaded samples for
shear testing that are produced with the same material
and heat-treatment process as the normal production lot.
Many specifications declare the type of shear test,
single or double as well as a required test method such
as NASM 1312-13 for double shear or NASM 1312-20
for single shear. These method specifications declare
test fixture tolerances as well as loading rates.
Many specifications provide minimum shear values
that the fastener must meet. It is often the case that
this requirement can be satisfied by loading the fastener
to that minimum value and observing that the fastener
does not fail. If the fastener does not fail at the minimum
value, it is reasonable to assume that it can do the job
required by the specification.
If the fastener is designed to shear in the application
under a certain load, the specification will often provide
a range of force that the shear failure must occur in. In
this case, the shear test must be done to failure and the
failure must occur in the specified range of force.
Like tensile testing, shear testing measures an
important strength feature of fasteners that are to be
subjected to cross-grain loading in a shear plane. It is
the hope of the author that this article provides some
insight into the test and gives the reader an additional
resource when shear testing questions arise.
For questions or additional information, you are welcome
to contact me for more information robl@aimtestlab.
com or visit our website at www.aimtestlab.com or call
(619) 396-2046.
ROB LaPOINTE / AIM TESTING LABORATORY

160
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
LAURENCE CLAUS IS THERE VALUE IN APPLICATION ENGINEERING? from page 104
FIGURE 2
This chapter of the part’s story begins with a test
used by the OEM to validate the brake system. This
particular test simulates the vehicle driving down a steep
mountain incline with regular application of the brake. The
test was pretty extreme and, unfortunately, took its toll on
the original brake design with these bolts breaking prior
to the minimum specified number of braking applications.
The problem was determined not to be one of these bolts
but of another of the brake’s components which caused
the caliper to flex more than it should. This flexing action
resulted in a premature reverse bending fatigue failure of
these bolts.
Neither time nor the financial impact of fixing the other
component was on the side of the caliper manufacturer
or the OEM user. As such they approached my team,
imploring us to find a way to strengthen the caliper pins
enough to meet the requirements of this particular test.
Now this was no easy task but just the sort of challenge
that really excites an Application Engineer. In the end,
my team made several changes to the part design and
the manufacturing process which successfully solved the
problem. It was a big win all around, as it not only solved
the customer’s problem at a fraction of the cost of other
solutions while cementing our reputation as problem
solvers with our customer and the OEM. This reputational
standing locked us in as the sole supplier of the part
through its life, with no fear that some other entity might
swoop in and pull the part away by offering a lower price.
I have many other similar examples of problems solved
and how the outcome elevated our reputation with our
customers and cemented parts as permanent fixtures.
Therefore, problems should be viewed as opportunities to
demonstrate application engineering talent that can lead
to establishing or improving your reputation as a solution
provider. Once you gain such a reputation it will naturally
lead to many new, often exciting business opportunities.
Product Teardown
Product teardowns are excellent and proactive ways
that you can display that you are more than just a parts
supplier to your customer. Imagine your customer’s
surprise and delight when you hand them a report
showing how each fastener is used in their product
with recommendations and observations of potential
improvements to quality, assembly, or cost.
Over the last thirty years that I have been in the
industry I can count on one hand the number of times that
a customer has approached me to do a teardown study
for them. I find this interesting because if the activity is
done thoroughly and innovatively, the results are far more
valuable than the sacrifice of one unit of the product.
Unfortunately, even fewer fastener suppliers proactively
take on this activity. I understand that tearing down a
car might not be justifiable, but there are many other
smaller products that cost less than $500 which could be
good teardown possibilities. In fact, Figure 3 illustrates a
teardown study that I conducted on a chain saw several
years ago. The saw cost a couple of hundred dollars but
the information gleaned from the study was invaluable.
In addition to a great marketing tool with customers,
teardowns can be an excellent source of commercial
information. For example, let’s say that you have a part or
two that you are very proud to be the supplier of, and, you
know that it goes into a particular product. Now imagine
doing a tear down on several competing products and
finding that they use a nearly identical part.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 178

162
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SOUTHWESTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION
292 Sugarberry Circle, Houston, TX 77024 TEL 713-952-5472 FAX 713-952-7488 EMAIL swfa@swbell.net WEB www.southwestfastener.org
SFA AT TOP GOLF: WE CAME OUT OF 2020 SWINGING by Cari Bailey
The stars at night were big and bright in Houston
on April 22, 2021. The members of The Southwestern
Fastener Association were able to gather safely at The Top
Golf in Spring, TX. The Top Golf had strict guidelines to
keep us all safe. All members were able to attend safely
by following mask restrictions, social distancing guidelines
outside, and the superior safety and cleaning precautions
The Top Golf enacted for our group. It is always a
wonderful, special time when we get together, but our night
out in Houston felt like we are all finally coming out of the
dark and into the light as the stars above smiled on all
of us. As you can see by the smiles on our faces in the
pictures, we were so grateful to have the opportunity to
network with not just business associates, but friends.
The Top Golf Bays were sponsored by Advance
Components, BTM Manufacturing, Goebel Fasteners Inc.,
Houston Fastener Manufacturing, Nucor Fastener Division,
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
Stelfast Inc, and Wyandotte Industries. A Texas sized thank
you goes out to our very generous sponsors and to each
attendee that came out to the Houston Top Golf to help
us celebrate. Thanks to our Happy Hour sponsors, SFA
members were able to golf, sample delicious food in our
bays, and the famous SFA drink tickets were in full force.
A huge thank you to our fabulous Happy Hour sponsors:
Kanebridge, Fast Master Inc., and Solution Industries.
There were plenty of networking opportunities and
great food and drinks abounded in The SFA Bays! One
thing was very evident, the SFA has some incredibly
talented golfers. This event was incredibly successful and
well attended. The SFA was so excited sponsor this muchneeded
celebration as we move toward our country opening
back up. This special event reminded us all how much we
love The Southwestern Fastener Association and most
importantly the people in this fantastic organization.
SOUTHWESTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION
SOUTHWESTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION
TOP GOLF, SPRING, TX - APRIL 22, 2021

164
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SMITH ASSOCIATES A 50 YEAR LEGACY from page 108
CHRIS & MIKE AT MFDA - NYC
As business changed and the “Just In Time” (JIT)
type of business was becoming the future of fasteners,
growing imports that were beginning to compete in the
fastener market took Mike’s agency in the direction
of selling to distribution. This has been the focus ever
since. He also saw that being too weighted in any one
sector of business would make his company susceptible
to the swings of markets. To protect his business, he
has always sold to three different markets: structural,
military, and commercial.
Over the years as Mike has shown loyalty to his
customers, they’ve respected his honor and have even
asked him to help educate their customers when needed.
Mike was also an integral part of the MFDA. He served on
the board, became program director in the 1990’s, and
ran the MFDA Tabletop show for years. In 2003, Mike
was bestowed the honor of the first ever manufacturer’s
rep to hold the position of president of the MFDA.
Mike worked hard to bring interesting speakers to
the MFDA to help educate the members and inspire
where the business was going. One of his most
memorable speakers at an MFDA event was Ken Iverson,
the president and founder of Nucor, a true legend in the
steel business.
As the decades passed, Mike represented many of
the best and the biggest manufacturers in the fastener
world, and is still respected by them. He has prided
himself in the fact that he has represented many of his
principals for decades and does not just collect lines.
Mike totally believes that the best way to bring a product
to market is by hiring manufacturing representatives.
As his business grew Mike slowly added salespeople
to help him, including Chris, his wife. They have been
working together now for over 33 years, which can be
tricky, but it works for them.
Dan Bielefeld joined Mike 18 years ago and has
been an asset and a knowledgeable team member.
Dan is incredibly involved in his family, community, and
church. For many years Dan has been a Boy Scout
leader and is currently working with the Red Cross.
Both Mike and Dan are Eagle Scouts and agree it has
been a wonderful experience in their lives and has made
them better in everything they do and how they live. Dan
has three adult children and lives in Connecticut with his
wife, Caroline.
The addition of Corey Magyar, the youngest of
Mike’s team, has led Smith Associates to new levels of
marketing. Corey brings his exceptional digital experience
and an enthusiasm to the marketing of fasteners.
CHRIS & MIKE AT MFDA TABLETOP SHOW
CONTINUED ON PAGE 180

MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions
announces the acquisition of the assets of Formetrix,
LLC. The acquisition includes the substantial marketleading
metal powder intellectual property portfolio
that will broaden the capabilities of MacLean-Fogg
to service new and existing OEM, Tier 1 and 2
customers, as well as tool and die makers in
automotive, EV, industrial, agriculture, heavy truck
and construction markets.
The new business entity will be known as
MacLean Formetrix, based in Detroit, MI. The unit
will be led by General Manager Greg Rizzo. Harald
Lemke, formerly of Formetix, has joined MacLean
Formetrix as Director of Product Management.
The combination of Formetrix’s patented, highperformance
steel alloys designed to provide users
with an unparalleled combination of hardness,
ductility, toughness, and 3D-printability combined
with MacLean-Fogg’s strength and scope in
manufacturing will allow MacLean Formetrix to build
on the initial market successes of the acquired
materials and rapidly scale to support a variety of
tooling applications in metal forming, die casting,
injection molding and beyond.
MacLean-Fogg President & CEO, Duncan
MacLean, said “As a previous customer of
Formetrix, we were able to implement technical
cost break-throughs with their material and process
innovations that others in the additive manufacturing
business claimed were impossible. We couldn’t be
more excited to continue to make their innovations
available for our internal users, as well as serve
other innovative manufacturers and tool makers.”
These materials, combined with advanced 3D
printing processes, allow for tool-and-die makers
and manufacturers to realize cost, time, and weight
savings, as well as tool-to-tool repeatability by
replacing traditionally fabricated hard tools with
durable printed steel tools and inserts.
“The initial response has been tremendous.
We have been surprised to see in these initial
weeks how many past customers for the Formetrix
tool steel powder have immediately reached out
with requests for material and new application
inquiries.” said Greg Rizzo.
For more information contact MacLean-Fogg by
Tel: 847-566-0010, email: info@macleanfoggcs.com
or online at www.macleanfoggcs.com.
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166
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
GUY AVELLON WHAT FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED TO KNOW: THE LONG AND SHORT OF BOLT FAILURES from page 110
threads, the second has two inches of threads and the
third has four inches of unengaged threads. Then, using
a load indicating torque wrench, tighten each to failure.
In Figure 6, it is easy to see that the fastener with
the shorter thread length in the grip of the joint develops
its full tension more quickly while the longer fasteners
can be stretched further than the ones with the shorter
number of unengaged threads. However, these longer
fasteners need to be stretched further in order to
develop their full clamp load potential. The longer the
fastener, the more absorption to torsional twist there is.
FIGURE 4
The more threads there are within the joint (grip), the
better the threads will be able to absorb these loads with
less stress. (Fig. 5). Therefore, a fastener with very few
unengaged threads is subject to failure if the assembly
speed of the power wrench is too fast or the torque is at
the upper limit.
For example, the closer the nut comes to the thread
run-out, the higher the torsional stresses are on the
threads. For one, we certainly do not want the fastener
so short that the nut is actually tightening against the
fastener’s shank and not creating any tension of the
fastener.
Suppose we place three identical fasteners into
joints where one fastener has only one inch of unengaged
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 6
This may also be illustrated by applying Hooke’s Law.
Simplifying the computations, if we stretch a fastener in
tension by 0.001” we will generate a clamp load of
approximately 30,000 psi for each inch of unengaged
threads within the grip area. Therefore, a fastener with
a grip length of 2” will need to be stretched 0.002” to
achieve the same 30,000 psi clamp load.
Simply put; the more unengaged threads there
are within the joint, the greater the resilience in the
connection. Figure 6 shows that the fastener with 4”
of unengaged threads is almost twice as ‘ductile’ as
the fastener with 1” of threads. Greater rotation of
the nut also is needed to tighten the longer fasteners.
This can be realized when using the Turn of the Nut
method.
The stiffness decreases with more threads in the
joint, and its ability to resist metal fatigue increases.
Threads act as shock absorbers.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 182

168
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
FASTENER FAIR USA FOR ALL THE INDUSTRY, IN THE HEART OF MANUFACTURING from page 112
¤ Volt Indstrial Plastics Inc.
¤ Wan Iuan Enterprise Co. Ltd.
¤ Win Fasteners Manufactory
(Thailand) Co., Ltd.
¤ Wurth Industry North America
¤ Wyandotte Ind
¤ Yiciscrew Co Ltd
¤ Yow Chern Co Ltd
¤ Zhejiang Saite Machinery Co., Ltd
¤ Zhejiang Sanlin Metals Products Co.
¤ Zonbix Enterprise Co. LTD.
Current Exhibitor List Continued...
¤ Reinhardt GmbH
¤ Rie Coatings
¤ Screws Industries
¤ Set Screw & Mfg. Co.
¤ Setko Fasteners & Distribution LLC
¤ Shanghai Recky International Trading Co., Ltd
¤ Shin Guan Yin Enterprise Co., Ltd.
¤ Shiv Om Brass Industry
¤ SKAKO Vibration
¤ SKS Fasteners Ltd.
¤ Solution Industries LLC
¤ SOM Fasteners
¤ Sond Nuts and Bolts
¤ Spring Bolt and Nut Manufacturing
¤ Stelfast / Lindstrom / Mega
¤ Super Nut Industrial Co. Ltd.
¤ Superior Washer
¤ SWD Inc.
¤ Tanco Consulting and Trading Joint Stock Company
¤ The Auto Bolt Company
¤ The DECC Company
¤ TR Fastenings
¤ Tramec - Hill Fastener Products
¤ Tzong Ji Metals Co Ltd
¤ USA Heat Treating Inc.
¤ Vertex Precision Industrial Corp
¤ Vogelsang Fastener Solutions
About Fastener Fair USA
Fastener Fair USA is the only
exhibition in the U.S. dedicated to
the full supply chain – manufacturers, distributors,
mechanical and design engineers, purchasers,
wholesalers, and OEMs. From automotive to aerospace,
construction, MRO to HVAC, furniture to appliances,
fastener professionals from every segment of the market
find the latest products they need at Fastener Fair USA.
Close to 2,200 fastener professionals participated in
Fastener Fair USA 2019 in Detroit, surpassing the 2018
inaugural show in Cleveland. More than 270 exhibitors
from 15 countries connected with customers in the
aerospace, automotive, civil engineering, construction,
energy, machinery, and other industries.
Visit www.FastenerFairUSA.com for the most up-todate
information on Fastener Fair USA or to learn more
about exhibiting, contact Ray Filbert, Sales Manager, at
rfilbert@reedexpo.com.
FASTENER FAIR USA

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170
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ROBERT FOOTLIK TAKING ANOTHER LOOK AT INVENTORY from page 130
This is often due to the difference between rumors
and reality. For example, a mining union labor action in
Peru can drive up the prices over night and if someone
purchases a large quantity ahead of the strike they can
beat the spike in pricing for this commodity. That sounds
really good unless the strike is settled immediately. Then
overnight the price collapses from this good news; plus
the oversupply generated by copper producers, pipe and
wire manufacturers and various middle men who run out
of space and money dumping a massive quantity on the
market. Net result: large on hand stocks of relatively
high priced materials in a declining market. Just look at
oil pricing for another example.
Even worse is purchasing on the basis of rumor
instead of fact. This happened to the Office Products
Industry some years ago when it was rumored that there
would be a “file folder shortage.” Every dealer overbought
to beat the shortage and then sat on this inventory for
over a year when it turned out that the rumor had actually
created the shortage. Similarly a guest on a late night TV
program joked that the next shortage would be toilet paper
and 24 hours later most stores had sold out of toilet
paper. And we all remember the first days of Pandemic
paper products hoarding.
The lessons from these benchmarks are clear. Over
reaction can create the worst conditions and laying in too
much inventory can be financial and operational suicide.
This does not mean that you should ignore an opportunity:
but always consider the down side as well as the
optimistic ideal. Even is you have the money to speculate,
is this going to negatively impact the operation? Consider
obsolescence, product deterioration and space/flow
problems along with the economics. Fasteners aren’t a
relatively volatile industry, but testing and new metallurgy
still can obsolete inventory overnight.
The Magic of Very Slow Turn Inventory.
Most texts strongly suggest trimming out slow moving
inventory. On a rating scale of “A” items as superfast
movers and “E” SKU’s (Stock Keeping Units or individual
inventory items) as dead inventory conventional inventory
analysis pushes an inventory level of 0.00 for the E’s and
miniscule for the D’s. But is this actually true? Specialty
and slow turn SKU’s may have a place in your market.
One reason why Amazon is growing so fast is that it
is one stop shopping. Customers can place an order for
shoes, food and parts on the same web site. Alibaba
promotes the same marketing and for good reason.
Training the customer to go to one source means more
business. For Fastener Distributors the equivalent
strategy is being able to meet all your customer’s need,
including the obsolete, exotic and hard to find materials.
In most cases the “E” items were written off years
ago, making the value effectively zero. And if these don’t
infringe on valuable warehouse space the incremental
cost of storing the materials is zero. The only real
expense is any extra time walking past this inventory
and that depends on the layout. On the other side of
the balance sheet, what is the present worth of never
disappointing a customer?
Another factor is customer obsolescence. If the
specifier drops a product completely due to code/
regulatory changes, their own product obsolesce,
retirement or some other considerations your sales staff
should know this and communicate their knowledge to
you. The next question should be whether there will be a
repair market. A product that is no longer available with
a large base of installations can be a huge profit booster.
In this case a commodity item now becomes an exotic
and pricing should take this into consideration. Higher
margins are acceptable for inventory that is difficult or
impossible to find elsewhere.
Finally, there might be an opportunity to create a
niche market for strictly the obsolete, exotic or hard
to find commodities. In any distribution chain there is
often room for those who specialize in limited availability
commodities.
The Bottom Line Is?
Don’t be in a hurry to increase inventory depth. There
are always consequences to having too much of a good
thing. Consider expanding the inventory first by adding
new product lines both to create a wider market and to
take advantage of the demise of niche competitors. Fill
the vacuum and become the first call a customer makes
and put in place the mechanisms to detect changes in the
entire world that will impact your bottom line now and in
the future.
Most importantly maintain your operations in perfect
condition physically, operationally and with Warehouse
Management Systems that can be trusted. The old saying
that: “You can’t sell off an empty cart.” still rings true; but
far worse is having a cart where you can’t find anything or
price the goods below replacement cost.
ROBERT FOOTLIK

172
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SPIROL FASTENING TECHNIQUES FOR PLASTIC HOUSINGS from page 138
components: the bolt, a compression limiter, and a nut
or threaded insert. This adds complexity and cost to the
bill of materials as well as the assembly process. Bolts
should be avoided unless the desired clamp load cannot
be achieved with alternate fastening methods.
FIGURE 4 - MISALIGNED SCREW
Screws
Screws tap into the host component and can be
installed with handheld torque screwdrivers or fixtured
automatic screwdrivers. Both types of screwdrivers rotate
the screw to a specified torque value. It’s important to
recognize that this is considerably more complicated than
the installation process for solid pins. Manufacturers
can experience issues orienting the screws to the driver
bit and holding the screws in place. If the screws are
not perfectly aligned, they can strip the host plastic and
cause scrapped assemblies. Another common issue
when installing screws directly into plastic is that they can
become loose over time due to plastic creep or stress
relaxation. While screws are inexpensive, readily available,
and familiar for operators, they present manufacturing
challenges during assembly.
Snap-fit Joints
Snap-fit joints are typically assembled manually by
pressing components together. The assembly process
for snap-fit joints can vary significantly depending on
the design of the interlocking components. Some snapfit
joints are designed to be serviceable while others
are designed to be permanent. By using snap-fit joints,
manufacturers are minimizing the total number of parts
used per assembly. Ultimately, this reduces costs,
inventory, and handling. However, snap-fit joints provide
lower retention than other fastening methods, as snapfit
joints rely on the strength of the plastic components
themselves. Snap-fit joints are preferred for assemblies
that are exposed to minimal loads. However, snap-fit
joints are prone to failure and can create environmental
hazards like choking hazards.
Features, Advantages & Benefits
FIGURE 5 - IDEAL BOLTED JOINT
Bolts
Bolts function similarly to screws, only they thread
into a nut or metal threaded insert instead of the plastic
host. Bolts provide the greatest retention among the
options in this article and allow for unlimited assembly and
disassembly (without damaging the plastic) when used
in conjunction with a nut or threaded insert. A properly
bolted joint in a plastic component will use three separate
Conclusion
Designers must consider performance, simplicity,
fastener costs, and the cost of assembly when designing
plastic housings. It is recommended that the design
engineers work with the manufacturing engineers early
in the design stage so that the total assembly process
is considered. Far too often, new product designs
are finalized without considering assembly cycle time,
scrap rate, maintenance costs, and consumer behavior
throughout the product’s useful lifetime.
SPIROL INTERNATIONAL CORP.

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174
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SOUTHEASTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION
PO Box 448, Elba, AL 36323
TEL 847-370-9022 FAX 847-516-6728 EMAIL sefa@thesefa.com WEB www.thesefa.com
IT WAS TIME! SEFA HOLDS FIRST IN PERSON INDUSTRY
EVENT IN OVER A YEAR! SUNNY SANDESTIN DELIVERS
GOOD TIMES FOR SEFA by Nancy Rich
Someone had to break out of lockdown and start
in person meetings again. SEFA took the plunge and
recently held its Spring Conference at the Sandestin Golf
and Beach Resort. Set up may have looked different,
but it was apparent by the enthusiasm of the attendees
that they were ready to see their industry peers again!
COVID locked down events for over a year but thankfully
due to better control of the virus and the vaccines,
group meetings have been allowed again. Registration
may have looked a little different with a thermometer on
hand, facemasks and personal bottles of hand sanitizer
available. The venue as well as attendees was very
conscious of everyone’s comfort level.
This event created great networking opportunities.
The event began with an opening reception where
members could have a relaxing casual atmosphere
to catch up with each other while enjoying dinner and
cocktails. The reception fun then moved on to the
arcade where attendees got to be kids again and forget
their worries and play games. They really enjoyed
reverting for a little while!! Terry Windham-Difco and
Carrie Whitworth-Edsco Fasteners were the arcade
champs scoring the most points for the night.
The next day was a perfect golf day allowing golfers
a great afternoon on the scenic Baytowne Golf Course
(one of four courses at Sandestin). Evening brought the
awards dinner where there was recognition of outgoing
officers in 2020 (Rodney Holms-outgoing Chairman and
Matt Dyess-outgoing president) and outgoing officers in
2021 (Tom Sulek-outgoing president and Matt Dyess
outgoing chairman) for their outstanding contributions.
SEFA Boards as well as Boards across the industry have
had a challenging past year but we commend all of them
for taking it in stride and adapting to conditions.
Mr. Sulek, president, also took this opportunity to
thank Robbie and Gina Gilchrist for their generosity in
supporting students in the fastener industry through
their scholarship fund. The Gilchrist’s established
the fund 21 years ago awarding over $80,000 to 70
applicants. The industry appreciates Robbie and Gina
for their kindness in their support to our industry.
Robbie addressed the group, especially the young
people, attending extending his appreciation that they
are getting involved in the association as associations
are great for industry. Those new to the industry have an
opportunity to learn from others and enjoy the benefits
especially networking through the association.
Golf Winners Were Announced
1st Place - Edsco Team
¤ Jamie Whitworth
¤ Jamison Baker
¤ Tanner Skinner
¤ Trey Gary
2nd Place
¤ Rex Crawford (Vertex Distribution)
¤ Mike Robinson (Vertex Distribution)
¤ Dewey Oxner (G. L. Huyett)
¤ Andy Roach (G.L. Huyett)
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 186

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176
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
DISTRIBUTION ONE NEW ERP-ONE SOFTWARE FOR FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS IN THE POST-PANDEMIC NORMAL from page 86
Simplifying at-a-glance user engagement, ERP-ONE
includes a built-in toolbar featuring actionable resources
like Favorites, Tasks, Indicators, Status, Messages,
Calendar, and more. ERP-ONE’s Role Management
allows rules to be defined by user types (like Billing,
Inventory, Purchasing, etc.) which then deploys default
Tasks or actions needed to
be handled immediately by
that user.
Integrated Distributor
E-Commerce
The pandemic has
permanently
changed
buying preferences. The
Gartner Future of Sales
2025 report predicts “by 2025, 80% of B2B sales
interactions between suppliers and buyers will occur in
digital channels.” With ERP-ONE, fastener distributors
already have the means to quickly open their own
mobile-responsive ecommONE E-Commerce webstore to
build and support a growing digital customer base.
ecommONE is fully integrated with ERP-ONE
to provide live item availability, retail and contract
pricing, quantity price breaks, related products, and
product images and details pulled directly from the
ERP database. The self-service customer payment
portal provides options to view and pay open invoices
along with access to purchase history, pending orders
and quotes, backorders, and more. The vendor portal
enables third-party suppliers secure web-based access
to functionality including ordering, RFQs, purchase order
lists, and submit bids.
Tax Compliance Service
Distribution One now offers integrated Avalara
tax services. The Avalara tax service integration frees
financial personnel from the stressful manual task of
maintaining state and local sales tax records.
In addition to the calculation of sales tax rates, the
supplemental Avalara tax service can also prepare sales
tax returns and remittance of tax payments, manage
sales tax exception certificates, and track sales to know
where the distributor is required to collect and file sales
taxes.
Complete Distribution
Solution
Comprehensive ERP-
ONE fastener software is
easily navigable with userfriendly
screens and rapid
drilldowns into related
customer, sales, and
product data. ERP-ONE’s interconnected applications
cover Order Entry, Financial Management, CRM,
Inventory & Warehousing Management, Purchasing,
Kitting, Reporting, Dashboards, Wireless Warehousing,
VMI, Document Management, and more. ERP-
ONE supplemental functionality includes integrated
ecommONE E-Commerce, Amazon connectivity, Credit
Card Processing, Tax Compliance services, API & EDI
services, Shipping solutions, and Mobile Apps for remote
engagement.
“ERP-ONE customers were better positioned to
weather recent disruptions because of the innovations
that were already available within the software,” explains
Larry. “Now, as we finally emerge from the uncertainty
of the pandemic, we’re excited by the cost-savings and
growth potential that our new ERP-ONE software will help
generate for our expanding family of customers. Our
focus on the long-term success of our customers is what
continues to drive us, now and into the future.”
For more information or to request a demonstration of
the new ERP-ONE fastener software, contact us at info@
distone.com or visit distone.com.
DISTRIBUTION ONE

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178
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
LAURENCE CLAUS IS THERE VALUE IN APPLICATION ENGINEERING? from page 160
FIGURE 3 - EXCERPT FROM CHAIN SAW TEARDOWN
You now have some intelligence about a potential
new customer opportunity as well as a great story to
pique their interest when you make an appointment to
visit them. Imagine how much more interesting your
story might be to a new, potential customer when you
can explain that you have studied their product and
already support other customers with similar products.
Teardowns, therefore, can be an effective method to
further develop new parts or solidify one’s reputation with
existing customers. They also can be an excellent tool to
utilize the experience you have with one customer or type
of part with a new, similar customer. I have a colleague
that has appropriately named this a “cut and paste”
strategy. Teardowns, especially those proactively driven
by you require time and some financial investment, but
when conducted by experienced application engineers
will usually provide a nice return on investment.
Considering the three examples above, engaging
in Applications Engineering activity can provide your
organization the following:
¤ Build your reputation as a solution provider and
not just a “me too” fastener supplier. Consider for a
moment your personal consumer preferences. Most
likely there are a couple of stores or service providers
that immediately come to mind. Regardless of cost, you
always take your business to these individuals or entities
because they have a proven track record with you as
effective problem solvers.
¤ Provide proactive and creative ways of identifying
new business opportunities. Both the Plant Walkthrough
and Product Teardowns are creative ways to expose
customer problems and challenges that they likely
are not even aware of. By proactively providing your
expertise, you open up new business opportunities and
continue to cement your reputation as the distributor to
go to for problem solutions.
¤ Developing application engineers amongst your
staff raises the knowledge level of your organization.
This can come in handy not only for new business
opportunities but supporting existing customers with
quality and continuous improvement activities.
¤ Applications Engineers can be key individuals on
teams associated with continuous improvement and
quality spills. Their knowledge of the customer’s needs,
products, and methods often allow faster resolution to
such team activities.
Every Distributor should have Application Engineering
talent. Although “Engineer” is in the title, and it usually
involves some highly technical knowledge, this is one
of those roles that does not necessarily require an
engineering degree. There are many individuals that have
gained a great deal of knowledge and experience working
with customers and absorbing everything they can along
the way that can serve as “Application Engineers” or
“Application Specialists”. Therefore, it is important not
to read this article and miss the main point, that having
individuals on your team who combine product and
customer knowledge to provide “Application Engineering”
services is an invaluable commodity to your success and
reputation.
LAURENCE CLAUS

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 179
Optimas Solutions a global industrial
manufacturer/distributor and service provider,
announced the opening of a regional distribution
center in Knoxville, TN to better serve current
customers, deliver more supply chain security
in the surrounding area and to tap underserved
markets. The opening of the facility is part
of a larger Optimas strategy to create a U.S.
distribution footprint that more efficiently brings
supply closer to customer demand to ensure
timely delivery of parts, plus better inventory
management.
The facility, located at 132 Sherlake Lane
in Knoxville, offers over 25,000 square feet
of warehousing and distribution space in a
strategic area along the I-40 and I-75 corridors in
Tennessee and near the McGhee Tyson Airport.
The location is ideal for growing business in
Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina
as well as servicing existing customers in the
area.
“We chose this location for our new
distribution center in Knoxville for a number of
important reasons,” said Daniel Harms, chief
operating officer for Optimas. “Overall, Knoxville
provides good distribution infrastructure and is
a strategic location to reach the markets in
which we want to expand, including Eastern
Tennessee and Western North Carolina and
even Northern Georgia. The area offers a solid
available workforce, a variety of transportation
options, including rail, trucking, and air, and
has a very appealing location to serve our
strategic target markets.”
According to Harms, the expansion to Knoxville
is part of a larger U.S. distribution expansion
strategy that rolls up to Optimas’ overall
strategic business plan called Manufacturing
Solutions—introduced last August. It is
designed to better serve customers, grow the
overall business, and better manage the supply
chain.
“Our distribution expansion plan for the
U.S. is very important to our overall business
strategy,” said Harms. “We’ve improved our
supply chain and inventory management
solutions as a result of key learnings over the
past year. And we will continue to improve our
capabilities in this area as we learn even more
each and every day in what is still a very unique
environment.”
Optimas is the leading global industrial
manufacturer/distributor and service provider
specializing in fastening and supply chain solutions
for manufacturers seeking to improve efficiency and
profitability. It’s our business solutions and ability
to understand our customer’s goals that have set
us apart for over a century. We take care of the
details so customers can focus on manufacturing
cutting-edge products—giving them an unparalleled
competitive edge. While our fasteners and
components bond your products together, it’s our
relationships that bond everything else.
For more information contact Optimas Solutions at
1441 North Wood Dale Rd, Wood Dale, IL 60191. Tel:
630-595-0000, visit them online at www.optimas.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/
optimas-solutions/ and Twitter @Optimas_S.

180
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SMITH ASSOCIATES A 50 YEAR LEGACY from page 164
When all the fastener shows
were canceled in 2020, Smith
Associates jumped into gear,
reacted and created the first
“Virtual Tabletop Show” in our
industry to highlight and introduce
our principals to our customers.
Since we could not see them in
person and make sales calls, we
MIKE WITH DON HAGGERTY
brought the sales call to them.
This event took weeks of
Beginning with
the rework of the
planning and coordination but in late January 2021 a
phenomenally successful event was held. The response
company website was amazing and has brought incredible feedback to both
MIKE WITH A BROKEN LEG
(SmithReps.com)
and the addition of
a LinkedIn profile,
the principals and customers.
Changing with the times and keeping the core
principles he has grown up with has always been Mike’s
Corey has brought a younger and more complete marketing
package to Smith Associates. Recently he has added
some educational videos to our website highlighting our
principals and their capabilities as well as instructional
and educational videos, such as “How To Make a Screw”.
Corey is busy with his family and his wife Kailyn and
their sons Caedyn and Benjamin. They live in Flanders, NJ
and are hoping to buy a house soon.
This last year has been tough for all businesses but
rather than sit back and wait for the economy to rebound
the Smith Associates group has looked to other avenues
to keep in front of our customers with information and
help.
mantra and has kept Smith Associates as a cutting-edge
rep agency for 50 years.
The fastener business and selling are Mike’s passions
in life. He has always said that selling is a “24-hour, 7 day
a week” career. Today, not many people stay in one job
for exceptionally long. Mike feels that he has one foot
in the generation of his parents and one in the future.
He believes in the old fashion values of his parents and
new marketing tools of today to bring his principals and
customers the future help they need to be successful.
Mike has said many times “I love what I do! It is
different every day, and I love to fix things and help people
get what they need.”
DAN, MIKE AND COREY IN VEGAS
MIKE WITH MARK SHANNON, LAVERNE PENROD
AND GEORGE LATSIS
SMITH ASSOCIATES, INC.

182
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
GUY AVELLON WHAT FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS NEED TO KNOW: THE LONG AND SHORT OF BOLT FAILURES from page 166
The greater the number of unengaged threads, the
more the external shock or cyclic load is evenly divided
among all of the unengaged threads, which reduces the
stress on the individual threads.
For example, suppose the clamp load of the joint
was at 10,000 pounds and the fastener we used
was too long for the joint, leaving us with only two
unengaged threads within the joint. A sudden impact
causes the joint load to increase to 10,500 pounds.
The fastener must absorb the excess 500 pounds
between the bearing surface of the nut and bolt head:
the threads. This now means each of the two threads
must support an instantaneous shock of 250 pounds
each. This will eventually lead to the formation of stress
raisers and metal fatigue in the thread roots.
If a shorter fastener was selected that fit the joint
which provided 10 unengaged threads, each thread
now only needs to absorb 50 pounds of excess shock
load rather than 250 pounds. This fastener may last a
lot longer in service life and may never develop metal
fatigue, as the stress levels are significantly lower.
So yes, it does make a difference how many
threads stick out beyond the nut. Too many will not
leave many threads within the joint to absorb assembly
torque; too few may mean there is not full thread
engagement in the nut to support the bolt’s load and
the nut’s threads might strip. There should be at least
two threads beyond the end of the nut to assure full
thread engagement.
When performing a visual inspection of joints with
multiple fasteners, take note if some threads are
protruding from one nut more than the others and you
know that all the bolts were the same length. find out
where those extra threads came from. The threads
should all be extending beyond the end of the nut
the same amount. Most likely, the fastener has been
stretched into yield.
Replace them.
GUY AVELLON
NEW ENGLAND FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
PO Box 151, Lake Zurich, IL 60047 TEL 847-370-9022 TEL 847-516-6728 TEL nancy@nefda.com TEL www.nefda.com
2021-2022 NEFDA BOARD by Nancy Rich
2021 Board Of Directors
President
Katie Donahue, Arnold Supply Inc.
Vice President
Morgan Rudolph, Rick Rudolph Associates
Chairman
Mike Lentini, Spirol International
Treasurer
Lisa Breton, D.B. Roberts
Directors
Jason Bourque, Bolt Depot
Matt Callahan, Callahan Inc.
Dave Couture, D.B. Roberts
Kristi Kauvula, Crescent Manufacturing.
Laura Driver, D.B. Roberts
Frank Hand, Fall River Manufacturing
Corey Magyar, Smith Associates, Inc.
Andrew Potter, Vertex Distribution
Rob White, SB&W
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
Secretary/Executive Director
Nancy Rich
The NEFDA is pleased to announce this year’s
scholarship winners:
NEFDA Awards $15,000 in Scholarships
$3,500 Barry Carpe Memorial Scholarship
Cailean Nolan, Metric & Multistandard
$3,000 NEFDA Scholarship
Madeleine Mirante, Spirol International
$2,500 NEFDA Scholarship
Ella Monti, Fall River Manufacturing
$1,500 NEFDA Scholarships
Peter Fox, Buckeye Fasteners
Rob McKee, EFC International
Sarah Morrison, Buckeye Fasteners
Escay Pena, Crescent Manufacturing
We thank all our members who support this program
through their donations.
NEW ENGLAND FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION

184
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
MWFA PRESENTING FSTNR WEEK from page 54
This dedication has created many years of history
and many great contributors to the CBNSA, now known
as the Mid-West Fastener Association.
This year, we are celebrating our 75th anniversary.
We will be inducting our CBNSA presidents into the
CBNSA Hall of Fame (founded many years ago). We hope
to have many past Board Members attend as well as
members who have been part of the CBNSA and MWFA.
Please reach out to your fastener friends, as
well as those who you may know who have left the
industry and enjoyed years of CBNSA/MWFA. We’ll have
past presidents to speak of the CBNSA years sharing
interesting and fun stories.
We are pleased to announce our Keynote Speaker
will be Matt McMillan. The culinary fire of Matt McMillin
has been burning since he was 4 years old. Today,
McMillin, 50, has fostered that fire into a career as a
chef, educator, cookbook author, and most recently
Vice President of Culinary & Beverage Innovation for
Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants. Chef McMillin
is a graduate of Kendall College, where he received the
Escoffier Award for Culinary and Academic Excellence.
He continues his work at Kendall as a frequent teacher,
guest speaker, and Culinary Advisory Board Member.
It will be an awesome evening of special memories
while creating new memories. Come enjoy this special
social event whether you’ve been part of the CBNSA,
MWFA or both.
August 18th
68th MWFA Golf Outing - Noon Shotgun Start
Chevy Chase Country Club, Wheeling, IL
Our industry has been known to enjoy a good
Golf Outing and MWFA has a reputation for holding a
great outing. Over the years, the MWFA has attracted
from 144-160 golfers at their outing allowing plenty of
networking, fun, and great prizes. Chevy Chase Golf
Course in Wheeling, IL will host the outing. Enjoy 18
holes of golf with all the amenities of a championship
golf course. The well-maintained greens offer challenging
holes, GPS on every golf cart, and a full-service golf shop.
Gather your own foursome or we can pair you with one.
August 19th
MWFA Mixer
Real Time Sports, Elk Grove, IL
Meet fastener friends for a relaxing evening out.
Enjoy complimentary drinks and appetizers with a chance
to win raffle prizes. This 2 hour MWFA sponsored event
is always a fun summer evening.
August 16th-20th
Fastener Training Week
The Fastener Training Institute and the Industrial
Fasteners Institute partner to present the weeklong
intensive version of FTI’s Certified Fastener Specialist
advanced technical training program.
This class will be offered at the Belvedere, Elk Grove,
IL the week of August 16th. Fastener Training Week
includes everything that a student would experience
in the regular seven-course CFS training, but all on
consecutive days. MWFA Members receive substantial
discounts on registration. For more information, go to
www.fastenertraining.org
For more information and registration for FSTNR Week
events please visit us online at www.mwfa.net.
MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 185
Würth Industry North America (WINA)
announces its acquisition Atlantic Fasteners
Inc., a mainstay in the structural industry with
36 years of history manufacturing structural
bolts and distributing standard and specialty
fasteners. The purchase will better serve the
needs of Würth Industry’s customers in the
construction and structural markets by providing
end to end distribution and manufacturing
support and will deepen their geographic footprint
in the mid-Atlantic region. Atlantic Fasteners will
join Würth’s new construction services business
division, Würth Construction Services.
This acquisition fits into Würth Industry’s
strategy to provide expert supply chain solutions
of structural fasteners, safety, and MRO products
and complements Würth Industry’s strength in
the construction market as the premier distributor
of structural products for fabricators, erectors,
and the metal building industry. The acquisition
of Atlantic Fasteners Inc. supplies Würth with
new manufacturing capabilities that increase their
ability to serve customers and offer competitive
lead times on a range of end to end structural
products. Atlantic Fasteners, together with Würth
House of Threads, Weinstock Bros., and Würth
Action Bolt and Tool, as Würth Construction
Services, will provide expanded services to our
structural customers across the US, Mexico,
Canada, and Brazil.
“Through this acquisition, we gain not only
new product and service offerings for our
customers, but also the amazing personnel
and talent of Atlantic Fasteners,” said Dan
Hill, Chief Executive Officer for Würth Industry
North America, “Würth Industry has strong
growth targets, both organically and through
key acquisitions, and we continue to grow with
businesses and teams who can support and
enhance the expansion of our construction
services to offer better supply chain solutions
and cost savings for erectors and fabricators
across North America.”
“Atlantic Fastener adds to our capacity
and geographic presence to better service our
customers, said Eric Wilk, Vice President, East
Region, Würth Industry North America. “Adding the
capability to manufacture anchor bolts to our service
offerings increases the capacity in which we can
support our structural and construction customers.
Serving projects end to end and offering competitive
lead times make us a powerhouse for our partners.”
We are excited to partner with Würth because
it not only maintains Atlantic Fasteners’ history of
outstanding quality and successful partnerships, but
also enhances available offerings to our customers.
Customers will continue to receive the same highquality
products and support that they are used
to. With the support of a global company, they will
have greater resources and inventory expansion.
The acquisition is the best choice for both our
customers and employees, as joining the Würth
family will equate to business growth”, said Bill
Davis, Owner and CEO, Atlantic Fasteners.
For more information on Würth Industry of North
America and the Würth Group, please visit the
website www.wurthindustry.com.

186
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SEFA IT WAS TIME! SEFA HOLDS FIRST IN PERSON INDUSTRY EVENT IN OVER A YEAR from page 174
Golf Winners Were Announced (continued)
Closest to the Pin (Women) - Tina Windham
Closest to Pin (Men) - Dewey Oxner
Longest Drive (Women) - Tina Windham
Longest Drive (Men) - Dewey Oxner
The final day of the event provided informative
sessions beginning with a panel discussion consisting
of Tom Sulek/Star Stainless Screw, Anthony Crawl/
Birmingham Fastener, and Matt Dyess/Nucor Fastener.
Discussions revolved around the challenges of
business including overseas issues, pricing, inventory
issues, changes in procedures since 2020, supply chain
challenges, hiring issues, and opportunities. Business
has been challenging but the challenges have also come
with rewards.
Following the panel discussion Scott Brindisi, VP Client
Solutions for Unique Logistics International addressed the
group. He began by apologizing he had no good news.
Logistics have been a challenge for quite some time;
however, past circumstances have never caused issues
like COVID has. Between flights stopping during COVID,
containers taking much longer to get back overseas,
container losses, health related issues, Chinese New
Year, and the Suez Canal shut down logistics have been a
nightmare. Pricing and lead time have increased beyond
any expectations. Unfortunately the logistics industry
does not expect to see things back to normal for the rest
of this year.
Adrienne Slack, VP and Regional Executive at the New
Orleans Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
also addressed SEFA members. Adrienne spoke of the
challenges of businesses finding employees. While we
have had in a very low inflation rate, inflation is expected
to increase to above 2%. Consumer prices are escalating
as the shortage of products continues. This trend has
also greatly affected the real estate market.
Unemployment benefits have allowed some of the
work force to remain unemployed longer than normal.
Unemployment rates had been dropping since 2017 until
COVID surfaced in mid March 2020. Jobs are plentiful;
those willing to work are limited. Wage wars have caused
those working to move from company to company.
Personal consumption dropped dramatically in 2020
but is now on the rise. Government has offered aid to
companies and individuals but it may have to stop before
we see the work force go back to normal. While in town,
Adrienne had the opportunity to speak with many local
businesses as well as attendees regarding our industry
to discuss the various factors affecting the shortage of
employees for businesses.
There is no doubt the economy has been erratic since
Mid March 2020. The public has the option to stay up to
date with the EconomyNow app providing current info on
economic issues.
The meeting closed out with a drawing for a
complimentary (sponsored by SEFA) Certified Fastener
Specialist Class conducted by Fastener Training Week.
Matt Dyess of Nucor Fasteners was the recipient of this
class.
SEFA Is Grateful For The Many Sponsors
Of The 2021 Spring Conference
Premium Conference Sponsor
¤ Star Stainless Screw Co.
Conference Sponsors
¤ Brikksen Stainless
¤ Kanebridge Corp.
¤ Stelfast Inc.
Golf Sponsors
¤ Distribution One
¤ Edsco Fasteners Inc.
¤ Kanebridge Corp.
¤ Nucor Fastener
¤ RIE Coatings
¤ Vertex Distribution
¤ Vulcan Threaded Products
SEFA is looking to meet in Nashville Spring of 2022 so
be sure to check thesefa.com for updates.
SOUTHEASTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION

188
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
NEFDA SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING RETURNED! from page 96
Thank You To Our Hole Sponsors
¤ All Electronic Hardware
¤ Aluminum Fastener
¤ Arnold Supply
¤ Atlantic Fasteners
¤ B&B Threaded
¤ Brighton Best Int’l
¤ Beacon Fasteners & Components
¤ Buckeye
¤ Callahan Sales Inc.
¤ Crescent
¤ Electronic Fasteners
¤ Fall River Mfg.
¤ Fascomp
¤ Kanebridge
¤ Link Magazine
¤ McCormick Assoc.
¤ Moynihan Sales
¤ North East Fasteners
¤ Nylok
¤ Production Fasteners Inc.
¤ Prospect Fasteners
¤ Semblex Corp.
¤ Smith Associates
¤ Solution Industries
¤ Spirol Int’l
¤ Star Stainless
¤ Stelfast
¤ Tower Fasteners
¤ Unicorp
¤ XL Screw Corp.
¤ Yellow Woods
¤ Wyandotte Industries
NEW ENGLAND FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION

NEW ENGLAND FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING - JUNE 10, 2021

190
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK

SEFA ANNUAL SPRING CONFERENCE
SANDESTIN GOLF & BEACH RESORT - MAY 3-5, 2021

advertisers index
#
3Q, INC. 85
Washers, nuts, tapping screws, bolts, special
fasteners, single parts, secondary processes,
in-house kitting and packaging, direct import
services, and remote managed inventory.
Tel (630) 405-8492
Email: sales@3Q-Inc.com
A
ACS MANUFACTURING, INC 79
Formed spring steel fasteners
Tel (888) NUTS-R-US
Email: info@acsmanufacturing.com
AIM TESTING LABORATORY 159
AIM Testing Laboratory is an integrated business
partner. AIM’s technical experts support your
staff and understand your processes so they
can provide the correct knowledge and guidance
when and where you need it.
Tel (619) 396-2046
Email: info@aimtestlab.com
AJAX WIRE SPECIALTY CO., INC. 129
For over 80 years, Ajax has been specializing in
the custom design and manufacturing of wire
springs, custom springs and spring assortments.
Tel (855) 966-AJAX (2529)
Email: ajaxwire@aol.com
ALBANY STEEL & BRASS 83
Specialty Tapping Screws - Swageform
Tel (312) 733-1900
Email: sales@albanysteel.com
ALFA TOOLS ® 75
Hole-Making, Threading, Screwdriving. Our
Tools Make Fastening Happen!
Tel (800) 253-2532
Email: sales@alfatools.com
ALL AMERICAN WASHER WERKS 101
Quality producers of washers and stampings
Tel (847) 566-9091
Email: sales@washerwerks.com
ALLOY & STAINLESS FASTENERS 57, 81
Supplies special metal fasteners in over 150
material grades and over 25 coatings and
platings using over 300 machines with a
10,000 ton inventory with Emergency 24-7
on call service.
Tel (713) 466-3031
Fax (713) 466-9591
ALPHA-GRAINGER MFG. CO. 25
Electronic hardware, captive screws,
shoulder screws, spacers & standoffs
Tel (508) 520-4005
ALUMINUM FASTENER SUPPLY
FRONT COVER, 16
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 67
Belleville Washers, Belleville Springs, Disc
Springs, Flange Washers, precision-machined
custom components. Contract manufacturing
services – stamping, CNC lathe and mill
machining, grinding, heat treating.
Tel (440) 721-8350
Email: lriga@AmericanBelleville.com
AMERICAN IMPERIAL SCREW CORP. 183
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
AMPG 2, 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. Print to part in 7 days.
Tel (317) 472-9000
Email: sales@ampg.com
B
BAR STOCK SPECIALTIES 65, 81
Metal bar processing; drawing, peeling, grinding
and cutting. Long length stainless bar to 60ft.
Tel (713) 849-0055
Fax (713) 466-3583
BAY SUPPLY 3
Fastener & Tooling Super Warehouse. Top brands
at bottom prices. Ship to over 200 countries.
Tel (800) 718-8818
Email: info@baysupply.com
B & D COLD HEADED PRODUCTS 89
Manufacturer of cold headed products. Wheel
bolts, double ended studs, bus studs, hex
shoulder bolts, leveling screws, and more.
Tel (734) 728-7070
Email: sales@bdchp.com
BIG RED FASTENERS 71
Manufacturer of Domestic Stud Bolts. USA made
and melted. Your full-service stocking distributor
of all bolts, nuts, studs, washers, machine
screws, tapping and self-drilling screws.
Tel (866) 621-6565
Email: sales@bigredfasteners.com
BRADLEY GROUP OF COMPANIES 161
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
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 full stainless line.
Tel (800) 275-0050
BRIKKSEN STAINLESS 35
Full line of stainless-steel inch and metric.
Tel (800) 962-1614
Email: sales@brikksen.com
BRYNOLF MANUFACTURING INC. 153
Your source for quality American Made cold
headed fasteners.
Tel (877) 237-4554
Email: info@brynolfmanufacturing.com
BRYCE SECURITY FASTENER 145
Manufacturer of the world’s most secure
fasteners. Learn more about KEY-REX®
and their other Made in the USA security
fasteners.
Tel (480) 559-8287
Email: info@brycefastener.com
BTM MANUFACTURING 73
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
BUCKLEY QC FASTENERS 151
Conversion specialists of threaded
fasteners. Brass tip set screws, nylon tip set
screws, nylon pellet insert.
Tel (800) 344-3874
Email: sales@bqcf.com
C
CAVALIER INDUSTRIAL SPECIALTIES 56, 81
Acorn, dome, flat and radius cap styles
– small and large diameters. Custom
fasteners. Forging, turning, milling, drilling,
slotting, broaching, grinding, and roll
threading. Emergency 24-7 service.
Tel (713) 983-0055
Fax (713) 983-0058
THE CENTER FOR FINANCIAL, LEGAL &
TAX PLANNING, INC. 143
Thinking of buying, selling or transferring
your business? The center is the one-stop
shop for all of your business needs.
Tel (618) 997-3436
Email: rbasi@taxplanning.com
CHICAGO HARDWARE & FIXTURE CO. 169
Mfrs of Wire Rope and Chain Fittings,
Industrial and Marine Hardware and Allied
Products
Tel (847) 455-6609
Email: info@chicagohardware.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

advertisers index
C
COMPONENT PACKAGING 109
Contract packager specializing in the
fastener industry - automated or hand
bagging, shrink packaging and order
assembly.
Tel (417) 624-9395
Email: lorim@componentpackaging.com
COPPER STATE BOLT & NUT CO. 105
Standard & metric domestic manufacturing.
Hex, heavy hex, square head, socket, flat
socket, 12-point and specials.
Tel (800) 528-4255
Email: MFGBranchSales@copperstate.com
CRAFTECH INDUSTRIES, INC. 195
Providing high performance plastic solutions
for your prints, parts and engineering
problems for over 50 years. CNC machining,
injection molding and mold making.
ISO9001:2015 Certified, ITAR Registered.
Tel (800) 833-5130
Email: info@craftechind.com
CRESCENT MANUFACTURING 93
With over 50 years of manufacturing
expertise in the field of miniature screws
and miniature fasteners, Crescent offers
distributors an established source to meet
your Aerospace, Military, Commercial, and
Special Engineered requirements.
Tel (860) 673-2591
Email: sales@crescentmanufacturing.com
D
DARLING BOLT 197
Supplier of US, metric and stainless steel
fasteners including nuts, bolts, screws,
washers, hardware assortments and
specialty auto body fasteners.
Tel (800) 882-0747
Email: sales@darlingbolt.com
DDI SYSTEM 139
Daily operations, eCommerce, Warehouse
Management, CRM. ERP software for
wholesale distributors.
Tel (877) 599-4334
Email: sales@ddisys.com
DELTA SECONDARY 91
Cut off & chamfer, cut threading, cross
drilling, tapping, turning, milling, slotting,
grooving.
Tel (630) 766-1180
Email: delta911@msn.com
DISTRIBUTION ONE 87
ERP Software for Fastener Distributors
capable of running the entire operation,
efficiently & profitably.
Tel (856) 380-0629
Email: info@distone.com
DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 175, 193
Tel (800) 356-1639
Email: tracey@linkmagazine.com
E
ELGIN FASTENER GROUP 51
Selection. Service. Success. Discover the
Elgin Advantage
www.elginfasteners.com
E & T FASTENERS, INC 95
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
E-Z LOK 117
Thread inserts for metal, wood and plastic
Tel (800) 234-5613
Email: sales@ezlok.com
F
FALL RIVER MFG CO., INC. 31
Manufacturers of Stainless steel & nonferrous
fasteners
Tel (800) 275-6991
Email: sales@fallrivermfg.com
FASCOMP ELECTRONIC HARDWARE 123
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. 45
Coiled and Slotted spring pins, dowel pins,
cotter pins, taper pins, grooved and special pins
Tel (845) 369-7990
Email: fastar@optonline.net
FASTENER NEWS DESK 101
FASTENER WEBSITE LINKS 146
FCH SOURCING NETWORK 185
(Tel) 877-332-7836
FORD FASTENERS, INC. 15
410 stainless screws, sheet metal, self-drillers,
thread cutters, self-piercing, EPDM washers.
Tel (800) 272-3673 (FORD)
Email: info@fordfasteners.com
G
GF&D SYSTEMS 92
‘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 140
GOEBEL FASTENERS, INC. 7
Innovative fastener solutions: blind rivets,
self-tapping/drilling screws, toggles,
strapping, wing seals, tools & safety
equipment and insulation accessories.
Tel (713) 393-7007
Email: sales@goebelfasteners.com
GRAPHIKA CREATIVE 192
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. 125
Fastener inspection equipment, innovative
gage design, and dimensional calibration.
Tel (817) 870-8888
Email: sales1@greensladeandcompany.com
GROWERMETAL 135
Flat washers, safety and spring washers as
well as split lock washers for railways. EN
9100 certified.
Tel (440) 773-4948
Email: info@gagsf.com
H
HANGER BOLT & STUD CO 131
USA Hanger bolts, studs, dowel screws, pins.
Tel (800) 537-7925
Email: sales@hangerbolt.com
HANSON RIVET & SUPPLY CO. 67
Rivets, threaded inserts, riveting tools,
riveting machines, washers
Tel (800) 777-4838
HILLSDALE TERMINAL 165
U.S. manufacturer of solderless crimp
terminals and also carry a line of wiring
accessories. Full line of crimp terminals,
non-insulated, brazed seam, vinyl, nylon,
heat shrink and instant tap connectors.
Tel (800) 447-3150
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
iLOC FASTENER SOLUTIONS 190
Proud to offer specialized thread-locking
and sealing solutions. 40 years of industry
expertise and an unmatched level of
expertise.
Tel (973) 706-6931
Email: tamer@ilocfs.com

advertisers index
I
INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS INSTITUTE (IFI) 129
2021 Edition IFI Book of Fastener Standards
is now available in hard cover and online
format. www.indfast.org/shop
Tel (216) 241-1482
INDUSTRIAL RIVET & FASTENER CO. 113
One name, one number, one source for
rivets and RivetKing FreeSet Series.
Tel (800) BUY-RIVET
Email: info@rivet.com
INTEGRATED PACKAGING 121
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
Premium self-drilling, drywall, needle-point,
pole gripper, stainless steel, outdoor,
concrete, cement board, woodworking and
special application.
Tel (800) 762-2004
ISC – INTERCONTINENTAL SALES 119
Fastener and Building Related Products. Same
day shipping, free private labeling, no minimums
Tel (800) 741-4278
Email: info@isc-sales.com
INTERFAST GROUP 173
Distributor/importer of drywall, deck, selfdrilling
and self-piercing screws.
Tel (800) 605-1233
Email: ifg@interfastgroup.com
INTERNATIONAL FASTENERS, INC. 153
Daggerz quality construction fasteners.
Self-drill, drywall, deck, wood, concrete, clip,
needle point screws, post frame screws,
aluminum industry screws, EDPM bonded
washers, bits & threaded rod.
Tel (888) 241-0203
Email: sales@daggerz.com
INxSQL 49
A full-featured, ERP distribution software
designed and optimized for the Fastener
Industry.
Tel (877) 446-9775
Email: sales@inxsql.com
J
JOHAN SMIT FASTENERS 81
Mfr and supplier of steel nuts in the petrochemical,
steel construction and energy
market.
Tel +31(0)786230088
K
KEN FORGING 36, 37, 55
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 141
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 143
Manufacturer of bolts, nuts, screws in
carbon or stainless. Custom threading and
specials. U-Bolts and Anchors.
Tel (800) 263-3393
LOCKNUT TECHNOLOGY 133
Manufacture and process high-quality,
all-metal, prevailing-torque locknuts for
industrial applications. Our specialties
include production of FLEXTOP®, high
performance locknuts, automation locknuts,
flange locknuts and weld nuts.
Tel (630) 628-5330
Email: sales@locknuttechnology.com
LOK-MOR, INC. 21
American-made locknuts at competitive prices.
Tel (800) 843-7230
Email: sales@lok-mor.com
M
BRUNO MARBACHER 157
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 155
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 165
The complete MILL stainless fastener source.
Tel (972) 642-1012
Fax (972) 642-1244
METRIC & MULTISTANDARD 13
Providing quality metric industrial products
and exceptional customer service since 1963
Tel (800) 431-2792
MW INDUSTRIES, INC – TEXAS 33
Washers, special fasteners, and metal
stamping for over 45 years. ISO 9001:2015
certified.
Tel (800) 875-3510
Email: sales@mwindustries.com
N
ND INDUSTRIES
INSIDE FRONT COVER, 42, 43
Self-locking and self-sealing fastener
processing, fastener inspection & sorting,
chemical blending, bottling, and A2LA Lab
testing.
Tel (248) 655-2503
Email: info@ndindustries.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
NOVA FASTENERS CO. INC. 163
Anchors, screws, nuts, washers, rivets, pins,
inserts, rods. Serving industry since 1948.
Tel (800) 645-1234
Email: info@nova-anchor.com
O
OSSCO BOLT & SCREW CO., INC. 173
Distributor of nuts - full range
Tel (800) 367-2688
Email: sales@osscobolt.com
P
PARKER FASTENERS 76, 77
Specializing in providing high-precision
fasteners in the most critical and demanding
industries.
Tel (623) 925-5998
Email: sales@parkerfasteners.com
PIVOT POINT 23
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
PRODUCT COMPONENTS CORP. 179
Machined and molded fasteners in many
types of plastics. Woman-owned and
operated; specializing in excellent customer
service, competitive pricing, quick delivery
and small minimums.
Tel (925) 228-8930
Email: sales@product-components.com
PROSPECT FASTENER 79
Rings, clamps, pins and more! We distribute
value.
Tel (800) 822-6080
Email: sales@prospectfastener.com

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R
RAF ELECTRONIC HARDWARE 157
Domestic standoffs, spacers, male-females,
swage, male-male and modified parts. NAS
fasteners.
Tel (203) 888-2133
Email: info@rafhdwe.com
W.J. ROBERTS CO. 97
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
R&R ENGINEERING CO. 99
Bent bolts, wire forms. Quality craftsmanship.
Tel (800) 979-1921
Email: sales@randrengineering.com
S
SEMS AND SPECIALS 119
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 (815) 874-0000
Email: sales@semsandspecials.com
SETKO FASTENERS 103
Domestic manufactured and imported socket
products. Standards or specials. Mill shipments
and blanket orders. Zinc plated sockets, nylon
patches, drilling, etc. Ready...Setko!
Tel (630) 800-6377
Email: sales@setkofasteners.com
SCREW & SUPPLY CO. INC. 111
Tamper-resistant security screws made in USA.
Tel (800) 223-1316
Email: customerservice@screwsupply.com
SHEAR-LOC PRODUCTS 88, 171
The original instant thumbscrews. The
ultimate socket head cap screw accessory.
Over 5000 combinations. Inch and Metric.
Tel (800) 775-5668
Fax (949) 768-8705
SOLON MANUFACTURING CO. 115
Belleville Springs & Washers - Innovative
Fastening Solutions. Made in the USA since 1949.
Tel (800) 323-9717
Email: sales@solonmfg.com
SOLUTION INDUSTRIES 63
Call Solution Man to help you with nonstandard,
OEM specific fasteners, including
per print specials. Solution-ized service to
meet your customer needs!
Tel (866) 297-8656
Email: sales@solutionind.com
SPIROL 69, 94
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
SPRING BOLT AND NUT MFG 61
Turning prints into reality for 20 years!
Bolts, nuts and screws per print. Forging
perfection, machining excellence.
Tel (281) 448-4440
Email: sales@springboltandnut.com
SRC SPECIAL RIVETS CORP. 177
Blind Rivets. Company Rep: Tony DiMaio.
Tel & Fax (978) 521-0277
STAR STAINLESS SCREW CO. 47
Stainless fasteners - Inch, metric, standards,
non-standards, import, domestic.
Tel (630) 595-3440
STELFAST INC. 29
Bolts, nuts, screws, washers, anchors, studs
and more! Service You Deserve, People You
Trust.
Tel (800) 729-9779
Email: sales@stelfast.com
SUNCOR STAINLESS 127
A 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. 39
The single source supplier for all you washer
and gasket needs. Made in the USA.
Tel (631) 273-8282
Email: swg@superiorwasher.com
T
TAMPER-PRUF SCREW, INC. 167
Leader in Security Screws since 1974.
Tel (562) 531-9340
TORTOISE FASTENER CO. 59
Specialty source for slow moving hex heads.
Stainless, brass, silicon bronze, aluminum,
nickel-copper and alloy 20 hex heads.
Tel (800) 691-8894
TUTTLE MANUFACTURING 199
Anchors, bent bolt specials, spade bolts,
acme threaded bars.
Tel (847) 381-7713
Email: tuttlemfg@gmail.com
U
UC COMPONENTS 175
Clean-Critical Fastener and Seal Solutions.
HV, UHV, Cleanroom Ready Fasteners and
seals in just about any size, material and
finish. RediVac® clean-packaged screws and
O-rings. Custom products and prototypes.
Tel (408) 782-1929
Email: sales@uccomponents.com
UMETA OF AMERICA 59
Supplier of OEM quality grease fittings and guns
Tel (800) 595-5747
Email: usa@mehta.com
UNICORP 109
Manufacturer of electronic hardware,
fasteners and handles since 1971.
Tel (973) 674-1700
Email: sales@unicorpinc.com
V
VIRGINIA FASTENERS 177
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. 9
US made plastic fasteners, all types & quantities,
custom molding since 1992. Over 100 million
parts in stock with worldwide shipping.
Tel (800) 844-8024
Email: sales@voltplastics.com
W
WESTERN WIRE PRODUCTS 181
Cotter pins, custom wire forms, spring pins,
d-rings, s-hooks, hitch pin clips, hog rings, key
rings, and lock washers. Made in the USA.
Tel (800) 325-3770
Email: sales@westernwireprod.com
WILLIE WASHER MFG. 187
Domestic manufacturer of fender, spring, tab
and flat washers,
Tel (847) 956-1344
Email: sales@williewasher.com
WTC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY SERVICES 53
Providing Fastener Specific Technology Solutions.
When utilizing our full array of services, our partners
benefit having one contact for all things IT.
Tel (877) 604-0282
Email: info@wtcvet.com
X
XL SCREW CORPORATION 107
Importer of standard fasteners - hex cap
screws, bolts, nuts, locknuts, thread forming
screws, sheet metal screws, self-drilling screws,
machine 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