SPRING 2023

In the Spring 2023 issue of
6 DISTRIBUTOR NEWS
8 FASTENER SCIENCE: STRESS DURABILITY TESTING –
ASTM F606 AND NASM 1312-5
Rob LaPointe
10 THREAD-FORMING SCREWS FOR A COST-EFFICIENT
FASTENING SOLUTION
Bruno Marbacher
12 DIFFICULT FASTENING APPLICATIONS – PART 1:
THREAD FORMING INTO THIN SHEETS
Laurence Claus
14 FASTENER FAIR USA: SEE YOU IN NASHVILLE!
16 [COVER FEATURE] CONTINENTAL AERO: THE STANDARD
OF EXCELLENCE FOR 75 YEARS
26 WIFI ANNOUNCES THE MARYANN MARZOCCHI
EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
28 LINDFAST + STAR STAINLESS: A NEW CONSTELLATION
OF FASTENER SERVICE AND SUPPLY
30 ROTOR CLIP COMPANY: WHAT MAKES RETAINING RINGS
THE RIGHT SOLUTION?
32 THE FASTENER EXPERTS MENTOR GROUP:
I HAVE A FASTENER QUESTION….
Your Expert, John Butler
34 ZAGO MANUFACTURING CELEBRATES 30 YEARS!
36 WHAT DISTRIBUTORS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TORQUE
Guy Avellon
38 CELO USA – TRIDENT FASTENERS INC: THE IMPORTANCE
OF LICENSED FASTENERS
40 COMPUTER INSIGHTS: ISO AUDITS MADE EASY
Dennis Cowhey
42 CHANGES ARE HAPPENING
Chris Donnell
43 INTEGRATED PACKAGING IS OFF TO A GREAT START IN 2023
44 SETTING ADJUSTABLE THREAD RINGS PART 1:
WHY DO I NEED THE SET PLUG?
Larry Borowski
46 FCH SOURCING NETWORK: OUT OF STOCK? IT HAPPENS!
Eric Dudas
48 ATLAS INDUSTRY MARKETING: THE JOURNEY OF AN
INDEPENDENT REP
Alan Lindahl
50 FASTENER TRAINING INSTITUTE OFFERS ON-SITE TRAINING
Jo Morris
52 PENN ENGINEERING SELF
CLINCHING VS WELD
FASTENERS: WHICH IS BEST?
Michael J. Rossi
54 MWFA ANNOUNCES NEW VENUE
FOR 2023 FSTNR WEEK
Nancy Rich
56 MECHANICAL POWER: STREAMLINING GLOBAL SOURCING
WITH HASSLE-FREE SOLUTIONS
Dennis Cowhey
58 TAMING THE TOXIC WAREHOUSE
Robert Footlik
60 INDIANA STEEL PRODUCTS: THE ‘ONE-STOP’ FOR ALL
YOUR ROD, U-BOLT, STUD AND ANCHOR NEEDS
62 AI MAKES HIRING MORE EFFICIENT AND LESS EXPENSIVE
AT YOUR FASTENER COMPANY
Joe Dysart
64 ESG INVESTING: IMPACT ON INVESTORS AND
DISTRIBUTORS’ SUPPLY CHAIN BURDENS
Jim Truesdell
66 STAFDA SPRING UPDATE
Georgia H. Foley, CEO
68 HOLE PREPARATION FOR BLIND RIVETING
Anthony Di Maio
70 DON’T GET BURIED IN EXCESS: HOW TO AVOID THE
DANGERS OF INFLATED INVENTORY
Nelson Valderrama
71 UNICORP EXPANDS SHOULDER SCREW & DOWEL
PIN INVENTORY
72 FTI ANNOUNCES WURTH INDUSTRY NORTH AMERICA
2023 SUSTAINING SPONSORSHIP
76 WHY CHOOSE A C-CORPORATION?
Roman Basi
77 MM DISTRIBUTION: YOUR HEAVY TRUCK AND
TRAILER SPECIALISTS
78 COME TO CHICAGO IN JUNE FOR NFDA’S
2023 ANNUAL MEETING
Amy Niijar
80 SHEREX’S NEW ROUND BODY RIVET NUT, OPTISERT ® -
PERFORMANCE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS
83 BTM MANUFACTURING IS MORE THAN COFFEE –
IT’S A COFFEE WITH A MISSION!

volume 46 // issue #2
84 FTI ‘FASTENING 101’ PRE-SHOW CLASS AT
FASTENER FAIR USA
90 SPIROL EXPANDS CL220 SPLIT SEAM COMPRESSION
LIMITER LINE
92 FASTENERS DELIVER PROFIT FOR PUBLIC COMPANIES
Jason Sandefur
96 BAY SUPPLY: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
WELL NUTS
Mike Eichinger
98 WIFI ANNOUNCES 2022 AWARD WINNERS
100 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NANCY RICH TO RETIRE FROM
MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION
101 EUROLINK TO EXHIBIT ‘FAST, FASTER, FASTEST’ AT FFUSA
115 AMPG BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON IN-HOUSE DESIGN
AND TEST LAB
121 NEF PURCHASES FIVE NEW SLOTTING MACHINES
127 MAFDA HOLIDAY PARTY 2022
Bill Bankoske
133 SUBSCRIPTION FORM
134 FASTENER INDUSTRY WEB LINKS
140 SANTA HELPS MWFA CELEBRATE HOLIDAYS
Nancy Rich
141 MWFA HOLIDAY PARTY PHOTOS
148 PAC-WEST FASTENER ASSOC: JOIN US IN SCOTTSDALE
APRIL 26-29
Amy Niijar
151 MFDA ENDS 2022 ON A HIGH WITH TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE
154 NCFA OFFERS A VARIETY OF EVENTS IN 2023
Marty Nolan
166 SEFA 2023 CONFERENCE DESTINATION AND SCHEDULE
Nancy Rich
169 PAC-WEST AFTER HOURS PARTY PHOTOS
177 NEFDA INDUCTS TWO NEW MEMBERS INTO HALL OF FAME
Laura Murphy
183 MAFDA HOLIDAY PARTY PHOTOS
199 ADVERTISE IN OUR THIRD QUARTER ISSUE, RECEIVE
GREAT BENEFITS!

6 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Goebel Fasteners, Inc. announces a new
and exciting partnership Murty Associates, LLC
as Manufacturer’s Rep
Murty Associates, LLC is a Manufacturer’s
Representative Firm based in Towson, MD, that
has extensive experience and industry knowledge
that can provide the resources and solutions
needed to get the job done. They will begin
representing Goebel Fasteners, Inc. within the
following areas: Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland,
Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, East of
State College.
“I’m excited to be part of Goebel’s sales force,
the quality and breadth of their product groups
are a great addition to my agencies line card. The
Goebel brand has grown exponentially since their
debut in 2017 and after learning more about the
history and culture that makes the brand what
it is today, it makes Goebel a perfect fit for my
agency. I look forward to growing our business
together.”
Tricia Murty has served on the board of the
Mid-Atlantic Fasteners Distributors Association
(MAFDA) since its inception in 2003, and has
held many roles within the organization, including
President, VP, and secretary.
“Murty Associates, LLC represents the highest
quality manufacturers, master distributors, and
importers of the finest fasteners, hardware, tools,
electronic components and related products and
services to distributors. Tricia will be a great
addition to the Goebel Fasteners sales team and
a valuable asset in extending the reach of the
company,” said TJ McFarland, National Sales
Manager. “Murty Associates, LLC is committed to
the highest level of service that Goebel is proud
to offer each and every customer, and we are
looking forward to the partnership with them. Any
of our current and future customers can reach out
to Tricia or myself for product information.”
The Goebel Group is a family-run and
internationally active business group of joining
and assembly technology.
Contact Goebel Fasteners, Inc. by Tel: 713-393-
7007, Fax: 713-393-7084, email: sales@goebelfasteners.com
or at www.goebel-fasteners.com.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Bolt-Bins by Electra-Tec is now under new
ownership and re-branded as Bolt-Bins.
The branding matches its long standing web site
www.bolt-bins.com. We are committed to being the
premium bolt bin manufacture and continue to
strive at excelling in quality and service.
We recently added an extended paint pallet of
colors, co-branded catalogs and new products.
We are a great alternative for the fastener
distributors in the Great Lakes and mid-western
regions. Located in Otsego Michigan, we are
proud to be Made in the USA.
We continue to offer our heavy duty bin design
of interlocking welded parts. This provides a
strength and durability seldom seen in those
manufactured by others. We continue with a tried
and true design that keeps parts in the their
cubby hole and the superior durability of a baked
enamel finish.
We pride ourselves in top quality design,
assembly and finishing of all our products built
by our experienced staff who have years of
experience in the assembly, welding and finishing
of quality small parts storage bins and cabinets.
For more information about Bolt Bins,
contact them by phone at 269-694-2727, Email:
sales@bolt-bins.com, or visit them online at
www.bolt-bins.com.

8
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: STRESS DURABILITY TESTING –
ASTM F606 AND NASM 1312-5
Stress durability testing is performed to verify
hydrogen relief in high-strength carbon and alloy steel
fastener products which have been metallically coated.
Hydrogen embrittlement is the, much often, discussed
problem affecting high-strength fasteners that have been
plated with zinc or cadmium for corrosion resistance.
Hydrogen produced during the electroplating process
can absorb into the grain structure of the base metal
and be trapped by the metallic coating intended to keep
water and other corrosive chemistry from reaching the
high-strength steel product. When hydrogen is trapped
inside the metal, it poses a significant risk to the
integrity and strength of the fastener; compromising the
fastener’s ability to sustain long-term holding force in an
application.
There are many good, published papers and articles
on the topic of hydrogen embrittlement and fastener
products, so I won’t go into detail on the cause and
effect of the hydrogen here, but rather discuss the test
FIGURE 1 HIGH-STRENGTH CADMIUM PLATED ALLOY STEEL
FASTENERS FAILED DUE TO EMBRITTLING HYDROGEN.
that will show if there is risk hidden below the plating
on high-strength carbon and alloy steel fasteners. If you
are a manufacturer, distributor or secondary processor
of high-strength electroplated fasteners, this simple
test can ensure the products you sell are free from the
risk of hydrogen and eliminate or substantially reduce
the risk that the product your selling will fail, requiring
substantial unintended cost.
FIGURE 2 TABLE 4 FROM ASTM F1941/F1941M SHOWING TEMPERATURE AND DWELL TIMES FOR FASTENER PRODUCTS ACCORDING TO HARDNESS.
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
CONTINUED ON PAGE 102

10
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.
THREAD-FORMING SCREWS FOR A COST-EFFICIENT
FASTENING SOLUTION
Dear Reader: In the last Link issue, we focused on
tapping screws; in this article we continue with the
thread-forming screws that form regular threads. There
are quite a few different styles to cover. It is not always
easy to find the advantages of one over the other.
Advantages Of Thread-Forming Screws
When driven into a work piece, thread-forming screws
produce their own mating thread.
The following processes can then be omitted:
¤ No Thread tapping
¤ No Removal of chips
¤ Inspecting screw thread is not necessary
¤ Other operations associated with the assembling
process not required
¤ Since each screw produces its own mating
thread, there are no problems with thread
tolerances
¤ The screws sit play-free in their mating threads
and thus they have an excellent vibration
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
resistance.
Thread-forming screws are extremely reliable and safe
They are very cost-efficient and should be used instead
of regular screws whenever this is feasible.
Thread-forming screws are usually available in the
diameters ranging from 2-8 mm ( 2-56 to 5/16”). They
are used in metals and plastics. Consequently, their
specific threads are different.
Fastening of the screws is different to that of regular
screws. The forming of threads produces a certain
resistance therefore they need to be installed with a
power screwdriver.
This type of fastener is tightened after they have been
driven in. However, typically the final tightening is just
snugging up the parts. One does not induce a controlled
preload, as this is the case with regular screws.
“Thread-forming screw” is the generic term for these
screws.
Thread-Forming Process
There are no chips produced during the threadforming
process. Instead, the material is displaced in
the mating part, it strengthens the material of the host
part.
Thread-forming screws form regular threads in
malleable steels and non-ferrous metals without a
tapped hole.
The play-free thread fit in the mating thread ensures
that the screws are firmly retained. Additional locking
elements are generally not needed.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 104

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.
DIFFICULT FASTENING APPLICATIONS - PART 1
THREAD FORMING INTO THIN SHEETS
Fasteners are universally one of the most utilized
components in the world. Most products have to be
held together in some manner, so that fasteners are
everywhere. Since they are so common, nearly everyone
has some degree of experience with them, whether
pounding a nail to hold a board in-place, turning a lug
nut to snug or remove a wheel, or retightening a screw to
cinch something back up tight. Over a lifetime, however,
not every experience with a fastener is a positive one.
Consider the following three fastening application failures;
1. Driving a screw into plastic and having the plastic
component break. 2. Connecting two pieces of thin sheet
metal with a screw only to have it strip out. 3. Attempting
to connect two dissimilar materials together such as steel
and aluminum, and have the screw embed itself deeply
into the aluminum top plate, endangering the joint and
scarring the appearance.
What do these three examples have in common? They,
along with a handful of others, represent applications
where fastening options are either limited or difficult. In
this series, we will investigate three of these applications
that have long vexed engineers, designers, and installers
alike. In Part 1 we will look at thread forming into thin
sheets and why a robust self-piercing, thread-forming
solution is so desirable. In Part 2, we will explore
why fastening into thin-walled plastic structures is so
challenging and in Part 3 why hybrid or mixed material
joints can be very difficult.
There are literally thousands of applications that
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
employ the use of thin metal sheets. Sometimes these
sheets are purely aesthetic such as the many sheets of
formed copper that attach to underlying supporting spars
and give us the Statue of Liberty (Figure 1). Sometimes
they are structural such as the outer skin on an airplane,
where the thin sheets are connected together over
underlying spars and give the fuselage its strength and
rigidity (Figure 2).
FIGURE 1: EXAMPLE OF THIN METAL SHEETS USED FOR
AESTHETIC PURPOSES
CONTINUED ON PAGE 106

14
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SEE YOU IN NASHVILLE!
See you in the vibrant city of Nashville! Fastener Fair
USA returns this May for the 2023 edition of the fastest
growing industry event. See what’s in store this year!
May 15
Pre-Show Conference, Fastening 101
Presented by Fastener Training Institute
May 15 @ 1pm
Golf Outing sponsored by MWFA and NCFA
May 15 @ 6pm
Informal Get Together at Tequila Cowboy
May 16 & 17
Exhibit Hall
May 16 @ 5:30pm
Opening Night Networking Party at the Country Music
Hall of Fame with musical guest Tommy O’Keeffe
SHOW EVENT ARTICLE
2023 Show Preview
The only exhibition in the United States dedicated to
the full supply chain—distributors, mechanical and design
engineers, purchasers, wholesalers and OEMs.
After the success of the 2022 event in Detroit last
May, Fastener Fair USA continues its momentum onward
to Nashville on May 15-17, 2023 at Music City Center.
The event will include a curated show floor with leading
education sessions, suppliers, innovations, and several
networking opportunities
¤ Leading exhibitors include Brighton-Best,
Buckeye Fasteners, Doerken Coatings, Carlo Salvi, and
Lindfast Solutions Group!
¤ Conference & Content providing key insights from
leading industry experts. The Pre-Show Conference Day on
May 15 will feature an all-day training course before the
Show opens on May 16 & 17. Fastener 101 presented
by Fastener Training Institute will give attendees access
to a full day of the basics of fasteners, market growth,
engineering, product design fundamentals, and more.
Register and purchase your package at the early bird rate
of $399! Price increases on-site.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 108

Continental-Aero celebrates 75 Years serving the
Fastener Industry as the premier stocking master
distributor of nylon insert locknuts, all-metal
locknuts, clinch nuts and finished hex nuts.
Supplying the North American distributor market with superior service and
value added secondary operations, it’s easy to see why Continental-Aero
is the go-to for all your fastener needs since 1948.
Continental-Aero was formed in 1987 with the merger of
Continental Fasteners Inc. and Aero Stop Nut. At the time,
both companies were the leading US importers of all-metal
and nylon insert locknuts. With the merger of these two
prestigous companies, Continental-Aero was born - and a
new powerhouse in the all-metal and nylon insert locknut
marketplace was established.
The trademark “Royal Purple Nylon Insert” was a feature
carried over from the original Continental Fasteners, and
remains to this day as an instantly recognizable brand
feature, signifying quality at it’s highest.
Continental-Aero conducts an extensive supplier approval
process to ensure all quality requirements are met, in an
effort to guaranteee that the Purple Nylon Insert Locknuts
are only supplied from the best fastener manufacturers
in the world. Many of Continental-Aero’s suppliers have
been with them for over 40 years. It is the effort that is
put in to maintaining these long-standing relationships
with their major suppliers that provides Continental-Aero
with its competitive advantage, making them an invaluable
partner for the North American distributor market.
Operating on a national scale, Continental-Aero maintains
stocking warehouses strategically located throughout
the United States. This extensive network of warehouses
and sales offices enables Continental-Aero’s customers
to be competitive with timely, cost-effective delivery and
regional customer service.
As Continental-Aero sells exclusively to distributors, factors
such as competitive pricing, reliable quality, and timely
delivery, are critical to long-term success - something

which Continental-Aero has been able to perfect over its
long history.
Over the last 75 years, Continental-Aero has maintained
an exceptionally high level of customer service, constantly
going above and beyond to help customers by sourcing
hard-to-find products required for their niche applications.
While nylon insert locknuts were its feature product
historically, the current day Continental-Aero is able to
provide a wide range of products, secondary operations,
value added services, customer service, and aftersales
care that are second-to-none.

A Product Line that is
second-to-none including our
Royal Purple Nylon Insert
Tork-Lok Nut Series
Continental-Aero is the recognized industry leader in Nylon Insert Locknut distribution and a major supplier of
all-metal locknuts and free spinning nuts for distribution customers—offering quality products in a range of
sizes from 0-80 miniatures to 3” large diameter.
With quality as a focus, we are ISO 9001:2015 certified and RoHS compliant, assuring every customer
the peace of mind that they will always be receiving only the best quality fastener manufactured in
world-class facilities.
Offering all-metal locknuts in Grade C Toplock (Automation Style), Grade G Flange Toplock, Two-Way
(Reversible), Serrated Flange, Double Serrated Hex, K-Locknuts. Free-spinning nut products include
the Finished Hex Nuts in Grades 5 and 8 and 18-8 Stainless Steel. Our extensive product line also
includes a full line of Grade B Toplock (Automation Style) and 2H Heavy Nuts.

Did you know we offer a
full line of miniature and
specialty products in addition
to what you know us for?
Continental-Aero strives to be your one-stop supplier for all your locking fastener needs—and more! With the
ever-changing marketplace and the demand for high quality product at a cost effective price, Continental-
Aero sources these products from the wide range of manufacturers it has built relationships with over the
last 75 years. With it’s expanded product line, Continental-Aero is able to supply you with a full line of
Clinch Nuts and Metric Locknuts, including a range of Miniature Clinch Nuts and Locknuts.
Not Just Nuts Anymore!
We have taken the expansion of our product line one
step further. We have seen market demand and a need for
product line diversification. Plus we’re able to provide
competitive pricing! It all adds up to greater service for our
customers. Continental-Aero now offers Type “F” Flat Head
Thread Cutting Floorboard Screws - the best screw available
for truck and trailer floorboard installation!

Pushing the boundaries,
backed by the world-class
Tramec companies
Tramec’s story began in 1981 with the development of the 31402 hose end repair kit, now famous
across the Trucking Industry. Over the years, Tramec has grown through product innovation and
a series of acquisitions that have merged rich company histories. Today, Tramec operates from
numerous manufacturing & distribution locations throughout the U.S. and Australia.
60 years of U.S. manufacturing for the
heavy duty truck & trailer market.
Spray control products , door systems,
cargo control, and more
45 years of manufacturing air brake
and electrical products, brass fittings,
and more in the USA for the heavy duty
truck & trailer market
Providing custom U.S. manufacturing
solutions with trailer & container
securement products since 1956
U.S. based manufacturing of precision
injection-molded components and
custom solutions
Producing over 30 types of plastic hose
& tubing in Australia for a wide array of
markets and industries
Stocking and distributing one of
the largest locknut inventories
in the United States
Continental-Aero
wins Top Award!
Continental-Aero claims the top
prize in Fastener News Desk’s Best
Booth Awards, winning Best Overall
Booth for its innovative concept at
the International Fastener Expo 2022.

You can count on us to be
your trusted Secondary Ops
partner with our range of
Value Added Services
For over 75 years, Continental-Aero has set the benchmark for
quality products and service above and beyond expectations.
Let our expertise in secondary processes work for you.
Tired of the secondary process run around?
Continental-Aero provides Integrated Supply Chain
Management Systems that deliver on and off the balance sheet
benefits. Continental-Aero is not just a fastener supplier—we
partner with our clients to deliver strategic solutions. Make
Continenal-Aero part of your supply chain to reap the rewards.
In keeping with
tradition—The Purple
Vehicle Series legacy
continues...
Since 1987, Continental-Aero has produced
authentic and highly collectible 1 /64 toy vehicles
in the trademarked purple color, and thus, the
Continental-Aero ‘Purple’ series was born.
The vehicles are produced in short runs and
are provided at trade shows and customer
visits. The quantity is extremely limited so they
have now become a sought-after commodity
among those ‘in the know.’
One purchase order turns your problems into solutions!
» Plating Specialists
» Customer Specific Labeling and Bar Coding
» Direct Shipment from our Mills
» Drop Shipments to Your Customers
» Vendor Managed Inventory Systems
» Stock & Release Programs
» Consignment Programs
» Widest & Deepest Inventory
» Same Day Shipping
» Customized Reporting
» Blanket Orders & Price Containment
» Branded Products at Competitive Pricing
» Supplier Quality Assurance Enrichment Programs
» Chemical & Physical Certification Available
» Lot Control & Full Traceability
» RoHS & REACH Compliant
» ISO 9001:2015
There are currently nine models in the die-cast
series of Continental-Aero’s purple vehicles, with
the eagerly awaited tenth release to celebrate
Continental-Aero’s 75th Anniversary in 2023.
The official release is scheduled to take place
at this year’s International Fastener Expo
in Las Vegas, NV. Come visit us at
Booth 1711 for a chance to
The experience gained from a
company with 75 years of pedigree, puts it in a
prime position to deal with the challenges that an ever-changing
world throws at it. Now is not the time to stand still, and Continental-Aero
has proven it is able to react and adapt to the needs of customers.
With its capabilities far beyond the original market segment,
Continental-Aero in 2023 is a dynamic, full-service stocking master
distributor, who will go above and beyond to earn your business.
add the newest iconic
model to your
collection!

26
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
WOMEN IN THE FASTENER INDUSTRY
PO Box 763, Webster, NY 14580
EMAIL scholarships@fastenerwomen.com
WEB www.fastenerwomen.com
WIFI ANNOUNCES THE MARYANN MARZOCCHI
EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
Women In The Fastener
Industry is proud to honor
the memory of Maryann
Marzocchi, Co-Owner
of Distributor’s Link
Magazine, with an
education scholarship. The
$1,500 scholarship will
be awarded to a woman
to attend college or trade
school. The recipient must
have a female family member who is employed by a
fastener company.
Maryann started her career in the fastener industry at
Southern Screw Company in 1958. In 1976, Maryann’s
brother-in-law Leo J. Coar recruited her to start a
quarterly publication with him. Link Magazine published
its first issue in Winter 1977.
Maryann served as Co-Owner and Vice President of
Sales & Marketing for Link Magazine. Working together
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
with Leo for 36 years and with her daughter
Tracey Lumia for 15 of those years, her
love of the fastener industry was evident.
Through the many trade shows she attended,
her relationships with advertisers, writers,
associations, and numerous industry friends
she made throughout the years, Maryann had
a unique ability to connect with people and
bring them together.
“Working side-by-side with my mother
for over 15 years was an honor. I’m proud
of all that she accomplished both in business and
personally. This scholarship will allow other female
‘go-getters’ of any age to achieve their dreams just as
she did. Thank you to Women In The Fastener Industry
for honoring Maryann with this scholarship.” – Tracey
Lumia
WIFI is accepting applications through June 5th, 2023.
For more information and to submit your application, visit
www.fastenerwomen.com/scholarships.
WOMEN IN THE FASTENER INDUSTRY

30
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ROTOR CLIP COMPANY INC.
187 Davidson Avenue, Somerset, NJ 08873
TEL 1-800-557-6867 EMAIL info@rotorclip.com WEB www.rotorclip.com
WHAT MAKES RETAINING RINGS
THE RIGHT SOLUTION?
In today’s mechanical motion systems, the vast
majority of power transmission is rotational, and, as
a result, shafts are often present in everything from
motors in UAV drones to 3-D printers. When shafts
are assembled into final products,
fasteners are placed at the ends
or at fixed linear distances along
the shaft where components need
to be located. Traditional fasteners
like screws, nuts, bolts, cotter pins,
and washers require threading,
tapping, drilling, and other machining
operations. Retaining rings are metal
fasteners installed into a groove on a
shaft or in a bore creating a shoulder
that resists thrust loading and keeps
the assembly together.
Rotor Clip is the only manufacturer
of every style of Retaining Ring,
ensuring end users receive the most
optimal solution for their application.
There are three main types of
retaining rings: Constant Section
Retaining Rings feature a uniform, constant section that
provides three-point contact with the groove. Tapered
Section Rings grip the entire periphery of the groove along
the ring’s edge. Spiral Rings are wound from a single
section of flat wire and provide 360-degree axial contact.
Retaining rings are used in virtually every industry,
supporting primarily automotive, medical, aerospace &
defense, oil & gas, and energy sectors. Retaining rings’
light weight, simple, and fast assembly properties make
them ideal candidates for product assembly simplification
and cost reduction, providing several advantages over
traditional fasteners. A single retaining ring can replace
multiple pieces of hardware in an assembly. There is no
need for complicated shaft or housing preparation such as
threading, tapping, and drilling leading to lower fabrication
time and costs. As a result, this is an economical
fastening solution for manufacturers.
Spiral retaining rings are an
advanced solution for retaining ring
applications that require 360-degree
contact with the groove and shoulder
of the part being assembled. They
are designed not unlike a torsion
spring and allow expansion (unwind)
to slip over shafts and contraction
(wind) to squeeze into bores. Spiral
retaining rings require additional
force to operate over taper and
constant section rings, and, in
return, offer a stronger fixing strength
for the assembly. These rings are
manufactured by coiling a single flat
wire and can be single or multiturn;
depending on the application
requirements giving spiral retaining
rings a broad range of standard and custom sizes up to
25 inches in diameter.
Key advantages of this manufacturing technique are
that there is no stamping waste or edge burrs and no
concern about orientation of metal grain. Rolled flat wires
have a natural radiused edge making them easier to slide
into or onto position. Dedicated tooling is not necessary,
making spiral retaining rings attractive for low-quantity
custom applications. This manufacturing method avails
itself to popular materials such as carbon and stainless
steel as well as alloys such as Inconel, Hastelloy, and
beryllium copper.
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
ROTOR CLIP COMPANY INC.

32
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
THE FASTENER EXPERTS MENTOR GROUP consists of about 20 fastener professionals in various
stages of developing and sharing their fastener expertise with the fastener community. They have a virtual
meeting twice a month, under the direction of CARMEN VERTULLO, CFS. The discussion is unplanned but
always informative and technically challenging. Many of the questions that are processed by the experts are
worth sharing, and in the interest of developing their expertise they want to put their answers in writing.
If you have a fastener question or topic that you would like to put to the experts, or if you would like to join
the group contact Carmen at carmenv@carverem.com or 619-204-1543.
I have a fastener question...
WHAT IS A HELICOIL ® ?
YOUR EXPERT
JOHN
BUTLER
30 Years in the Fastener
Distribution Industry –
Certified Fastener Specialist
– HeliCoil Expert – Pac-West Fastener Association
Board Member – Tool Repair Specialist - Currently
Seeking Exceptional Employment Opportunities - I
have completed product training in proprietary fastener
lines from Stanley Engineered Fastening, Alcoa Huck
Lockbolts and Tools (Howmet), Key-Locking Inserts
(Howmet and Acme), Panduit, AVK Industrial Products
& Tools (Rivnuts), Captive Fastener (Self-Clinching
Fasteners), ND Industries and Nylok Thread Locking,
POP/Avdel Rivets and Tooling, Dodge Inserts, Vlier,
Southco, Nord-Lock.
I have been working with HeliCoil (HC) Brand Wire
Thread Inserts for many years now and most people
know the brand as the wire thread placed into engine
spark plug holes. While this is an excellent application
example, the applications are endless and there is much
more to know about how we choose the correct insert and
install it in the application. I am sharing some of the most
common questions that customers have asked in hopes
of assisting you with answering these questions.
If you have any questions please contact me:
Email: 1john1butler@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/john-butler-fasteners
Tel: 414-587-2463
These inserts start out like many fasteners, they are
formed from round wire coils drawn down in diameter into
precision formed coils of extremely hard, diamond shaped
wire that when installed in an STI (Screw Thread Insert)
tapped hole will provide permanent 60-degree internal
screw threads, that in many instances provide stronger
threads compared to threads in the parent material.
Can I install a HeliCoil into my original tapped hole?
You can repair your product by drilling a larger hole.
If this is a blind instead of a through hole be sure to drill
deep enough allowing a 1 pitch tap end clearance. After
drilling the hole countersink the hole 120*, use the proper
STI (Screw Thread Insert) Cut Tap (using a roll tap doesn’t
allow the insert to fully seat in the 60* threads). Be sure
to remove and chips from the threads. It is common to
use a HeliCoil thread gage to check the tapped hole (this
step is optional, but if install issues occur be sure to check
the tapped hole using the HC gage). The secret sauce is
using a drop of IPA or placing the inserts in a disc of IPA
which adds lubricity during install and simply dissolves.
Remember per NASM33537 it is not necessary to thread
gage an installed HeliCoil insert…installing a screw into the
HeliCoil insert allows the insert to seat itself completely.
MENTOR ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 110

34
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ZAGO MANUFACTURING CO.
21 East Runyon Street, Newark, NJ 07114
TEL 973-643-6700 FAX 973-643-4433 EMAIL info@ZAGO.com WEB www.ZAGO.com
ZAGO CELEBRATES 30 YEARS!
In 1993, husband and wife team
Harvey Rottenstrich and Gail Friedberg
Rottenstrich took the plunge and started
U.S.A.-based ZAGO Manufacturing Co.
Fasten forward thirty years later and
the manufacturer of high-tech sustainable
sealing fasteners and switch boots is
going strong.
ZAGO: Hatched At An Incubator
Harvey, an electrical engineer, and
Gail, a corporate attorney, started ZAGO
via a small-business incubator program
offered at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
Enterprise Development Center in Newark, NJ. Today,
ZAGO operates from a world-class manufacturing facility
in the heart of Newark, just miles away from NJIT.
“The first few years, the program provided office
space at a reduced rental rate, secretarial services,
and space for assembly and production,” notes Harvey,
who today serves as President and Lead Engineer. “And
perhaps the most valuable offering of all, critical business
advice.”
Pronounced with a long A, ZAGO stands for each of
the family member’s initials. Gail and Harvey have three
grown sons, two of whom work at ZAGO.
MARRIED COUPLE GAIL FRIEDBERG ROTTENSTRICH AND HARVEY ROTTENSTRICH
CO-FOUNDED ZAGO MANUFACTURING CO. IN 1993.
After five years, ZAGO outgrew the incubator, and
eventually bought and refurbished their current location –
a 100-year-old factory based in the South Ward of Newark.
It was important to Gail and Harvey that they stay in
Newark. “We envisioned ZAGO as being a great place for
Newark residents, and others living locally, to work and
flourish,” says Gail. Today, ZAGO employs 35 men and
women representing different backgrounds, cultures, and
ethnicities; many who hail from Newark.
“One reason I love working at ZAGO is the diversity of
our people, who each bring different ideas to the table,”
notes Jackie Luciano, Vice President and a 15-year
veteran of ZAGO.
It Felt Like Jumping Off A Cliff
“Starting a business is scary. You invest a lot of time,
effort, money, and hope it works out. We had to take the
leap and push forward. We are so glad we did,” says Gail,
who today serves as CEO of ZAGO, now a woman-owned
business.
ZAGO’s Founding Customers
ZAGO started as a manufacturer of MS3212/3213
sealing screws for the military and aerospace; two critical
sectors that ZAGO serves today, and why ZAGO sealing
screws are pressure-tested to 1,500 psi. ZAGO also
offers MIL-DTL-5423 panel bushing seals.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 112

Greenslade & Company
is proud to announce we
have renewed our ISO
17025 Certification for two
more years. With continued
equipment additions and
scope expansions, we raise
our capabilities to ensure the
best possible service to our
customers. We are accredited
by A2LA and recognized
globally through their rigorous
assessment of our Quality
System.
The American Association
for Laboratory Accreditation
(A2LA) is a nonprofit, nongovernmental,
public-service
membership society offering
accreditation programs for
laboratories and other testing
companies and industries.
The Greenslade & Company
mission is to contribute to
the success of our customers
by providing them with the
lowest cost, most prompt and
most error-free dimensional
calibration services available.
Additionally, it is our mission
to provide our employees with
a pleasant, challenging, and
rewarding work environment,
while also providing our
vendors with a mutually
profitable and respectful
relationship.
For more information contact
Greenslade & Company, Inc.
at 2234 Wenneca Avenue,
Fort Worth, TX 76102. Call
Toll Free: 800-435-2657, Tel:
817-870-8888, Fax: 817-
870-9199, Email: sales@
greensladeandcompany.com
or visit them online at www.
greensladeandcompany.com.
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 35

36
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Guy Avellon
Guy Avellon has been in MRO and Fastener Distribution for over 30 years, in such positions Sales
Engineer, Chief Engineer, Manager of Product Marketing, Product Engineering & Quality and
Director of Quality & Engineering. He founded GT Technical Consultants where he performs failure
analysis, lectures on fastener safety, works for law firms and designs/audits Quality systems. He is a
member of SAE, is Vice Chairman of the ASTM F16 Fastener Committee, Chairman of the F16.01 Test
Methods Committee and received the ASTM Award of Merit in 2005. Guy can be contacted at 847-
477-5057, Email: ExpertBoltGuy@gmail.com or visit www.BoltFailure.com.
WHAT DISTRIBUTORS NEED TO
KNOW ABOUT TORQUE
So, what really is torque? Torque is frequently
thought of as the critical force when tightening a joint
together that will produce a desired clamp load onto the
joint. However, there are many other factors to consider
when using torque as a measurement.
First, how is torque used? Torque may appear to be
universal, but there are three distinct industries who apply
torque differently; mass assembly, structural assembly
and in maintenance and repair operations.
Should a distributor provide torque information? Only
if the customer understands that torque values for a
given product should be used as a guide only. There are
many variables associated with assemblies which will be
discussed in another article. Before we go into details
about these variables, the customer should understand
the following which the distributor should relate to them.
Torque is a combination of forces. In physics, torque
is a vector that measures the tendency of a force to cause
an object to rotate about an axis while applying a tension
to the axis. With a fastener, we are rotating either a nut
or the bolt head about the axis of the bolt.
Torque is the force applied to a lever (wrench),
multiplied by the length of the lever rotated perpendicular
about a fulcrum: the fulcrum being the axis of the bolt.
The force is measured in pounds, or Newtons. The lever
is measured in inches, feet or meters. Therefore, there is
the pound-inch (lb-in), pound-foot (lb-ft) or Newton-meter
(Nm) units of measurement.
Torsion is the amount of twisting performed due to
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
an applied torque. When we stop turning the wrench, or
twisting the bolt, the torsional forces dissipate. All forces
are at rest. However, it should be noted that in many
cases, joint relaxation will occur due to the ‘spring-back’
effect of the bolt as it equalizes the twist. Normal ‘springback’
of the bolt results in an average loss of clamping
force of about 10%.
Torsion occurs during the tightening of the bolt as it
applies a twist to the bolt’s body while the bolt is being
elongated by the advancement of the nut along the helical
threads (tension). This twist occurs due to the friction
created between the threads of the nut, or tapped hole,
and the threads of the bolt as the flanks of the mating
threads engage under the pressure of tension.
Therefore, torque is a function of friction. In essence,
we are only measuring friction, not clamp load, which sets
us up to be influenced by many variables.
Friction is that resistance we feel as we rotate the
wrench during tightening, regardless if we use a torque
wrench or a box wrench. We feel the joint becoming tighter
with each degree of rotation as the nut is literally being
crushed against the joint surface. This is the friction at the
interface of the nut and joint surface.
We have two sources of friction: There is friction at
the nut’s bearing surface, or at the washer-face of the
bolt’s head, while the mating threads grind against each
other at the same time in an attempt to apply enough
strain on the bolt to carry it into its proposed elastic
region and produce a clamp load upon the joint.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 114

40
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
ISO AUDITS MADE EASY
by Dennis Cowhey
The Business Edge TM
by Computer
Insights, Inc. is an ERP software system
that allows distributors of fasteners and
industrial supplies to do more, in less
time, with fewer people. Their fastener
industry focus makes the difference. The
Business Edge TM
helps companies across
the United States and Canada, ranging
from four employees to over 500.
The Business Edge Quality
System Module
The Business Edge TM
Quality System Module,
in conjunction with documentConnection and the
Certificate Management Module, all combine to create
a powerful tool for maintaining records for a Quality
System.
documentConnection
Integrated Electronic Document System
documentConnection is a fully integrated system
module that offers electronic storage of documents
and records captured from drag-n-drop, scanning, and
inbound faxes. Easily assign documents to specific
customers, vendors, products, sales orders, purchase
orders, etc. The system allows instant retrieval of the
documents during any related inquiry. During an ISO
quality audit, you can show the auditor the paperwork
without having to find it in a physical file drawer. Once
a document is associated with any record, they are
attached forever, eliminating frantic searches for a
missing piece of paper.
Monitoring & Measuring Resources
ISO 9001:2015 §7.1.5.1 and 7.1.5.2
The Business Edge TM
maintains records of each
measuring device. Based on the measuring device
type, the system alerts the quality manager if a device
needs calibration soon. Calibrations can either be
internal calibrations (using another calibrated device
to do specific measurements) or done by an outside
vendor. When performed internally, the system allows
quick input of the measurement in and out for the
planned points of the device type. When performed by
an outside vendor, the vendor’s certificate is saved in
documentConnection and linked to the calibrated
devices.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 116

42
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Chris Donnell
Chris Donnell is the National Sales Director for Scanwell Logistics International (CHI)
Inc., specializing in Supply Chain Management, Inventory Control, Logistics Sales and
Management. Chris excels at selling the “Solution” to advanced program analysis and
implementation. A highly ambitious and effective team leader who thrives on the challenges
of this industry, Chris currently oversees a National Sales and Partnership Program consisting
of more than 100 Sales executives who focus primarily on SCM and Logistics development in
most vertical markets. Contact Chris at 847-228-6789 or email: chrisdonnell@scanwell.com.
CHANGES ARE HAPPENING
Change is the only thing in this world that is truly
constant – it’s only a matter of time, but everything
changes. This is so true in the Logistics World. While
most are fearful of change, I think the changes in the
Global Supply Chain we’ve all seen over the past several
months have been welcomed with open arms.
Since the start of Covid, and what seemed to be
an overnight dive into service interruptions, things have
finally subsided. Congestion has all but dried up and we
have actually had some positive momentum concerning
both the ILWU and rail situations. Another bright spot is
that the rates are plummeting, nearing back to where
they were pre-pandemic. For importers, this is a huge
sigh of relief. Overall, things are looking up for the Global
Supply Chain. Rather than reflect on past issues, I want
to start off the new year with “what to expect in 2023.”
Let’s start with the obvious, what’s going on with the
two 800-pound gorillas, the ILWU and the Rail Unions.
For starters, both unions and the employers have
tried relentlessly to eliminate most, if not all, outside
interference or distractions. Between the severity of the
situation and the current state we are in, that’s become
nearly impossible. The media’s involvement has given
both the unions and the owners tit for tat leverage
when it comes to negotiations which is why neither
side from each industry have yet to finalize any type of
long-term agreement. For instance, the ILWU and the
PMA are accusing one another of sabotage. Whether
it’s the PMA stating the Longshoreman are fabricating
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
safety issues or slowing down the flow of cargo (which
is incredibly costly to terminal operators, ocean carriers
and ultimately the importers), the slowdowns and work
stoppages have the ability to completely shut down
operations in some of the busiest terminals in America.
Since early summer, both sides have made little
headroom when it comes to finalizing an actual longterm
agreement.
The rail situation seems to be a bit more stable
than that of the ILWU / PMA. While the contention
between the rail unions and the rail owners was well
documented in late 2022 (which resulted in Congress
intervening to avoid a destructive strike), they have
made some significant strides to address the front-line
labor and their quality-of-life issues. The rail owners
have started to listen to the employees and started to
listen to the customers, and the end result is a contract
which is a positive step in the right direction considering
they were without a contract for more than 3 years. One
important item for the rail unions was the rail owners
use of furloughs, especially during economic situations.
The rail owners have reacted to this by eliminating or
instituting stringent conditions for the use of furloughs.
Another situation which has changed dramatically
is the congestion issue at our nation’s ports. For all
intents and purposes, congestion is a thing of the past.
There are a few isolated issues still being reported due
to the lack of being able to return containers to ports or
rail ramps.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 118

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 43
INTEGRATED PACKAGING & FASTENER INC.
1211 Norwood Ave, Itasca 60143 TEL 1-800-807-5510
EMAIL sales@integratedpack.com WEB www.integratedpack.com
INTEGRATED PACKAGING IS OFF TO A GREAT START IN 2023
2023 marks Integrated Packaging & Fastener’s
22nd year in business and we could not have done it
without all of our great customers we work with every
day.
IPF has acquired a few new pieces of machinery
to help with the demand of our customers packaging
requirements. We can also do light assemblies and we
also have 2 pemserters. If you need PEM assemblies,
we are happy to help you with that. Integrated also has
a 50 ton press for larger assemblies. We have just
purchased a Keyence machine that will be able to do
a deeper inspection of parts if you need something
checked by us prior to bagging. We carry a variety of
flat poly bags, zip locks, bio-degradable bags, and can
package your product in just about anything you require.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
In 2022, we promoted Greg Adleman to sales
manager of Integrated Packaging. Greg is able to help
with all of your quotes and orders. He can be reached at
847-439-5730 or at greg@integratedpack.com. We have
a whole team to help with all of your kitting requirements
from start to finish. Our team is there to get you your kits
quickly and efficiently. We hope to be your One-Stop-
Shop for all your packaging needs.
Our President Jill Lewis was elected to Vice President
of MWFA. Jill is also on the board of WIFI (Women in
Fastener Industry). Last but not least, this is Jill’s 20th
year at Integrated Packaging - thank you for all you do!
All of us at Integrated Packaging wish you a
wonderful 2023 and we look forward to hearing from you
and working with you on all your packaging needs!
INTEGRATED PACKAGING & FASTENER

44
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
SETTING ADJUSTABLE THREAD RINGS PART 1:
WHY DO I NEED THE SET PLUG?
Oftentimes we are sent special sized GO and NOT
GO adjustable threaded ring gages for calibration, or we
are asked to quote/manufacture new ones. In either
case we must ask the customer if they own the set plug,
and, in most cases, they do not. The most common
response we get is, “Why do I need the set plug? The
last company I sent these gages to didn’t require them.”
Upon further investigation, it is found that the “other
company” is using some form of direct measurement,
either CMM or single point ball probes. The simple
fact is that the “other company” is not following the
consensus standards that govern this calibration, and
in turn is misleading end users to believing their
calibrations are valid and proper.
Several standards are quite clear on how adjustable
thread rings are to be checked, set, adjusted, or
calibrated:
¤ ASME B1.2 and ASME B1.16 state: Adjustable GO
(and subsequently NOT GO) thread ring gages must be
set to the applicable W tolerance setting plugs.
¤ MIL-STD-120 states: The pitch diameter of
adjustable thread ring gages is adjusted by fitting the
ring to a setting plug of known size.
¤ FED-STD-H28/6A states: The size of adjustable
limit or indicating thread gages is controlled by utilizing
the applicable W tolerance thread setting plug.
¤ IFI-301 states: The functional diameter of the
working ring is set to the functional diameter size of the
combined characteristics of the setting plug.
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
It is abundantly clear in all the standards that govern
thread gaging that a set plug is required to set an
adjustable ring gage.
A few points that may help explain the reasoning
and difference between setting a ring gage to a set plug
verses directly measuring the pitch diameter are:
¤ Adjustable thread rings are not round. A set plug
will engage the circular boundary, but a direct measure
probe will simply measure (2) or more independent
points in the thread groove, and chances are pretty good
that the “best ball” size is not being used.
¤ Adjustable thread rings are intended to be
used as a functional check of the product. Set plugs
will confirm a functional fit, but direct measurement will
only provide pitch diameter size at the specific thread
groove that is probed. Direct measurement does not
take factors such as flank angle, lead, root clearance, or
helical offset into consideration. In other words, all the
elements that make up functional fit are being ignored.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 120

46
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
FCH SOURCING NETWORK
Sourcing Network for the Fastener Industry
TEL 1-877-332-7836 EMAIL eric@fastenersclearinghouse.com WEB www.fastenersclearinghouse.com
FCH: OUT OF STOCK? IT HAPPENS! by Eric Dudas
It happens to the little guys, multi-location regional
players, and even heavy hitting master suppliers get
caught from time to time. If there’s a common thread
among fastener distributors of every size, it’s that they all
will be in search of a hard to find or out of stock part at
some point.
It’s no fun, but it’s part of the fastener game. And
when the search begins, the parts are usually needed on
a rush basis. Finding these parts is what distributors do
to keep good customers supplied.
FCH Sourcing Network plays a useful role in this
process by providing distributors a huge online database
of parts from fastener companies across North America.
Initially focused on surplus and overstock items, the
platform quickly expanded to support a wide mix of
fastener listings of every category and description
imaginable, including thousands of stock items along
with those pesky slow movers.
With over a million and a half listings, FCH is known
by many fastener professionals as “screwgle”, the search
engine for industrial fasteners. But as the network grows,
the administrative challenges grow as well.
What happens when parts that appear in FCH search
results are no longer available? Worse yet, why is it that
sometimes the listing distributor doesn’t even seem
aware they have the part you found listed on FCH in the
first place? It’s frustrating! This doesn’t make anyone
look good, not the listing distributor or the network.
We know it happens, and we know you know it
happens. And we want to improve!
FCH SHOWS THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE, BUT WILL THE DISTRIBUTOR ACTUALLY HAVE THEM? TOO OFTEN, THE ANSWER HAS BEEN NO!”
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 120

48
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ATLAS INDUSTRY MARKETING
321 Plantation Dr. East, Burleson, TX 76028-1488
TEL 817-447-1750 EMAIL contact@atlas-im.com WEB www.atlas-im.com
THE JOURNEY OF AN INDEPENDENT REP
Alan Lindahl, Sales Manager
I would like to say that my path into becoming an
independent Rep and opening my own agency in 2002
was an easy one, but it wasn’t but I credit my work ethic
and perseverance as the keys to my biggest successes
in life and my agency. In covering a
territory that includes Texas, Oklahoma,
Arkansas, and Louisiana, it requires a
lot of both attributes. My first boss in
regional sales told me, “This isn’t a
job, it’s a lifestyle, but if you like it and
you’re good at it, 20-30 years from now
you’ll still be doing it.” That was 1994
and I’ve literally come and gone a long
way since then!
I grew up primarily in Arlington,
Texas and currently live in Burleson, a suburb of Ft.
Worth, but I was born in Oklahoma City and have also
lived in Wyoming (my true cowboy days) and in Des
Moines, Iowa. It was during my time in Iowa that I officially
entered the fastener industry when I went to work for
Eskay Screw Corporation, a well-established small
diameter cold-heading company, as their regional sales
representative covering Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and
the Dakotas.
My early jobs out of high school had me working
as a ranch hand on my fathers-in-law’s ranch outside
of Casper, Wyoming, in my brother’s flooring business,
and three years doing apartment maintenance work for a
large property management company. These roles gained
me hands-on experience in working with fasteners, but
in a sense, my official career in the industry started at
Allen’s Ace Hardware in 1983, where I spent over seven
years as a department and store manager. I developed a
unique skill, and following with customers, in that I could
find a way to connect almost anything
threaded across many products lines
and departments.
I also became a young father at age
21 and it was this call of responsibility
that quickly led me back to school and I
entered junior college while working 55-60
hours weekly on a modest salary. Six
years later, I graduated with honors with
an Associates Degree in Management,
and then jumped to the University of
North Texas and spent another three years earning a
degree in Business Education and graduated Magna Cum
Laude. During this time at UNT, I went to work for Home
Depot in their electrical and flooring departments and
used my days off to go to school full-time.
While at Home Depot, and nearing my graduation, I
attended a product knowledge event given by the owner
of one of their ceramic tile suppliers. I approached
him afterwards about outside sales opportunities, and
was eventually hired and moved to Iowa in January of
1994. Unfortunately, he was a very difficult person to
work for and after just 15 months, I took a position with
Eskay calling on OEM accounts across a large Midwest
territory, and in the spring of ’97, they gave me an
opportunity to move back to Texas.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 122

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 49

50
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
FASTENER TRAINING INSTITUTE OFFERS
ON-SITE TRAINING
Did you know the Fastener Training Institute (FTI) can
come to your company? FTI offers custom, on-site fastener
training for one department, multiple departments, or
entire organizations. Classes are scalable and can be
modified for specific needs.
The benefits of on-site training are numerous. It can
reach more employees, save time and travel dollars,
and be created uniquely for individual business needs.
“Companies are busy. Our ability to offer on-site fastener
training gives such a custom approach with both timing
and material. This offering goes beyond our frequent
in-person classes, webinars, Fastener Training Weeks,
and special events and is another tool we use to continue
to reach fastener professionals and elevate fastener
training,” said Jo Morris, FTI’s Director of Marketing.
FTI maintains an extensive course offerings list,
including the following. Classes can be taught as is,
combined or customized.
¤ Aerospace Fasteners
¤ Automotive Fastener Technology
¤ Dimensional and Material Specifications
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
¤ Fastener Technology Workshop
¤ Fastener Basics
¤ Fastener Specifications and Terminology
¤ Fastener Quality Assurance, Print Reading
and Inspection
¤ Metric Fasteners
¤ Fastener Secondary Processes
¤ Fastener Testing
¤ Fastener Product Training Series
¤ Structural Bolting
¤ Understanding the Bolted Joint
¤ Understanding Hydrogen Embrittlement
in Fasteners
¤ Using KPIs in your ISO Management System
The Fastener Training Institute (FTI) is the leader in
providing extensive technical instruction to those in the
fastener industry by industry-leading instructors.
The Fastener Training Institute is a nonprofit
organization that provides beginning and advanced training
on fastener products, standards and specifications. Its
core purpose is to enhance fastener use, reliability and
safety. Our mission is to make industry professionals
more knowledgeable about the fastening products they
buy, sell, specify or use.
For more information about Fastener Training Institute
email info@FastenerTraining.org, call 562.473.5373 or visit
us online at www.FastenerTraining.org.
JO MORRIS | FASTENER TRAINING INSTITUTE

52
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
SELF CLINCHING vs WELD FASTENERS: WHICH IS BEST?
by Michael J. Rossi, Marketing Services Supervisor
As one of the most common materials used in project
design, it’s essential that the right fastening solutions are
applied for sheet metal fabrication. But which methods
are most effective?
In this article, we’ll take a look at two common metal
fastening options – welding and self clinching fastening.
We’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each
so you can make a more informed decision on the best
joining method for your application.
Welding Application
Welding is historically one of the most common sheet
metal fastening methods. Welding is a fabrication process
that joins two or more parts by fusing them through heat
or pressure. The two most common types of fasteners
used in welding applications are tack weld and spot weld
fasteners.
Tack welding uses low heat and a concise arc to
temporarily affix two pieces of metal together. This
method typically uses a pre-final weld that holds all the
components in place. This allows engineers to test the
assembly before committing to the final weld, ensuring
high quality and precision in the final product.
Advantages Of Tack Welding
¤ Can test your design before committing to a
permanent weld
¤ Process is quick, easy, and cheap to carry out
¤ Allows for quick disassembly if required
¤ Quickly sets and maintains the joint gap
¤ The joint can be held together in tight spaces
¤ Prevents distortion during welding
¤ Can be used with most materials
¤ Can provide a reliable alternative to work clamps for
holding parts together
Disadvantages Of Tack Welding
¤ It’s temporary and produces weak bonds
¤ Joint quality can be impaired if tack welding isn’t
done correctly
¤ It exacerbates the build-up of oxides
¤ Parts will need to be cleaned afterward
¤ When tack welding some materials, such as hard
and brittle steel, specialist knowledge and skill is
required, as it can leave spots vulnerable to
cracking
¤ Some materials don’t handle the rapid, localized
heating and cooling of tack welding very well
¤ It’s not easy to carry out on large parts or areas
near the edge of parts
Tack Welding vs Spot Welding
There are several key differences between tack
welding and spot welding, namely:
¤ Tack welding forms a temporary pre-weld,
whereas spot welding is a method used to fuse two
metals together permanently
¤ Tack welding uses filler material when joining
metal pieces, whereas spot welding is carried out through
a combination of electrical current and pressure being
applied to the metals being fused
¤ Tack welding can be used on a range of metals,
each with varying thicknesses, while spot welding is
ideally suited for joining thin metal materials
TECHNICAL ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 124

UC Components, Inc.
announces a corporate
donation of $10,000 to Second
Harvest of Silicon Valley to help
build a hunger-free community
during their “season of good
will” donation drive. This new
$10,000 donation will provide
up to 20,000 nutritious meals
for local families.
UC Components, Inc. is
committed to doing its part
for the communities they work
in and around and from which
they draw their employees.
Second Harvest of Silicon
Valley was chosen as one
of several local and national
institutions for this year’s UC
Components, Inc. Corporate
Giving Initiative due to their
direct contributions to the
greater Silicon Valley area
and their vital food insecurity
work. They currently serve an
average of 450,000 people
every month.
UC Components, Inc. is
a pioneer and innovator in
vented screw manufacturing
and has been the world leader
in high vacuum hardware since
1974. Today, UC is one of
the leading manufacturers of
fastener and seal products for
clean-critical environments of
the 21st century, with a focus
on plated, coated, polished,
cleaned, and vented screws
for High and Ultra High Vacuum
equipment.
For more information about
UC Components Inc, contact
them by Tel: 408-782-1929,
Email: sales@uccomponents.
com or visit them online at
www.uccomponents.com.
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 53

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 ANNOUNCES NEW VENUE FOR
2023 FSTNR WEEK By Nancy Rich
Fastener Show, Training, Networking,
Recreation All In One Week
MWFA will hold FSTNR Week August 20th - August
24th. This event has proven to be a significant week
of opportunities bringing the fastener industry together.
This year’s show and golf will be at Lincolnshire Marriott
Resort in Lincolnshire, IL. This venue offers attendees
the opportunity to stay on site for both events, saving on
travel time and allowing for more networking! This upscale
conference hotel is 18 miles from O’Hare International
Airport. The resort has several areas for dining, indoor
and outdoor pools, a gym, spa, theatre, and several other
amenities.
The week will kick off on Sunday (August 20th ) when
the MWFA again will partner with Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
SHP works with groups/communities to build beds for
kids who don’t have their own. This event will take place
at Abbott Interfast in Wheeling, IL. On Monday (August
21st) Plant Tours, throughout the Chicago area, will be
offered. Various companies will open their doors to tours.
A schedule for each company will be posted allowing
you to plan your day. Tuesday (August 22nd) morning a
Print Reading Seminar will be held, taught by Sean Collis
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
of Solution Industries. Sean will be teaching the basics
to assist your employees in reading prints and avoiding
costly mistakes.
The 41st MWFA Fastener Show will be featured
Tuesday afternoon. This show will be a Table Top format
allowing for easy, economic exhibits. The show will be
the Fastener Bash with an 80’s theme. Grab your 80’s
outfit, there will be a prize for the best 80’s attire. On
Wednesday (August 23rd) the 70th MWFA Golf Outing
will be held at Crane’s Landing located at Lincolnshire
Marriott Resort. The week doesn’t end there as a MWFA
Mixer will be held August 24th at Real Time Sports in Elk
Grove, IL.
Registration for any of these events can be found at
www.mwfa.net
Fastener Training Institute will be participating in
FSTNR Week by providing their Fastener Week program
(August 21st-25th) for those desiring to achieve their
Certified Fastener Specialist certificate. This week class
offers intense education and plant tours. Students may
then take a final exam to be eligible for the Certified
Fastener Specialist (CCFS) designation.
Registration available at www.fastenertrainingevents.
com/fastener-training-chicago.
MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION

56
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
MECHANICAL POWER, INC.
135 Kerry Lane, Wauconda, IL 60084
TEL 847-487-0070 FAX 847-487-0080 EMAIL info@mechanicalpower.net WEB www.mechanicalpower.net
STREAMLINING GLOBAL SOURCING WITH
HASSLE-FREE SOLUTIONS by Dennis Cowhey, President, Computer Insights
Jim Dorn founded MPI in 1976 as a distributor of
engineered mechanical components. The company initially
specialized in fastener distribution and subsequently
expanded to become a leading supplier of power transmission
components such as but not limited to bearings, sprockets,
chains, and pulleys. MPI serves a diverse range of industries,
including Agriculture, Automotive, Conveying Equipment,
Lawn & Garden, Work Trucks, Recreational Vehicles, and Car
Wash Manufacturers.
MPI’s recent growth and diversification have made
it a prominent resource for engineered metal or plastic
components. Despite this evolution, MPI’s people, culture,
and commitment to stakeholders remain the company’s
defining foundations.
Jim Dorn’s ethics have lived throughout MPI’s evolution
to its current position, resulting in a business that values
integrity, responsiveness, loyalty, and trust. These values
are the pillars of the company’s valued relationships with its
customers, employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
As a result of this commitment, many of MPI’s top
customers have remained with the company for decades.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
Who We Are
MPI functions as an extension of OEM’s Engineering,
Supply Chain, and Quality teams by sourcing mechanical
components to print. Unlike typical distributors, we do not
have a line card or catalog.
Our team carefully reviews custom-engineered blueprints,
communicates requirements to global manufacturing
partners, sources the product, ensures its compliance with
OEM specifications and quality standards, and stores the
inventory at its Chicagoland location.
Our business model centers on providing quality, on-time
delivery, and cost-competitive solutions for customers.
Additionally, MPI excels in VA/VE and Reverse Engineering,
providing valuable assistance in solving complex problems
with engineered components and driving operational
efficiencies with cost reductions.
Consolidating their supply base, OEM customers can
source a diversified range of unique products from MPI, an
end-to-end supply chain company that manages the entire
lifecycle of a part, from part creation to timely shipment.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 126

58
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.
TAMING THE TOXIC WAREHOUSE
Ten years ago, if someone told you the warehouse
was “toxic” the first thought would have been to check
the Hazardous Materials Data Sheets for environmental
contamination. Today the term is applied to far more
dangerous conditions that can lead to litigation, death
and destruction.
You cannot isolate your company from social change.
One way or another what is happening in the outside
world will find its way in and taint everyone. Regardless of
your personal politics what is happening in kindergartens,
elementary schools, high schools, colleges, universities,
governmental agencies and politics will indeed manifest
itself in a multitude of ways.
As The “Woke Movement” Advances
Equity is not the same as equality and racial
preferences are by definition racist. When being a
“protected class” under the Equal Rights laws takes
priority over merit, mediocrity and stifled initiative will
rule. This does not bode well for a customer centric
service business such as Fastener Distribution. In
today’s business environment political correctness and
tainted Human Relations Departments are sinking more
companies than economics and the looming recession.
Every generation is convinced that their parents have
been wrong, pig-headed and misguided. My generation
had Woodstock; my parents fought a war with moral clarity
and grew up fast while shocking their parents with loud,
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
jazz music. If one looks at history, the ancient Roman and
Greek civilizations also struggled with generational issues.
As a practical, hardworking, creative individual, l
do not understand all this. No amount of research can
provide a sound basis for these societal changes. I can
however state unequivocally:
Wokeness In The Workplace…
Does not belong and should never be tolerated.
You, however, are probably experiencing these toxic
attitudes in your warehouse, office, workplace, and/or
in many aspects of your life outside of work. How are we
going to cope with this?
Lessons From The Past
Around 1996 I visited a plumbing supply branch
warehouse in a Midwest city. As I toured the facility,
it became almost immediately obvious that there was
a larger, unaddressed situation. The workforce was
focused on bullying, taunting, hazing and embarrassing
two coworkers, brothers who happened to share a
notorious last name with a cousin who was convicted of
sexual crimes, serial murder and cannibalism. At every
opportunity, the warehouse and office staff “picked on”
the hapless duo and the comments were sarcastic, cruel
and devastating. Somehow, the innocents had become
the target of hate and the situation tainted everyone,
including management and customers.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 128

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 59

60
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
INDIANA STEEL PRODUCTS
300 E Railroad Street, Waterloo, IN 46793 USA
TEL 260-920-4136 EMAIL darrin@indianasteelproducts.com WEB www.indianasteelproducts.com
THE ‘ONE-STOP’ FOR ALL YOUR ROD,
U-BOLT, STUD AND ANCHOR NEEDS
Indiana Steel Products Inc, located in Waterloo
Indiana is a domestic manufacturer of All threaded rod,
All threaded studs, U-Bolts, J-Bolts, I-Bolts, and all types
of anchor bolts. ISP manufacturers both standard and
specials in each of the product categories.
The Owner of Indiana Steel Products, Darrin
Dickerhoof, an industry veteran has over 30 years’
experience manufacturing these items. Darrin has hired
an experienced sales and manufacturing staff that
meets the needs and requirements of their customers.
According to Darrin, ISP can offer a large stock of All
threaded rod in 3’, 6’, 10’ and 12’ lengths in plain and
zinc plated steel, Hot dip galvanized, Stainless steel and
A-193 B-7. We also offer all types of threaded studs in
the same materials from lengths starting at 2” up to 36”
long. We also manufacture U-Bolts in low carbon, 1018
and 1541. We have 2 facilities of over 65,000 square
feet of manufacturing and warehousing in Northeast
Indiana. We also offer a large size range of anchor bolts
in both bent and welded. We offer these in F-1554-
grades 55 and 105 in plain and Hot dip galvanized. We
welcome all specials and have the flexibility to deliver
these specials quickly.
Indiana Steel Products proudly supports the
distribution markets and has recently joined the following
trade associations: MAFDA (Mid-Atlantic Fasteners
Distributors Association), NCFA (North Coast Fastener
Association) and the MFDA (Metropolitan Fastener
Distributors Association).
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
For sales inquiries in the states of PA, NJ, DE, MD,
NY & VA please contact our outside sales team of Lee
S. Johnson Associates Inc. They can be reached toll free
at 877-634-7377 or you can reach Lee Johnson, Jr direct
at 484-645-3820 or by email lee@lsjainc.com.
For all other states please contact Darrin
direct at ISP 260-920-4136 or by email Darrin@
indianasteelproducts.com.
We welcome all your Rod, U-Bolt, Stud, J-Bolt,
I-Bolt and Anchor bolt inquiries!
INDIANA STEEL PRODUCTS

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 61

62
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
AI MAKES HIRING MORE EFFICIENT AND LESS
EXPENSIVE AT YOUR FASTENER DISTRIBUTORSHIP
A novel idea just a few years ago, AI-powered, video
interviewing of job applicants has quickly matured into
a mainstream option for fastener distributors that are
looking to streamline the hiring process -- and bring new
efficiencies along the way.
Says Doug Leonard, CEO, Clovers, a provider of
AI-powered video interviewing services: “In today’s
marketplace, offering a faster way to bring the right
candidates and key insights to the hiring manager can
make all the difference.”
Offering job applicants the ability to engage in a
job interview at their convenience, AI-powered video
interviewing also enables fastener distributors to
delegate initial job interviewing responsibilities to a
machine -- freeing-up HR to engage in more profitable
endeavors.
Plus, in many cases, both job applicants and
employers feel hiring via AI-powered video can be much
fairer, given that each candidate experiences the exact,
same interview experience -- conducted by a machine.
Each candidate opting for video interviewing does
not have to worry about any hidden prejudices or
irrational preferences that could be harbored by a
human interviewer.
“We’re helping to ensure interviews are standardized
across candidates,” says Sharon Hunt, head of produce,
Clovers: “This delivers fairness and enriches the
decision-making process by allowing the team to
re-examine interview moments rather than relying on
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
AI-POWERED, VIDEO INTERVIEWING OF JOB APPLICANTS HAS
QUICKLY MATURED INTO A MAINSTREAM OPTION FOR BUSINESSES.
memory.”
Adds Lindsey Zuloaga, chief data scientist, HireVue,
another AI-powered video interviewing provider: “Our
mission is to create a level playing field for anyone
seeking employment, reducing bias and providing
organizations with a more diverse pool of talent.
“Deploying AI correctly and ethically powers a
significantly more consistent, less biased, more engaging
screening process for recruiters and candidates alike.”
Not surprisingly, variations on the concept of
AI-powered interviewing abound.
But the common thread that runs through all is the
simple experience of a job applicant -- usually sitting in
front of a Webcam or similar video camera -- answering
questions posed by the AI and sometimes engaging in
games or other activities that help the AI better assess
the applicant’s cerebral and/or interpersonal skills.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 130

64
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”.
ESG INVESTING: IMPACT ON INVESTORS AND
DISTRIBUTORS’ SUPPLY CHAIN BURDENS
Distributor’s are starting to feel the effect of the
investment world’s preoccupation with ESG (Environmental,
Social and Governance) concerns. As activists push
for public corporations to show their commitment to a
sustainable environment and a whole host of social justice
issues ranging from labor and human rights to modern
slave trafficking, conflict minerals, and transparency
issues, individual wholesalers are being asked to provide
extensive data and survey answers to third party data
collectors. These newly emerging “survey” companies
have been engaged by customers who are under pressure
from investors to demonstrate what might be described
as a “woke” political orientation in their operations.
Distributors and other suppliers of course want to please
their customers and feel compelled to give it their best
effort.
A number of data collection firms are now providing
compliance checking services to companies whereby they
contact a company’s key suppliers demanding answers,
commitments and policy statements dealing with a
voluminous number of social justice issues. It can be very
time consuming, and distributors may find themselves
trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Questions on
these surveys are often pegged to manufacturers--- and
distributors do not fall into that category. Nevertheless,
the surveys I have seen usually allow only a Yes or No
answer with no room for a distributor to explain why
such questions are inapplicable to them. A “Yes” answer
triggers a demand for downloading of a specific policy which
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
most small companies have never addressed, even if they
may support the general intent of the survey’s direction.
To make matters worse, some of these newly developed
survey programs have labor intensive procedures to be
followed with multi-page user manuals to be digested
before a company can fill it out. If parts of the software do
not work their “help desks” often shift the burden back on
the person filling out the survey to take a circuitous route
to get the data in submittable form. Also, unless the form
is filled out properly the user cannot proceed to the next
step or to submittal. It is a troubling and time consuming
phenomenon we are seeing which will add expense and
a time burden to distributors affected by it, without (I
suspect) having any real positive impact on the social
goals behind the effort. It is reminiscent of the paperwork
fiasco of the Y2K “crisis” and other boondoggles whereby
companies attempt to shift their burden to someone else
in the supply chain without regard to whether or not it
really accomplishes anything.
Let’s take a look at the underlying philosophy of
ESG investing which is driving this. Traditionally, those
who invested institutional funds or large portfolios for
their individual clients were very clear as to where their
fiduciary duty lay. They doggedly fixed on diversified
portfolios that offered security and the greatest overall
return for the pension funds, institutional endowments,
or retirement funds of those who relied upon them for
cash flow and growth in their corporate or personal
existence.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 132

66
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
SPRING UPDATE FROM STAFDA
by Georgia H. Foley, CEO
This spring, the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors
Association (STAFDA) has teamed up with its outside
sales consultant, Paul Reilly, author of Sales Pro 2.0, an
outside training manual for construction and industrial sales
professionals, to lead 1.5 day workshops in three cities:
Atlanta (April 4-5), Chicago (April 18-19), and Phoenix (March
28-29). Reilly will use the training manual’s concepts as the
catalyst to do a deeper dive into today’s selling environment.
STAFDA asked him to update the original Sales Pro
book written in 2005 by Tom Reilly, Paul’s father. Selling
techniques have greatly changed over the years thanks
to e-mail, texting, and Zoom or Teams calls.
Technology has speeded up the entire sales
process becoming more competitive as customers
go online to shop price and availability.
The first module will delve into how
professionalism separates top achievers from
amateurs. Reilly will address how to create
value, further build a sales knowledge base,
and time and territory management. The next
phase will focus on acquiring new business. This
includes getting the appointment, uncovering customer
needs, fielding objections, and financial selling. He’ll provide
a blueprint for building and developing a sales territory.
The final module is on protecting and growing existing
business. Attendees will hone their skills needed for
customer retention and growth, delivering exceptional
customer service, and leveraging existing relationships.
Role playing, case studies, and group exercises will all
be apart of the session. Prior to attending the workshop,
participants will be sent a pre-training questionnaire to
benchmark their current level of experience to other sales
pros. In addition, a 60 minute webinar will follow in June
SHOW EVENT ARTICLE
from the Sales Pro 2.0 workshops.
so Reilly can see how well they’ve
implemented the tools they learned
San Antonio Convention & Keynote Speaker
STAFDA’s 47th Annual Convention & Trade Show
will be held November 5-7 in San Antonio, TX. This will
be STAFDA’s third return to the city known for its famous
Riverwalk and the historic Alamo. STAFDA’s meeting will be
held in the new space at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention
Center. This modern expansion was completed in 2017
with state of the art meeting rooms and a large, column
free exhibit hall. STAFDA was the first group to book its
2023 Convention in the new space.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 142

68
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.
HOLE PREPARATION FOR BLIND RIVETING
Here are work piece hole conditions that affect the
performance of a blind rivet. Many times I am contacted
by blind rivet users telling me that they are having
problems with their blind rivets in their application. In
many cases, it is not the blind rivet but instead it is the
condition of the hole in the work pieces they are riveting.
The following are some of the hole conditions that lead to
blind rivet failure.
Hole Burrs
BURR BREAK AWAY UPSET SIDE
FLANGE SIDE
When the blind rivet is inserted into the hole of the
work piece and set, the mandrel head upsets the barrel
of the rivet body and forms the barrel upset against the
burr. As the mandrel is being pulled to it’s maximum
tensile strength, the burr cuts into the barrel upset. If
the blind rivet body is aluminum and the work piece is
steel, stainless steel the burr will cut away a portion
of the barrel upset created by the mandrel head when
setting the blind rivet. When a part of the barrel upset is
cut away when setting the blind rivet, this greatly reduces
the tensile strength of the set blind rivet. To achieve the
tensile strength of the set blind rivet, there must be no
burrs on the hole on the upset side and flange side of the
work piece. The upset side will cut the blind rivet barrel
upset and on the flange side will cut the flange of the
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
blind rivet.
This condition occurs when drilling with a dull drill and
pushing the drill through the work piece, rather than having
the drill cut the material. A sharp drill should always be
used when drilling a hole for a blind rivet. A dull drill will
cause a circular burr to be formed around the hole. This
condition can be created in a work pieces made of any
type of metal. A worn or dull hole punch will also leave a
burr around the hole to be riveted. In most cases, the burr
is on the upset side of the work piece because the drilling
operation is usually performed from the operator side.
Hole Diameter
The diameter of the hole to be riveted is also
important relative to the tensile strength and clamp load
of a set blind rivet. All blind rivet manufacturers list the
recommended minimum and maximum hole diameters for
all sizes of blind rivets. The minimum is not the problem.
If the hole diameter is too small the body of the blind rivet
will not enter the hole. The oversized hole is the problem
for more than one reason.
When a blind rivet is set in an oversized hole, the
mandrel head will pass through the barrel of the blind rivet
body. The mandrel will continue down the rivet body until
it reaches the flange of the blind rivet body.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 142

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 69
Auto Bolt is pleased
to annouce the arrival of
their new Videx Thread
Roller. This state-of-the-art
thread roller has a dualspindle
feature, which will
allow them to roll both the
threads and knurls on the
many wheel bolts that they
produce. The threads will
be rolled in the first station
whereas the knurls will be
rolled in the second station
on one continuous pass
through the roll/knurl dies.
Tooling can be changed
quickly to ensure a high
yield of quality parts at the
end of each day.
Auto Bolt continues to
invest in their people and
equipment to expand their
offerings and competitive
pricing, striving to remain
a quality supplier to their
customers.
Auto Bolt is a proud
American, privately owned,
domestic Bolt manufacturer
located in Cleveland, Ohio.
Auto Bolt production
sizes range from 5/16
“(M8) to 1-1/8” (M27).
Our product line consists of Hex
Flange Bolts, Hex Cap Screws,
Shoulder and Place Bolts, Wheel
Bolts, Carriage Bolts, Plow Bolts,
12-Point Bolts, Tank Bolts, Pins,
Double End Collar Bolts, Spring Bolts
and many Specials Per Print. We also
offer secondary processes including
Drilling and Grinding, Heat Treatment,
Plating, Passivation,
Patching and Sorting.
Available carbon
steel includes
SAE 1008, 1010,
1018, 1038, 1541
and 10B21 plus
alloy grades SAE
1335, 1541, 4037,
4140, 5140, 8620,
8637 and 8740.
Additional Stainless-
Steel options available.
It’s a good time to be a domestic
supplier and a great opportunity to
partner with Auto Bolt!
For additional information, please
contact Auto Bolt at 1-216-881-
3913, email quotes@autoboltusa.
com, or visit them online at www.
autoboltusa.com.

70
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
DON’T GET BURIED IN EXCESS: HOW TO AVOID
THE DANGERS OF INFLATED INVENTORY
It is difficult for US distributors and wholesalers to
stay afloat in the current economic climate, and inventory
optimization must be handled perfectly to be successful.
In this post, you will learn effective inventory optimization
strategies to enhance your inventory and maximize
working capital.
It can be challenging to stay on top of the continuously
shifting market conditions, particularly regarding inventory
control. Distributors should learn to work smarter and
establish procedures to save money while producing
outcomes rather than relying solely on guesswork.
Materials, knowledge, and money are the three
elements that are most important when it comes to
maximizing a company’s inventory. And let’s face it,
not much else matters if these vital resources aren’t
flowing freely. After all, maintaining these foundational
elements is crucial to the success of your distribution
company. Fortunately, a proactive leader may step in
and ensure the system is in top shape before a tragedy
arises. Which approach to use first? Ask yourself some
critical questions regarding your supply chain, such as the
following, to get to the heart of what makes an inventory
optimization program successful:
¤ Is demand planning/ forecasting a strategic seniorlevel
position in your organization or part of an operations
activity?
¤ Is the movement of information and money as
critical in your supply chain as the movement of materials?
¤ Do you have an easy report or visualization for
you and your team to understand what needs to be done
to support the demand from your customers? Do you
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
measure service levels?
¤ How often does your team review your healthy
or unhealthy inventory? Who will ensure that our
organization’s overstock situation doesn’t become out of
control? We recommend finding the hero who can save us
from a surplus disaster.
¤ If your vendor allows annual returns, how
successfully were you returning that excess inventory in
2022?
¤ As a CEO or Manager, are you backing your
intuition/experience in inventory optimization with data?
The answers to these questions can become a selfassessment
for you to start a conversation with your
team about the importance of materials, information, and
money.
Information Is Queen
Our first difficulty is accurate forecasting, a
tremendous balancing act for distributors. Attempting to
achieve the ideal balance between accurately anticipating
demand unpredictability, accounting for swift market
changes, and navigating newly added products from the
previous year. It’s enough to make inventory optimization
seem like walking a tightrope over Niagara Falls.
Utilizing data analytics to track client purchase
patterns and estimate demand is one technique to solve
this difficulty. Distributors can find trends and patterns
that can aid them in forecasting future demand by
examining quote and sales data. Distributors can also
find out what goods and services clients will require by
researching and analyzing customer feedback.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 144

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 71
UNICORP ELECTRONIC HARDWARE
291 Cleveland St, Orange, New Jersey 07050
TEL 1-800-526-1389 FAX 973 674-3803 EMAIL sales@unicorpinc.com WEB www.unicorpinc.com
UNICORP EXPANDS SHOULDER SCREW & DOWEL PIN INVENTORY
Unicorp Electronic Hardware is proud to announce
that we have expanded our shoulder screw and dowel pin
inventory to become the largest stocking manufacturer
in the nation. We currently offer American standard
and metric shoulders screws in Hex Socket (Broached),
Slotted, Phillips, and Torx® drive. Materials include 303,
316, and 416 Stainless Steel (Plain or with Titanium
CarboNitride), 4140 Alloy Steel (Plain or with Black Oxide),
Brass, Steel, and Nylon. Unicorp also offers a wide
variety of in between lengths. Since 1971, Unicorp has
been a socially and environmentally responsible leading
manufacturer of American standard and metric precision
electronic hardware, fasteners and handles.
Unicorp Electronic Hardware manufactures precision
dowel pins in both American standard and metric sizes.
We stock a wide variety of materials, diameters, and
lengths. Offered in stainless steel, alloy steel and carbon
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
steel, our dowels pins can come oversized, undersized,
hardened, and ground according to industry standards.
Custom designed dowel pins can also be manufactured
to blueprints to meet your specifications.
The Unicorp product lines consist of Standoffs
& Spacers, Male to Female Standoffs, Male to Male
Standoffs, Jackscrews, Swage Standoffs, Captive Screws
and Retainers, Insulating Shoulder & Flat Washers, NAS/
MS Hardware, Shoulder Screws, Plastic Circuit Board
Supports, Nylon Fasteners, Dowel Pins, Thumbscrews &
Thumbnuts, Self-Clinching Fasteners, Cable Ties, Handles,
Fixed, Folding, Rack- Panel & Ferrules., plus made-to-print
and custom parts. Unicorp Electronic Hardware is used
by leading companies in nearly every industry including
electronics, telecommunications, aerospace, military,
medical, computer, automotive, energy, robotics, marine,
PCB mounting, circuit board assembly.
UNICORP ELECTRONIC HARDWARE

72
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
FASTENER TRAINING INSTITUTE ®
1545 N. Columbus Avenue Glendale, CA 91202
TEL 562-473-5373 EMAIL info@FastenerTraining.org WEB www.FastenerTraining.org
FTI ANNOUNCES WÜRTH INDUSTRY NORTH AMERICA
2023 SUSTAINING SPONSORSHIP
The Fastener Training Institute (FTI), the leading
nonprofit provider of fastener product and technical
training, is excited to announce Würth Industry North
America (WINA) will continue as sustaining sponsor
in 2023. This will mark the fifth year of partnership
between the two organizations.
“Würth’s continued support is instrumental to
our ability to offer frequent and robust educational
opportunities which enhance knowledge, safety and
reliability across the fastener industry,” said John
Wachman, Managing Director for FTI. Thanks to Würth’s
support, FTI will continue to offer an extensive menu of
in-person fastener training classes taught by leading
industry expert instructors, as well as live webinars and
an on-demand Online Learning Library (OLL).
“Our partnership demonstrates our ongoing
commitment to the importance of quality fastener
education. We are thrilled to move into our fifth year
of partnering with the Fastener Training Institute and
helping to support the education of seasoned and new
professionals within the fastener industry,” said Tracy
Lauder, Director of Marketing and Communications for
Würth Industry North America.
FTI’s in-person classes allow attendees hands-on
training, networking opportunities and the ability to take
part in learning labs and plant tours while witnessing
all stages of the manufacturing process. Live webinars
offer an easy and fast way to advance learning while
providing topics for further educational discussion within
organizations. FTI’s OLL has more than 40 on-demand
digital training courses for fastener and manufacturing
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
industry professionals. Corporate subscriptions are
popular with large companies desiring to offer continuous
educational opportunities to employees.
Würth Industry North America (WINA) is a $1+ billion
division of the Würth Group, the world’s largest industrial
distributor. Within the Würth Group, founded in 1945,
WINA is a privately held, family-owned business that
believes collaboration and partnerships make business
better. The company has strategically aligned, customercentric
market divisions, including Industrial, MRO,
Safety, & Metalworking, Construction, and Specialty,
that deliver better planning, parts management, and
inventory accuracy. With more than 420,000 parts in
their international supply chain, WINA provides each
customer with an extensive global reach and a local
feel from deep investment in its network of distribution
centers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Fastener Training Institute is a nonprofit
organization that provides beginning and advanced training
on fastener products, standards and specifications. Its
core purpose is to enhance fastener use, reliability and
safety with a mission is to make industry professionals
more knowledgeable about the fastening products they
buy, sell, specify or use.
For more information about the Fastener Training
Institute, visit www.fastenertraining.org.
FASTENER TRAINING INSTITUTE

74
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Wrought Washer, the leader
in the domestic washer industry,
is pleased to announce the
completion of the acquisition of
Diversified Tooling Innovations in
Racine, Wisconsin.
Wrought Washer is a
manufacturer of washers, bushings
and spacers in Milwaukee, WI.
The acquisition of Diversified
Tooling expands and strengthens
Wrought Washer’s CNC and tooling
capabilities. Diversified Tooling will
be operated separately as a wholly
owned subsidiary of Wrought
Washer. We wish to maintain the
business arrangements with current
Diversified Tooling customers.
Plans are to concentrate on
stamping at Wrought Washer and
utilize Diversified Tooling as the
primary source for machining.
Wrought Washer is a
supplier to automotive,
construction, heavy truck,
large equipment, and industrial
industries with approximately
140 employees.
Current Diversified Tooling
customers’ commitments
and open orders will be
honored.
With 225,000 sq.ft
of manufacturing and
multiple regional stocking
warehouses, Wrought Washer
is the leader in standard and
specialty washers. For more
than a century, Wrought has
been supplying high-quality
washers and flat stampings
for a broad range of markets
including automotive,
agricultural, truck, electrical,
appliance, construction and
industrial equipment.
Their Quality Management
System Certification
includes ISO 9001:2015.
By maintaining substantial
stocks of the most popular
washer types and sizes,
Wrought is able to react
quickly to customer needs.
That same attention to
superior service also applies
to Wrought’s ability to design
and produce special and
custom washers quickly.
For more information
contact Wrought Washer
Mfg., Inc. at 2100 S. Bay
Street, Milwaukee, WI 53207.
Tel: 414-744-0771, Fax: 414
744 2105 or visit them online
at www.wroughtwasher.com.

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 75

76
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. Visit www.taxplanning.com or call The Center at 618-997-3436.
WHY CHOOSE A C-CORPORATION?
When starting or purchasing a business, the
classification of the entity is very important. There are
several different options to choose from, such as sole
proprietors (where income is reported on an individual’s
schedule C) or partnerships (where income is reported
on a business’ Form 1065). However, other individuals
may find it more beneficial to elect a corporation,
specifically a C Corporation, to minimize tax burdens.
What exactly is a C Corporation? A C Corporation
is a business entity that is taxed separately from its
owners under Subchapter C of Chapter 1 of the Internal
Revenue Code. Many businesses organized under a
Federal or State statute that refers to the entity as a
corporation are automatically treated as a C Corporation
for federal tax purposes. A C Corporation is owned by
its shareholders, and those shareholders elect a board
of directors. This board of directors is responsible for
the oversight of any corporate business and affairs.
Corporate officers carry out the day-to-day management
of the business, and in smaller corporations, those
board members are often members of management. C
corporations can be either publicly held or privately held
entities. Public C Corporations sell shares to the public
while privately held companies do not.
When looking at filing taxes as a C Corporation, you
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
will use Form 1120 to report business financial information
such as income, gains, losses, credits, and deductions.
With the corporation being recognized as a separate taxpaying
entity, you have protection from the flow through an
audit to personal returns. Along with this, C Corporations
face a lower minimum tax rate. The 2017 Tax Cuts and
Jobs Acts permanently changed the tax structure for C
corporations. Essentially, if you are a C corporation in the
United States, you will pay a flat tax of 21%. You will not
pay capital gains of 23.8% or extra taxes for the alternative
minimum tax. Some of the tax deductions available under
this tax law are also much greater than before. Within this
act, the top individual tax rate was dropped from 39.6%
only to 37%. Even with the additional 20% deduction for
qualified business income that could lower this rate to
19.6%, many taxpayers may see benefits from changing
their businesses into C corporations.
Another great benefit of a C Corporation is a
valuable section of the Internal Revenue Code, Section
1202. Section 1202 allows founders and investors of
corporations to exclude up to 100% of their capital gains
derived from the sale of Qualified Small Business Stock
(QSBS) held for more than five years. While there are
some stringent requirements to qualify, this is just one
of the many benefits of being a C Corporation.
CONTINNUED ON PAGE 146

MM DISTRIBUTION LLC
YOUR HEAVY TRUCK AND TRAILER SPECIALISTS
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 77
218 W. Court St, Ste C, Washington Ct, OH 43160 TEL 740-335-9136
EMAIL alex@mmfastenersdist.com EMAIL jason@mmfastenersdist.com WEB www.mmfastenersdist.com
MM Distribution supplies quality fasteners to
the Heavy Truck & Trailer industry across the US and
Mexico. From the beginning Floor Board Screws, Solid
Rivets and Blind Rivets were and still are out main
product lines. We are now supplying our customers with
all types of fasteners, from standard nuts & bolts to
specials per their print.
Customer service is very important to us at
MM Distribution. You can purchase parts from our
stock inventory, blanket order with releases or mill
ship direct to your dock. We also offer direct ship
programs. We ship out products in standard cartons
and also offer custom packaging along with custom
labeling.
Call us today to find out what one of our fastener
specialists can do for you and your customers.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
MM DISTRIBUTION

78
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
NATIONAL FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
3020 Old Ranch Parkway #300, Seal Beach CA 90740
TEL 562-799-5509 FAX 562-684-0695 EMAIL nfda@nfda-fasteners.org WEB www.nfda-fasteners.org
COME TO CHICAGO IN JUNE FOR NFDA’S
2023 ANNUAL MEETING by Amy Nijjar
We have a great educational program lined up for
the NFDA 2023 Annual Meeting, June 13-14, at the
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in downtown Chicago, IL.
Gauging The Risks Going Forward 2023-2024
Presented by Patrick Luce, ITR Economics
The US and global economies are going through
turbulent times, with inflation, interest rates, consumer
activity, labor shortage, market gyrations, COVID-echoes,
war, and simplistic and often contradictory headlines
potentially making it difficult to discern what the future will
look like. It may seem impossible to plan effectively for
a prosperous future given all the noise and misdirection.
That is where ITR Economics comes in.
ITR Economics provides a data-driven analysis of the
trends: no emotions or histrionics or political agenda.
The trends will combine to show what to expect for key
industries and areas of interest to the attendees.
[1] Big Picture: ITR’s forecast of the general economy
(and specific markets if applicable) through the
second half of 2023 and 2024 with an analysis of
risks to the forecast
[2] What to expect for commodity prices and inflation
in general
[3] How interest rate trends may change and what that
means for businesses
[4] The consumer’s financial health and why it matters
[5] What is going on with shortening supply chain
trends
[6] Why industrial demand is likely to outperform in
key areas
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
[7] What is happening in the labor market
[8] How to create wealth in these market conditions
[9] How to protect profits in these market conditions
State Of The Industry Panel
Panelists include:
¤ Mike Lentini - SPIROL
¤ Jackie Ventura - Ventura Industrial Products
¤ Ed Smith - Wurth Revcar
Join our industry experts as they share their insights,
challenges, and opportunities.
There will be plenty of time for Q&A so bring your
questions and join the discussion.
Family Business Succession Versus Selling
The Family Business
Presented by Dr. James Ruetz, JPR Global Partners
Jim Ruetz will review the results of a recent two-way
empirically tested Ph.D. dissertation involving family
business owners and private equity investors. The study
includes survey results from 118 family business owners
and 33 private equity executives, along with pre and
post-study interviews of 10 business owners and private
equity executives.
The independent variables studied include
Entrepreneurial Passion (Leadership) & Family Involvement
(F-PEC). The dependent variables are business succession
& private equity investors’ interest in investing in the
business. The study reveals helpful tips about creating
a stronger succession strategy for your business or
preparing your business for an exit strategy.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 146

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 79

80
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SHEREX FASTENING SOLUTIONS
400 Riverwalk, Suite 600, Tonawanda NY, 14150
TEL 866-474-3739 EMAIL info@sherex.com WEB www.sherex.com
SHEREX’S NEW ROUND BODY RIVET NUT, OPTISERT ®
- PERFORMANCE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS
Sherex Fastening Solutions’ Optisert® rivet nut
was originally designed over seven years ago for a high
end American muscle car. But after seeing the product
perform so well in the application, Sherex is making
this high performance fastener available for all of its
customers.
After much anticipation, Sherex released Optisert
earlier this year as part of its standard offering of
fasteners and is branding Optisert as the “Best Round
Body Rivet Nut” on the market today. The engineered
knurls and diamond wedges underneath the head of
the rivet nut bites into the base material to deter it
from spinning, giving it superior performance over other
standard round body rivet nuts.
From a performance standpoint, in softer material
like plastic, composite, and aluminum the spin-out
resistance of an M6 / 1/4”-20 is greater than 20Nm,
and the M8 / 5-16”-18 and 5-16”-20 is greater than
30Nm. Those results approach full hex body performance
in a round body style.
“It’s really an impressive fastener, both aesthetically
and in terms of performance,” said Sherex president
Adam Pratt. “We’re very proud.”
After the developing a full hex body rivet nut, which
Sherex recommends as the best fastener solution if
a hex hole can be produced, the company decided it
wanted to create a best in class standard for round
body applications. Over seven years of engineering
development went into the design, build, and testing of
Optisert before being satisfied with its performance.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
CONTINUED ON PAGE 150

82
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
BTM MANUFACTURING
15403 Andrews Rd Kansas City, MO 64147
TEL 1-800-369-2658 FAX 816-331-0473 EMAIL sales@btm-mfg.com WEB www.btm-mfg.com
BTM IS MORE THAN COFFEE -
IT’S COFFEE WITH A MISSION
Ground and whole bean coffee, k-cups, and steak
rub…OH MY, BTM is much more than just coffee!
As a custom domestic bent wire manufacturer, BTM
Manufacturing has been sharing their passion for coffee
with the fastener industry, and we’re here for it!
The idea for the U-Bolt Blend Coffee began as a fun
idea to partner with a local Kansas City coffee roaster for
trade show and promotional giveaways. Five years later,
BTM has found both a solid partnership with Eleos Coffee
while supporting Eleos’ community-centered mission.
“I have had the pleasure of partnering with Eleos
Coffee, as they have been roasting our special U-Bolt
Blend coffee for over five years now. What began solely
as a business transaction has turned into a friendship
based on Eleos’ vision of making relationships, not just
coffee. Eleos Coffee truly sets out to make a difference
by bringing value to their community by selling a quality
product, while also sharing acts of compassion and the
good news of Jesus Christ,” said BTM Manufacturing
President, Jake Davis.
Eleos established a coffee house in Kansas City to
serve as a catalyst for community transformation. They
aim to provide a culture of godliness and goodness
among the residents of our communities that is directly
traceable to an acceptance of the good news of God’s
love. They believe their mission provides noticeably
decreased crime, neighbor helping neighbor, and a
JAKE DAVIS, BTM PRESIDENT (LEFT) WITH DAN SMITH, ELEOS
COFFEE OWNER (MIDDLE) AND VICKY PJECHA, ELEOS COFFEE
ROASTER (RIGHT)
sense of morality. They hope to provide a renewed
vibrancy in local churches to engage the community with
compassion, preaching the gospel and leading believers
towards Jesus Christ.
Dan Smith, founder of Eleos Coffee, elaborated
by stating, “We are so thankful for the partnership we
have with BTM Manufacturing. Their continued support
of Eleos has made a significant impact in our ability to
continue to disciple to the many people hurting and are
caught in violence, addiction, or trafficking in Northeast
Kansas City.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 83

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 83
BTM MANUFACTURING BTM IS MORE THAN COFFEE - IT’S COFFEE WITH A MISSION from page 82
We love collaborating on a variety of coffee products
that BTM is making available to their industry. I hope
you all realize that when you receive one of our coffee
products, it is vitally connected to someone transitioning
out of brokenness and into new life!”
U-Bolt Blend Coffee products are always a hit at the
industry trade shows, conferences, and golf outings. If
you need a refill, let your BTM sales representative know
and we’ll include it with your next shipment! BTM recently
launched a surprise drop, which secretly includes a
package of the U-Bolt blend coffee in several customer
shipments across the country.
For more information on BTM’s domestic manufacturing,
please visit btm-mfg.com. Additional information about
Eleos Coffee is available at eleoscoffee.com.
BTM MANUFACTURING

84
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
FASTENER TRAINING INSTITUTE ®
TEL 562-473-5373 EMAIL info@FastenerTraining.org WEB www.FastenerTraining.org
‘FASTENING 101’ PRE-SHOW CLASS
The Fastener Training Institute (FTI) is excited to
join Fastener Fair USA 2023 with a pre-show training
class on Monday, May 15. Laurence Claus, industry
expert and IFI Director of Education and Training, will
lead this day-long intensive training for fastener users,
distributors, purchasers, engineers, sales professionals,
and manufacturers at Music City Center in Nashville.
“This class is an excellent opportunity for anyone
traveling to Fastener Fair who wants to step-up their
knowledge with fastener industry, product and application
learning that will go well beyond the basics,” said Jo
Morris, Marketing Director for FTI.
The curriculum will include fastener design and
material options; head styles; drive features; heat
treatments; platings and coatings; market segments; cost
differences; basic fastener engineering concepts; torque,
tightening, tension, stress and bolt strength.
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
Early-bird registration is available until April 30
for $399. On May 1, the price increases to $449.
Course materials, snacks, refreshments, a certificate of
completion and free attendance to the Fastener Fair USA
Exhibit Hall are included in =class registration.
Support from Star Stainless, FTI’s 2023 Trade Show
Sponsor and Würth Industry North America, FTI’s 2023
Sustaining Sponsor, provide quality fastener education
opportunities like Fastening 101.
FTI is a nonprofit organization that provides beginning
and advanced training on fastener products, standards
and specifications. Its core purpose is to enhance
fastener use, reliability and safety with a mission is to
make industry professionals more knowledgeable about
the fastening products they buy, sell, specify or use.
To register for the Fastener 101 Class, visit
www.fastenertrainingevents.com/fastener-fair.
FASTENER TRAINING INSTITUTE

86
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
AFC Industries has
acquired Hazel Park, MI
(Detroit) based Motor City
Industrial.
For over 50 years, Motor
City and its subsidiaries,
Quality Fastener, Smith
Fastener, and Emco Industrial
have helped improve
the efficiency and supply
chain management of U.S.
manufacturers. With a broad
line of value-added products,
processes, and technology,
Motor City has been on the
forefront of fastener and small
component management
and distribution services
throughout the United States.
The company will continue
to be led by Joe Stephens
and the current Motor City
management Team. Motor
City CEO Joe Stephens
said, “Joining the AFC team
allows us to bring additional
resources and scale to
continue to build on what has
made us successful and open
additional opportunities for our
customers and employees.
We are excited and ready to
start the next chapter.”
AFC CEO Kevin Godin added,
“The Motor city acquisition
strengthens our depth in a few
key areas we were looking to
grow. What most impressed
us though was the team and
the commitment they have to
providing excellent service to
customers. Whenever we can
add experienced and talented
people who are already aligned
with our culture, good things
happen.”
...continued on page 87

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 87
...continued from page 86
AFC Indistries also recently
acquired Saginaw, MI based
PF Markey Company.
Founded in 1977, PF
Markey has grown to be one
of the most innovative and
capable distributors of cutting
tools, abrasives, and other
plant supplies in the country.
Markey helps customers
enhance efficiency and profit
by working with them to provide
comprehensive efficiency and
cost savings programs. They
have been a leader in industrial
vending and VMI solutions
since the 1990’s.
PF Markey will continue
to be managed by Jim Terry,
Tom Hagarty, and the Markey
management team. Markey
will be part of the AFC tooling
division along with Cline Tool.
AFC CEO Kevin Godin said,
“we have been very pleased
with the performance of our
tooling group and were looking
to expand its capabilities and
staff. We are very excited to
have them join the family and
for us be able to continue
to build on the excellent
foundation they laid.”
PF Markey owner Jim Terry
added, “The more time we
spent with the folks at AFC,
the more it became obvious
that they truly understood what
was special about PF Markey.
The capabilities and talent of
the combined organization are
truly exciting, and I am looking
forward to the next chapter.”
For more information about
AFC Industries visit them online
at www.afcind.com.

88
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
OBITUARY
GARFIELD “GAR” J. EDMONDS III
Garfield “Gar” J. Edmonds III,
72, of Houston, TX, passed away
peacefully on Saturday, February
25, 2023 at MD Anderson Cancer
Center in Houston.
Born the son of Garfield
J. Edmonds Jr. and Lois S.
Edmonds (Freed), Gar grew up
in the Roxborough section of
Philadelphia. He graduated from
Roxborough High School in 1968
and earned a Bachelor’s degree
in Industrial Engineering from
Pennsylvania State University at
State College, PA, in 1972.
After graduation, Gar pursued his passion for
manufacturing and distributing metal fasteners
and spent most of his career building his business,
Alloy & Stainless Fasteners. Founded in Houston,
Alloy & Stainless grew to have locations in
Texas, Pennsylvania, Oregon, California, and The
Netherlands. Up until his death, Gar had no plans
to retire, and was always exploring new ways to
expand his businesses.
Gar’s second home, for nearly thirty years,
was Second Baptist Church-Woodway campus
in Houston. He participated in Bible studies,
served in the Angels of Light Christmas charity,
played a wiseman in the Christmas pageants,
and attended weekly Saturday night dinners
with his friends from Second Baptist. Gar loved
singing and could be heard joyfully hitting every
note in service, especially Christmas carols!
Traveling was Gar’s other passion.
He had visited every continent
and loved to tell stories from his
many travels. He especially loved
traveling with his daughter, Callie,
to Maui, Hawaii and Breckenridge,
CO.
Of all of his accomplishments,
Gar was most proud of being a
father and grandfather. He never
missed a day picking up his
daughter, Callie, from school and
eagerly attended every event that
was important to her. In later
years, he would often drive from Houston to Austin
to enjoy a simple meal and spend time with Callie,
Ian, and Owen.
Gar is survived by his beloved daughter, Callie
E. O’Donnell, her husband, Ian, and grandson,
Owen, of Austin, TX. Also survived by his mother,
Lois S. Michael, of Richlandtown, PA, brother
Kenneth K. Edmonds (Emily) of Souderton, PA,
and sister, Stacy Edmonds, of Wyndmoor, PA.
He is preceded in death by his father, Garfield J.
Edmonds Jr., stepmother, Lorraine C. Edmonds,
and stepfather, Lavern S.”Mike” Michael.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a
donation in Gar’s memory to Meals on Wheels or a
charity that has special meaning to you.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy
may be shared at www.lambfuneralhomeinc.com for
the Edmonds family.

90
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
SPIROL EXPANDS CL220 SPLIT SEAM
COMPRESSION LIMITER LINE
SPIROL has expanded the CL220
Compression Limiter offering by
adding additional diameter and length
combinations to accommodate a
variety of application requirements.
The CL220 Compression
Limiter’s split-seam, flexible diameter
accommodates wide hole tolerances
and the gap is designed such that the
parts will not interlock in the free state. The CL220
Compression Limiter is intended to be installed into the
plastic component after the molding process, and it is
spring force that provides self-retention within the hole.
Once installed, the CL220 provides a minimum clearance
of 1mm around the bolt diameter to compensate for
misalignment.
Produced from high carbon steel, the CL220 is
finished with a protective coating of ArmorGalv®, a zinc
alloy thermal diffusion coating complimented with two
sealers that provides 1000+ hours of salt spray protection
for highly corrosive applications such as automotive,
marine, mining and industrial manufacturing. Additional
benefits of ArmorGalv® include no insignificant surfaces
as the entire inner diameter (ID) of the Limiter receives
full coating and protection.
Rated for use up to ISO Class 8.8 bolts, the CL220
Compression Limiter offers the widest range of standard
diameter and length combinations to accommodate a
variety of application requirements.
RELATED RESOURCES
¤ CL220 Compression Limiter Specifications
¤ White Paper on ArmorGalv®
¤ Compression Limiter Catalog
¤ 2D / 3D Drawings
SPIROL International is a leading expert in
fastening, joining and assembly. We are a technical
resource that provides high quality components that
improve the quality of your assembly, extend the life
of your products and reduce your total manufacturing
costs.
We are a global manufacturer of engineered
fasteners, installation machines, and parts feeding
equipment producing over two billion components
annually. In addition to high quality products, SPIROL
has Application Engineers throughout the world to
assist you in your designs, supported by state-of-the-art
manufacturing centers and global stocking facilities to
simplify the logistics of delivering your product.
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
SPIROL INTERNATIONAL CORP.

92
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
GLOBALFASTENERNEWS.COM
by JASON SANDEFUR
www.globalfastenernews.com
FASTENERS DELIVER PROFIT FOR
PUBLIC COMPANIES
Results from public companies with fastener
businesses indicate that 2022 was a solid year for many,
with more gains to come.
Fastenal Co. reported fastener sales increased
11.6% January, nearly doubling December’s fastener
revenue growth rate of 6.1%.
Consolidated sales gained 11.2% to $601.2 million
during the opening month of 2023. Daily sales improved
11.2% to $28.6 million.
Sales in the U.S. rose 11.2%, while sales in Canada
and Mexico gained 17.3%.
By end market, sales to manufacturing customers
increased 17%, with sales to non-residential construction
customers declining 1.7% during January.
Fastenal’s full time workforce increased 8.2%
during the month to 20,128 employees. Distribution
and transportation personnel grew 7.5% to 2,963, while
manufacturing personnel grew 10.1% to 633 workers.
Fastener sales rose 9.1% to $559.5 million (33% of
overall revenue) in the fourth quarter of 2022, down from
24% growth in the final quarter of the previous year.
Grainger reported sales, including fasteners, increased
16.9% to $15.23 billion in 2022. Operating earnings
climbed 43% to $2.2 billion, resulted in an operating margin
of 14.5%, an increase of 265 basis points.
Sales during the fourth quarter rose 13.2% to $3.8
billion, with operating earnings up 30.4% to $544 million,
resulting in an operating margin of 13.8%, a 135 basis
point increase.
“Our strong 2022 performance was driven by the
team’s focused execution against our long-term strategy in
a robust demand market,” stated CEO D.G. Macpherson.
“Both our High-Touch Solutions and Endless Assortment
segments delivered above expectations.”
Stanley Black & Decker reported Engineered
Fastening organic revenues rose 9% in the final quarter of
2022, led by aerospace growth of 37% and auto growth
of 14%, which were partially offset by industrial markets.
Aerospace fasteners delivered its sixth consecutive
quarter of sequential revenue improvement as the
recovery in commercial OEM production continues.
The auto fasteners’ strong quarter demonstrated
business’ ability to gain share in a dynamic environment
and outpaced global light vehicle production in the quarter
and for the full year.
ITW reported Automotive OEM revenue, including
fasteners, gained 6% to $2.97 billion in 2022, with operating
income totaling $499 million and a margin of 16.8%.
Full-year Construction Products revenue, including
fasteners, improved 8.6% to $2.11 billion, with operating
income reaching $548 million and a margin of 25.9%.
Nucor Corp. reported Steel Products segment
results, including fasteners, more than doubled to $1.8
billion in the fourth quarter of 2022. The modest
decrease in segment earnings was due to lower volumes
and selling prices.
Consolidated net sales decreased 17% to $8.72
billion in Q4 compared with $10.5 billion in the previous
quarter, and decreased 16% compared with $10.36
billion in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Full-year Steel Products segment results, including
fasteners, rose to $4.1 billion.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 152

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 93

96
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
BAY SUPPLY A DIVISION OF BAY FASTENING SYSTEMS
30 Banfi Plaza North, Farmingdale, NY 11735
TEL 516-294-4100 FAX 516-294-3448 EMAIL info@baysupply.com WEB www.baysupply.com
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WELL NUTS
By Mike Eichinger
Threaded rivet nut inserts are a specific type of
fastener designed to provide a threaded hole that can
accept a bolt or threaded fastener. As with any type of
fastener, there is more than one configuration, each
designed for specific applications. The well nut is just
one threaded rivet nut insert with a unique design and
was created for particular uses.
There are times when you want a threaded insert that
can not only accept a bolt but also creates a waterproof
or airtight seal. Any blind fastener will make some kind
of seal on the blind side of a joint, typically by collapsing
the rivet shaft on the blind side. Even threaded blind
inserts create a solid joint by collapsing the blind side
as the bolt is tightened. However, conventional rivet nut
inserts won’t seal the hole and may not tolerate heavy
vibrations. That’s when you need a well nut.
Unlike other fasteners made of metal, a well nut
is made of rubber or neoprene, forming a tight gasket
when installed. Well nuts are designed to seal and
resist vibrations, so they won’t loosen over time. These
characteristics make threaded well nuts ideal for specific
applications.
What Is A Well Nut?
Sometimes called a jack nut, a well nut is a unique
fastener for unique applications. Well nuts were originally
developed by the United Shoe Machinery Company and
are made of rubber with a flange at one end. Inside the
well nut is a threaded insert usually made of brass or
some other metal to accept a threaded bolt.
Like other fasteners, the well nut fits into a predrilled
hole. The well nut expands when the bolt is
tightened inside the threaded rivet nut, so the rubber
forms a watertight or airtight seal. Once set, well nuts
resist vibration and are waterproof, so they are popular
for applications such as mounting engine parts or use
with machinery.
Well nuts are installed just like any other fastener.
Installation starts with a pre-drilled hole in the workpiece.
The well nut is then passed through the hole with the
flanged end on top. Once it’s set in the hole, the bolt is
screwed into the brass insert, which expands and makes
a tight, vibration-resistant hole against the sides of the
bolt hole.
Where Are Well Nuts Used?
Well nuts are often used in applications that require
a tight seal. For example, well nuts are used in marine
applications, such as building boats. They are also used
to build water tanks and similar applications since well
nuts perform well with softer and more brittle materials,
such as plastics and glass.
TECHNICAL ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 148

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 97
OBITUARY
William Roberts 1945-2023
William J. Roberts of Boxford, MA, passed
away peacefully Monday January 9th at the
age of 77. Husband of Sheila (Clapp) Roberts
with whom he shared 31 wonderful years of
marriage, he was the son of the late Cecil and
Pearl Roberts of Atkinson, NH and brother of
the late Arthur Roberts of Merrimac, MA. He
is survived by his daughter Jennifer (Roberts)
Guider and her husband Richard of Saugus,
MA, his son William Roberts and his wife Arleen
of Deltona, FL, his son Matthew Roberts of
Atkinson, NH, his two grandchildren James
and Jillian Guider of Saugus, MA, as well as
many nieces and nephews. After graduating
from Saugus High School in 1963, Bill was
drafted into the Army in 1965 where he served
in Germany. After returning home, he worked
as a machinist and realized his dream founding
W.J. Roberts Co., Inc. in 1972. Bill worked
countless hours building his legacy and was
proud to celebrate 50 years in business in
2022. He was an avid snow skier and enjoyed
many outdoor activities including snowmobiling
and waterskiing. Bill was a huge Bruins hockey
fan and loved heading into the Garden for the
Garden for Regina’s pizza and the game.
He was also a Freemason of the William Sutton
Lodge in Saugus and a member of the Andover
Sportsman’s Club in North Andover. He spent more
than 70 years on Big Island Pond in Atkinson, NH,
serving on the board of directors for over 30 years.
Bill spent every free moment he had up at “camp”
as he called it, enjoying the beauty of the lake
from his pontoon boat and riding around visiting on
his Seadoo. He loved sunset cruises with his wife
while listening to old country songs, Roy Orbison,
Marty Robbins, and Anne Murray. Bill enjoyed the
many friends he knew and loved from childhood
and into his adult years. He was a kind, generous,
honest man and will be sorely missed by all who
knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations in
memory of William J. Roberts to St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN
38105 or to thefund.org.

98
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
WOMEN IN THE FASTENER INDUSTRY
PO Box 763, Webster, NY 14580
EMAIL events@fastenerwomen.com
WIFI ANNOUNCES 2022
AWARD WINNERS
WEB www.fastenerwomen.com
WIFI recognizes Jackie Luciano of Zago
Manufacturing, Itzela Vasquez of Stock’d Supply, and
Tom Massar of American Fastener Journal.
Sponsored and organized by Women in the Fastener
Industry, the recipients of these awards are celebrated
for the continuous contributions to promote and support
women within the fastener Industry.
Women in the Fastener Industry Association would
like to congratulate this year’s award recipients:
Woman of the Year is an award that recognizes
exemplary leadership and success in the fastener
industry. The recipient will have a long and distinguished
record of advocacy for the professional advancement
of women. Congratulations 2022 Woman of the Year –
Jackie Luciano from Zago Manufacturing.
“It was truly an honor to receive this award! Thank
you so much to WIFI for their continued support and for
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
giving exposure to women in manufacturing. “WE” are
definitely changing the industry!
Woman in Business is defined as a champion
and advocate who contributes and supports her own
organization and community by sharing knowledge, ideas,
insights, and strength. They are women who are dedicated
to empowering more women to achieve full potential
in all aspects of life. Congratulations 2022 Woman in
Business – Itzela Vasquez, from Stock’d Supply
“Thank you WIFI, I am immensely grateful to belong to
such an outstanding association and honored to receive
this special award from you. There are so many women
in our industry I look up to and respect, my biggest
appreciation goes to you, our fellow WIFI members, who
have worked hard over the years to strive to make a
difference. Thank you! I am delighted and consider myself
lucky to be part of WIFI.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 99

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 99
WIFI 2022 AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED from page 98
Man Up may be awarded to an individual male or
a company that has demonstrated a commitment to
supporting women and the WIFI organization. The recipient
is a partner that provides tools and resources that empower
the women in their organization or industry. Congratulations
Tom Massar from American Fastener Journal.
“I’m honored to receive this award and happy to
support all the great things WIFI does for the fastener
industry. It’s funny because I have two daughters and
they said “you’re one of us now dad”.
Women in the Fastener Industry (WIFI), began on
the social media site LinkedIn, as a way to connect
women in the fastener business through the web, social
media, and trade shows. The group was started by Pam
Berry, Executive Vice President and co-owner of Advance
Components, and Mary Lou Aderman, president of The
Aderman Group, who worked together to create a space
for women to empower each other and advance in the
industry.
​ WIFI’s mission is to provide opportunities for women
in the fastener industry at all levels of experience, to unite
in order to educate, mentor and encourage for the express
purpose of advancing women in the fastener industry.
For more information about WIFI, or to apply for our
2023 awards, visit us at www.fastenerwomen.com.
WOMEN IN THE FASTENER INDUSTRY

100
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
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NANCY RICH TO RETIRE
FROM MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION
After an unprecedented forty years of service,
working devotedly as the Executive Director for the Mid-
West Fastener Association, Nancy Rich, a resident of
Lake Zurich, IL is set to retire at the end of 2023.
Nancy joined the Chicago Bolt, Nut & Screw
Association (CBNSA), precursor to the Mid-West Fastener
Association in 1984, after a few years’ of dedicated
service with Cronin Fasteners.
During her time with the Mid-West Fastener
Association, Nancy’s contributions were incredible and
vast. She helped to break the gender barrier, pioneering
women to stay involved and remain active in a male
dominated industry. Nancy pushed our board of directors
to remain diligent on what mattered most, education;
spawning the associations mission statement “Where
education is a Priority”. She was instrumental in bringing
together various industry associations to get the Fastener
Quality Act accepted in DC, which Congress ultimately
passed and signed into law. Nancy led and guided our
board to raise and distribute more than $1,000,000
to fastener members and their families, orchestrating
the largest scholarship program our industry knows
today. Not to mention, she also runs one of the largest
golf outings our industry has seen. Nancy has been a
calming voice, a mentor, an influencer and a motivator to
thirty-one past presidents. A 2021 MWFA and IFE Hall of
Fame inductee, Nancy not only is irreplaceable, but will
be sorely missed by all.
From Jake Davis, current MWFA Board President:
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
“Nancy’s dedication and service to the Mid-West Fastener
Association has been remarkable. Nancy, you have been
the rock of the MWFA. You have allowed so many of us
to stand on your shoulders, as you do EVERYTHING on
behalf of the board. We will miss your smile, your warm
embrace and your tenacity when those board meetings
tend to get out of hand. Best wishes and good luck!”
The MWFA’s purpose is to serve and promote the
fastener industry and the ever changing needs of its
membership. Specifically, the MWFA is dedicated to
representing all segments of the industry: manufacturers,
distributors, importers and suppliers to the industry.
MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 101
EUROLINK FASTENER SUPPLY SERVICE
840 South Buncombe Road, Greer, SC 29650
TEL 864-801-0505 FAX 864-801-3606 EMAIL sales@eurolinkfss.com WEB www.eurolinkfss.com
EUROLINK FSS TO EXHIBIT ‘FAST, FASTER, FASTEST’ AT FFUSA
Eurolink FSS will be exhibiting at the upcoming
Fastener Fair USA in Nashville this May. With over twenty
years of experience in the industry, Eurolink has become
a trusted partner for companies seeking high-quality, hardto-find
metric fasteners.
Eurolink offers their Fast, Faster, and Fastest freight
methods to cater to the unique requirements of each
client. Their Fast shipping option ensures clients receive
their orders from Europe within 8 to 10 weeks by sea
freight, while their Faster air freight method delivers
within 2 to 3 weeks. For clients who require their metric
fasteners as soon as possible, Eurolink’s Fastest freight
option delivers from Europe within 5-7 business days.
Specializing in the provision of metric fasteners,
Eurolink offers a wide range of options to fit various
industrial applications. “We’re dedicated to providing
exceptional customer service and challenge ourselves
to never no-quote any opportunity given. Our presence
at Fastener Fair USA is an opportunity for attendees to
learn more about our company and how we can help their
businesses consistently get the fasteners they need on
time,” said Craig Penland, President, and CEO of Eurolink
FSS.
Eurolink is excited to connect with clients in the
industry at Fastener Fair USA and demonstrate their
commitment to quality and speed. Craig Penland, said,
“We’re pumped to be exhibiting at Fastener Fair USA in
Nashville this year. It’s always great to see our clients
in person and connect with people in the industry. Plus,
we’ve got awesome new t-shirts, #11 to be exact, that
people will want to get their hands on, wear to their gym
and show off some of that Eurolink pride!”
Attendees at Fastener Fair USA can stop by Eurolink’s
booth (#933) to learn more about their freight options and
explore their products. Additionally, attendees can grab
one of their new 2023 gym shirts.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
EUROLINK FASTENER SUPPLY SERVICE

102
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ROB LaPOINTE FASTENER SCIENCE: STRESS DURABILITY TESTING – ASTM F606 AND NASM 1312-5 from page 8
FIGURE 3 MODEL OF ATOMIC STRUCTURE. THE PINK ATOMS JIGGLE
IN PLACE AND ARE HELD THERE BY THE ELECTRICAL FORCES
BETWEEN ATOMS.
Fastener plating standards, such as ASTM F1941-
F1941M, require faster products which have Rockwell
hardness values above 39 HRC to be heated (baked) at
a suggested temperature for a minimum required time.
This process, after plating, offers a mitigation strategy
for plated high-strength fasteners to positively drive
the hydrogen from the metal right through the plated
surface and into the outside air. Heating the fasteners
to between 375 to 425 ° F (190 to 220 ° C) increases
the thermal energy of the material. Added thermal
energy increases the temperature of the metal. Since
temperature is measure of the average kinetic energy
or energy of motion, added temperature speeds up all
the atoms of metal. The atoms of metal are locked
into a structural matrix that forms the crystals and
grains of the metal (see Figure 3). The hot atoms jiggle
more vigorously in place, creating pressure gradients
within the bulk as the density of the material, as shown
in Figure 4, is fluctuating within the structure. These
pressure gradients move the hydrogen toward the edge
of the material. Since the density of the air surrounding
the fastener in the oven is significantly less (the density
of steel is about 8000 times that of air) than the density
of steel, the hydrogen will experience fewer opportunities
to be pushed toward the metal when it finds itself at the
edge. More often, the hydrogen will be pushed toward
the air and escape. This pressure gradient pushes the
hydrogen out of the metal and into the surrounding air.
Once relieved from the metal, hydrogen will no longer
present a risk to the holding strength of the fastener
product.
When hydrogen embrittlement relieve has been
accomplished, testing a sample of the lot for the correct
amount of relief is prudent and a requirement of ASTM
F1941/F1941M. To properly test for the correct amount
of hydrogen relieve requires placing a critical amount
of stress (force) on the fastener for an amount of time
in the effort to induce hydrogen related failure in the
fastener. The failure most often observed, if the relief
was not sufficient, is fracture between the head and body
of the fastener at the transition known as the fillet radius.
The fillet radius is the focus of stress between the two
parts of the fastener (head and body) when loaded (See
Figure 1). There are several testing standards used for
fasteners including:
¤ ASTM F606/F606M
¤ NASM 1312-5
¤ IFI 113
¤ ASME B18.6.3
¤ ISO 15330
Each of these allow for applying a load to the fastener
by use of a nut or otherwise applying a tensile load
through torque against the thread. ASTM F606/F606M
and NASM 1312-5 are more frequently called out by
many fastener production standards.
FIGURE 4 CHANGING DENSITY VARIATIONS IN THE METAL'S
STRUCTURE CREATE PRESSURE GRADIENTS THAT PUSH THE
HYDROGEN TOWARD THE EDGE AND OUT INTO THE AIR.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 156

104
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
BRUNO MARBACHER THREAD-FORMING SCREWS FOR A COST-EFFICIENT FASTENING SOLUTION from page 10
Taptite
The thread of the
Taptite screws has the
characteristic trilobular
cross-section on its entire
length. The trilobular
cross-section of the
thread, facilitates thread
forming when the screw is driven in. The tapered end
is necessary for starting the tapping process. This
geometric shape is called oriform curve. They have the
same diameter, irrespective of the direction the diameter
is measured.
The maximum length of the taper should be 3 to 4 x
the thread pitch. The tapered thread end does not have a
load bearing function. Should the thread forming screws
get lost in service, they may be replaced through regular
screws.
During thread forming the compressive strains are
concentrated on the 3(4) “edge areas”. The mating
material is more easily deformed this way. The friction
between screw thread and mating material is limited to
the 3(4) “edges”.
Due to the oriform cross section, the thread can
be rolled with normal thread rollers. If this were not
possible, the screws could not be manufactured costefficiently.
The risk of bursting is low in thin-walled clamped
parts.
The play-free thread engagement of Taptite screws
and their friction, secure assembled screws against
spontaneous loosening. Thus, locking elements such
as lock washers are not necessary when using Taptite
screws.
Thread-forming displaces material; thus, a small
bulge is produced at the hole’s entrance. This may
prevent parts from being tightly fastened. A 90º chamfer,
with a depth of 0.5 to 1 x the thread pitch, will avert that.
A shallow relief bore will do the same.
Increasing Pull-Out Force
In thin sheet metals an extruded hole will increase
the pull-out force. Under comparable conditions, pullout
tests show always higher values for Taptite screws
than for standard screws in tapped holes. The test was
conducted with taptite screws; other thread-forming
screws will show similar results depending on the
amount of work hardening of the internal thread.
Blind hole assembly in aluminum, penetration depth
8 mm: Taptite M4 has a high pull-out resistance. The
machine screw M5, property class 4.8 broke at a lower
tensile load.
Taptite screws must be assembled with electric or
pneumatic screw drivers. The driving speed should not
exceed 1000 RPM.
There are also oriform curves with 5 and more
“corners.” The circle is ultimately an oriform curve with
an infinite number of “corners.” The torque for thread
forming is very low in such screws.
Materials, Mechanical Properties
Low carbon steels with cold heading quality are
typically utilized for thread forming screws. The
mechanical properties and performance requirement
are covered by:
ISO 7085 standard specifies case-hardened steel.
In the final heat treatment, they get a hardness of min.
450-550 HV (HRC 45-52) on the surface. The core is
softer, with a hardness of 240-350 HV (HRC 20-35),
(thus is tougher).The hard surface is necessary for
forming the thread in the mating part.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 158

106
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
LAURENCE CLAUS DIFFICULT FASTENING APPLICATIONS - PART 1: THREAD FORMING INTO THIN SHEETS from page 12
FIGURE 2: EXAMPLE OF AIRCRAFT SCREWS CONNECTING
FUSELAGE PANELS
FIGURE 4: EXAMPLE OF RESIDENTIAL DUCTWORK
S Sometimes they are functional such as the thin
sheets that are connected to supporting columns to
make a standard household metal shelving unit. Often,
however, thin sheets are utilized to provide two or all
of these functions simultaneously. Take for example a
typical unit body automobile, hundreds of individual thin
metal sheets and components are fastened together
to make the body. This body defines the shape and
aesthetics of the automobile, provides the structure for
the passenger compartment, and makes up functional
componentry like doors, hoods, and deck lids (Figure 3).
Perhaps some of the most iconic thin sheet
applications include HVAC applications where networks
of thin metal ducts must be interconnected and hung to
supply conditioned air throughout buildings where people
live and work (Figure 4). Appliances also utilize thin metal
sheets to provide both the “envelope” that defines the
shape and size of the machine but also the structure to
support components and contents (Figure 5).
With so many widespread and common applications,
why does this one fall on a list of the most difficult ones
to solve? The essential clue to answer this question lies
in the description of the application itself and the use of
the word “thin” metal sheets. Since the sheets can be
very thin they do not provide much depth for a threaded
fastener to engage. Thus, the resulting joint is often
prone to easy stripping and pull-out.
FIGURE 3: EXAMPLE OF PICK-UP TRUCK BODY
FIGURE 5: HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES OUTER CASE DEFINED
BY THIN METAL SHEETS
CONTINUED ON PAGE 160

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 107
BTM Manufacturing
is pleased to announce
that Jake Davis, BTM
Manufacturing President,
will begin serving as
the Mid-West Fastener
Association’s Board
President effective January
2023. Jake Davis will
follow George Hunt III’s
term as MWFA President.
George Hunt III shares his enthusiasm for
MWFA’s new President. “Enter your NEW 2023
Association President, Mr. Jake Davis. They truly
don’t come any better than Jake Davis. One
of the warmest, sincere, generous, and loving
individuals I have ever meet. Our Association is
in GREAT hands with the man who simply has a
heart of gold. Please join me in welcoming Jake
to his newfound role and help us bring him much
success in his future endeavors.”
The Mid-West Fastener Association is one of
the oldest fastener associations in the United
States, beginning in 1946. For the past seven
decades, the association has expanded and
evolved to include members across the country.
MWFA President, Jake Davis shares his
excitement and gratitude. “As we begin our 77th
year within the fastener industry, I am excited
and humbled to lead the Mid-West Fastener
Association. For the past 3 years, I have learned
so much from past and present board members.
It has been a privilege to serve alongside so
many passionate fastener professionals. I have
no doubt that our time together has prepared
me to get the most out of our association. The
MWFA board will strive to exceed our member’s
expectations and I look forward to seeing everyone
at our events this next year.”
Please join us in congratulating Jake Davis for
this achievement!
For more information contact BTM Manufacturing
at 15403 Andrews Road, Kansas City, Missouri
64147. Tel: 1-800-369-2658, Fax: 816-331-0473,
Email: sales@btm-mfg.com or visit them online at
www.btm-manufacturing.com.
International Fasteners,
Inc. has elevated Tony Strein
from his role as Regional
Manager to the newly
appointed position of National
Accounts Manager.
Tony has been instrumental
in helping the company grow for years and will
work closely with the regional teams to help
ensure the continued growth and focus on
National Accounts.
Built on quality, trust, and professionalism,
International Fasteners has six stocking
locations throughout the United States, carries
one of the most comprehensive selections of
construction fasteners, and sells exclusively
through the distribution channel.
For more information contact them at 1341 Massaro
Blvd, Tampa, FL 33619. Toll-Free at 1-888-241-0203,
Fax: 1-888-241-2096, Email: sales@daggerz.com or
visit them online at www.daggerz.com.

108
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
FASTENER FAIR USA SEE YOU IN NASHVILLE! from page 14
¤ Ask the Expert Panel: Date, time and panelists are
currently being confirmed so be sure to check our website
for more information soon! In true “Ask the Expert” fashion,
an open discussion will be welcome, with questions and
topic discussions to be fueled by audience members.
¤ Networking is the top reason attendees come to
Fastener Fair USA. From happy hours to lead generating
discussions - it’s a can’t miss event for 2023. This year,
the Opening Night Networking Party will take place at the
Country Music Hall of Fame on May 16 at 5:30pm with
musical guest Tommy O’Keeffe! There will also be an
informal get together the night of May 15 at Tequila Cowboy
Bar & Grill. All attendees and exhibitors are welcome to
both events.
¤ Hotel & Travel Discounts: Book your hotel stay in
Nashville at a discounted rate through the Fastener Fair
USA official housing partner, Connections Housing. Access
hotel & travel information here to find the best rates in the
city.
About Fastener Fair USA
Fastener Fair USA is North America’s fastest-growing
trade show and conference event for the fastener
industry and the manufacturing sectors it serves. Under
new management by Reed Exhibitions, this dynamic
and productive two-day event serves as an important
marketplace drawing fastener professionals from every
segment and all around the world.
Register now to join us in Nashville! Visit www.
fastenerfairusa23.com/DL-Mag.
FASTENER FAIR USA
The NEFCO Corporation, a leading valueadded
supply partner to the construction trades,
has opened a new Orangefield branch location in
the Raleigh-Durham, NC market. As Orangefield
is NEFCO’s in-house term for a new organic
branch location. Raleigh-Durham is NEFCO’s twelfth
Orangefield opening and twenty-second branch
overall. In addition to Charlotte and Greensboro,
Raleigh-Durham represents NEFCO’s third location
in North Carolina, further highlighting NEFCO’s
commitment to providing industry-leading service to
the contractors of North Carolina.
The new Raleigh-Durham location at 4324 S,
Alston Ave Suite 102 Durham, NC will provide
customers with access to local inventories and
enhanced value-added services. The 18,000
square foot location, consisting of warehouse and
office space, will include an extensive inventory
of SHARP® – Strut channel & fittings, Hardware,
Anchors, threaded Rod and Pipe hangers — as well
as a broad mix of power tools, safety equipment,
and general jobsite supplies.
“We are excited to open up in Raleigh-Durham and
expand our presence throughout North Carolina,”
states NEFCO’s President & CEO Matthew Gelles.
“Our customers asked for us to be closer to them
in the Raleigh-Durham market and we listened.
Between this new branch, our team of industry
leading product experts and sophisticated supply
chain model, we will provide unparalleled service
as we continue our mission to be the single best
partner for the contractors whenever they build.”
NEFCO is a family run construction supply
company whose mission is to be the single best
partner for contractors whenever they build. NEFCO
partners with contractors by providing localized,
contractor-centric services including extensive
product expertise, large local inventories, fast
dependable jobsite delivery, turnkey engineering
services, and specialty fabrication and assembly of
construction materials.
For more information, contact NEFCO Corporation
by at Tel: 1-800-969-0285, Email: Inquiries@
nefcocorp.com or online at www.gonefco.com.

110
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
FASTENER EXPERTS MENTOR GROUP JOHN BUTLER: WHAT IS A HELICOIL? from page 32
If you are replacing a previously installed HeliCoil insert
be very careful to not damage the STI tapped threads,
but if you find that the HeliCoil gage shows your threads
are too loose you might be able to fix the application by
using an Oversized HeliCoil. How much correction would
this fix and how is it done?
This is accomplished with a larger cross section wire
(Oversize) to allow the use of the same male thread screw
in the assembly. The percentage of effective correction
is limited per Technical Bulletin 943 and dependent
on thread size. Examples 2-56 can be corrected up to
.0026” and 7/16-14 can be corrected up to .0074”. No
need to drill out the original thread, simply us a HeliCoil
Oversize bottoming tap and install the Oversize HeliCoil
insert with the original tooling. Inserts are available in
free running and screw-locking with lengths of 1-1/2 and
2 diameter, and they can be purchased in Oversize Kits
which include the inserts and tap.
When replacing a HeliCoil and you find that the tapped
threads are beyond the limits of an Oversize insert or you
need to slightly adjust the center of the hole due to a
drilling issues how can this be repaired without scrapping
the product?
HeliCoil has produced what is known as a Twinsert
to fix these situations. Twinserts are used to correct
tapped holes that are stripped, off-center, damaged,
or beyond the correction that can be obtained from
Oversize. The Twinserts are only available in 2B or 5H
Thread Class of Fit.
Twinserts consist of two HeliCoil inserts, the Outer
insert which is the larger diameter and the Inner
insert which is the shorter smaller diameter insert that
matches the thread of the original bolt we are replacing.
To achieve this repair, drill and tap the larger hole
necessary for the outer insert. Install the insert 1/4-1/2
thread pitch below the top surface. Break the tang off
the outer insert with the Tang Breakoff Tool. Next, install
the inner insert to the position where the end of the last
coil is flush with the end of the Outer insert as shown
here. Now break the tang off the inner insert. Twinserts
can be ordered individually or in kits in free-running or
screw-locking versions. Only the inner insert is screwlocking
as the outer insert doesn’t contact the bolt. The
insert can be ordered in 1-1/2 Diameter or 2 Diameter
lengths. Twinsert Kits contain a specific quantity of Inner
and Outer inserts, drill bit, outer insert install tool, and
the tang break-off tool. For sizes over ½ and M12 use
needle nose pliers to bend the tang up and down to snap
off at the notch.
What is the difference between Tanged and Tangless
HeliCoil Inserts?
The Tangless HeliCoil version has a drive notch
in the first and last thread making them bi-directional,
simplifying the loading of the insert into the install tool.
The install tool mandrel has a spring-loaded blade
that catches the notch, turning (screwing) the insert into
the tapped hole. Once installed the insert can also be
removed by allowing the blade to catch the top coil and
slowly turning the insert in the opposite direction.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 162

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 111
SPIROL is pleased to
announce that Ford Aerospace
Ltd based in South Shields,
UK will be joining the SPIROL
group of companies.
Ford Aerospace was
founded at Tyne Dock in 1910
by Robert Ford, and the family
business has most recently
been led by the founder’s
great-grandson, Chris Ford.
The company specializes in
manufacturing high precision
metal components and subassemblies
for the aerospace,
industrial, and high-technology
sectors.
SPIROL’s well-established
global footprint will take the
UK based Ford Aerospace’s
products to a wider
international market. In
addition, one of SPIROL’s core
principles is to continuously
reinvest back into the
business to ensure long-term,
enhanced success and better
serve its customers.
Speaking about the
sale, Chris Ford said, “Ford
Aerospace is, and always has
been, here for the people,
especially our dedicated
and skilled team, and it was
important that any new Ford
Aerospace owner share the
values that have been at the
heart of the company for over
100 years. Our two companies
have a long history of working
together, dating back to
1980 where SPIROL licensed
a specialized manufacturing
process from Ford Aerospace,
which is still in use today.
SPIROL respects Ford’s strong
position in the UK market and
our product manufacturing
knowledge.
SPIROL and Ford’s approach to its
employees and its customers align
wonderfully, and I am excited to see
our strong business carry on as part
of the successful SPIROL group.”
Ford Aerospace’s technical skills in
‘space compensating’ management
– the production of laminated and
solid shims which ensures fast,
precision tolerance compensation
used on products such as fuselages,
gearboxes and movable components
– was a key offering that attracted
SPIROL. These solid and laminated
shims enable clients to reduce stock
of individual shims and offers the
option of “sizing” a particular shim
by adjusting the shim pack to the
desired thickness on assembly.
These products simplify the assembly
process while simultaneously reducing
the overall cost of the assembly.
Ken Hagan, a Division President
at SPIROL said, “SPIROL is an
engineering, manufacturing and sales
driven company, and as such we seek
to grow and expand in our product
space. This includes acquiring and
holding exceptional companies which
fit well with our overall business, global
strategy and culture of excellence. We
are excited to have Ford Aerospace
join SPIROL and to be able to offer
a more complete solution to our
customers in Europe and beyond. We
anticipate running Ford as a standalone
business unit within the SPIROL group
of companies. By combining the
capabilities of both companies, our
objective is to enhance our valueadded
offering to our customers both
in technical expertise and products.”
For more information contact
SPIROL at Tel: 1-860-774-8571,
Email: info@spirol.com online at
www.spirol.com.

112
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ZAGO MANUFACTURING CELEBRATING 30 YEARS! from page 34
ZAGO SEALING FASTENERS ARE CORROSION-RESISTANT AND USED TO SEAL EQUIPMENT IN COUNTLESS INDUSTRIES.
Expanding Portfolio
As ZAGO grew, so did its portfolio, which today,
includes seal screws, seal bolts, seal nuts, and seal
washers as well as switch boots and crystal seals.
Different Than Standard Fasteners
ZAGO sealing fasteners are different from ordinary
fasteners. They are engineered with a custom groove
under the head of the screw (face of nut/washer) and
when combined with a rubber O-ring and tightened
squeezes outwardly to form a 360° leak-proof seal. This
seal is impenetrable. It will not break or crack once
the screw is torqued, preventing seepage or leakage of
contaminants, i.e., water/saltwater, oils, precipitation,
humidity, dust and more from damaging equipment or
potentially harming the environment.
Accelerate Innovation.
ZAGO attributes its longevity and success to the
thousands of engineers, OEMs and distributors who
choose their sealing fasteners to seal groundbreaking
equipment in game-changing industries. “It’s rewarding
to know our sealing fasteners make a difference. They
seal everything from prosthetic limbs, surgical arms and
medicine dispensing robots to automated machinery and
co-bots working alongside humans,” says Harvey.
Sustainable Sealing Fasteners For A
Sustainable World
ZAGO also attributes its continued growth to the
inherently green properties of its sealing fasteners.
They are made from corrosion-resistant metals, are
reusable and prevent contaminants from seeping out of
equipment and into the environment. Green industries
are using them to seal electric vehicles, batteries and
charging stations, wind turbines, solar array panels, and
environmental testing equipment.
Walking The Talk Of A Sustainable Manufacturer
ZAGO manufactures sustainable sealing fasteners
and is sustainable. The company has invested in
solar energy with a solar array on its rooftop, recycles
runoff and scrap and practices lean manufacturing to
streamline processes and minimize waste.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 113

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 113
ZAGO MANUFACTURING CELEBRATING 30 YEARS! from page 112
“We’re always looking to improve our processes
and systems especially when they benefit our product,
our people and planet,” says Gail.
Sustainability Applies To People Too
Sustainability is not limited to protecting our
environment. A key principle is ensuring that all
people have equal access to the resources they
need to attain economic prosperity and optimize
personal well-being. In 2019, ZAGO launched ZAGO
Sustainability 360, a community outreach program
that introduces stakeholders, including K-12 students
and alumni, to STEM /manufacturing and offers
internships, scholarships, apprenticeships and even
tuition reimbursement to ZAGO employees who pursue
college coursework and advanced degrees.
HELPING ZAGO TEAM MEMBERS PURSUE THEIR DREAMS
IS IMPORTANT. HERE’S ALY DAMACELA, WHO WITH TUITION
REIMBURSEMENT FROM ZAGO, EARNED HER BACHELOR OF
SCIENCE IN MARKETING FROM KEAN UNIVERSITY.
Because At The End Of The Day…
ZAGO’s success comes down to its people. “We’re
so fortunate to have talented team members, who we
consider as part of our extended family,” says Harvey.
“They inspire me every day.”
ZAGO MANUFACTURING INC

114
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
GUY AVELLON WHAT DISTRIBUTORS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TORQUE from page 36
The approximate torque value is calculated using the
universally accepted formula:
T = kDW
12
To calculate a torque value for a specific Grade,
diameter and thread pitch bolt, the Diameter (D) of the
bolt is multiplied by its projected work load (W). Clamp
load can be any predetermined desired load for the joint
or, more commonly, it is a value that is 75% of that bolt’s
proof load (with respect to Grade, Property Class and
thread pitch). The product of which is then multiplied by a
factor of ‘k’, then divided by 12 to convert inches to feet.
The value of 12 is not used in Metric calculations.
The value of ‘k’ is the critical variable. In mathematics,
k is a constant, but with fasteners, it is a constant variable.
This represents the coefficient of friction between the
moving parts while under pressure. This includes under
the bolt head or at the nut interface and between the
threads.
The value of k is usually determined experimentally.
This can be done using a load cell or by placing a bolt and
nut into a solid fixture. When tightening against a fixture,
use a beam type torque wrench. Turn the nut against
the fixture while observing the beam deflection. At some
point, the beam will stop advancing. Make note of this
torque value as this is the point the bolt has gone into
yield. Any further rotation of the nut and the beam will
begin to drop downwards.
These methods will determine the k factor for the
particular conditions of that bolt and nut; different types
of plating finishes, oils, wax coatings and anti-seize
lubricants and in different combinations. Once the k factor
has been determined, it may be used on other sizes of
bolts with the same surface conditions.
Because of ‘k’, a torque wrench’s accuracy can be ±
150%. In fact, torque is only accurate under one condition,
which only accounts for less than 50% of its use, and that
is with using a lubricant.
The torque formula is just to show that friction
variables can interfere with producing any clamping
force that is close to being consistent and predictable. It
demonstrates that a lubricated fastener will require less
torque than a non-lubricated fastener.
Using a high speed power tool can cause an elastic
rebound effect upon the bolt. The joint compresses
greater than normal under the high speed pressure which
advances the nut further than normal. When the tightening
stops, the joint rebounds back to normal exerting a
greater force against the nut that produces more tension
on the bolt than expected. In some cases, this could be
close to yield.
A common saying in the racing community was that
horsepower is how hard you hit the wall and torque is
how far you move it. This is exactly what happens when
the high horsepower of a power tool is applied to the
assembly of a fastener; the force and torque on a nut or
on the head of a small screw being driven by the power
wrench into the joint surface can cause damage.
Speed, whether by hand or power tool, is not as
affected by friction because of a built up of momentum
that would overcome any burrs or thread inconsistencies.
In some cases, though, this would cause thread stripping
of the bolt or nut. Low torque power tools are used for
assembling multiple bolt joints but most of the surface
variables are consistent with new parts. Maintenance
assemblies are quite different and have many variables.
Torsion will destroy a bolt if there is not enough
threads in the grip. That is, if the bolt breaks with only one
or two threads left on the body of the bolt or one thread
outside the nut, there were not enough threads or basic
material to absorb the torsional twist of the assembly.
Always try to maximize the number of threads in the grip.
This will also help reduce the chance of metal fatigue.
Small screws are especially susceptible to head
failure due to excessive torsion and speed. The head is
against the joint surface and there is not enough material
to absorb the twist. Slow application of low torque will help
the life of the screws.
A torque number does not mean anything to an impact
wrench or most power tools. Torque values are meant to
be used as a guide, and then consider the associated
variable(s). However, it is the technique of applying that
torque which will go a long way to making the connection
a safe connection.
The key to avoiding failures in any bolted joint is to be
consistent.
GUY AVELLON

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 115
ACCURATE MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS GROUP
8090 Woodland Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278
TEL 317-472-9000 EMAIL sales@ampg.com WEB www.ampg.com
AMPG BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON IN-HOUSE DESIGN & TEST LAB
AMPG is starting construction on their new AMPG
Design and Testing Lab. After construction is finished in the
second quarter of this year the full Dimensional and Physical
Testing facility will apply for ISO 17025 for Measurement
and Calibration as well as ISO 17065 for Product Design.
AMPG is building
out their Mechanical
Engineering department
and partnering with
Engineering schools
around the country
to study design and
manufacturability of the
unique product line they produce. Fowler High Precision
is combining their deep understanding of Metrology and
advanced measuring equipment to partner with AMPG for
automated In Process Measurement on the plant floor as
well as calibration and testing in a laboratory setting.
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
ACCURATE MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS GROUP

116
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
COMPUTER INSIGHTS, INC. ISO AUDITS MADE EASY from page 40
Product Specifications
ISO 9001:2015 §8.1, §8.2.2 and §7.5.2
Creating and controlling product specifications in
The Business Edge TM
is easy and allows all users to
see the product requirements instantly. Only reviewed
product specifications can be seen and printed by
users. The Business Edge TM
maintains a revision
history. Each attribute is defined by the client and used
in the product specification. Specifications are a range,
number, text, or lookup list.
Inspections
ISO 9001:2015 §8.5.1 and §8.6
The system can force the creation of inspections
during the receiving process using the product
specification. Attributes can be inspected as a
range, number, or pass/fail. Each product is tagged
whether someone should review it. When a receiving
inspection fails, the system automatically creates
a problem document to alert the vendor of the nonconformance.
Vendor Requirements
ISO 9001:2015 §8.4
The Business Edge TM
tags each vendor with their
status and keeps an audit log every time the status
changes. Any vendor tagged with “Removed/Not Active”
or “Quality Suspended’ cannot have a purchase order
assigned. Along with printing the product specification
on the purchase order, documentConnection
can attach saved product specifications to the
purchase order. Suppose a product drawing fits many
products (for instance, MS standards). In that case,
documentConnection assigns the drawing to a
Document Group, and the related products are added
to the Document Group. Document Groups can be
associated with products individually or by matching
the first part of the product code.
Problem Documents & Reporting
ISO 9001:2015 §10.2, §9.1.3 and §9.3.2
Non-conformances are an easy way to record
pertinent information about minor customer complaints
without taking corrective action while maintaining full
traceability and cross-indexing with the product, customer,
vendor, purchase order, sales order, etc. These are all
reviewable during the Management Review process and
when looking at areas that need improvement. Corrective
Actions have traceability and cross-indexing and require
root cause analysis; they can define short-term actions
and implement a long-term action, along with a review
of the effectiveness of the long-term action. These
documents can be used to record internal problems or
assigned to an external vendor and used as a vendor
corrective action request. The Business Edge notifies
the Quality Manager and appointed user of the problem
document that will be due soon – this includes waiting
for responses from internal employees, a response
from a vendor, or needing to follow up on the problem
document to verify the action’s effectiveness.
The Pareto Report based on Problem Documents
helps quickly review where problems happen and what
type of problems occur. The Pareto analysis includes
three categories: Type of Document, Where the Problem
is Found, and the Product Category.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 164

118
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
CHRIS DONNELL CHANGES ARE HAPPENING from page 42
In October, our West Coast ports were reporting less
than 10 vessels sitting idle and unable to unload, while
the East and Gulf Coast ports were reporting more than
120 vessels. The deluge of vessels on the east were
a direct result of fears with the ILWU labor situation.
Today, those figures have all but disappeared and cargo
is moving freely internally from our ports. Last year was
monumental with regards to the sheer number of imports
we had flooding our shores. It shattered all-time highs and
we saw for the first time in more than 20 years where the
port terminals of New York and New Jersey overtook the
Los Angeles terminal complex as the nation’s busiest.
Things are looking up. The global stage with regards
to its supply chain is changing dramatically. We’re seeing
a mass exodus of companies from China. While the
figures vary depending on its source, we are seeing a
withdraw of business from China to be around 8%. This
figure represents companies who have either moved
manufacturing to other countries such as Vietnam,
Thailand or India, to companies which have been forced
to close operations due to economic hardship. Another
contributing factor is that companies are re-evaluating
their supply chain and looking at other countries to
support them, to off-set the section 301 tariffs or bring
their supply chain closer to home. Make no mistake
about it, China will continue to be our largest trading
partner, but Mexico is reaping the rewards from the
above. Mexico has seen its manufacturing sector grow
some 80% over the past decade. The quality of product
now mirrors that of China in most applications, and the
cost of manufacturing in Mexico has (in many instances)
shown to be significantly lower than that of China. Factor
in the favorable trade status with the United States and
minimal import duties, and Mexico has become a major
player in the global supply chain.
Additionally, something everyone can rejoice in and
touches all industries is that ocean rates from the Pacific
Rim have fallen to near pre-pandemic levels. While many
welcome the decrease with open arms, this reduction
can cause short term financial issues. Short term, many
importers are holding onto a lot of expensive inventory
which could result in additional hardships due to strain
on cash flow. Once this product has been sold, they can
take advantage of the lower costs. In our analysis, the
rates for both the West and East Coast have neared their
lowest point before the ocean carriers take on losses.
Importers should expect additional movement, but for
inland locations, we are still seeing costs moving lower.
With most costs from the Pacific Rim showing more
than an 80% decrease over the past several months,
it’s important to note that for Trans-Atlantic traffic
(Europe to America) those rates have held strong due to
strong capacity demand. Ocean carriers have started to
shift more vessel capacity from Asia to Europe to take
advantage of the high demand, and high-rate markets.
Putting things in perspective, a 40’ container from
Hamburg, Germany to New York still costs more than
$5,000.00, but the same shipment from China to New
York will cost about $2,000.00.
Another major situation that is taking place is the
announced break-up of a major ocean carrier alliance
slated to take place in 2025. In late January, two of
the world’s largest ocean carriers, MSC and Maersk,
announced that they plan to terminate their vessel
sharing alliance and are terminating the 2M alliance.
This might not mean much to some but the goal of
an alliance between multiple ocean carriers is to align
global strategies and improve global reach without
having to invest in more vessels or man-power; but it
also allows the alliance carriers to control costs. The
reason this issue is news is because when a carrier is
removed or leaves an alliance, it then has free reign to
offer the public a cost or service which might negatively
impact other ocean carriers which are bound to a
different alliance agreement, thereby making them less
competitive in their respected marketplace. This also
raises the eye from multiple competitive agencies due
to the two carriers global market share which currently
stands at more than 17% each. Should they join other
agencies, it would create an unfavorable situation of
being too competitive and capture to much of the local
market share.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 168

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 119

120
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
LARRY BOROWSKI SETTING ADJUSTABLE THREAD RINGS PART 1 - WHY DO I NEED THE SET PLUG? from page 44
¤ Setting an adjustable thread ring gage to a
setting plug may be subjective, because “firm fit” or
“snug fit” as defined in the standards, may mean
something different to different people. However, there
is much more variation when taking more than one direct
measurement of the same gage. In fact, there could be
several “tenths” different in the actual setting between
the two methods.
Calibration laboratories that are accredited to ISO
17025 either have to follow “standard methods” or they
can develop their own as long as they are then validated.
Validation of those alternative methods means that the
result is repeatable to within measurement uncertainty
using the standard method as the measuring stick. The
direct measurement of pitch diameter on adjustable
thread ring gages has been studied and proven to provide
too large of a deviation. Therefore, direct measurement
is not a valid alternative to setting adjustable thread ring
gages with a setting plug.
Adjustable thread ring gages can be sensitive and it
is highly recommended that end users have their own
setting plug to periodically evaluate their proper setting.
Settings can change if the ring is accidentally dropped or
mishandled, and size can be affected by how abrasive or
how much dirt and grit are on the product threads at the
time of inspection.
Gage owners beware! Adjustable GO and NOT
GO threaded ring gages certified without the use of
the appropriate setting plugs are probably inaccurate.
Unless adjustable thread ring gages are set to the
appropriate threaded setting plugs as specified by ASME
and other standards, gage certifications of those gages
are invalid. The ASME standard governs their design
and calibration, so adjustable thread ring gages that are
calibrated by any other means other than a set plug are
more than likely set to an inaccurate size. Furthermore,
they may accept non-conforming threaded product or may
erroneously reject conforming product.
So, to answer the question of “Why do I need the Set
Plug”….because the standards say so!
LARRY BOROWSKI | GREENSLADE & COMPANY INC
FCH OUT OF STOCK? IT HAPPENS! from page 46
As FCH has expanded, users have put the platform
to work in a variety of ways we never imagined, and
thousands of transactions have been facilitated by
members over the years. New parts lists are uploaded
every business day. But when it comes to enforcing strict
inventory maintenance policies, which is something giant
marketplaces like Amazon regularly do, FCH has taken a
relaxed approach, relying on distributors to control their
own listings.
We want users to have a high chance of success
every time they come to FCH, so the time has come
to deploy a few updates that will improve the overall
effectiveness and quality of the network. We’ll be rolling
out these enhancements in upcoming months:
[1] Inventory Listing Expiration Dates – Older
listings will be removed from searches.
[2] Improved Management Tools – Listings will
be easier and more intuitive to keep up to date.
[3] Better Subscription Bundles – New packages
will make it more profitable to stay current.
[4] Upgraded Communication – Improved alerts
and feedback for more timely updating.
Along with these additions, expect to see some new
programs that are better matched to your specific online
marketing needs.
We’ve learned a few things about the fastener
industry over the years, and we intend to harness the
power of the FCH Sourcing Network to its full effect.
We’ve also made some great friends along the way.
We’re counting on your input to help make FCH even
better.
Please share your thoughts and ideas with us!
FCH SOURCING NETWORK

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 121
NORTH EAST FASTENER CORPORATION
8 Tremco Drive, Terryville, CT 06786
TEL 1-860-589-3232 \EMAIL nef@nef1.com WEB www.nef1.com
NEF PURCHASES FIVE NEW SLOTTING MACHINES
We are pleased to announce that North East
Fasteners Corp. has responded to the growing demand
for our slotting services by acquiring and incorporating five
specialized slotting machines into our milling department.
This investment is a testament to our ongoing commitment
to providing the highest quality products and service to
our valued customers.
Current Markets Served: Commercial: Military:
Aerospace: Medical: Automotive
Current Size Range: Inch 00 to 10 - Metric M1.2 to
M4.5, up to 2 Inches (or 50mm) in length.
Specifications: IFI, ANSI, MS, NAS, NASM, AN DIN,
JIS, JCIS, ISO, QSLM, DFAR, ROHS; and Specials.
Materials Offered: Steel 1006 -1008, 1018, 1022,
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE
1038 or 4037, 8740; Stainless Steel 302, 316, 410,
430, A286, Brass 65/35, 70/30; Copper; Silicon Bronze
and Special Orders.
NEF is an ISO 9001 + AS9100, QSLM Levels 2/3
ITAR Certified Supplier.
NORTH EAST FASTENER CORPORATION

122
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ATLAS INDUSTRY MARKETING THE JOURNEY OF AN INDEPENDENT REP from page 48
After just two months back, our VP
of Sales redirected the company sales
focus on distributors and this change was
definitely good for me, as I led their sales
growth in both 1999 and 2000. Eskay was
also a sister company of K-Tech Manufacturing,
another small diameter cold-heading company, and
Lake Erie Screw, the domestic bolt maker. In
2000, our whole division of 27 metal forming
companies was sold to an investment group,
and the following year, Eskay (now Entegra
Fastener) and K-Tech were merged, and in 2002 this
group was then merged into Lake Erie.
This brought many changes, and in mid-September
of that year, I was let go and left with an airline ticket
in-hand for a planned sales meeting and a decision to
make on taking a leap of faith and going out on my own
or finding another job. After getting some sage advice
from both other Reps and customers, I used their input
and this ticket to attend the IFE show that November,
where I had interviews set up with seven companies.
By early December, I was in business for myself and
amazingly, I just celebrated my 20-year anniversary. All
said, it has been quite a journey!
Through all of this, I have been very fortunate to
build many friends and relationships, including with
several other great independent and direct Reps, and
with many amazing customers, distributors, and other
leaders in our industry. I am also a proud member of
the Southwestern Fastener Association since 1997,
and I see some great young people entering our ranks
and organizations. I was also fortunate to have my son,
Zac Lindahl, work with me for over seven years but his
path wasn’t mine, and he left my business in late 2021
and I’m happy to see and say that he is doing great.
I guess he broke the mold in not being “stuck in the
fastener industry,” but at 6’9”, he’s never fit into many
confines
anyway!
Lastly, I
have been very blessed
and privileged over the
past 20 years to be in
longstanding partnerships with
several great principal companies, many who have been
in business and serving our industry for decades. Well
established companies like XL Screw, Brikksen, BTM,
CSM, Diamond Wire Spring, Fascomp, and Wyandotte
Industries, and my more recent and up-and-coming lines,
like All Electronics Hardware, Cable Ties Unlimited, and
Goebel Fasteners. My sincere thanks and appreciation
go out to them for their support! It is their talented
people and successful operations that makes my job
easy in promoting them with confidence and conviction.
I’ve always believed that I am an advocate for both my
customers and my principals, as well as our industry,
and that my reputation is only as good as the job I do
and earn for them, and I work hard every day to live up
to this.
Overall, after what has become a lifetime of working
with fasteners, I’m very proud of my part in our industry,
and knowing that we literally serve and support our
country, and the world, in holding together our todays
and building better tomorrows!
ATLAS INDUSTRY MARKETING

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 123
Birmingham Fastener
is excited to announce
the acquisition of Pacific
Coast Bolt Corporation
based in Santa Fe Springs,
California. With over 80
years of combined fastener
production, this acquisition
strengthens Birmingham
Fastener’s manufacturing
diversity and expands our U.S.
footprint coast-to-coast with
branches from New York to
California. Most importantly, it
allows us to add teammates
to our world-class staff and
will yield long-term benefits
for our customers.
Pacific Coast Bolt
manufactures and distributes
a wide range of products to
industries such as water,
wastewater, chemical, refining,
and construction.
Brad Tinney, President of
Birmingham Fastener said of
the acquisition, “This strategic
initiative further complements
Birmingham Fastener’s madein-America
value proposition
to our customers, as Pacific
Coast Bolt brings a wealth of
manufacturing equipment and
overall fastener knowledge.
We are excited to expand
westward and honored to
heighten the level of customer
service for all our partners
across America.”
For further information
contact Birmingham Fastener
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.

124
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
PENN ENGINEERING SELF CLINCHING vs WELD FASTENERS: WHICH IS BEST? from page 52
Self Clinching Fastening Application
The self clinching method is most commonly used
for sheet metal fabrication and can be found in many
industries where two components need to be held
together. Some of the more popular applications are in
consumer electronics, datacom/telecom, industrial, and
medical.
When pressed into ductile material, a self clinching
fastener displaces the host material around the mounting
hole, causing it to cold flow into a specially designed
annular recess in the shank or pilot of the fastener.
A serrated clinching ring, knurl, ribs, or hex head
Step 3. Install the mating piece from the side
prevents fastener rotation in the host material once
opposite the head of the fastener.
inserted – becoming a permanent part of the piece into
which it’s installed.
A robust solution for any type of sheet metal,
self-clinching fasteners can provide stable threads or
attachment in metal as thin as 0.20 mm .008”. The
installation process is broken down into 3 simple steps.
Self Clinching in 3 Steps
Step 1. Place fastener into the anvil hole and place
the mounting hole over the shank of the fastener.
Step 2. With installation punch and anvil surfaces
parallel, apply squeezing force until the head of the
clinch nut comes in contact with the sheet material.
Advantages of Self Clinching
¤ Increased thread strength
¤ Design flexibility
¤ Install into dissimilar materials
¤ Panel and/or fastener can be pre-finished
¤ No introduction of thermal stresses
¤ Clean process for reduced environmental concerns
¤ Minimized energy consumption
¤ Improved fastener positioning
¤ Reduced installation cycle times
¤ In-process installation
CONTINUED ON PAGE 125

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 125
PENN ENGINEERING SELF CLINCHING vs WELD FASTENERS: WHICH IS BEST? from page 124
Disadvantage of Self Clinching
When considering a self clinching solution for an
application, engineers should keep in mind that a loose
clinch nut could possibly be more expensive when
compared to a loose weld nut or an adhesive.
Installation Methods
Whether you have a medium-volume or high-volume
application, there are cost-effective and energy-saving
options available for self-clinching fastener installation.
There’s a comprehensive line of Haeger® automatic
and manual installation machines and PEMSERTER®
in-die installation systems that are designed for use with
PEM® self-clinching fasteners for a complete portfolio of
fastening solutions.
Which is the Best Fastening
Method for You?
While several approaches can be taken to joining
sheet metal, the question of which fastening method is
the best depends on many factors.
Ultimately, the best method will depend on the
materials you’re joining together, the access and space
you have for installation, the strength of the bond
required, the equipment at your disposal, and the budget
you’re working towards, among various other factors.
To learn more about self-clinching fastening
innovations, connect with an engineer or download the
latest PEM® Self Clinching Fastener Handbook from the
Penn Engineering website.
PENN ENGINEERING

126
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
MECHANICAL POWER STREAMLINING GLOBAL SOURCING WITH HASSLE-FREE SOLUTIONS from page 56
Despite the simplicity of the value chain on the surface,
the production of demanding engineered components for
MPI’s customers and their applications involves nuanced
complexities in each phase of the lifecycle.
Core Product Categories
MPI specializes in producing a range of products
including Bearings, Pulleys, Sheaves, Sprockets, Chain,
Specialty Cold-Formed-Fasteners, Stampings, Castings,
Weldments, Assemblies, Injection Moldings, Forgings, CNC
Machined Components, and Hydraulic Cylinders.
Our manufacturing partners are in various regions, from
the USA to China, India, Taiwan, and other low-cost regions.
Our customers appreciate the versatile offerings, and we
have a proven track record of exceptional performance in
Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Innovation.
Quality
MPI received its ISO:9001 certification in 2011. It has
since maintained a well-documented operating cadence
that adheres to standard operating procedures for all
processes and tasks. One of MPI’s primary objectives is to
ensure that products meet customer requirements at the
point of origin and in the Quality Lab at headquarters.
The Quality Lab houses a range of quality inspection
equipment, including a new state-of-the-art CMM, which
multiple inspectors utilize to guarantee that finished goods
comply with customer specifications before they are stored
in the finished goods area and deemed ready for shipment.
This meticulous approach to quality control has earned
MPI a reputation for unwavering quality performance. In
the rare instance of a quality issue or reject, MPI employs
the traditional 8D process to identify the root cause of the
problem and executes a corrective action plan to prevent a
recurrence of the issue.
People
The employees of MPI are why it has had 40+ years
of success. It has long-tenured employees and new blood
that help the company evolve in a very competitive market.
Global sourcing is no easy task, and it requires the right
kind of people with the right skillsets to operationally
execute what can be challenging customer requirements.
MPI strongly emphasizes technically minded people
who can accurately interpret customer requirements at
the part level and clearly define those requirements to
manufacturing partners. MPI also has “boots on the ground”
in China where much of its product is manufactured.
Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain professionals
reside in China as full-time employees that help manage the
supply base and uphold our commitments to customers.
MPI has always prioritized its employee base, wellbeing,
and work-life balance. It creates an environment that
is empowering and provides a sense of unity, teamwork,
and helping others to achieve company and employee
goals.
MPI takes work and customer satisfaction very
seriously but also fosters a fun environment. Work doesn’t
have to be a hindrance – and we take measures conducive
to employees liking to work. They feel good about the
environment they step into daily.
Over the years, MPI has modernized regarding work
schedule (4/10’s), dress code, an extremely flexible
PTO policy, and has several employee-focused events
throughout each calendar year to celebrate multi-cultural
holidays, current events, and other enjoyable things in our
respective lives.
work.
MPI likes the mantra – work to live rather than live to
Strategies
For several years, MPI was successful in being the
traditional “mom-and-pop” shop that created value for
customers. It was not the biggest business in the world, nor
was it trying to be. What it successfully did in the first 30
years of operations was create a highly diversified business
that was not overly dependent on any one customer, any
employee, or any part category. That stands true today, with
MPI having the top 80% of its business highly diversified in
terms of customer base, industry, and part type.
MPI has been a higher mix/lower volume business
for much of its history. In recent years, we’ve initiated
strategies to focus on lower mix (SKU count) and higher
volume/value components for our customers.
Managing thousands of SKUs in our business can
become challenging and inefficient. MPI has successfully
positioned itself to be competitive for OEM customers on
their high runner parts considered to be “A” components,
that is, components that are in the top 80% spend for
customer direct material.
CONTINED ON PAGE 170

The Mid-Atlantic Fastener Distributors Association
(MAFDA) held their 2022 Holiday Party this past year at
Pietro’s Prime in West Chester, PA.
Good times were had by all! Pietro’s Prime did not
disappoint with the mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres and
drinks!
The MAFDA would
like to thank all of the
Gold level sponsors of
Stelfast Inc, Kanebridge
Corporation, Intercorp,
ND Industries, Goebel
Fasteners, and Brighton
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 127
MID-ATLANTIC FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
3211 West 9th Street, Trainer, PA 19061 TEL 610-430-8615 (Lubker Distribution) EMAIL info@mafda.com WEB www.mafda.com
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
HOLIDAY PARTY 2022 by Bill Bankoske, President
Best. Silver sponsors were Murty Associate, Eurolink,
Brikksen Corp, BBC Fasteners, The Hanson Group,
Avante Imports and Cable Ties Unlimited. Bronze level
sponsors this year were Lee S Johnson Associates,
R.W. Rundle Associates, One Stop Packaging, Ford
Fasteners, Crossroads Distributors and McCormick
Associates.
MID-ATLANTIC FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
MID-ATLANTIC FASTENER ASSOCIATION
2022 HOLIDAY PARTY
CONTINUED ON PAGE 183

128
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ROBERT FOOTLIK TAMING THE TOXIC WAREHOUSE from page 58
It was clear that no one in the operation wanted to
work with these victims and everyone was determined to
get them out of the building. When I mentioned this to the
top corporate manager, he shrugged his shoulders and
said he could do nothing. He too wanted the brothers to
quit and eventually the hostility and sarcasm drove them
out. The operation never recovered. On subsequent
visits, I found the staff to be hostile, sarcastic and not
much of a team. With their targets gone, they turned
on each other. My report suggested firing everyone and
starting over. Ultimately, the branch closed. Today it
might have been the site of a mass murder event.
Lesson to be learned: Peer pressure applied with care
and respect is a powerful tool. Applied with malice and
hate it is a fire that consumes everyone.
Consider a simple example that might unfold in your
context. A customer comes to the will call or service desk,
reads your employee’s nametag or sees a “foreign face.”
He them makes some derogatory jokes, stereotypical
comments or shows hostility for the employee’s culture.
What reaction should this draw from those who are
nearby, especially management? Is this unwarranted
attack acceptable? Should the behavior be approved,
reinforced and amplified? If not, outright condemnation
and an invitation to, “never come back without an
apology” is the only right call. It sends a strong message
that unacceptable behavior has consequences.
This conclusion is not a given for the latest
generation that has been raised in a cancel culture
environment. How would this scene have played if the
target had been black, Jewish, a woman or a “privileged
white person.” Then reverse the perpetrator’s cultural
or racial identity with the attacker. Such are the shifting
sands of bigotry, prejudice and sympathy.
Lesson learned: You may not have control over a
customer’s bigotry, but you can use it as an example for
your own staff. Our culture and generation does not take
kindly to abuse.
At one southern warehouse, I found the warehouse
staff courteous, helpful, cooperative, and focused on
teamwork. People who passed by stopped for a moment
to hold the “dumb end” of my tape measure, asked me
if I needed anything, brought me a cold drink and invited
me to join them for lunch. Overall, a great bunch of guys.
It was, however, a single gender warehouse even though
there were many jobs that could be handled by women.
When I pointed this out to the boss, his reply floored me.
He said, “We can’t have women in the warehouse, those
boys would rape them.” This was 30 years after passage
of the Equal Rights Amendment.
Lesson learned: It subsequently became abundantly
clear that the warehouse manager kept his team well
insulated from management bigotry. You too might
someday need to similarly avoid or defuse a toxic situation.
Many of today’s generation have succumbed to
“Critical Race” politics, Black Lives Matter double
standards and a Boycott, Divest, Sanction (BDS) culture.
None of these movements can withstand honest, ethical
and objective scrutiny. Their answer is a Cancel Culture
based on “Intersectionality” which is a circular argument
that if someone challenges anyone everyone must
vehemently respond by shouting down the “racist/bigot/
colonial oppressor.”
In the workplace, this has fostered a plague of “quiet
quitting” where if an employee views “themselves” as
oppressed they can shut down their efforts and coast on
claims based on First Amendment, free speech expression.
Nevertheless, they still want a paycheck as “reparations”
for some vague or non-existent pain. Pointing out first
privately, then publicly that this behavior puts an unfair
burden on the rest of the staff may be sufficient to shock
the individual or encourage them to leave.
Lesson to be learned: Peer pressure carefully applied
can turn around a situation, or make it go away.
Some Answers
Meeting intolerance with an attitude of intolerance
is not going to work. It did not help when you were an
adolescent and it will not work now. What will devastate
the Woke movement is sincerity, caring and truth. Any
good manager uses these very same elements every day
with the knowledge that deep within the meanest, most
rotten, horribly misguided individual there is a spark of
goodness. Find it…and use it against them.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 172

130
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
JOE DYSART AI MAKES HIRING MORE EFFICIENT AND LESS EXPENSIVE AT YOUR FASTENER DISTRIBUTORSHIP from page 62
All the while, the AI operates in background,
observing facial reactions, making note of word use and
looking for other candidate characteristics that have
been programmed into the system for observation and
analysis -- or added to the system by a specific fastener
distributor’s HR and/or managers.
The result: Company HR gets a recorded video of
the entire interview with the job applicant, along with
a report from the AI on the candidate’s strengths and
weaknesses -- as well as the AI’s judgment on how the
candidate ranks against all other candidates applying for
the job.
Meanwhile, there are also some key features
fastener distributors will find in all the best-of-breed
interviewing systems currently on the market.
Top systems, for example, offer deep AI analysis of
a job candidate’s strengths and weaknesses -- given that
AI has all the time in the world to conduct and analyze
what’s going on during an interview.
Leading systems also offer a standardized interview
experience, making the interview process much fairer.
Each candidate is asked the same battery of questions,
for example -- and is given the same amount of time to
answer.
Best-of-breed systems also take great pains to
ensure that the recorded videos and AI analysis culled
from each interview can be easily passed along to
everyone at your fastener distributorship who is involved
in the hiring process.
And the best systems also enable decisionmakers
to pool their comments about a candidate in a
TOP SOLUTIONS OFFER EASY NOTIFICATION ABOUT VIDEO
INTERVIEWING RESULTS TO ALL STAKEHOLDERS IN THE COMPANY.
TOP SOLUTIONS OFFER EASY NOTIFICATION ABOUT VIDEO
INTERVIEWING RESULTS TO ALL STAKEHOLDERS IN THE COMPANY.
centralized digital location that’s easily accessible for all
stakeholders.
Another major feature to look for is the ability to
store applicant videos for years after the initial recording
is made.
The reason: This convenience can be incredibly
handy for fastener distributor HR managers, who might
want to take a second look at a candidate who was not
right for the job applied for -- but could be a perfect fit for
another.
And you’ll also want to be sure that the service
provider you opt for offers custom options, such as the
ability to drop in your own questions for the talent you’re
seeking -- or the ability to adjust the way AI ranks the job
applicants.
Equally crucial to verify is the due diligence the
service provider engaged in to ensure its tech complies
with hiring regulations in your area.
Leading AI video interviewing providers, for example,
realize that many fastener distributors are located
in regions that now have laws regulating how AI is
used to hire staff -- and have made the necessary
accommodations.
Even so, it’s important to verify that the service
provider you choose is aware of AI hiring regulations for
you area -- and can document that awareness for you.
Once you’re ready to start shopping for a service,
you can use this representative sampling of service
providers as a benchmark for evaluating all the providers
that interest you.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 174

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 131

132
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
JIM TRUESDELL ESG INVESTING: IMPACT ON INVESTORS AND DISTRIBUTORS’ SUPPLY CHAIN BURDENS from page 64
They followed the philosophy that had been extolled by
legendary economist Milton Friedman, that the fiduciary’s
only concern should be the dollars and cents welfare of
the client, and that any time an advisor diverged from
that purpose in pursuit of philanthropy or impact on what
appeared to be the greater good of society, it was an
outright violation of that sacred trust.
Today the push for social justice and concern for the
environment has put new pressure on public companies
to say the right things and act in ways to appeal to the
fashionable social and environmental arbiters of political
correctness. Rating agencies have sprung up to establish
rating systems designed to signal what a company’s level
of social awareness is, all for the purpose of guiding
investors in their choices. The problem is that there is
no firm agreement on the criteria being used, so such
evaluations can be weighted to reflect the particular
political orientation of those promulgating the ratings.
This whole area has come under the description ESG
Investing (Environmental, Social, and Governance).
The investing world has indeed changed. Beginning
in the 1960’s and following through to today a consensus
has emerged that businesses have a social responsibility
to the society of which they are a part, and that being
a good “corporate citizen”. That means taking note of
the needs of the environment, the need to contribute
to a just marketplace (which today seems focused on
the call for diversity, equity, and inclusion), and the
existence of firm governance controls to ensure company
operations are free from corruption, avarice, and other
ills which might be brought on by a totally unrestrained
capitalism. In addition to the investors who are the actual
“owners” of the company there is a recognition that
responsibilities flow to a vast array of “stakeholders”
which includes employees, vendors, the communities
in which businesses are located or in which they do
business, and even the environment itself (regardless
of whether or not the humans in that environment are
affected negatively or positively).
Over the past twenty years the catch-phrase “Triple
Bottom Line” has been bandied about as to how a
company should be valued. It was first put forth in an
article by John Elkington in 1998 and posited that a
company should be evaluated on the basis of (1) the
company’s profits (2) its impact on people and (3) its
impact on the planet. This was popularized among those
who were ardent about the environment or who were
concerned that unbridled materialism and corporate
focus on the bottom line were leading us to the opposite
of what we as a society should be focusing upon. Its
all well and good, of course, to urge people to pursue a
“higher good” in their financial dealings and investments,
but it did not necessarily address the question of fiduciary
duty to beneficiaries of investment returns or the viability
of individuals seeking to maximize returns at the same
time they are salving their conscience that they are not
trashing the world around them. In response to this a
mode of thinking has developed, supported by some
statistical evidence, that being a socially responsible
company correlates with financial success, especially
when viewed over the long term. Good environmental
practices will be rewarded by positive reactions from
purchasing decision makers. Honest and fair personnel,
safety, and ethical actions will attract the best employees
and keep a company in business longer.
The emergence of corporate social responsibility
reminds me of the early days of the Total Quality
Management idea in the 1970’s and 1980’s where
people were cheerleaders for the TQM movement and
supported the benefits of Quality to companies. There
were lots of anecdotal evidence of increased markets
and success for TQM practitioners, even when there
were a multitude of examples of companies winning
quality awards with great attention to such programs and
exhortations for zero defect products and services, while
still losing sales and failing at their business models.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 176

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 133

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140
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
SANTA HELPS MWFA CELEBRATE HOLIDAYS
By Nancy Rich
Part of the industry’s Holiday tradition, for many,
is attending the MWFA Holiday party. The MWFA
wanted to be sure to take the opportunity to visit with
industry peers and collect Toys for Tots. The attendees
donated a great deal of toys as well as almost $2,000
in cash for Toys for Tots. It’s very gratifying to see the
attendees arriving with armloads of toys!
Santa stopped in to check his naughty or nice list.
He couldn’t find any on the naughty list, so he stayed
and enjoyed visiting and taking photos with the guests.
The casino returned to this year’s party allowing
guests to have some extra fun and win prizes. Several
members donated prizes allowing many guests to go
home with a prize. Who doesn’t like an extra present
at the holidays!
All this added to music, cocktails and appetizers
made for a festive evening. We thank everyone for
an awesome year and look forward to sharing another
momentous year with our members and industry.
MWFA Meets For Industry Updates And
Winter Fun
MWFA opened the year with their annual meeting
with the National Association of Surface Finishers/
Chicago Midwest Chapter.
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
The group gathered
for industry updates from Chris Donnell/Scanwell
Logistics and Christian Richter, from the Policy Group
in Washington D.C. Both veterans of our industry have
studied/been involved in issues in depth. Following
their presentation, the group enjoyed beverages,
appetizers, and a round of mini golf
It was a fun
networking event for the groups allowing attendees to
forget the winter blahs.
2023 Event Schedule
May 24 Heat Treating/Plating Seminar
May 25
SWD Inc. & Morgan Ohare, Addison, IL
Screwed Up Open Golf Outing
White Pines Golf Course, Bensenville, IL
FSTNR WEEK , 23 Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
August 20
August 21
August 22
August 23
August 24
August 21-25
November 2
December 14
Lincolnshire, IL
Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build
Abbott Interfast, Wheeling, IL
Open Houses
Print Reading Basics
Table Top Show
Fastener Bash
Lincolnshire Marriott, Lincolnshire, IL
Golf Outing
Crane’s Landing Golf Course
Lincolnshire Marriott, Lincolnshire, IL
MWFA Mixer
Real Time Sports, Elk Grove, IL
Fastener Training Week
Lincolnshire Marriott, Lincolnshire, IL
Scholarship Awards & Elections
Belvedere Banquets, Elk Grove, IL
Holiday Party
Medinah Banquets, Addison, IL
MWFA Welcomes New Members
Blue Ribbon, Skokie, IL
Eastern Industrial Products, Plymouth, MA
Prairie Rivet, Markesan, WI
Hariton Machinery, Bridgeport, CT
Hercules Bolt, Madison, TN
Spirol International, Danielson, CT
MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION

MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION
HOLIDAY PARTY - DECEMBER 8, 2022
CONTINUED ON PAGE 185

142
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
STAFDA SPRING UPDATE FROM STAFDA from page 66
The four hotels in STAFDA’s
housing block are the Grand Hyatt,
Marriott RiverCenter, Marriott
RiverWalk, and the LaQuinta. The
Grand Hyatt is adjacent to the
Convention Center, the two Marriotts
are across the street, and the LaQuinta is one block away.
STAFDA is pleased to announce the keynote speaker
will be Mike Holmes, a professional contractor and TV host.
As a trusted contractor to fans and viewers, his no-nonsense
approach and make it right attitude has struck a chord with
audiences and industry leaders worldwide.
With over 15 record breaking and award winning series
and specials under his belt, Holmes continues to educate
his viewers. He’s teamed up with his son and daughter
for the hit series, Holmes: Next Generation on the DIY
Network. In the latest seasons of Holmes and Holmes, and
Holmes Family Rescue, he goes back to his roots rescuing
homeowners from shoddy contractor jobs or DYI projects
gone wrong.
His other shows include Holmes Makes it Right:
Retooled and Holmes and Holmes: Retooled. The Holmes
Family Effect show is inspired by people who are making a
difference in their communities.
His TV programs are featured on the DYI Network,
HGTV US, FOX, and CTV Life. Holmes is starting a streaming
service with his son and daughter called Homeful! He also
writes a column for the National Post, manages his social
media, and hosts a podcast.
Holmes will have a one hour moderated keynote with
fellow Canadian and 2023 STAFDA President, Harry Klassen,
Fastek, Inc., St. Catharines, ON, on Monday, November 6
during STAFDA’s General Session.
Registration for STAFDA’s San Antonio Convention &
Trade Show opens on Monday, June 26 from the membersonly
section of its website, STAFDA.org. It’s a members-only
show and membership applications along with a listing of
services and benefits is also available on the website.
SPECIALTY TOOLS & FASTENERS DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
ANTHONY DI MAIO HOLE PREPARATION FOR BLIND RIVETING from page 68
At this point the mandrel will break and that portion of
the mandrel that remains in the rivet body, will protrude
outside of the flange of the rivet, exposing where the
mandrel broke. This is most dangerous for personnel and
the end user of the product. This mandrel projection will
easily cut your hand.
This set blind rivet has a reduced tensile value
because there is no properly formed upset of the blind
rivet body. Also, the set blind rivet has a low clamp load
on the riveted joint because the mandrel head came to
rest on the flange of the rivet body and this is where the
tensile strength of the mandrel was exerted. Normally,
the mandrel tensile would be exerted at the barrel upset
and against the work piece to be riveted and this is where
clamp load is generated.
Oversized Holes User For Hole Line Up
I am sometime asked “What can be done to the
recommended hole diameter when holes do not line up
with each other?”
The hole nearest the operator or the rivet flange side
of the hole can be oversized in diameter as long as the
flange is larger that the diameter of the oversized hole.
The hole on the upset side must be in accordance to the
manufacturers specifications. The rivet boy and mandrel
head will give a good upset because the hole diameter is
correct on the upset side od the work piece. This system
can be used where the shear requirements of the riveted
joint is low. The hole being oversized on the flange side, the
blind rivet body is not in contact with the wall of the oversized
hole. The only resistance is shear on the flange side, due to
the pressure of the flange against the work piece.
ANTHONY Di MAIO

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NELSON VALDERRAMA DON’T GET BURIED IN EXCESS: HOW TO AVOID THE DANGERS OF INFLATED INVENTORY from page 70
Businesses need accurate sales estimates to make
informed purchasing decisions. Predicting the future with
such accuracy requires some real forecasting finesse.
Knowing what, when, and how much to buy in advance is
crucial to assuring success.
Distributors can address this difficulty in inventory
management by tracking inventory levels and establishing
replenishment parameters using their ERP system.
Distributors can also assess various inventory methods
using cost-benefit analysis to find the best levels of
inventory to hold. We looked into distributors’ inventory
strategies and found that they typically use the most
essential features of their ERP.
Distributors frequently depend on several suppliers to
give them the goods and services they require. Stockouts
and missed sales can result from supplier problems, such
as late deliveries, poor quality, and pricing changes, which
can disturb inventory levels.
Distributors can reduce these risks by building trusting
relationships with their main suppliers and working with
them to create dependable delivery schedules and quality
standards. Distributors can also manage their inventories
on order by using supplier scorecards to monitor supplier
performance and spot possible problems before they arise.
Money Is King!
Businesses all too frequently neglect the value of
their balance sheet in the pursuit of profits. However,
effective working capital management may be a powerful
weapon to free up liquidity and prevent drastic staff
reductions, something that any leadership team should
take advantage of.
Working capital optimization is not a simple task.
Managers’ incentives are frequently out of whack about
working capital, leaders are sometimes ignorant of
liquidity performance, and P&L-focused financial reporting
misses the subtleties of working capital performance. But
let’s face it: Getting everyone on board - from top brass
to everyday operations workers - is the most challenging
hurdle, so reducing our cash conversion cycle isn’t just a
pipe dream but a reality across all functions.
[1] Recognize Working Capital as a Source
of Value: It’s simple to focus on the overall picture of
revenues and costs, but efficient administration of accounts
receivable, payables, and inventory is equally, if not even
more, crucial. Although theoretically straightforward, the
working capital optimization techniques are challenging
to practice. It can be difficult to sort through conflicting
recommendations because it relies on your distribution
business plan.
[2] Identify Areas of Opportunities: Companies
that want to increase working capital know that a thorough
awareness of the current financial situation is essential.
Crossing paths with daily choices and assembling an
experienced team are essential to identifying all potential
opportunities, or what we refer to as “the long list.”
Members must be excited about change and prepared
for anything, like higher DPO efficiency, better inventory
turnover rates, or integrated payment technology solutions.
Suspending additional discounts for clients who don’t pay
on time is one strategy to consider.
[3] Manage Payables: Make sure payments are
made on time and treat your vendors like royalty! Streamline
internal procedures, kindly extend payment periods, and
make those transactions happen as quickly as possible.
[4] Manage Inventory: Don’t cut corners on service,
but do trim the fat! Start reducing unhealthy inventory to
simplify your business processes. Take a close look at
the underperforming products so you can concentrate on
maintaining a healthy inventory. Start by utilizing GMROII,
which It’s like the slick detective of return on investment
figures; it understands who, what, and when to request a
bigger profit result using a single, simplified calculation
that immediately reveals two easily understood moneymaking
levers.
Conclusion
Any distributor must optimize its inventory to be
successful. But optimizing their inventories presents
substantial difficulties for many distributors. Distributors
may overcome these difficulties and succeed in the
market by employing data analytics to manage the cost of
inventory, estimate demand, develop trusted partnerships
with suppliers, and handle working capital. Remember
that inventory optimization is a continual process that
necessitates ongoing attention. With the proper approach
(a digital one), you may master the art of inventory
optimization and advance your distribution company.
NELSON VALDERRAMA

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146
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ROMAN BASI WHY CHOOSE A C-CORPORATION? from page 76
While most people understand the seller’s side of a
1202 sale, it is important to understand buyer strategies
when purchasing a C-Corporation. The acquisition of C
Corporation stock from a secondary purchase (shareholder
to shareholder) would not be QSBS when in the hands of
the purchaser. The seller of that stock, however, may be
eligible for Sec. 1202 benefits if all the requirements are
met. Buyers will be more likely to acquire the assets of a
target through a NewCo instead of purchasing the stock
directly from a seller. When looking at an asset purchase, the
purchaser will be able to receive a basic step-up for acquiring
the target’s assets. Along with this, if cash is contributed to
a NewCo by the purchaser in exchange for originally issued
stock and then the NewCo purchases the target assets, the
NewCo stock the purchaser received may be QSBS if all the
other requirements are met (held for 5 years, etc.).
Sellers look to avoid any of the corporate-level tax
imposed by an asset sale. This is why sellers usually
insist upon a stock sale. The NewCo stock received by the
purchaser could still be considered QSBS even if NewCo
is being used as a holding company by the purchaser
to acquire target stock. The purchaser often has many
reasons for using a holding company to purchase stock
from the target. Holding companies are often preferred by
investors in this scenario because they block any of the
target’s historical earnings and profits. No language in
Sec. 1202 or other guidance from the IRS would prevent
NewCo stock from being QSBS in this situation.
Business owners must check immediately with their
business broker, accountant, or legal counsel regarding
their business structure. This is especially true for those
who plan to sell within the next couple of years.
ROMAN BASI
NFDA COME TO CHICAGO IN JUNE FOR NFDA’S 2023 ANNUAL MEETING from page 78
Roundtable Discussions
We will have two breakout sessions for roundtable
discussions today. The first will be at 10:15 AM after the
ITR presentation with Patrick Luce, and the second is
at 2:15 PM after the Industry Update Panel Discussion.
Both of these sessions should bring some hot topics to
the forefront which will help guide the conversations in
the roundtables.
Roundtable Discussions
For more information about the Annual Meeting, visit
the Events page at www.nfda-fastener.org. Questions?
Contact Jamie Adams at jamie@nfda-fastener.org or
562-400-3009.
NFDA Upcoming Events
The National Fastener Distributors Association has
some great in-person and virtual events coming up. Be
sure to save the dates and join us!
May 11 Virtual Program
June 13-14 Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL
September 28 CEO and Executive Virtual
Roundtables
October 25-27 The Executive Summit, Scottsdale, AZ
November 30 Virtual Program
December 14 NFDA/YFP Virtual Holiday Party
For more information on NFDA events and to register,
visit www.nfda-fastener.org or contact Jamie Adams at
jamie@nfda-fastener.org or 562-400-3009.
NATIONAL FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION

MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION
DINNER MEETING AT PUTTSHACK - FEBRUARY 21, 2023

148
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
JOIN US IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ APRIL 26-29 by Amy Nijjar
Pac-West’s Spring Conference is happening soon!
Register today for amazing education and networking!
Here are some of the highlights:
¤ Economic Update by Dr. Chris Thornberg
¤ Five Dysfunctions of a Team with Bobi Seredich
¤ Roundtable Discussions
¤ Problem Solving Snowball Fight
¤ Golf at McCormick Ranch Golf Club
All details can be found at www.pac-west.org
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
Free Pac-West After Hours Networking
Events.
Here’s the upcoming schedule:
June 8 - After Hours, Seattle WA
November 16 - After Hours, Bay Area CA
Check our website www.pac-west.org for more
information. We can’t wait to see everyone at these fun
and casual events! There is no charge to attend but we do
require an RSVP.
PWFA’s core purpose is to strengthen our member
companies through educational opportunities, alliances,
advocacy, and highly effective relationships; providing the
highest return on membership investment in the fastener
industry, while maintaining a sense of close community.
PACIFIC-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION
BAY SUPP:Y EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WELL NUTS from page 96
While well nuts are designed to provide a reliable
seal, they are not entirely foolproof. The rubber in a well
nut dries out and cracks over time, which will impact
the integrity of the seal. Salt water, for example, can
reduce the life of a well nut. Well nuts may also fail
under extreme pressure, which may deform the rubber
and cause it to lose its seal. If the bolt with the well nut
loosens, it can also affect the seal.
Well nuts are also used in the manufacture of
factory equipment, automobiles, power tools, and in other
applications where it pays to use a vibration-resistant
fastener. Well nuts are useful for equipment manufacturing
since they make it easy to replace and secure parts using
a wrench. When a well nut wears out, it is easy to replace.
However, well nuts are not suitable for every
fastener application. For applications where having a
seal or resisting vibrations are not concerns, other types
of fasteners, such as rivet nut inserts provide a longerlasting
joint. They are much stronger and are not as
prone to pullout as well nuts.
How Do You Choose The Right Well Nut?
Well nuts come in different types, sizes, and
materials from various manufacturers. You typically
choose well nuts by width, length, and thread size. Other
considerations include the flange size, diameter, height,
and grip range. Well nuts are available from well-known
fastener brands, including POP, Marson, and Bayfast.
Since well nuts accept conventional bolts, they can
also be installed using conventional tools, such as a
socket wrench or power drill. Once the well nut is set,
simply insert the bolt and tighten it to set the well nut
and form a seal. Since well nuts are made of rubber or
neoprene, be careful not to use too much torque during
installation, which could damage the well nut or the
threaded well nut sleeve.
BAY SUPPLY

Field has merged with Mid-State Bolt &
Nut Company, a full-line fastener distributor
headquartered in Columbus, OH. Terms of the
deal were not disclosed. Mid-State Bolt & Nut
Company, who was founded in 1946, brings
value to the OEM marketplace through creative
and efficient supply chain solutions for fasteners
and other direct materials.
This strategic partnership will enhance their
combined position in North America by expanding
the products, services, and geographical footprint
in which they service customers. Both companies
become stronger by being together, and more
equipped to support current and prospective
customers while providing technical services to
drive short and long term cost savings.
“We’ve known Field and the Derry family for
many years, and based on their culture, growth
and future vision, we know that our team,
customers and suppliers are in good hands by
merging with Field”, says Dave Broehm, President
of Mid-State Bolt & Nut. Dave will be stepping
down as President, but will be staying on in a
consultant role to assist with the transition.
Dave’s two sons currently in the family business,
Michael and Andrew, will be staying on with the
company.
“What most impressed me was the quality of
the people at Mid-State and their commitment
to do whatever it takes to support the customer
and one another. You can’t teach this and it
very much aligns with the culture of Field. We
couldn’t be more excited to welcome the Mid-
State team and customer base into the Field
family”, says Adam Derry, President of Field.
“We are excited to combine the capabilities
of the experienced team at Mid-State with the
Field team. The reputation and quality of the
entire organization at Mid-State will continue
to enhance the culture of Field” Chris Pauli,
executive Vice-President of Field.
Mid-State is a comprehensive supplier of
hardware and Class C components. They have
developed a core competency in designing and
providing commodity management programs.
To learn more about Field, call 815-637-9002 or
visit them online at www.fieldfastener.com.
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150
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
SHEREX NEW ROUND BODY RIVET NUT, OPTISERT ® - PERFORMANCE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS from page 80
“It’s definitely one of the highlights in my 15 years at
Sherex,” said engineering manager John Knechtges. “We
are always looking to develop products that will improve
performance, assembly times, and quality and I think
we’ve done that with Optisert.”
Optisert comes in open end, closed end, and a
closed end sealed with zinc trivalent plating as standard.
Additional platings such as zinc nickel are available on
request. The closed end sealed version has a plastisol
seal around the circumference of the part that doesn’t
interfere with the wedges. This ensures that closed end
parts has the same high spin out performance as open
end parts. The sealed version helps keep out dust and
prevent leaking.
A heavy truck manufacturer is currently using the
Optisert closed end sealed rivet nut in the cab where
they previously had leaking issues.
“The seal doesn’t compromise the grip, so you’re
not losing any performance with the seal,” said Pratt,
who mentioned the Optisert closed end sealed is patentpending.
“It’s a win-win for those who want the seal and
a reason we made it a standard offering.”
Optisert rivet nuts are proven to meet Class 8 and
Grade 5 proof loads and are only recommended to be
installed using spin-pull tooling, like Sherex’s FLEX-5
rivet nut hydropneumatic hand tool.
“Once engineers and assemblers get their hands
on the product they’re not going to use anything else,”
Knechtges said.
Optisert is available for orders now and Sherex
is recommending distributors offer this as part of its
standard line of rivet nuts.
Sherex Fastening Solutions is a leading
manufacturer of fasteners for thin sheet material
applications in steel, aluminum, and composite
materials. Sherex manufactures rivet nuts, clinch nuts,
inserts for composite, stud and nut plates, and through
the acquisition of Disc-Lock, wedge-locking washers
and nuts. Sherex services a wide-range of industries,
including automotive, general manufacturing, renewable
energy, agricultural, and aerospace.
SHEREX FASTENING SOLUTIONS

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 151
METROPOLITAN FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
233 Rock Road #205, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 TEL 201-254-7784 FAX 201-612-0638 EMAIL mfdaboard@gmail.com WEB www.mfda.us
MFDA ENDS 2022 ON A HIGH WITH TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE
The Metropolitan Fastener Distributors Association
ended 2022 on a high note with its 24th Annual Toys
For Tots drive and dinner at the Twin Door Tavern in
Maywood NJ.
It was a crazy year for all, but the members and
friends of the MFDA once again came through for the
children of our community. Along with sending the
representative from Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th
Marines back to Picatinny Arsenal with a vehicle full
of toys for the Corps’ 2022 toy drive, the MFDA also
included a donation of $8000, which was the third
largest cash donation in the history of the MFDA.
Each year the Marines of Golf Company based at
the Picatinny Arsenal help organize donations of nearly
100,000 toys to over 40,000 children in our area. The
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
MFDA has been recognized by Toys for Tots for being a
National Corporate Sponsor in the past.
The members are looking forward to the Silver
Anniversary of the Toys for Tots campaign in December.
We hope to see everyone there with us!
METROPOLITAN FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION

152
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
GLOBALFASTENERNEWS.COM FASTENERS DELIVER PROFIT FOR PUBLIC COMPANIES from page 92
Sundram Fasteners reported revenue rose 16.2% to
Rs 1,403.03 crore in the third quarter of fiscal 2023, with
net income gaining 7.3% to Rs 118.07 crore. Consolidated
earnings per share (EPS) increased to Rs 5.57.
Revenue for the nine-month period ended December 31
climbed 18.3% to Rs 4,214.80 crore, helped by increased
demand from global customers. Net profit improved to Rs
372.88 crore.
The Würth Group reported record results for 2022.
Sales increased 17% to EUR 19.95 billion. Adjusted for
currencies, sales grew 15.1%. Net income gained 14% to
EUR 1.5 billion. A strong fourth quarter led to Norma Group
2023 sales rising 13.8% to EUR 1.24 billion (US$1.33
billion). Q4 sales rose 17.1%.
Positive currency effects, including the US dollar
exchange rate, contributed 6.7% to sales growth, Norma
Group reported. Organically, sales grew by 7.1%.
“Headwinds we faced throughout the past financial
year were quite severe at times: drastic increases in
the price of materials, uncertainties surrounding energy
supplies in Europe, the lengthy and strict corona measures
in China and production backlogs at some sites,” stated
CEO Miguel Ángel López Borrego.
Howmet Aerospace reported Fastening Systems
segment revenue rose 11% to $285 million in the fourth
quarter of 2022 due to growth in the commercial aerospace
market, with narrow body recovery as well as an increase
in material cost pass through. Segment Adjusted EBITDA
dropped 3% to $58 million, driven by lower labor productivity
of new hires.
The fastener segment added approximately 400 net
headcount since the fourth quarter 2021 in anticipation
of future revenue increases. Segment Adjusted EBITDA
margin decreased approximately 300 basis points year
over year to 20.4%.
For 2022, Fastening Systems revenue increased 7% to
$1.1 billion. Segment Adjusted EBITDA fell 2% to $234 million,
while segment margin declined 200 basis points to 20.9%.
Consolidated Howmet Aerospace revenue climbed
14% to $5.7 billion, driven by Commercial Aerospace, up
28% year over year. Net income declined to $469 million.
Simpson Mfg. reported sales, including fasteners,
increased 13.6% to $475.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.
North America sales decreased 1.4% to $368.1 million
primarily due to lower sales volumes, partly offset by prior
year product price increases.
Europe sales jumped 150% to $103.7 million due to
the acquisition of ETANCO, which contributed $64.9 million
in net sales, along with product price increases.
Consolidated gross profit gained 1.2% to $200.7
million. North America gross margin decreased to 45%,
hurt by higher raw material costs, factory and overhead and
labor, as a percentage of net sales.
Europe gross margin increased to 32.7%. Europe
gross profit of $33.9 million included $20.9 million from
the acquisition of ETANCO, which is net of $1.4 million
in fair-value adjustments for inventory costs as a result of
purchase accounting related to the acquisition of ETANCO.
Consolidated income from operations dropped 18.9%
to $78.7 million. Consolidated operating margin decreased
to 16.6% from 23.2%.
North America income from operations of $85.6 million
decreased 16.6% due to lower gross profit, partly offset by
lower operating expenses.
Europe reported income from operations of $0.8
million compared to a loss from operations of $1.5 million.
Net income declined to $57.6 million.
Full-year sales increased 34.5% to $2.12 billion.
Gross profit rose 24.7% to $941.3 million, while income
from operations rose 24.8% to $459.1 million. Net income
grew to $334 million.
Carpenter Technology Corp. reported sales in the
second quarter of fiscal 2023 increased 46% to $579.1
million on a 17% increase in shipment volume. Operating
income declined 28% to $22.6 million, while net income fell
to $6.2 million.
Six-month sales jumped 40% to $1.1 billion, with gross
profit up 31% to $997.2 million. Operating income climbed
to $30.9 million, while net income improved to a loss of of
600,000.
GLOBALFASTENERNEWS.COM

154
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NORTH COAST FASTENER ASSOCIATION
7737 Ellington Place, Mentor, OH 44060
TEL 440-975-9503 FAX 440-350-1676 EMAIL lgraham@ncfaonline.com WEB www.ncfaonline.com
NCFA OFFERS A VARIETY OF EVENTS IN 2023 -
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE by Marty Nolan
The North Coast Fastener Association (NCFA) is
starting off 2023 with a full agenda. The board has
planned a variety of events that offer something for
everyone.
We kicked off our first event of the new year on March
2nd, with our SPRING DINNER MEETING featuring Bob
Chiricosta (Fastener Fair USA) and George Hunt (Brighton-
Best/MWFA), as our guest speakers for the evening.
Bob talked to our group about the upcoming Fastener
Fair Show in Nashville, TN this May. We welcomed back
George Hunt, NCFA Past President and Hall of Fame
Member, who after moving to Chicago, is now a part
of the MWFA Board. George spoke about the MWFA
FSTNR Week ’23 happening this August in Lincolnshire,
IL. We thank Bob and George for speaking to our group
and sharing some great information on these upcoming
shows.
The NCFA will be working closely with Fastener Fair
and Bob Chiricosta, as we help sponsor several events in
Nashville. On Monday, May 15th, the day before Fastener
Fair offcially starts, the NCFA and MWFA will host a GOLF
OUTING at Hermitage Golf Course/President’s Reserve
in the Nashville area. Later that same evening, we are
sponsoring a “NCFA PRE-SHOW GATHERING” at Tequila
Cowboy at 6pm. This venue is located below Jason
Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar in Nashville and offers a
fun, convenient place for fastener friends to meet up prior
to the show.
Before we head to Nashville, the NCFA will host its
14TH ANNUAL DISTRIBUTOR SOCIAL Thursday, May 4th
from 5 - 8pm at the Doubletree by Hilton in Independence,
OH. This is the largest networking event in the Cleveland
area for the fastener industry. Each year there are
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
LEFT FRONT TO BACK: KEN GRAHAM, LAURA VATH, VINCE DIMORA, GARY
GRAHAM, JACKIE VENTURA, LISA GRAHAM RIGHT FRONT TO BACK:
DAVE AUDIA, MARTY NOLAN, KIM ARNOLD, JOHN KOVATCH, KRISTA
OSBORNE, MIKE ROBINSON. NOT PICTURED: JOE SHOEMAKER
hundreds in attendance, many who travel in from other
states. If you are a supplier or distributor, this is an event
you don’t want to miss! Earlier in the day, we will be
visiting KERR LAKESIDE for a PLANT TOUR. Charlie and
Alex Kerr will welcome visitors for lunch and tours as they
celebrate their 75th Anniversary!
Some other events on the NCFA schedule include
a SUMMER WINERY EVENT on June 22nd at Sarah
James Cellars, one of the many family owned wineries
in northeast Ohio. On August 17th, we are headed to
Progressive Field in the heart of downtown Cleveland
for our annual NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK. We will cheer
on our Cleveland Guardians as they battle the Detroit
Tigers. Our much anticipated SCREW OPEN GOLF OUTING
is happening on September 7th at Valliere Golf Course.
Plans are underway for our annual HOLIDAY BASH in
December. With such a variety of event options, there is
definitely something for everyone! We hope you can join
us at some (or all) of our upcoming events.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 155

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 155
NCFA OFFERING A VARIETY OF EVENTS IN 2023 - SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE from page 154
TREASURER: Ken Graham (BoltsandNuts.com)
RECORDING SECRETARY:
Gary Graham (BoltsandNuts.com)
LEFT FRONT TO BACK: KEN GRAHAM, LAURA VATH, GARY GRAHAM,
JACKIE VENTURA, JOE SHOEMAKER, LISA GRAHAM RIGHT FRONT TO
BACK: MARTY NOLAN, DAVE AUDIA, KIM ARNOLD, KRISTA OSBORNE,
JOHN KOVATCH, MIKE ROBINSON. NOT PICTURED: VINCE DIMORA
NCFA 2023 Board of Directors
PRESIDENT: Mike Robinson (Star Stainless)
VICE-PRESIDENT: John Kovatch (AFC Industries)
TRUSTEES:
Kim Arnold (Brighton-Best International)
Dave Audia (G.L. Huyett)
Vince Dimora (Wurth Industries)
Krista Osborne (Brighton-Best International)
Marty Nolan (R.L.English)
Joe Shoemaker (Elgin Fastener)
Kurt Triptow (Endries)
Laura Vath (Solution Industries)
Jackie Ventura (Ventura Industrial Products)
For more information on the NCFA or any of our events,
visit our website: www.ncfaonline.com, email: lgraham@
ncfaonline.com, or call 440-975-9503.
NORTH COAST FASTENER ASSOCIATION

156
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ROB LaPOINTE FASTENER SCIENCE: STRESS DURABILITY TESTING – ASTM F606 AND NASM 1312-5 from page 102
For example, a process flow-down for a plated ASTM
A574 socket head cap screw can be seen above.
ASTM F606/F606M is elegant in its simplicity and
effective in detection. Table 1 provides an outline of the
F606 method.
The externally threaded fasteners must be loaded to
75 % of the ultimate tensile (UT) value of the product.
For an A574 SHCS with a UT of 180,000 psi, this is
135,000 psi. Determining the proper tensile load
can be done by directly measuring the stretch in the
fastener and calculating tension, by loading the fastener
in a tension measuring device such as a Skidmore
Bolt Tension Calibrator, or by correctly determining
the relationship between torque applied and tension
achieved. To determine the correct torque-tension
relationship one must control tension and measure
torque simultaneously. There are standards such as
ISO 16047 that can be used to correctly determine your
specific torque-tension relationship.
ASTM F606/F606M also requires a hardened wedge
to be placed under the head of
the fastener (see Figure 5). This
achieves two outcomes. First,
it focuses stress on one side of
the head further distorting the
fillet radius and increasing the
pressure gradient which drives
the hydrogen to embrittle the
metal. Secondly, it offers a visual
indication that the fastener is
substantially loaded, however
this alone does not indicate that
the proper tension has been
achieved.
The dwell time for ASTM F606/
F606M is 48 hours. Forty-eight hours is usually enough
time for the embrittling effects of hydrogen, if present
in sufficient quantity, to cause failure. There are some
standards that require substantially longer dwell times
that further ensure the fastener is free from hydrogen
embrittlement.
After the specified dwell time, a retorque is required
before unloading the fastener to ensure that the correct
amount of tension has been held by the fastener during
the dwell time. Keeping the fastener in the critical
tension zone during the entire dwell time is essential to
correctly detecting the presence of embrittling hydrogen.
If the threshold of tension for hydrogen embrittlement
is not kept, the fasteners may not fail even though they
harbor enough hydrogen to cause embrittlement. ASTM
F606/F606M requires that, at least, 90 % of the original
torque applied to the fastener still be present at the
end of the dwell time. The most common cause of the
loss of tension is the relaxing of the fixture while under
tension.
TABLE 1 OUTLINE OF STRESS DURABILITY TESTING PER ASTM F606/F606M
CONTINUED ON PAGE 178

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 157

158
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
BRUNO MARBACHER THREAD-FORMING SCREWS FOR A COST-EFFICIENT FASTENING SOLUTION from page 104
DIN 267 part 30 specifies mechanical properties
of thread-forming screws property class 10.9. Thread
forming screws according to this standard can form a
mating thread M2 to M10 in materials with a maximum
hardness of HRB 72.
SAE J81 specifying mechanical properties and
performance requirement for inch thread-forming screws.
The Core Hardness HRC 28-38, whereas Surface hardness
is equivalent to HRC45 minimum.
SAE J1237 cover mechanical and performance metric
thread-forming screws.
Options per SAE J1237 - Type 2 – case hardened core
HRC C28-38, surface HRC 45, Type 9 – similar to 9.8,
Type 10 – similar to 10.9
DIN 7500 is a product Standard for thread forming
screws.
Taptite screws made of a strain-hardened austenitic
steel A2(AISI 304) or A4(AISI 316) are also available.
However, they can only be used in soft aluminum alloys.
Minimum Breaking Torque Test
It is crucial that the minimum breaking torque (torsional
strength) of thread-forming screws is high enough for
intended application. The tightening torque for thread
forming must be well below the minimum breaking torque,
to avoid difficulties during assembly.
The test procedure is the same for all thread-forming
screws:
The screw is clamped in a mating split collet with at
least 1 full thread protruding above the collet. The screw
is tightened with a calibrated torque measuring instrument
until it breaks. The minimum required breaking torque
must be achieved. The measured breaking torque has no
relation to intended assembly. It only confirms that the
specified minimum breaking torque is met.
Ability To Form Threads
Tests simulating practical situations must show
that the selected screw is adequate. The functional
performance of the thread-forming screw is tested with
the following test. Thread forming screws are driven into
metal plates of defined hardness. The sheet thickness
and the pilot hole diameters are given for each screw
dimension. The screws shall be turned in with a torque
measuring instrument till their specific conical thread
end has emerged on the reverse side. At this point, the
maximum thread-forming torque (Nm) is reached.
The tightening torque for thread-forming screws for
metal is calculated as follows:
The breaking or stripping torque, whichever is lower,
minus the driving torque value. For through holes, the
difference is divided by 2, the result is added to the driving
torque value. For blind holes the difference is divided by 3.
Different Styles Of Taptite Screws
“Taptites” have been around for
more than 40 years. Over the years
different styles emerged. It may
be difficult to see the difference.
Most of them are designed for
unique applications. In most cases
the original taptite will do just fine.
If a specific type is necessary, it
ought to be based on the intended
application. One should perform
application testing to determine
which one is most suitable.
TAPTITE II: The Taptite II® thread-forming screw is
a further development of the original Taptite. The design
allows lower driving torques. Taptite II forms threads in
Sizes 00/M1 to as large as 1”/M24.
DUO-TAPTITE: Duo-taptite screws have large
lobulation, meaning a more trilobular cross section at
the screw’s point, for easy entry and low driving torque.
In the mid-section it has a reduced lobulation, meaning a
more round cross section, thus providing a higher pull-out
force and breaking torque. DUO-TAPTITE is superseded by
TAPTITE PRO.
TAPTITE 2000: The Taptite 2000 design combines
benefits of taptite ii, and Duo-taptite fasteners, with an even
lower driving torque. Taptite 2000 fasteners introduced
the Radius Profile thread design. The TRILOBULAR®
principle is maintained with a dual lobularity in the screw
body, while incorporating the Radius Profile Thread.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 180

160
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
LAURENCE CLAUS DIFFICULT FASTENING APPLICATIONS - PART 1: THREAD FORMING INTO THIN SHEETS from page 106
Traditionally thin metal sheets have been joined
with machine screws and nuts, spot welds, or rivets. In
instances where the item is being assembled in mass
production, one or more of these methods might be
perfectly suitable and convenient. While these often
make excellent solutions under such conditions, they
may not be at all practical, convenient, or feasible when
access is limited to a single side of the application, or
it is being field assembled. Imagine for a moment an
HVAC ductwork installer having to lug a welding rig into a
confined ceiling space. In addition to being inconvenient,
it is likely not feasible.
When the installation requires the use of a threaded,
self-tapping fastener, success or failure rests on how
much of the thread can be engaged in the thickness of
the sheet. The more thread that can be engaged, the
more robust the fastened joint. In some instances if the
sheet is very “thin” less than one pitch of thread may
be engaged. When so few threads are engaged the risk
of thread stripping is high, the ability of the thread to
generate an axial load before failing is quite low, and
pull-out of the fastener is easy. Of course, the thinner the
sheet the more pronounced these problems become.
In the real world, this means that applications that
utilize thin sheet thicknesses without well controlled
installation processes are particularly prone to stripping.
This is the most significant challenge for installation
and assembly processes that are done by hand, such
as the field installation of sheet metal ductwork. One
might argue that it is good enough to just have a couple
of screws engaged, stripped or not, to hold the duct
sections in-place. Unfortunately such a notion fails to
recognize that such joints do not possess clamping
load, and are, thus, subject to loosening, falling out, or
creating an annoying squeak or rattle at that ductwork
juncture when air is blowing through it.
To illustrate this point consider a standard 6 inch
diameter circular HVAC duct. It will be made of 26 gage
material, which is equivalent to .0187 inches thick.
Assuming a routine connection of two circular ducts
where one end slides over the other, the thickness is,
thus, doubled to .0374 inches thick. When designing a
screw, the spacing between the threads is known as the
Thread Pitch. For fastening into thin sheets, one would
choose a screw with the threads spaced more closely
together. So in this instance, a standard sheet metal
screw for this application would be a #8-32 screw with
either a Phillips®Pan or Hex Washer head. The “32”
in this designation represents the number of threads
found in one inch with this spacing. If we simplify that
to just the spacing between one thread, which is the
Thread Pitch, we would discover it to be 0.794 inches.
Therefore, in this example there is only about one-half
of a thread pitch actually engaged in the thin ductwork.
This clearly illustrates how marginal the joint really
is. With only one-half of a pitch engaged, stripping is
almost certain if too much torque is applied and pull-out
resistance will be minimal.
Another challenge confronted by these applications
is access. Take for example the previous illustration of
HVAC ductwork, when two sections must be connected
to one another, the only access is from the outside.
Therefore, this application must rely on a one-sided
fastening method. This could be a process like drilling a
hole and using a blind rivet. Although certainly an effective
method, it is time consuming and often impractical when
the assembler is working in tight or confined quarters.
Therefore, many of these applications require a screw
that easily pierces thin metal sheet and forms its own
thread. Once again, however, with only a small amount of
thread engaged, the quality and reliability of these joints
is often questionable.
The third challenge confronted by installers is
the installation technique itself. If the joint is being
assembled in the field like the HVAC joint illustrated
above would be, the risk of thread strippage is very high.
The lack of control parameters on both the tool and
installer are great and, more likely than not, unless the
installer exhibits exceptional finesse and skill, many of
these joints are likely to be compromised.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 182

MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION -HOLIDAY PARTY
AND TOYS-FOR-TOTS COLLECTION - DECEMBER 8, 2022
CONTINUED ON PAGE 165

162
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
FASTENER EXPERTS MENTOR GROUP JOHN BUTLER: WHAT IS A HELICOIL? from page 110
The original Tangled HeliCoil version has a bottom
coil that is bent at a 90-degree angle toward the center
of the insert. This last coil allows the dove-tailed tool
mandrel to turn the insert into the tapped hole. After the
insert is installed, the tang must be broken off at the
tang cut, this is done with a spring-loaded tang breakoff
tool for the smaller diameter inserts or a standard punch
for the larger diameters.
Which is the better choice of HeliCoil wire inserts,
Tangless or Tanged and why?
Tanged inserts provide higher insert retention. While
dimensionally the difference in the inserts can seem
minor, the impact on the assembly can be significant.
Insert retention is directly correlated to the insert
diameter prior to installation. Tanged inserts tolerances
are manufactured to the high end of outside diameter and
much wider than the tapped hole. The outward expansion
force of the insert creates greater retention. Whereas
the Tangless insert diameter is made to the lower end of
the outside diameter tolerance and has lower retention
values. The reason for the different diameter tolerances
is due to the installation method. The tang allows for
greater force during installation, but the drive notch in
Tangless inserts can’t absorb the same level of force
without the blade slipping out of the notch. The retention
torque comparison of Tanged inserts 4-40, 6-32, 8-32
and 10-32 were between 75% - 360% higher versus
Tangless. When there is concern about lost tangs, such
as blind holes in the application, the Tangless insert may
be a valid consideration.
What are the differences in Free-Running and Screw-
Locking HeliCoil inserts?
Free-Running inserts are circular smooth coil threads
allowing the screw to enter and exit the HeliCoil freely.
Screw-Locking (S-L) inserts have one or more hex shaped
middle coils that provide a self-locking torque on the
screw that is assembled into the HeliCoil Insert. Both
versions are manufactured in Tanged and Tangless.
Screw-Locking inserts have a red printer’s ink dye
for identification except for metric sizes and Nit60, which
do not have a color identifier. The dye can be removed
with IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol not Beer). For S-L insert the
use of an anti-seize must be applied if the screw is
stainless steel or heat-treated steel and alloy steel such
as Socket Cap Screws. Screw-Locking inserts conform to
the torque values of NASM8846 for inch and MA1565 for
metric threads. It is recommended that after 15 cycles of
assembly/disassembly that you replace the HeliCoil and
the assembly screw. You can replace only the screw and
complete a torque test in the application and if the values
are not adequate you can replace the HeliCoil as well.
What thread sizes and lengths are available for HeliCoil
Inserts?
¤ There are five lengths of inserts which correlate to
the diameter of the thread size.
¤ The lengths are 1 diameter, 1-1/2, 2, 2-1/2 and 3
diameter lengths.
¤ Therefore, a ¼-20 thread would have the following
lengths .250”, .375”, .500”, .625”, and .750”
¤ SAE and Metric series HeliCoils are available in
both fine and course threads.
¤ SAE Course Thread – start at 1-64 thru 1-1/2 – 6
¤ SAE Fine Thread – start at 2-64 thru 1-1/2 – 12
¤ Metric Course Thread – start at M2-0.4, M2.2-0.45,
M2.5-0.45 thru M39-4
¤ Metric Fine Thread – start at M8-1 thru M39-3
CONTINUED ON PAGE 184

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 163

164
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
COMPUTER INSIGHTS, INC. ISO AUDITS MADE EASY from page 116
When setting up The Business Edge, the client
enters a standard list of where problems are found
and categories for the problem documents. Each group
on the report has a drill-down capability, which allows
further analysis and review of specific issues.
Vendor Scorecard
ISO 9001:2015 §8.4 and §9.1.3
The Vendor Scorecard report allows analysis of
vendor performance over a specified date range. The
system can summarize vendor performance by using
The Business Edge for daily tasks such as purchasing
and receiving. Drilling into a specific vendor shows
the vendor’s details and options for viewing individual
performance and problem documents.
Customer Scorecard
ISO 9001:2015 §9.2.1 and §9.1.3
The Business Edge reports on on-time delivery
and customer complaints by employees doing their
daily assignments. The system tracks on-time delivery
based on invoice, on-time delivery per invoice line,
items returned, and problems reported. Drilling into a
specific customer shows all the detail lines shipped to
that customer, allowing insight into which things were
late and required attention during management review.
What People Are Saying
“The Business Edge provides our organization
with the foundation to manage risk throughout our
entire operation. As a dual-certified AS9100/ISO9001
value-added distributor, FTS utilizes many tools within
the software to ensure we maintain compliance with
the standards while enhancing our ability to design and
follow robust processes. Once the hard controls are in
place, The Business Edge enables us to focus on our
core competency and adapt to the ever-changing needs
of our customers. Processes are linked from macro
to micro levels, making audits extremely efficient and
transparent. Enhanced reporting, unlimited metrics,
BOM utilization, certificate management, print/revision
control, and security are only some of the features of
TBE that help guide our QMS. More importantly, the team
at The Business Edge is constantly pushing the limits
of today’s ERP solution through countless upgrades
while utilizing other Best Practices from their network to
improve their software, making The Business Edge a
valuable, strategic partner for our continued success.”
Michael Delis, Director
@ Fastener Tool & Supply
“Mechanical Power has received upgraded ISO
9001:2015 accreditation confirming our commitment
to quality management and exceptional service delivery
to our customers and stakeholders. The certification
process is not a one-time event but rather a continuous
process of improvement; the organization will be
required to undergo regular surveillance audits to ensure
that it meets the requirements of ISO 9001:2015
standard. Integrated features in The Business Edge by
Computer Insights, Inc. helps Mechanical Power keep
things organized and save time.”
Daniel Szwed, Marketing Manager
@ Mechanical Power, Inc.
Start Saving Time & Money
For more information
about The Business Edge TM
contact Dennis Cowhey,
President, Computer Insights,
Inc. 108 Third Street,
Bloomingdale, IL 60108. Tel:
(800) 539-1233, email: sales@ci-inc.com or visit them
online at www.ci-inc.com.
COMPUTER INSIGHTS, INC.

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 165
MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION -HOLIDAY PARTY
AND TOYS-FOR-TOTS COLLECTION - DECEMBER 8, 2022

166
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
SEFA 2023 CONFERENCE DESTINATION
AND SCHEDULE by Nancy Rich
The 2023 SEFA Spring Conference will be held at
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Miramar Beach,
FL. This venue offers everything in one location with
shuttles to transport visitors to the town, golf courses,
beach etc. The event returns to this popular destination
where attendees can enjoy the many amenities while
attending the conference. The 2 1/2 day event features
several sessions offering attendees, social events,
golf, business meetings, entertainment, and industry
networking.
Event Schedule
Monday April 24th
1:00pm
Board Meeting
6:00pm - 8:00pm Welcome Reception
8:00pm - 9:30pm Escape Room Adventures
at Baytowne Wharf
Tuesday April 25th
11:15am
Golf Registration & Golfers Lunch
Open Baytowne Gold Club on
Sandestin Property
12:00pm
Shot Gun Start
6:00pm
Cocktail Hour/Supplier Showcase
7:00pm
Dinner, Awards & Silent Auction
Wednesday April 26th
8:15am
Member Breakfast Opens
8:30am
Membership Business Meeting
Scholarship Awards Announcement
9:00am
Economic Forecast, Cyber Theft
and Logistics Updates
10:15am - 11:00am Supplier Showcase
11:00am - 12:00pm Industry Discussion Round Table
12:30pm
Drawing for complimentary
Certified Fastener Specialist class
conducted by the Fastener
Training Institute.
More details will be available on the SEFA website as
plans are finalized. Visit SEFA online at www.thesefa.com.
SEFA Welcomes New Members
Angor Tools, Johnson City, TN
DB Roberts, Peachtree City, GA
Prairie Rivet, Markesan, WI
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
SOUTHEASTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 167
Martin Inc., one of
the nation’s leading
providers of customtailored
solutions for
maintenance, repair,
operation and production
supplies, welcomes Marc
Strandquist to the role of
Executive Vice President, Fastening Solutions
Division.
In this role, Marc will develop and execute
strategic plans, drive efficiency and profitability,
create synergy across all Martin business units,
while building and leading the fastening team to
achieve business objectives.
Marc brings to Martin over 35 years’
experience in the C-class component industry as
a global executive leader overseeing companies
in Europe, South America and North America.
He has 24 years’ experience holding executivelevel
positions where he drove value for parent
organizations. He began his executive career
with smaller companies with sales of $40 to
$50 million dollars in sales before transitioning
to Würth Industry North America with sales of
$850M, then to Optimas Solutions with sales of
$650M.
“I’m delighted to welcome Marc to the Martin
team,” said Douglas Ruggles, Co-CEO. “Marc is
a pragmatic, entrepreneurial, and collaborative
business leader who has a proven track record
of moving organizations in the right direction.
I am confident he will help further advance
Martin’s OEM component and fastening business
and deliver on our purpose statement to help
companies operate better.”
Founded in 1934 and headquartered in
Florence, AL, Martin Inc. is one of the nation’s
leading providers of custom-tailored solutions for
maintenance, repair, operation and production
supplies (MROP) to the industrial and construction
markets.
For more information about Martin Inc, contact
them at 125 North Court Street Florence, AL
35630. Tel: 1-800-828-8116, Fax: 256-389-3436,
Email: info@martinsupply.com or visit them online
at www.martinsupply.com.
EFC International announced the acquisition
of St. Louis-based Inventory Sales Company (ISC),
a distributor of fastener products, components,
and struts/accessories to diversified industrial
and infrastructure markets.
Matt Dudenhoeffer, EFC CEO, who will
lead the combined company, stated “The
acquisition provides us with increased scale
and diversification while further expanding and
strengthening the product and service offerings
of both companies. We believe the sky is the
limit for what we can accomplish together
through the strong collaboration of these great
teams.”
ISC President, Cathy Friedmann added “This
combination of our two companies is such a
great fit; it gives us the platform to grow beyond
what we ever previously imagined. EFC enhances
our technical capabilities and our product and
service offerings as well as geographic footprint.
For more information contact EFC International
by Tel: 314-434-2888 or at www.efc-intl.com.

168
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
CHRIS DONNELL CHANGES ARE HAPPENING from page 118
Will this mean other carriers might opt to do the
same thing, only time will tell but my feeling is this will
open a new world of competition or make the whole
alliance system obsolete.
Another hot topic is the FMC, the Federal Maritime
commission, whose sole responsibility is to regulate
the ocean shipping world. The FMC is ratcheting up
the heat on ocean carriers and the excessive charges
imposed on importers over the past several years. As
I write this article, the FMC is reviewing approximately
20,000 complaints from importers who allege they were
taken advantage of due to congestion and detention /
demurrage charges. The FMC is investigating a reported
2 billion the ocean carriers have made in fees. Thus
far the FMC has helped importers recoup more than
$700,000.00. The FMC is also enforcing the “Fair
Shipping Act of 2023” so it will be interesting to see
how the ocean carriers react. Some importers are a
bit skeptical that anything will transpire, but per the
FMC, they plan on taking on all claims to ensure the
marketplace is fair and that the ocean contracts are as
iron-clad as possible moving forward. This includes the
specific definition of what these charges are and when
the carrier has the right to enforce them.
I don’t want this article to be dominated by the ocean
industry because there are a lot of things happening
in the air freight sector as well. For many who rely on
this sector to function, moving cargo from the East to
the West proved troublesome as capacity dried up and
trade restrictions made it nearly impossible to rely on
this service or afford it when it was available. Today, the
industry has come full circle. Cargo capacity is strangling
the market. Air rates continue to drop from most
overseas hubs and there simply isn’t enough air cargo to
take advantage of the savings. It’s as if we went from one
extreme to another. Make no mistake about it, passenger
flights have gained momentum since early fall, but many
airlines rely on cargo to carry them though. Things like
the global recission, trade tensions, and the threat on
many sides of war are putting fears into the airlines and
it’s reported that many airlines might be forced to ground
a portion of their fleet which will negatively affect the
market place for all.
Another topic which should be taken seriously is the
trade and geo-political tensions between China, Taiwan
and Japan and how it would impact the United States,
or the world for that matter. Some think this is really
saber-rattling on behalf of China as these countries have
done this very thing for years, however, what makes this
more pressing is China isn’t relenting and their constant
pushing of the boundaries has the entire region, one of
the world’s busiest shipping channels, on the edge of
their seats. Coupled with the fact that China has made
it clear it supports Russia and what they are doing in
the Ukraine, it’s backing of the development of nuclear
weapons in North Korea, and the fact that we recently had
a suspicious Chinese weather / spy balloon hovering over
North America, makes this situation all the more tense.
This is something to keep an eye on and something we
all need to look at when evaluating our supply chain. Are
you too reliant on one country in the region? If so, is this
a great area to look to improve your supply chain?
Lastly, I think something we all learned over the past
3 years is how fragile a supply chain really is. While it
goes without saying that everyone was impacted by the
trade disruptions during this time, some fared better
than others. A key component to a successful supply
chain centers around data and relationship. With a large
percentage of companies out there looking at internal
data to measure their supply fluidity, those importers
which experienced minimal disruptions have a close
relationship with their service provider. They aren’t solely
focused on costs; they look at data differently. They look
at the intangibles their providers provide and see a value.
They look at events and strengthen their supply chain to
withstand situations greater than those who look at their
service provide solely as someone who’s moving cargo. If
there is anything we can take away from the past three
years, it’s this: data, relationships and digitization are at
the forefront. Streamlining processes will only get you so
far. You need to have faith in your service providers and if
you don’t, that’s the first thing you need to address.
CHRIS DONNELL

PAC-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION AFTER HOURS PARTY
PUNCH BOWL SOCIAL - FEBRUARY 8, 2023

170
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
MECHANICAL POWER STREAMLINING GLOBAL SOURCING WITH HASSLE-FREE SOLUTIONS from page 126
MPI has been more frequently using the 80/20
principle with its business, making sure adequate
resources are all over the 80% portions of its business.
Customers are segregated into Make-To-Forecast or
Make-To-Order categories. It likes to focus on the Make-
To-Forecast category as this is where many customers
fall and where we provide the greatest customer value.
MPI also approaches customers with one of the three
mindsets: Grow, Hold, Exit.
Criteria for these three categories consider many
things, such as the relationship, size of the prize, part
relevance, ease of doing business, and mutual value
creation.
Over the years, MPI has realized that every customer
cannot be treated the same to sustain a successful
business. Suppliers are also categorized into one of those
three categories based on their performance and value
proposition to MPI.
MPI holds a stand-up meeting weekly with all
employees covering Safety, Quality, Inventory, Purchasing,
and Sales. In that meeting, everyone is aware of month-todate
performance against plan, current events, customer
issues, and everything in between. This ensures 1)
awareness, 2) collaboration, and 3) communication
amongst cross-functional teams to execute important
things on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
The Management Team converges monthly to review
overall company performance against the annual plan in
addition to departmental performance with their respective
key performance indicators (KPIs). Each department
leader shares major highlights from the prior thirty days
and presents key priorities for the coming thirty days.
A series of key reports are shared on a weekly basis
with the company that clearly communicates how MPI is
performing and what areas need attention or recovery.
Throughout the year, occasional all-hands meetings
are held to more formally communicate how MPI is
doing and offer a platform for employees to air concerns
and questions. Under current leadership, MPI has
successfully applied snippets of procedure and operating
cadence commonly found in highly respected corporate
atmospheres stemming from ideologies from companies
like General Electric, Danaher Corporation, Eaton, Regal
Rexnord, etc.
The beauty of smaller and privately held companies
like MPI is a small dose of corporate policy and procedure
can go a long way in helping scale and effectively manage
a company like MPI. Ultimately, MPI strives to be a
nimble company for its customers, highly communicative
and responsive, innovative, and constantly evolving with
continuous improvement.
MPI uses modern technology to keep track of the
many details that need to be managed daily, including The
Business Edge TM
by Computer Insights, Inc.. The Business
Edge TM
ERP helps manage everything from inventory
control to customer support; information is instantly
available when needed.
Then, Now & Future of MPI
From a relatively small mom-and-pop shop between
1976-2000 to a decent-sized private company to an
emerging and continuously growing company, MPI has
seen a lot of change over the years.
In 2019 under new leadership, MPI started aggressively
focusing on growth. It more thoroughly evaluated and
categorized its incumbent business and started employing
strategies to better manage that business and generate
organic growth with incumbent customers.
MPI also identified new prospects, growth areas, and
methods for attracting new prospects.
MPI made the decision to bring Marketing in-house,
which has led to exceptional online presence and content
creation for the marketplace. MPI currently holds an
exceptional position on the web, in social media and
shares relevant content with those interested in current
events, marketplace events, new products, and shows
people some of the fun throughout the business.
In addition to organic growth, MPI turned to acquisition
in 2022, making its first acquisition through the purchase of
Clark Engineering, a domestic manufacturer of wire forms,
CNC parts, and tube-related products. Clark Engineering is
located in mid-Michigan. Much like MPI, Clark Engineering
has a longstanding history, an outstanding group of
employees, and great future potential to become a bigger
player in the marketplace. MPI was attracted to Clark
Engineering because of its people, its capabilities, and
room for improvement relative to its go-to-market strategy.
Having its own manufacturing capability under the
MPI umbrella positions MPI to better control fulfillment of
customer expectations and get them product faster.
CONTINED ON PAGE 171

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 171
MECHANICAL POWER STREAMLINING GLOBAL SOURCING WITH HASSLE-FREE SOLUTIONS from page 170
Clark Engineering products are applicable to current
MPI customers, and MPI products are suitable to current
Clark Engineering customers. So, the decision was very
easy to make the acquisition and focus on necessary
improvements for Clark Engineering to evolve as a
company and become a larger force in its space.
Under new leadership, Clark’s culture has radically
and favorably changed over the last year, and the
company is poised for meaningful growth.
Conclusion
MPI is a humble, self-aware company that puts
people and customers first. MPI takes pride in exceptional
communication, meeting customer needs, and sustaining
world-class performance levels in customer satisfaction.
MPI likes doing what it says it is going to do – for
employees, customers, and supply partners. Continuous
improvement mindsets are always present among
employees. MPI looks to continue its growth trajectory
with that philosophy well into the future.
The world has seen unprecedented global supply
chain challenges in recent history. MPI is proud to say
it has emerged as a stronger company, having fought
through those challenges for customers and itself. Please
contact MPI today with your engineered component needs
– we look forward to working with you!
More Information
Mechanical Power, Inc. can be
reached at 135 Kerry Lane, Wauconda,
IL 60084. Contact them for more information at (847)
487-0070 or online at www.mechanicalpower.net.
Computer Insights, Inc. can be reached at 108 3rd
Street, Unit 4, Bloomingdale, IL 60108. Contact Dennis
Cowhey, President, at (800) 539-1233, email sales@
ci-inc.com or online at www.ci-inc.com.
MECHANICAL POWER, INC.

172
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ROBERT FOOTLIK TAMING THE TOXIC WAREHOUSE from page 128
One simple example is observing someone pick up hand the “swag” and envelopes containing checks
debris from the warehouse floor and put it the trash directly to the family, not just the employee. At an even
bin. Complementing them lavishly, in public, and holding higher level, make the meal a picnic in a warehouse that
them as an example will ensure that if they walk past is “clean enough to eat off the floor.” No one will doubt
trash without picking it up their conscience and their the sincerity of your message about caring for everyone
peers will know. In this manner, a minor task becomes a regardless of their (his or her) background or beliefs.
behavior modification.
Lesson to be learned: Caring is the ultimate truth. The
This is where your sincerity will also be tested. cancel culture and political correctness police cannot
Can you complement someone and really mean it? The abide real sympathy and honest expressions of empathy.
slightest hesitation or inflection can and will be used Use this to make them crazy.
against you. Be careful with both what you say and how Encourage the people around you to share. Share
you say it. The cancel culture is watching closely. their successes, their children’s achievements, their
When did complimenting someone on their (note: ups and their downs. Leave your door open to everyone,
spell correction just informed me that I should have said, but post a prominent sign that it is OK to close the door
“his or her”) smile become “sexual harassment?” If the if they need a space for comfort and safety. Obviously,
person being complemented takes offense, you had having a glass door will keep the conversation private,
better be ready to stand up for your First Amendment but the encounter public.
rights too. Turn the situation around by drawing others into Create a mutual private space on the warehouse
the discussion and this will be an opportunity for teaching. floor by engaging with each and every individual and
Lesson to be learned: A good manager is also a trusted encouraging them to share their lives/family/trials/
friend whose compliments or criticism is consistently tribulations with you. In an operation with delivery drivers,
delivered with sincerity and respect.
joining them in the cab of their “office” can lead to some
Bringing in a hot lunch in the winter or ice cream valuable and surprising revelations. People who are
in the summer is a common management incentive. closed mouth in the work environment will often open
Encouraging ethnic employees to provide a meal or up in their own space. This is a two-way conversation
treat from their culture (and providing a modest stipend that can be semi-public if you climb into the truck at the
to encourage them) makes a far stronger message loading dock, or completely private if you can meet them
about diversity than any HR class will ever impart. Your along their route.
message is also one of caring about other cultures and Lesson to be learned: After almost every workplace
by extension respecting the individuals who work for and tragedy, the perpetrator is described as “a loner.” Open
around you.
up channels of communication before they decide to “get
Lesson to be learned: Celebrating our differences even” by opening fire with a gun.
together can build a team in surprising ways.
Even highly sensitive issues such as changing
Want to take the message to a higher level? gender preference can be an opportunity to develop
Nowhere is it written that a company picnic has to be greater empathy. A very practical question such as
hot dogs and BBQ. Make your event a cultural fair. which washroom someone would prefer to use can be a
Communal meals that revolve around food, friends, demonstration of support. Letting the individual control
family and appreciation are a very strong statement of the changes and making everyone aware of what is going
your sincere commitment to your staff and co-workers. on can quash antagonisms, encourage expressions of
Invite their families and fund a multi-ethnic potluck meal. empathy and stifle the rumor mill before misinformation
If prizes or bonus rewards will be part of the celebration, and prejudice turn ugly.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 173

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 173
ROBERT FOOTLIK TAMING THE TOXIC WAREHOUSE from page 172
Lesson to be learned: With careful and open
communication, a respectful, caring team will inevitably
emerge to support everyone. Be there to incubate and
implement it.
The Team Must Have Your Back
At some point, you probably will antagonize the
diversity training or Human Relations (HR) police. Your
actions challenge their “expertise” and prejudices. This
is where truth is your weapon and the support of those
around you is the battlefield. Woke HR most definitely
will not tolerate questioning of their control over the
organizational culture. When they quote vague rules,
regulations and laws call their bluff and demand proof.
Chances are very good that they will only quote other
“experts” and this is circular reasoning. It means nothing
and you had better be able to say and prove it.
If you have built a team with encouragement, sincerity
and caring, having them in a meeting, even without saying
a word, will count heavily in your favor. Let them make
it abundantly clear that your methods create superior
working conditions, but if they too are part of the Woke
culture…you are toast!
Lesson to be learned: Know where they will stand and
use your troops wisely.
Sympathetic hugs are not wrong. Hugs can be
physical or emotional. If it is clear that it is time for you
to leave with your sanity and dignity intact, know that your
team will provide those hugs and pats on the back that
you have taught them to crave.
Lesson to be learned: Every individual has innate
abilities, strengths and weaknesses. A great manager takes
advantage of this and uses it to foster loyalty. Your trusted
team will follow you to a more hospitable workplace.
ROBERT FOOTLIK

174
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
JOE DYSART AI MAKES HIRING MORE EFFICIENT AND LESS EXPENSIVE AT YOUR FASTENER DISTRIBUTORSHIP from page 130
¤ InterviewerAI (www.interviewer.ai): InterviewerAI
relies on AI-powered expression and voice analysis
to render judgments on applicants interviewed by its
system.
The algorithms look for best-of-breed communications
skills, professionalism, energy level, sociability, project
management skills, teamwork and time management.
HR and managers can add their own questions to
the system to ferret-out additional skills and qualities
they’re seeking.
And videos are stored for easy replay by HR or
managers at your fastener distributorship if needed.
InterviewerAI also enables users to customize the
way the system ranks candidates. And the system
integrates easily with meeting schedulers commonly
used with Google Meet, Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
¤ Clovers (www.clovers.ai): Clovers structures its AI
video interviewing so the experience ‘feels like’ a typical
video meeting -- all-the-while pulling-out key insights for
HR and managers.
The company also takes great pains to ensure
its interviewing process is a positive experience for
applicants -- and is inclusive for all who apply for the job.
Clovers is also designed to integrate seamlessly
with video meeting software commonly used by fastener
distributors, including Zoom, Google Hangouts, and
Webex.
¤ HireVue (www.hirevue.com): HireVue asserts that
with its AI-powered video interviewing system, HR and
BEST-OF-BREED APPS ALSO ALLOW A GROUP OF PEOPLE TO
SIMULTANEOUSLY VIEW PROMISING INTERVIEW VIDEOS AND
COMMENT ON THOSE VIDEOS IN REAL TIME.
IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO VERIFY THAT ANY SOLUTION YOU USE
COMPLIES WITH ANY LAWS THAT MAY REGULATE VIDEO
INTERVIEWING IN YOUR AREA.
managers will be able to focus on AI-gleaned insights on
applicants’ skills, behaviors and competencies -- rather
than being distracted by how applicants are dressed or
what keywords they used on their resume.
With HireVue AI interviewing, consistency is the overarching
goal: Every candidate responds to the same set
of questions, plays the same games designed to analyze
cerebral skills and enjoys the same amount of time to
prepare and answer questions.
Kevin Parker, HireVue’s CEO says the company
currently processes 30,000+ interviews a day. And
the tool was recognized Human Resources Executive
Magazine as a Top HR Product for 2021.
¤ MyInterview (www.myinterview.com): With
AI-powered video interviewing from MyInterview, each
applicant video is analyzed for soft skills, personality
traits, and keywords in the same exact way -- ensuring
each applicant gets a fair shot at becoming your next
employee.
The system is designed to enable a team of people
from HR and/or management to review promising video
interviews and comment on a recorded applicant video
together.
And MyInterview makes it a snap for fastener
distributors to schedule and engage in a follow-up, live
interview with pre-screened candidates that pass the
first evaluation.
JOE DYSART

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 175
Martin Inc., is
excited to announce
the appointment
of Kevin Cozine
as the new Vice
President of Sales
for Martin Fastening
Solutions. In his
new role, Kevin will
be responsible for
expanding the market share of Martin Fastening
Solutions and collaborating with the sales team
across all of Martin’s lines of business.
Kevin brings extensive experience in operations
and sales leadership to his new role. He most
recently served as the Director of Operational
Excellence at Optimas Solutions, where he
led the growth of new customer engagement
and expanded the customer engagement
team’s analytical coverage. Kevin has also held
leadership positions at MSC Industrial Supply
Co. and H&D Distributors, where he developed
and grew key accounts.
Marc Strandquist, Executive VP, Fastening,
said of Kevin’s appointment, “We are excited
to welcome Kevin to the Martin team. His
experience in operations and sales leadership,
as well as his proven track record of developing
and growing key accounts, make him the ideal
candidate for this position. We are confident
that Kevin’s expertise and leadership will help us
continue to grow and expand our market share in
the fastening solutions industry.”
Martin Fastening is ISO 9001 certified and a
member of GSA (Global Sourcing Alliance) and
the National Fasteners Distributor Association.
Founded in 1934 and headquartered in
Florence, AL, Martin Inc. is one of the nation’s
leading providers of custom-tailored solutions for
maintenance, repair, operation and production
supplies (MROP) to the industrial and construction
markets.
For more information about Martin Inc, contact
them at 125 North Court Street Florence, AL
35630. Tel: 1-800-828-8116, Fax: 256-389-3436,
Email: info@martinsupply.com or visit them online
at www.martinsupply.com.
Hercules Bolt & Mfg is excited to announce
that we have received Veteran Owned Small
Business Status from the Federal Government.
Lt Colonel Edward Jackson, flew the C-130’s in
Dessert Shield. The C-130 is also known as the
Hercules, which is where we get our name.
Since 1998, Hercules Bolt has been a leading
manufacturer and distributor of heavy fasteners
and customized products for fabricators and
contractors. We specialize in the manufacture of
Structural Anchor Bolts, Sag Rods, Swedge Bolts,
embeds, and square steel washers.
Our scope of material is 1/2” to 4-1/2”
diameter steel, roll thread or cut thread, larger
diameters are always cut thread.
We work with A36, F1554-55, F1554-B7/105,
354BD, and stainless steel. We have A325/
A490/TC bolts to complement our stock. All our
steel is domestic steel!!!
For more information about Hercules Bolt & Mfg.
contact them by Tel: 1-877-321-5020, Email: info@
herculesbolt.com or at www.herculesbolt.com.

176
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
JIM TRUESDELL ESG INVESTING: IMPACT ON INVESTORS AND DISTRIBUTORS’ SUPPLY CHAIN BURDENS from page 132
Eventually the movement “grew up” and morphed
into more monitored systems such as the ISO Standards
which focused on measurable statistics and procedures
designed to ensure the company’s efforts would be
more than sloganeering. Likewise, there is now a strong
movement to develop and adhere to specific criteria which
will determine if a company is really walking the walk of
the Triple Bottom Line. This is the concept of ESG ,which
sets up specific data measures for evaluating the risk
that the organization is taking based on external factors
beyond the financial. These include:
¤ Environmental - Encompassing data on things
like climate change impacts, greenhouse gas emissions,
water management and biodiversity loss
¤ Social - Employee safety and health, DEI (diversity,
equity and inclusion), customer satisfaction and employee
engagement, and other human factors.
¤ Governance - Efforts to prevent corruption,
fair compensation, cybersecurity protections, and
management actions.
There are quite a few “rating” organizations that
evaluate public companies with an ESG Score to guide
individuals and fund managers in their investment choices.
At this time these organizations are limited in relying on
self-reporting of data by these corporations, and they
generally lack the ability to audit this self-reporting. It is
further complicated and made ambiguous by so many
different rating organizations, all of which have their own
way of compiling ratings which may vary from agency to
agency. While there is widespread institutional interest in
ESG investing, and specific funds are available with that
focus, there is still a great deal of question as to whether
it is really that important to individual investors. David
Blanchett, head of retirement research at PGIM reported
on a study in which he was involved (Wall Street Journal,
Nov. 3, 2022) that among 401K participants who built
their own self-directed portfolios in plans with ESG funds
offered, less than ten per cent elected such funds, and
then only to a partial degree. Another survey by Stanford
University, reported in the Journal by Lisa Ward that same
day, indicated that older investors are more likely to shy
away from increased risks of loss attributed to ESG funds
while younger investors show a bit more tolerance for the
cost which might be involved. Of course, older investors
have more funds invested so the percentage of funds
going to the ESG rated investments would tend to be lower.
Critics of the ESG concept argue, probably with some
justification, that these ratings systems are designed
to elicit compliance to bring companies in line with a
progressive liberal way of looking at the world and to
eventually give government the power to intervene and
compel businesses to shape their strategies to be in
“sync” with what has come to be known as a “woke”
agenda popularized in elite academic and corporate
circles. Indeed, some of the strongest cheerleaders for
ESG investing, who minimize the cost of the ESG focus
to true investment returns, are people like former Vice
President Al Gore, who was a co-founder and Chairman
of Generation Investment Management, which focuses on
“sustainable investments.”
The measurable means by which companies address
environmental, social, and governance factors are
gradually becoming more standardized, and younger
generations are showing an increased desire to focus
on such criteria, both as investment clients and as the
future corporate leaders who will set the agenda for public
companies of the future. To become a “go to” standard
for investors, however, we will have to be able to draw a
clear straight line between socially responsible actions
of companies and their financial success and long-term
growth. That consensus is gradually emerging, but it will
have to be demonstrated that it is not just a product
of wishful thinking but something measurable by data
and financial results. Most importantly, it must be free
of ideological biases in both reality and in the public’s
perception. The jury is still out.
JIM TRUESDELL

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 177
NEW ENGLAND FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
PO Box 701, Tewksbury, MA 01876
TEL 816-686-8987 EMAIL nefda@nefda.com WEB www.nefda.com
NEFDA INDUCTS TWO NEW MEMBERS
INTO ITS HALL OF FAME by Laura Murphy
The New England Fastener Distributors Association
recently inducted two members into the NEFDA Hall of
Fame. Dan Bielefield, from Crescent Manufacturing, and
Michael Lentini, from Spirol International, joined the
NEFDA Hall of Fame on January 19, 2023.
Michael Lentini was elected to the NEFDA Board in
2007 and has served in many roles since – from Board
Member to Vice President, followed by another term
including two years as a Board Member, two as President,
then two more as Chairman. Among other notable
achievements, Michael led the association through
the 2009-2010 economic recession and furthered the
organization through working to develop an interactive
website, update the scholarship application, and with
Dan Bielefield, implement educational programs.
Dan Bielefield joined the NEFDA in 2006 and has
served multiple roles within the organization, including
Board President, Chairman, Board Member, and
Committee Member. Dan was instrumental in establishing
and developing the NEFDA Bowling Event at Foxwoods
Resort and Casino, which has become one of the
association’s most popular events. So much so that this
year’s event, on March 23, 2023, is expected to sell out.
Both of these incredibly deserving honorees have
been essential in advancing the NEFDA and growing
the organization to more than 80 members companies
today.
The NEFDA Hall of Fame was established in
1996 to honor individuals who have made significant
contributions to the fastener industry, and specifically to
the New England Fastener Distributors Association. The
NEFDA has inducted 19 individuals into the Hall of Fame
to-date, with the first inductee, Rick Rudolph, from Rick
Rudolph Associates, chairing the committee.
For more information on the NEFDA Hall of Fame and
upcoming events, please visit www.nefda.com, contact
Laura Murphy, administrator at nefda@nefda.com or PO
Box 701, Tewksbury, MA 01876.
RICK RUDOLPH WELCOMES NEW INDUCTEE MICHAEL LENTINI
RICK RUDOLPH WELCOMES NEW INDUCTEE DAN BIELEFIELD
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
NEW ENGLAND FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION

178
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ROB LaPOINTE FASTENER SCIENCE: STRESS DURABILITY TESTING – ASTM F606 AND NASM 1312-5 from page 156
FIGURE 5: FIGURE 22 FROM ASTM F606/F606M SHOWING STRESS
DURABILITY TEST FIXTURE.
If the fixture plates or wedge as seen in Figure 5 are
not hardened properly. ASTM F606/F606M requires a
minimum fixture hardness of 45 HRC. If the fixtures are
not hardened properly, there can be deformation caused
by the loaded fastener which will reduce the tension in the
fastener.
Evaluation of the test samples is sometimes as simple
as observing that the fastener as broken into two pieces
at the end of the dwell time. If failure occurs, it most often
occurs at the fillet radius and the head separates from the
body of the fastener. If this occurs, it typically occurs as
a catastrophic failure with the head flying off, sometimes
with high velocity. For this reason, it is critical to store the
loaded fasteners in a way that secures the surrounding
area and people from being affected by a failure. Placing
the fasteners inside a cabinet, drawer, wrapping them
in a blanket, or other secure location for protection is
essential. Sometimes the fastener failure is revealed by
retorquing. When retorquing, cracked, but not separated
heads twist off showing the embrittled failure.
If no failure is obvious, the unloaded fasteners shall be
optically examined with a magnification of 20 X or greater.
A low-power microscope or vision system is a useful tool
for the microscopic evaluation. Focus should be placed
on the fillet radius to observe any cracks open to the
surface. It is not common for a test sample that has
not failed catastrophically, nor failed the retorque to have
surface cracking revealed by the microscopic examination,
but occasionally happens.
NASM 1312-5 is a comprehensive test method for
externally threaded fasteners that allows for several
loading methods including:
¤ Torque method
¤ Elongation method
¤ External loading method
¤ Strain gauge method
For the sake of comparison to ASTM F606/F606M, I
will focus only on the torque method. An outline of the
NASM 1312-5 method is shown in Table 2.
NASM 1312-5 requires the fastener to be loaded
to between 75-80 % of its ultimate tensile load. This
load should be delivered to the fastener by a nut being
torqued or by the fastener being tightened into a tapped
test block. NASM 1312-5 requires the thread of the
test sample to be lubricated with a lubricant conforming
to AMS2518 in order to control the torque-tension
relationship.
FIGURE 6 RETORQUING LOADED FASTENERS AT THE END OF THE
SPECIFIED DWELL TIME PER ASTM F606/F606M.
TABLE 2 OUTLINE OF STRESS DURABILITY TESTING PER NASM 1312-5
CONTINUED ON PAGE 186

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 179

180
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
BRUNO MARBACHER THREAD-FORMING SCREWS FOR A COST-EFFICIENT FASTENING SOLUTION from page 158
Taptite Pro: Taptite
Pro has a Parabolic
thread Profile (slight
curved convex section).
This thread form, when
combined with the
TRILOBULAR® cross section, provides low driving torque,
high resistance to vibrational loosening along with high
pull-out force. Taptite Pro is the latest taptite design.
Tap/R
The Tap/R thread-forming screw consists of a
distinctive thread arrangement that starts out as an
intermittent, tapered thread and increases to a complete
360° thread form. The mating thread is formed gradually
with minimal driving torque. The tapered point of these
thread forming fasteners easily locates the pilot hole and
eliminates cross-threading.
The relief on two sides of the shank functions as a
paint scraper to remove paint or porcelain from the pilot
hole.
MAThread
MAThread and
MATpoint uses a thread
shape that prevents
threaded fasteners from
cross threading and/or
jamming. Due to its thread design, misaligned MAThread
fasteners routinely become aligned with their mating
parts during assembly. MAThread is widely used for cars,
trucks, motorcycles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles.
Spiralform
The Spiralform screw has 4 raised lobes, arranged in
a spiral pattern alongside the thread, enabling forming
a thread in the mating part. the thread can be formed
with a low driving torque This type of thread causes
little radial stress, thus is well suited for aluminum key
extrusions.
The screws have a slightly tapered end point for easy
insertion. The points length should not exceed 4x the
thread pitch P.
Swageform
Swageform screws have 3 sets of forming lobes at
the tapered thread end. A reduced contact Area results
in a lower drive torque.
Triform
Triform screws are characterized by forming lobes
at the tapered thread end. As per company brochure it
has a low driving torque. There is also another type - it’s
called Triform DB which has a more tapered point.
Rolok
Rolok screw has 3 raised lobes, like Spiralform, they are
arranged in a spiral pattern alongside the thread, allowing
the forming of a thread in the mating piece. Rolok offer
excellent drive-to-strip performance in many applications.
Low-Driv
A special thread point offers
forming pressure relief, which
lowers the driving torque.
The tapered point with relief
indentations extends all the
way up into the body where the
circumference of the threads is at
their largest diameter (360° round body). The low initial
driving torque enable easy engaging, making the fastener
ideal for applications where accessibility to the pilot hole
is hampered, eliminating cross threading.
Conclusion
To choose the best possible thread-forming screw, the
decision should be based on the intended application.
Application testing should be performed. One should
work with an application engineer that is familiar with
thread forming screw applications, one that gives advice
based on the product features that are most suitable for
the application.
BRUNO MARBACHER

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 181

182
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
LAURENCE CLAUS DIFFICULT FASTENING APPLICATIONS - PART 1: THREAD FORMING INTO THIN SHEETS from page 160
In a mass production assembly setting where the
control parameters can be more precisely regulated, the
number of compromised joints likely decreases but still
remains problematic with so little thread actually engaged.
Additional installation challenges arise in piercing the
sheets. When the sheet thickness is thin, the installer
may be able to simply utilize a sharp point on the end
of the screw in tandem with some end load pressure to
pierce the sheet. However, when the sheet thickness
begins to increase, the end load required becomes
arduous, and can quickly lead to installer fatigue and
“no-start” conditions (when the installer is unable to get
the screw to engage and start). Additionally the higher
amount of end load often leads to deflection and damage
of the top sheet of material. To counter this problem some
applications employ screws with drill points or provide a
pilot or clearance hole in part or all of the joint.
So, with these challenges prevalent in this application,
how does one overcome them? Unfortunately there is
no single, universal answer to that question, and each
application is uniquely different. In other words, the
fastener engineer must review all aspects of the joint
including thickness, material, where it will be installed,
what tool will be used to install it, what surrounding
conditions will be present, and the general expertise
that the installer must possess, to determine the best
solution.
Fortunately, today there are many fastening solutions
that address these challenges. These include self-piercing
rivets, rivet nuts, solid rivets, blind rivets, pin and collar
assemblies, weld nuts, J-clips, machine screws and nuts,
sheet metal screws, self-drilling screws, self-extruding
screws, flow drilling screws, and mechanical joining
techniques. Although this is a long list, many of these
solutions add cost and complexity and fail to answer
all the parts that make this such a difficult application.
For example, machine screw and nut assemblies are a
common way of connecting thin sheets but add the cost of
an additional component and require clear access to both
sides of the joint.
Knowing about these solutions and products, their
strengths and weaknesses, will provide a distributor with
an opportunity to impress their customers and establish
themselves with a reputation as a solution provider and
not just a “me-too” vendor of class C items. However,
even more important than knowing about all the options
is the ability to discern which provides the best solution.
Even though there are likely to be more than one feasible
solution, the good distributor or application engineer will
point the customer towards the best one.
The first, and perhaps best overall solution is friction
drilling technology often referred to with screws as “flow
drill screwing”. This method was first experimented
with in the early 1920s but didn’t really emerge as a
feasible option until the 1980s. Initially the technology
was developed for thicker panels and incorporated a
separate friction drilling and tapping operation. In the late
1990s, an innovative German fastener manufacturer,
EJOT GmbH, incorporated self-piercing, friction drilling,
and self-threading technology all into one screw, the EJOT
FDS® screw (Figure 6).
FIGURE 6: EJOT FDS® SCREW PIERCING AN ALUMINUM
TOP SHEET AND STEEL BOTTOM SHEET
CONTINUED ON PAGE 188

MID-ATLANTIC FASTENER ASSOCIATION
2022 HOLIDAY PARTY

184
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
FASTENER EXPERTS MENTOR GROUP JOHN BUTLER: WHAT IS A HELICOIL? from page 162
With so many types of applications and their varying
temperatures and corrosive environments what types of
material and coatings are available?
¤ 302 Stainless Steel is the standard insert material
with the Temp Range up to 800*F slight magnetic
permeability depending on wire size.
¤ Nitronic 60 Temp Range up to 500*F Manganese/
Silicon materials allows for less friction and is nonmagnetic,
ideal for use in vacuum applications,
known as the anti-galling insert.
¤ Inconel X-750 Temp Range up to 1000*F and is
non-magnetic.
¤ Phosphor Bronze is ideal for saltwater applications,
is non-magnetic and has excellent electrical
conductivity Temp Range up to 250*F.
¤ Titanium has a superior strength to weight ratio –
non-magnetic – high corrosion resistance – Temps
up to 600*F – highest tensile strength 150,000 to
220,000 psi depending on size.
¤ Primer Free II – RoHS – Prevents Galvanic
Corrosion – Adds Lubricity – For Extreme Corrosion
Protection - Matte Black Color
¤ Dry Film Lube – For High Friction Applications –
Ideal for use with screw locking inserts – For
Extreme Corrosion Protection - Grey Color
¤ Silver – Reduces Galling – up to 1200*F –
Recommended for use with Inconel X750 inserts –
Spec QQ-S-365 – Silver White Color
¤ Cadmium – Non-RoHS – For Military Applications
Only – Toxic – Olive Drab Color
Loading small diameter HeliCoils and assuring tanged
inserts are loaded into the tool with the tang at
the bottom can be time consuming for production
applications. How can we speed up the installation time?
HeliCoil sizes #2 thru 7/16 and M2 thru M10 and
be preloaded on a plastic reel, known as strip feed.
The plastic strip is fed through the slot in the frontend
assembly and with a slight pull on the strip the
next insert is quickly aligned for the pneumatic tooling
option. The quantity of HeliCoils per reel is 500/1000
depending on the thread diameter of the insert.
Why must the assembly screw thread past the last coil
of the HeliCoil Insert?
With tanged inserts it is always recommended that
the tang be removed, and the bolt projection be equal
to the full tapped thread depth. The bolt or screw must
engage the entire insert to insure maximum assembly
strength. This allows for Dynamic Load and is achieved
when using a HeliCoil insert with each thread carrying
a greater amount of the tensile strength compared to
threading into a tapped hole without a HeliCoil as shown
here. HeliCoil inserts improve the tensile strength of the
bolted joint.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 190

MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION
HOLIDAY PARTY - DECEMBER 8, 2022

186
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
ROB LaPOINTE FASTENER SCIENCE: STRESS DURABILITY TESTING – ASTM F606 AND NASM 1312-5 from page 178
FIGURE 7 FIXTURE ASSEMBLY PER NASM 1312-5
Fixturing for NASM 1312-5 consists of spacers with
a nut or tapped blocks with a minimum hardness of 45
HRC, similar to ASTM F606/F606M. Figure 7 shows a
suggested assembly from NASM 1312-5.
Correctly tensioning the fasteners to between 75-80
% of the ultimate tensile is critical just as with the ASTM
F606/F606M method. NASM 1312-5 includes, in the
torque method, a common relationship for calculating
the torque for a required tension if the coefficient of
friction is known. The use of a lubricant to control friction
allows the user to determine the coefficient of friction
that can be reliably used when the same lubricant is
applied to the same style of fasteners. The equation is:
NASM 1312-5 does not specify a dwell time for the test
and leaves this value to be decided by the interested
parties. Typically, the standard that calls out NASM
1312-5 as a test method for stress durability will include
a dwell time requirement for the test.
Unlike ASTM F606/F606M, NASM 1312-5 does not
require a retorquing to verify that the test load has been
kept for the duration of the dwell time. In my opinion,
this is an oversight of this test method and best practice
would dictate that retorquing before unloading to ensure
that the test load was held for the dwell time would be
prudent.
Evaluation of the test sample per NASM 1312-
5 is done by magnetic particle testing (MT) for
magnetizable materials or liquid penetrant testing (PT)
for non-magnetizable materials. Although this method of
examination requires and extra test that often increases
the cost of the stress durability test, it is a very good way
to determine whether or not cracks have formed from
embrittling hydrogen. Both MT and PT reveal cracks that
are not easily seen by eye, even with magnification.
Stress durability is an essential test to ensure that
hydrogen embrittlement relief has been effective. The
test method is often determined by the standard that
issues the requirement to test, however not in all cases.
Both ASTM F606/F606M and NASM 1312-5 are suitable
methods to choose from if the choice is left to you.
τ=K (∅D)L
where τ is torque in pound inch units, K is the coefficient
of friction, ∅D is the nominal diameter of the fastener in
inch units, and L is the load value in pound units. This
relationship works for metric units as well, but all units
must be consistent with each other. The coefficient of
friction (K) is unitless and can be used in both imperial
and metric versions of the equation.
FIGURE 8 THE PT TEST SHOWS A GREEN CIRCUMFERENTIAL
INDICATION OF A CRACK WHICH FORMED AT THE FILLET RADIUS.
ROB LaPOINTE / AIM TESTING LABORATORY

188
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
LAURENCE CLAUS DIFFICULT FASTENING APPLICATIONS - PART 1: THREAD FORMING INTO THIN SHEETS from page 182
FIGURE 7: EJOT FDS® SCREW -HOW IT WORKS
The clear advantage of these fasteners is that they
come in a variety of point styles that address piercing
metal sheets of varying thicknesses, and generates an
extrusion that increases the joint thickness by two to
three times. This, effectively, provides maybe three or
more thread pitches of thread engagement, guaranteeing
a reliable joint that can be successfully engineered to
prevent the screw from stripping. Additional advantages
of this screw include its speed of installation (a few
seconds), the ability to self-pierce or utilize an established
pilot hole, ability to fasten more than two layers of sheet in
the same joint stack, and be installed from a single side.
The process is relatively straight forward (Figure 7).
The screw is rotated at high speed above its installation
location. The specially designed tip generates a lot of
friction and locally heats the area around the tip. Once this
localized zone is sufficiently heated and the mechanical
properties of the material made favorable to forming, an
end load is applied and the material flows mostly forward
to create an extrusion or boss below the bottommost
sheet. The threaded portion of the screw follows the tip
into this extruded zone forming internal threads. These
threads, in combination with the threads formed in the
original sheet thickness, provide excellent tightening
margin so that the screw can be torqued to generate a
strong clamping load without stripping.
Prior to the introduction of flow drilling technology,
several companies developed self-extruding screws. Early
versions did not always perform significantly better than
standard sheet metal screws, but improved, better
performing, proprietary versions like EJOT’s SHEETtracs®
have come to the market in recent years. These screws
require a pilot hole smaller in diameter than the actual
screw diameter, perhaps about the diameter of the core,
and have special tip designs that push the remaining
material between the pilot hole diameter and outer
diameter of the screw into an extrusion. Although the
forming mechanism is quite different than flow drill
screwing, the end result is similar with the creation of
an extrusion that increases joint thickness. Because the
material available to form the extrusion is significantly
less than the full pierced cross section obtained with flow
drill screwing, the height of the extrusion is considerably
less. These screws also do not address the self-piercing
need as they require a pre-punched or drilled pilot hole.
In applications where the sheet thickness is greater
and too thick to easily accommodate piercing, drill screws
work well. These screws incorporate a drill point on the
tip that self-drills a properly sized pilot hole. The threads
that follow the tip form internal threads. In cases where
the sheet thickness is several thread pitches thick, these
screws provide a good solution. However, if the sheet
thickness is thin, drill screws do not perform much better
than sheet metal screws.
Finally, the last solution that checks most of the
challenge boxes are self-piercing rivets. Such rivets get
their name from the fact that no pilot hole needs to be
pre-punched or drilled in the connecting sheets. The rivet
itself is designed to pierce the top sheet and embed itself
into the lower sheet (Figure 8). This is a fast installation
process utilizing special equipment. Different semi-tubular
or solid rivet versions exist, and different material or
material processing allows these fastener elements to be
applied in a variety of materials and thicknesses.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 189

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 189
LAURENCE CLAUS DIFFICULT FASTENING APPLICATIONS - PART 1: THREAD FORMING INTO THIN SHEETS from page 188
FIGURE 8: EXAMPLE OF SELF-PIERCING RIVET IN CROSS SECTION
One of the greatest disadvantages of this solution,
however, is that it requires both a top and bottom tool.
This means that the installer must have easy access
to both sides. Also, the installation equipment is bulky
enough that it is simply not practical as a field solution
for attaching thin sheet like the HVAC illustration that has
been referred to several times in this article.
In summary, attaching thin sheet is such a common
fastening application that many options have been
developed and evolved over the years. The fact remains,
however, that even with all of these potential solutions
the application itself is still one of the trickiest in fastener
engineering. Therefore, it is not wise for any distributor
or user to, proverbially, hitch their horse to a single
wagon. Instead, distributors that make their reputation on
supplying fastener engineering and design assistance to
their customers should be aware of all the options and
strive to direct their customers into the solution that best
fits the application.
LAURENCE CLAUS

190
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
FASTENER EXPERTS MENTOR GROUP JOHN BUTLER: WHAT IS A HELICOIL? from page 184
What are the tooling options available for installing only
a few HeliCoils and for full production?
My favorite hand tool is the metal crank prewinder
for installing smaller quantities of inserts. The metal
body has a beveled end allowing the quick alignment
over the hole compared to the plastic body prewinder
which doesn’t have the bevel. If you are installing a
phosphor Bronze or Inconel HeliCoil you will want to
add a ( -9 ) to the tool number as those materials are
less pliable and the tools are designed specifically for
them. The prewinder is available for tanged or Tangless
HeliCoil versions and needed for fine threads to ease
installations.
For Tangless HeliCoils there are also gage style
installation tools, but this is not a prewinder and do not
have the crank style to them, rather they are simply a
threaded mandrel for course thread sizes. These tools
for Tangless inserts have a spring loaded blade that
catches in the drive notch of the insert and with care the
blade can install over a thousand inserts without needing
to be replaced.
There may seem to be a lot to keep in mind when
using HeliCoil Wire Thread Inserts, but if you follow the
steps this is a great solution to adding strength to any
application that can hold a thread tolerance. If you have
taken a flight in a commercial airline you have flown with
thousands of HeliCoils, from the beverage tray tables to
the turbine engines. Please remember to return your tray
tables to their upright position.
There are also pneumatic tools for quicker
installations and brushless electronic tools for clean
room applications.
FASTENER MENTOR EXPERTS GROUP

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 191
The Specialty Tools & Fasteners
Distributors Association (STAFDA) has a
new face! STAFDA’s blue triangle logo with
“Stan the STAFDA Man” was recently
updated to give it a more contemporary
look. STAFDA’s traditional logo has
tremendous brand recognition with
Stan and the late ‘70s groovy script,
but for 2023 and beyond, Stan Jr.
will now be the face of STAFDA
with a modern image and font.
Although “Stan” has been
the front man of STAFDA since June 1977, for
a short time in 1976, STAFDA’s 18 founders
came up with a North/South/East/West logo.
Considered too bland and not conveying what
STAFDA was all about (tools and fasteners),
newly hired Executive Director, Morrie Halvorsen,
called upon his former advertising contact at ITT
Philips Red Head to create a logo that would
convey construction and incorporate a tool generic
enough to pass as a power tool, an air nailer, or
even a caulking gun. But a hard hat and safety
glasses were mandatory.
Meeting at a Chicago restaurant, Halvorsen
and his ad man burned through the backs
of several cocktail napkins before coming
up with STAFDA’s iconic logo.
Stan Jr. carries on the same look
and tradition as his predecessor:
hard hat, safety glasses, but this
time, he’s carrying a wrench and
three fasteners are riveted in
each of the triangle’s corners.
The new look was created by graphic designer,
David Saunders, with Industrial Products Ltd., New
Orleans, LA.
The Association is also working on a fresh
new website that will encourage more member
engagement. The updated website is expected to
debut in late Q1.
For more information contact STAFDA by Tel:
1-800-352-2981, Email: info@stafda.org or visit
them online at www.stafda.org.

advertisers index
#
3Q, INC. 49
Premier fastener sourcing and distribution.
ITW Shakeproof – Made In The USA double
coil lock washers, split lock washers, clevis
pins and bolts. Painted head screws. Mill
shipments – Import.
Tel (630) 405-8492
Email: sales@3Q-Inc.com
A
ACS MANUFACTURING, INC 61
Formed spring steel fasteners
Tel (888) NUTS-R-US
Email: info@acsmanufacturing.com
AIM TESTING LABORATORY 179
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
ALBANY STEEL & BRASS 109
Specialty Tapping Screws - Swageform
Tel (312) 733-1900
Email: sales@albanysteel.com
ALL AMERICAN WASHER WERKS 107
Quality producers of washers and stampings
Tel (847) 566-9091
Email: sales@washerwerks.com
ALL ELECTRONIC HARDWARE 123
Designing, Manufacturing and Distributing
Quality Plastic Hardware, Tools and
Accessories to the Fastener, Electronics,
Electrical and General OEM Industries.
Tel (800) 778-7234
www.aehonline.com
ALLOY & STAINLESS FASTENERS 87, 105
Supplies special metal fasteners in over 150
material grades with over 25 coatings and
platings using over 300 machines with a
10,000 ton inventory and Emergency 24-7
On Call Service.
Tel (713) 466-3031
Email: info@GoASF.com
ALPHA-GRAINGER MFG. CO. 25
Electronic hardware, captive screws,
shoulder screws, spacers & standoffs
Tel (508) 520-4005
www.agmi.com
ALUMINUM FASTENER SUPPLY 94, 95
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 93
Belleville Washers, Belleville Springs, Disc
Springs, Flange Washers, precision-machined
custom components. Stamping, CNC lathe
and mill machining, grinding, heat treating.
Tel (440) 721-8350
Email: lriga@AmericanBelleville.com
AMERICAN IMPERIAL SCREW CORP. 81
Push on hats, push on bolt retainers,
locknuts, self-treading locknuts and
washers, regular washer locknuts, push-on
retainer fasteners and wing nuts, adhesives
and metal anchors.
Tel (800) 431-2391
Email: jay@discountscrews.com
AMPG
INSIDE BACK COVER
Domestic manufacturer of shoulder screws,
button head sex bolts, flat head sex bolts,
prairie bolts, non-standard flat washers, and
machined specialties from stock.
Tel (317) 472-9000
Email: sales@ampg.com
AUTO BOLT 69
American cold-heading bolt manufacturer
serving many industries including
automotive, truck/trailer, heavy
construction, agriculture, military, material
handling and more.
Tel (216) 881-3913
Email: quotes@autoboltusa.com
B
BAR STOCK SPECIALTIES 105
Metal bar processing; drawing, peeling, grinding
and cutting. Long length stainless bar to 60ft.
Tel (713) 849-0055
Email: info@GoBarStock.com
BAY SUPPLY 3
Have you joined Bay Supply’s Marketplace
Yet? Join the 400+ Manufacturers and
Distributors already connecting with 44,000
Sourcing Professionals FOR FREE! We’ve
developed the most powerful RFQ software
application available in our industry. Join
today!
Tel (800) 718-8818
www.baysupply.com
Email: help@baysupply.com
BRADLEY COATINGS 129
Our proprietary applications of thread lockers,
sealants and nylon patches are renowned
for their effectiveness and reliability. We
use brand names you can trust including
Loctite Driloc and 3M Scotch-Grip, Precote,
all applied in our quality assured processes.
Tel (800) 201-7381
Email: coatingpros@bradleygoc.com
BRIGHTON-BEST INTERNATIONAL
OUTSIDE BACK COVER
Socket & square head set screws, hex
keys, L-Nine products, Grade 8 hex head,
shoulder bolts, pipe plugs, dowel springs,
nuts & metrics, hand tools and full stainless
line.
Tel (800) 275-0050
www.brightonbest.com
BRIKKSEN STAINLESS 33
Full line of stainless-steel inch and metric.
Tel (800) 962-1614
Email: sales@brikksen.com
BTM MANUFACTURING 83
Leading manufacturer of bent and threaded
products. U-bolts, J-bolts, studs, anchor
bolts, spade bolts, eye bolts and bent/
threaded product to custom specifications.
Tel (800) 369-2658
Email: sales@btm-mfg.com
C
CAPITAL MARKETING 149
Sales, marketing and consulting from a
Premier Agency serving North Carolina,
South Carolina and Virginia
Tel (336) 906-9401
Email: rgilchr485@aol.com

advertisers index
C
CARVER LASER AND SECONDARY 115
Turn inexpensive off-the-shelf fasteners into
value-added made-to-print special parts.
Short to medium run flat and formed metal
parts made complete. Going that extra mile
with customer service that is second-to-none.
Tel (619) 204-1543
Email: carmen@carverem.com
CAVALIER INDUSTRIAL SPECIALTIES
87, 105
Mfrs machined parts per drawing, quality
detailed fasteners, and custom manufactured
studs. We support customers’ requirements with
CNC machining, upset forging and thread rolling.
Tel (713) 983-0055
Email: sales@GoCAV.com
CELO USA – TRIDENT FASTENERS INC. 39
American screw manufacturer with more than 60
years’ experience in the design and production
of thread forming TAPTITE® and REMFORM®
screws. Metric and imperial sizes available.
Tel: (616) 483-0670
Email: celo-us@celo.com
THE CENTER FOR FINANCIAL,
LEGAL & TAX PLANNING, INC. 113
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. 133
Mfrs of Wire Rope and Chain Fittings, Industrial
and Marine Hardware and Allied Products
Tel (847) 455-6609
Email: info@chicagohardware.com
COMPONENT PACKAGING 75
Kitting, hand packaging, and assembly. We are
passionate about packaging - it’s what we do!
Tel (417) 624-9395
Email: nickm@componentpackaging.com
CONTINENTAL- AERO FRONT COVER, 16
A Division of TRAMEC, LLC. Premier stocking
master distributor of nylon insert locknuts,
all-metal locknuts, clinch nuts and finished
hex nuts.
Tel (708) 377-0360
Email: sales@continental-aero.com
CRAFTECH INDUSTRIES, LLC. 85
Providing high performance plastic solutions
for your prints, parts and engineering
problems for over 50 years. Product design,
engineering, prototyping and manufacturing.
Proudly made in the USA.
Tel (800) 833-5130
Email: info@craftechind.com
CRESCENT MANUFACTURING 117
Over 60 years of manufacturing expertise in
the field of miniature screws and miniature
fasteners, Crescent offers distributors an
established source for Aerospace, Military,
Commercial, and Special Engineered needs.
Tel (860) 673-5983
Email: sales@crescentmanufacturing.com
D
DARLING BOLT 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
DELTA ENGINEERING 79
Counting, weighing and material handling
systems for packaging operations. Fastener
packing is our specialty!
Tel (781) 729-8650
Email: info@deltaengineeringcorp.com
DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 189, 199
Tel (800) 356-1639
Email: tracey@linkmagazine.com
E & T FASTENERS, INC 57
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
EUROLINK FASTENER
SUPPLY SERVICE 101
Specializing in the provision of metric
fasteners, Eurolink offers a wide range of
options to fit various industrial applications
and with their Fast, Faster and Fastest
freight methods they cater to the unique
requirements of each client.
Tel (864) 801-0505
Email: sales@eurolinkfss.com
E-Z LOK 131
Thread inserts for metal, wood and plastic
Tel (800) 234-5613
Email: sales@ezlok.com
F
FALL RIVER MFG CO., INC. 23
Manufacturers of Stainless steel & nonferrous
fasteners
Tel (800) 275-6991
Email: sales@fallrivermfg.com
FASCOMP ELECTRONIC HARDWARE 89
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. 35
Coiled and Slotted spring pins, dowel pins,
cotter pins, taper pins, grooved & special pins
Tel (845) 369-7990
Email: fastar@optonline.net
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
E
ELGIN FASTENER GROUP 2
Selection. Service. Success. Discover the
Elgin Advantage
Email: quotes@elginfastener.com
FASTENER DIMENSIONS 67
Manufacturer of high strength, close tolerance
fasteners and machine components for
aerospace, military and racing industries.
Tel (718) 847-6321
Email: David.H@fastdim.com

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F
FASTENER FAIR USA 119
May 15-17, 2023 – Nashville, TN
Explore the latest products and innovations,
attend highly relevant education and
experience unmatched opportunities to
connect with peers and industry experts –
all at Fastener Fair USA
www.fastenerfairusa23.com/DL-Mag
FASTENER WEBSITE LINKS 134
FCH SOURCING NETWORK 175
(Tel) 877-332-7836
Email: eric@fastenersclearinghouse.com
FORD FASTENERS, INC. 15
410 stainless screws, sheet metal, selfdrillers,
thread cutters, self-piercing, EPDM
washers.
Tel (800) 272-FORD (3673)
Email: info@fordfasteners.com
G
GF&D SYSTEMS 53
‘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 179
GOEBEL FASTENERS, INC. 7
Innovative fastener solutions: blind rivets,
self-tapping/drilling screws, toggles,
strapping, wing seals, tools & safety and
insulation accessories.
Tel (713) 393-7007
Email: sales@goebelfasteners.com
GOLDEN RULE FASTENERS, INC. 149
Particle board screws, post frame screws,
metal building drill screws up to 5/16”
diameter, pipe flashings, butyl tape, closure
strips and more.
Tel (334) 283-4030
Email: grfast@centurytel.net
GRAPHIKA CREATIVE 187
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. 121
Fastener inspection equipment, innovative
gage design, and dimensional calibration.
Tel (817) 870-8888
Email: sales@greensladeandcompany.com
GROWERMETAL USA, LLC. 63
Growermetal USA, an American branch of
a leading European washer manufacturer
since 1950, provides standard washers
(ASME, AREA standards) and customized
special blanked parts.
Tel (440) 773-4948
Email: info@growermetal-usa.com
H
HANGER BOLT & STUD CO 51
USA Hanger bolts, studs, dowel screws, pins.
Tel (800) 537-7925
Email: sales@hangerbolt.com
HANSON RIVET & SUPPLY CO. 157
Rivets, threaded inserts, riveting tools,
riveting machines, washers
Tel (800) 777-4838
I
ICS FLANGE 41
Stocks flange bolts and nuts in Grade 5, 8, 8.8
and 10.9 in steel and stainless in any finish.
Tel (800) 231-0360
Email: matt.daleiden@
innovativecomponentsales.com
IDEAL SUPPLY 119
One of the largest Commercial and Military Spec
Inventories to MIL-DTL-1222J, MIL-S-1222H3,
ASTM F467/F468, F593, F594, FFS-86E4 to
the Department of Defense, General Dynamics,
Huntington Ingalls, Navy Ship Repair, Pump &
Valve and other subcontractors nationwide.
Tel (847) 961-5900
Email: idealsupply@idealsupplyonline.net
INDIANA STEEL PRODUCTS, INC. 61
Manufacturer of domestic bent and thread
parts, all thread rod, all thread studs, U-Bolts
J-Bolts, Eye-Bolts and Anchor Bolts for all types.
Tel (260) 920-4136
Email: darrin@indianasteelproducts.com
INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS INSTITUTE 171
2021 Edition IFI Book of Fastener Standards
is now available in hard cover and online
format. www.indfast.org/shop
Tel (216) 241-1482
Email: techinfo@indfast.org
INDUSTRIAL RIVET & FASTENER CO. 55
One name, one number, one source for
rivets and RivetKing FreeSet Series.
Tel (800) BUY-RIVET
Email: info@rivet.com
INTEGRATED PACKAGING 43
Parts are electronically counted, heat-sealed 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 75
Fastener and Building Related Products. Same
day shipping, free private labeling, no minimums
Tel (800) 741-4278
Email: info@isc-sales.com
INTERNATIONAL FASTENER EXPO 173
October 9-11, 2023 – Las Vegas, NV. 500+
Exhibitors at the Largest B2B Expo for Fasteners,
Tooling & Machinery in North America.
www.fastenershows.com
INTERNATIONAL FASTENERS, INC. 99
Daggerz construction fasteners. Self-drill, drywall,
deck, wood, concrete, clip, needle point screws,
post frame and aluminum industry screws, EDPM
bonded washers, bits & threaded rod.
Tel (888) 241-0203
Email: sales@daggerz.com

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I
INxSQL SOFTWARE 65
Full-featured, easy-to-use ERP distribution
software designed and optimized for the
Fastener Industry.
Tel (877) 446-9775
Email: sales@inxsql.com
J
J. LANFRANCO FASTENER SYSTEMS 125
Mfr of self-locking nuts, t-bolts, and other
safety critical hardware. Available in carbon
steel, stainless steel and exotics. DFAR
compliant. Trusted worldwide for 40 years.
Tel (855) 694-3250
Email: mlamarche@jlanfranco.com
JOHAN SMIT FASTENERS 105
Mfr and supplier of steel nuts in the petrochemical,
steel construction and energy
market.
Tel +31(0)786230088
Email: info@johsmit.com
K
KEN FORGING 21
Domestic manufacturer of eyebolts, nut
eyebolts, rod ends, turnbuckles & fittings,
eye nuts, pad eyes, D-rings, c-clamps &
screws, swivel hoist ring. Custom forgings up
to 250 lbs.
Tel (888) 536-3674
Email: sales@kenforging.com
KINTER ® 153
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 157
Manufacturer of bolts, nuts, screws in
carbon or stainless. Custom threading and
specials. U-Bolts and Anchors.
Tel (800) 263-3393
Email: info@lelandindustries.com
LINDFAST SOLUTIONS GROUP 29
Bringing you the world’s Best Brands in
fasteners. By any measure, by any size,
by any finish, by any quantity and in any
material.
Tel (800) 328-2430
www.lindfastgrp.com
M
BRUNO MARBACHER 181
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 73
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 167
The complete MILL stainless fastener
source.
Tel (972) 642-1012
Email: corp@mehtati.com
METRIC & MULTISTANDARD 13
Providing quality metric industrial products
and exceptional customer service since 1963
Tel (800) 431-2792
MM DISTRIBUTION LLC 77
Supplies quality fasteners to the heavy truck
and trailer Industry. Floor board screws,
solid rivets and blind rivets.
Tel (740) 335-9136
Email: alex@mmfastenersdist.com
Email: jason@mmfastenersdist.com
MW INDUSTRIES, INC – TEXAS 45
Washers, special fasteners, and metal
stamping for over 45 years. ISO 9001:2015
certified.
Tel (800) 875-3510
Email: sales@mwindustries.com
N
NBS CORPORATION 103
NBS is an importer and wholesale distributor
of top-quality fasteners. Our major stocking
items are Dowel Pins, Hex Frame Bolts,
Hex Flange Machine Screws, and 12 Point
Flange Bolts. NBS is currently the Nation’s
leading distributor of Hex Frame Bolts in
inch and metric sizes.
TEL (323) 923-1627
Email: rrodriguez@nbsfasteners.com
NORTH EAST FASTENERS (NEF) 11
AS9100 certified, supplying IFI, ANSI, MS,
NAS, NASM, AN, DIN, JIS, JCIS high quality
fasteners for commercial, military and
aerospace.
Tel (860) 589-3242
Email: nef@nef1.com
NOVA FASTENERS CO. INC. 143
Anchors, screws, nuts, washers, rivets, pins,
inserts, rods. Serving industry since 1948.
Tel (800) 645-1234
Email: info@nova-anchor.com
P
PIVOT POINT 139
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
R
RAF ELECTRONIC HARDWARE 79
Domestic standoffs, spacers, male-females,
swage, male-male and modified parts. NAS
fasteners.
Tel (203) 888-2133
Email: info@rafhdwe.com
RHS STAINLESS 145
Stocking a full range of domestic/DFARS
stainless pitch diameters and standard
diameters. Non-standard and custom lengths
are also available. Supplying nationwide.
Tel (610) 997-7604
Email: sales@rhsstainless.com

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R
W.J. ROBERTS CO. 49
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
ROTOR CLIP 31
The only manufacturer of every style of
Retaining Ring (tapered section, constant
section, spiral rings). Wave Springs and
Self-Compensating Hose Clamps. We offer
a full line of inch, metric, DIN, ANSI and
JIS parts. Also support assembly through
installation tooling, including applicators,
pliers, dispensers, and automated assembly
equipment available.
Tel (732) 469-7333
Email: info@rotorclip.com
R&R ENGINEERING CO. 74
Bent bolts, wire forms. Quality craftsmanship.
Tel (800) 979-1921
Email: sales@randrengineering.com
S
SEMS AND SPECIALS 151
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 155
Domestic manufactured and imported
socket products. Standards or specials. Mill
shipments and blanket orders. Zinc plated
sockets, nylon patches, drilling, etc.
Tel (630) 800-6377
Email: sales@setkofasteners.com
SHEAR-LOC PRODUCTS 97
The original instant thumbscrews. The
ultimate socket head cap screw accessory.
Over 5000 combinations. Inch and Metric.
Tel (800) 775-5668
Email: sales@shear-loc.com
SPIROL 91, 111
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
SRC SPECIAL RIVETS CORP. 181
Blind Rivets. Company Rep: Tony DiMaio.
Tel & Fax (978) 521-0277
STAR STAINLESS SCREW CO. 47
Sockets, screws, nuts, bolts, washers, rod, pins,
full line of mil-spec fasteners and more. Star
Stainless is a division of Lindfast Solutions Group.
Tel (630) 595-3440
www.starstainless.com
SUBSCRIPTION FORM 133
SUPERIOR WASHER & GASKET CORP. 27
Your “single source supplier” for Made in the USA
washer and gasket products for the last 50 years.
Tel (631) 273-8282
Email: swg@superiorwasher.com
T
TAMPER-PRUF SCREW, INC. 37
Leader in Security Screws since 1974.
Tel (562) 531-9340
Email: tamperpruf90723@sbcglobal.net
TORTOISE FASTENER CO. 59
Slow moving hex heads. Stainless, brass, silicon
bronze, aluminum, nickel-copper and alloy 20 hex.
Tel (800) 691-8894
TUTTLE MANUFACTURING 195
Anchors, bent bolt specials, spade bolts,
acme threaded bars.
Tel (847) 381-7713
Email: tuttlemfg@gmail.com
U
UC COMPONENTS 165
Clean-Critical Fastener and Seal Solutions.
HV, UHV, Cleanroom Ready Fasteners and
seals. RediVac® clean-packaged screws and
O-rings. Custom products and prototypes.
Tel (408) 782-1929
Email: sales@uccomponents.com
UMETA OF AMERICA 145
Supplier of OEM quality grease fittings and guns
Tel (800) 595-5747
Fax (704) 799-1923
UNICORP 71
Manufacturer of electronic hardware,
fasteners and handles since 1971.
Tel (973) 674-1700
Email: sales@unicorpinc.com
V
VIRGINIA FASTENERS 163
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.
Tel (800) 844-8024
Email: sales@voltplastics.com
W
WILLIE WASHER MFG. 193
Domestic manufacturer of fender, spring,
tab and flat washers,
Tel (847) 956-1344
Email: sales@williewasher.com
X
XL SCREW CORPORATION 93
Importer of standard fasteners - hex cap screws,
bolts, nuts, locknuts, sheet metal screws, selfdrilling
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
Z
ZAGO
INSIDE FRONT COVER
ZAGO is a full-fledged global manufacturier
operating from a 100-year old refurbished factory
manufacturing sealing screws & bolts, security/
tamperproof seal screws. Specialty sealing
screws, sealing nuts, sealing washers, switch
boots and crystal switch seals.
Tel (973) 643-6700
Email: info@zago.com