Fastener Resources
Articles & guides
Practical information to help identify fasteners, understand specifications and choose hardware for repair, fabrication, construction and industrial work.
Flat Washers, Fender Washers, and Lock Washers: How to Choose
Learn how flat, fender, and lock washers differ, what dimensions matter, and why washer choice should match the fastener, surface, and joint design.
Zinc-Plated vs. Stainless Steel Fasteners: What’s the Difference?
Compare zinc-plated and stainless steel fasteners, including corrosion behavior, material differences, strength considerations, and replacement tips.
Bolt Grades and Head Markings: What They Can Tell You
Learn what common SAE radial lines and metric property-class numbers can tell you about a bolt, and why markings are only part of identification.
Coarse Threads vs. Fine Threads: What's the Difference?
Learn how coarse and fine threads differ, how to identify them, and why diameter alone is not enough when choosing a replacement fastener.
How to Measure and Identify a Replacement Bolt or Screw
A practical guide to measuring diameter, thread pitch, length, head style, and markings when identifying a replacement fastener.