Selection of the correct Fastener is very important. Begin by assessing the load that will be placed on it. Any metal fastener will hold well against a sideways (shear) force. But with a tensile force pulling the fastener straight out, holding strength becomes increasingly dependent on the threads (or formed head in the case of rivets) holding the fastener in place. The load on lifting and towing eyes is almost entirely tensile — it is trying to stretch the fasteners or pull them from their holes. Cost of the fastener is always insignificant compared to maintenance and liability costs resulting from joint failure. The right fastener and proper installation methods keep bolted joints from loosening.
Improper selection and usage can cause failures resulting in huge cost, time delays and sometimes with tragic consequences.
Companies spend millions designing a project or product and neglecting this detail can come at a high price.
The wrong fastener can lead to:
- Shorter product life span
- Downtime due to breakdown
- Increased labour cost for repair
- Poor performance of the product
- Structural failure
- Loss of life in extreme cases.