Scews are Screws ...Right?

With the sea of fasteners at the local hardware or big box stores you sometimes wonder where they all come from. With less and less being manufactured here in the United States one would wonder about the quality and consistency. It is true that two screws can look exactly alike and perform in very different ways. Many things can contribute to this, the quality of the steel, the thickness of the body, rolled or cut threads, tumbled or brushed.....you get the picture. Whether or not you now what I am talking about, there are companies out there that specialize in the quality of what their customers receive. If the issue is price sensitive, then the cheap stuff will be sent, however if the customer really wants to save money they would have chosen the higher priced, quality product. Here is why...I have learned this the hard way and am here to tell you quality fasteners cost more but save you money in the short and long term. (I am detailed about things so beware) However, I am not blind to over priced fasteners of any kind even when quality is an issue, and neither should you be.

Example:
If you bought a box of 100 10x1 sheet metal screws and had a project that required at least 80 of those. Lets throw some likelihoods out there on the cheap screws and do a comparison. Lets assume two costs (Quality $4.99 & Low End $2.89)

Cost for CHEAP $2.89 & associated realistic problems.
Rounded Out
Snapped Head
Poor Thread Engagement
Head Off Center (wobbles on entry)

Now lets factor in some realism's.
Of those 80 you needed, you ran a bit short because of some problems with the fasteners. Now lets factor this into the equation. Because you have to go back and get more.
*Time
*Fuel
*Insurance (can't drive without it)
*Now the cost of the part went up too. It now cost you $5.78 instead of $2.89. All factored in and lets say gas is $2.60 a gal. and Ins may cost you $1.00 for this trip and you are paid $18 dollars an hr.

I won't go overboard on this but as some business owners would agree with me there is more cost to it than what I am showing here. Here is the true cost of that cheap part. $27.38

Still think it's in your best interest to buy the cheap stuff for sensitive jobs? Me either!! If you have a fastener salesman that has been in the game a while, he/she could tell you the exact same thing I am. They can also outline the best parts for your projects. Your fastener source should be someone you consider a consultant not just a supplier.

Good Day!

Universal Wall Anchor

There have been many types of anchors that work in different wall materials. Whether it's Drywall, Brick, Plaster, Block, Wood or even Concrete there are anchors to work in each base material well. However, there has never been one anchor to work in all these base materials..... until now.

It's called the "Wall Dog" and it can do just that. It is made of a hardened steel that is able to work in most any base material with great success and the beauty of this little anchor is the simplicity of installation. With drywall, wood and plaster there is no pre-drilling required. With block, brick and concrete you only need a standard 3/16" masonry drill bit. Once you use this anchor for light duty applications it will be hard to use any other.



Installation Rating: Easy

Bolting A Hitch To My Personal Vehicle

This is a procedure for the people who like to work on heavy duty projects and for those who enjoy doing their very best.

Many hitches for vehicles are sold with installation included. Don't be naive, the price has been built into the cost of that installation. If you truly want to tackle this project you will need some quality tools and fasteners for this install. Doing this yourself could be difficult, you will most likely need the help of a friend who doesn't mind laying on the ground and looking at the underside of a car and may even have a few busted knuckles in his/her past.

Obviously you will need to consult the experts on which hitch will be best for your needs, but the install will be up to you. This will save you money and give you a better understanding of your vehicles capacity for towing.

Here we go. If you are bolting to a frame that has holes that pass threw, you will need Bolts, Flat Washers and Lock nuts. Not just any will do for this application. Depending on what you will be towing and your vehicle size could determine what grade bolts you would use, however the least grade you would use for this project would be Grade 8 preferably domestic made. Most of these Grade 8 bolts sold in the average hardware stores are easy to spot because the are coated with a yellow zinc that is easy to recognize.





What you will need to complete this job correctly and not have your boat pass you by after you stop at the traffic light.

* (Minimum) Grade 8 bolts "Largest diameter that will fit through the holes provided in the hitch"
* Grade 8 Flat Washers for both side of the holes
* Ovalized Grade 8 Lock Nuts "ONLY" (No nylon lock nuts)

The items listed above are usually found at your better hardware locations. Now, with installing these it is no easy task. The ovalized nuts is where most people struggle, this is where a heavy duty QUALITY ratchet will come in handy as well as your friend.

Now if a welded nut is attached to the vehicle already you should still use Grade 8 Bolts and still put Ovalized Grade 8 Lock Nuts as a double nut set-up to absolutely be sure you investment stays behind you and not continuing straight after you've made that left turn to the boat launch.

Enjoy!

Installation rating: Moderate/Hard

Hanging My Flat Screen TV

With all the new technology in Flat Screen TV's it seems everyone is purchasing them for home and office. If you are not having them professionally installed you may have several questions about hanging it from your wall.

Some TV manufactures will provide anchors with the mounting plate. However most do not. In this case you will need to know a little info about what kind of wall you are hanging it from.









Drywall: You will need an anchor that has a metal wing that opens like an umbrella behind the wall. These are called Toggle Bolts. My favorite though is an easy to use and is much easier to install Strap Toggle made by Powers Fasteners. This little beauty will work with any head style bolt and the wing will stay attached to the wall - vs - a Toggle Bolt where the wing will fall behind the wall if the bolt is removed. Cost is little more but your sanity will still be in tact when the job is complete.






CMU or Hollow Block: There is only one anchor I recommend for this application. It is with over 20 years experience that I have never found a more reliable and easy to install anchor that I would hang heavy valuables from on a block wall. It is called Hollow-Set Drop-In anchor and it is made by Powers Fasteners. You will need to ask for this anchor by name and manufacture to be sure you are getting the right thing. There is only one!

Once you have followed the manufactures install procedures on these anchors you can feel confident that your investment is secure and the big game won't be ruined by a faulty anchor.

Enjoy!

Installation rating: Easy