Bay Supply Blog - Rivets, Fasteners, and Tools (2)

The solar industry is booming thanks to growing concerns about climate change and an increasing demand for alternative energy sources. The increased demand for solar panels and commercial solar installations is also creating a new demand for specialty fasteners that are easy to install and durable.

Rivets have been used for millennia for everything from shipbuilding to construction. As long as humans have been building with rivets, there have been rivet tools.

The earliest rivet tool was a hammer, used to drive rivets through pre-drilled holes. As fastener technology has progressed, new materials and rivet designs have called for new rivet tools.

Fasteners are essential components in automobile manufacturing and repair. Bolts, rivets, blind bolts, screws, washers, and other components hold a car together, so it’s essential to choose the right fastener for each application.

When you use threaded fasteners, you’re bound to run into situations where the threads are stripped or need reinforcing because the material is too soft. That’s when you need to consider coil thread inserts.

Coil thread inserts are underappreciated; they repair stripped holes in softer materials and reinforce fasteners used to bind softer substrates. Coil thread inserts are essential for threaded fasteners in wood, aluminum, plastics, and other materials that can’t securely hold a threaded fastener. 

Sealants have been used for as long as people have been building things. Early sealants were made of mud and used to seal houses. Pine tar was used to make the seams in wooden boats watertight. Today’s sealants are manufactured for specialized applications in manufacturing, construction, and repair applications. Still, they serve the same primary purpose: to seal holes and gaps and create a watertight or airtight seal.

Breakstem rivets have become the mainstay of the fastener industry. Commonly referred to as blind rivets or pop rivets, breakstem rivets are used for everything from patio furniture to construction.

Breakstem rivetsare so popular because of how versatile they are. They come in different sizes and materials and can handle multiple grip ranges. They are also easy to install using either manual or power tools.

Choosing fasteners that are easy to install and don’t require special tools will save you time and money. Off-the-shelf fasteners deliver outstanding performance, and when you find the right fastener for the job, be sure it doesn’t require specialized equipment. Otherwise, you will have to spend money on tools and training.

Huck is one of the most recognized fastener brands, and the Huck BobTail^® lockbolt is one of the most popular and reliable fastener systems on the market.

If you’re a hobbyist or ever had to help your kids with a last-minute school project, you have probably had to deal with messy adhesives such as white glue, instant glue, or rubber cement. If you aren’t already using one, consider a hot melt glue gun.

Caulk is one of the most useful household adhesives available. There are multiple applications for caulk, including sealing leaks in windows and baseboards, sealing sinks and baths, and completing tilework. Caulk is an excellent sealant to keep out moisture and helps prevent mold and mildew.