Help
Rivets, blind fasteners, and lockbolts may seem to be insignificant, but they are literally the parts that hold things together. Whether you work in manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, solar installation, or another industry, having the right fastener in stock is what keeps you productive. More professionals are purchasing fasteners online to find the parts they need when they need them.
There are hundreds of thousands of fasteners available online. Finding the right nuts, bolts, rivets, anchors, washers, and blind fasteners made from the right materials at the best price can be challenging. Online sourcing sites, such as the Bay Supply Marketplace, can help by aggregating all types of fasteners in one place. Still, it can be difficult to choose the best fastener supply company for your needs.
Here are six key factors to consider when selecting an online fastener retailer.
1. Comprehensive Factory Inventory
Does the supplier offer a wide selection of fasteners, including those of different sizes, materials, and specifications? Ensure the supplier provides a range of configurations, including coarse, fine, and superfine threading options. Does it have standard and metric sizes?
You also want to be sure the supplier has the fasteners you need in stock. Check its inventory of nuts, bolts, screws, rivets, anchors, washers, and other necessary parts to ensure you’ll have access to the items you need when you need them.
2. Material and Coating Options
Fasteners are made from different materials to deliver different performance characteristics, so any fastener supplier should offer products made from different materials and with various coatings.
For example, for lightweight applications, such as aircraft assembly, aluminum rivets may be the preferred choice. If weight and strength are a consideration, titanium may be a better choice for fastener materials. You may need brass fasteners to resist corrosion or copper fasteners for conductivity. Stainless and galvanized steel fasteners are commonly used because they deliver lasting performance.
You may also need special coatings for specific applications. Fasteners are available with Teflon coating to provide lubrication and corrosion resistance. Chrome plating makes fasteners stronger and resistant to rust, and color coatings are used for identification in specialty applications.
3. Leading Brands and Quality Assurance
Any independent fastener supplier should offer a variety of name brands. Look for reputable fastener brands, such as Atlas, Avdel, Huck, Goebel, POP, and Marson.
Consider suppliers that offer both American-made and imported fasteners. Depending on the manufacturer, there may be variations in quality and adherence to industry standards. Be sure to check for supplier certifications, such as certifications from the International Organization for Standardization, ASTM International, SAE International, and so on.
4. Purchasing Flexibility and Bulk Ordering
The best fastener supply companies offer different ordering options. Whether you need a small sample for evaluation or large quantities, the vendor should be able to fill your order without restrictions.
You should also look for bulk pricing discounts and flexible order fulfillment. Check on shipping options. Can the supplier ship directly to jobsites, warehouses, or other locations? Does it offer different types of shipping, including discounts?
5. Fast and Reliable Delivery
Even the best deal on fasteners is meaningless if there are shipping delays. If you can’t keep essential parts in stock, it slows production, which costs you money.
Be sure your suppliers offer expedited shipping and real-time inventory tracking. See what kind of carrier partnerships they have to ensure on-time delivery.
6. Expert Technical Support and Customer Service
With numerous fastener options available, you may require expert assistance in selecting the most suitable fasteners for the task. Your supplier should be available to advise you on fastener options, specifications, and applications, pointing you in the right direction.
When buying fastener tools, it pays to work with a factory-authorized distributor. Look for a supplier that can handle in-house repairs by professionals who are certified by the manufacturer. Check to see if it offers maintenance programs and routine preventative service.
Choosing the best fastener supply company to meet your needs is as important as selecting the right fastener or part. You need reliable sourcing partners who can ensure you have the fasteners you need when you need them. Bay Supply offers a variety of fasteners that are durable and high-quality while providing great value. We also have the years of experience and expertise to help you find the best fasteners and tools for any job.
Contact the experts at Bay Supply and see what it’s like to work with true fastener professionals.
Comments