Agricultural machinery needs fasteners it can rely on during heavy-duty operations, in outdoor environments, and under other conditions that demand high-quality, sturdy hardware. Fasteners comprise a broad category of components that include nails, screws, and other hardware that connects separate parts and elements of the machinery. 

Different factors such as the type of fastener, the material, and its coatings can impact the lifetime performance of the fasteners. This page will discuss standard fastener types and material options. 

Standard Fasteners for the Agricultural Industry

Broadly speaking, a fastener is any type of hardware that joins or connects two or more pieces together. This category includes permanent fasteners, such as rivets and nails, or non-permanent options that can be removed and reattached, like bolts and screws. While metal fasteners might first come to mind, fasteners can be constructed from nearly any hard material, including wood and plastics. At Associated Fastening, we provide a wide range of material options for our vast selection of standard and custom agricultural fasteners.

Types of Fasteners

Four of the most common types of fasteners for agricultural machinery and equipment include nails, screws, bolts, and rivets.

Nails

Nails are permanent fasteners that can pierce through one or more components and embed in or through the final piece or substrate to create a firm hold. Nails typically have one pointed end and a flat head that provides a surface for forcing the nail into place and for holding it against the first fastened component. Different nails come in a variety of lengths, thicknesses, and designs, and they are often made from stainless steel.

Screws

Screws are non-permanent fasteners that have a threaded length that tapers to a point. Applying force and rotary motion will embed the screw into a substrate material or drive it through multiple components to hold them together. In some instances, screws may be inserted into existing holes with matching threads. Users can remove and reattach the screw multiple times without jeopardizing the structural integrity. Screws offer more tensile strength than nails and come in a wide array of design, length, and material options. 

Bolts

Nuts and bolts are paired fasteners that hold components in place between them. The threaded bolt has similarities to a screw but typically has a thicker head and a flat end. The circular nut is cut to fit the threads of the corresponding bolt. By firmly tightening the nut, components are held together between the nut and the bolt head. 

Rivets

Rivets are permanent fasteners. A rivet is a short piece of metal with a head on either end of its length that permanently bends into position after insertion to hold two or more sheets or components against each other.

Choosing Fastener Material

It’s important to choose a faster material, type, and coating that will comply with any industry regulations and ensure the safest long-term performance for the assembly.

  • Material. Rather than simply selecting the cheapest material available for a fastener, it’s important to consider how the material will perform. With heavy-duty agricultural equipment, the strength of the metal and corrosion resistance may matter more than other factors.
  • Type. There are a wide variety of permanent and non-permanent fasteners for platforms, equipment, and other diverse applications. Determining the best fastener type will depend heavily on the specifics of the application and available budget.
  • Coating. If you select a material that doesn’t have all of the characteristics your assembly needs, it’s often possible to enhance physical properties through an appropriate coating process. For example, chrome coatings provide a decorative finish for visible fasteners and zinc coatings add a corrosion-resistant surface layer.
  • Size. Different fasteners come in different classifications based on size. If you need standard sizes, manufacturers will be able to provide them more quickly and you’ll have more sourcing options.
  • Source. There are many different suppliers available. It’s often best to work with a distributor who can source the components you need from different manufacturers that specialize in different parts.

Fastener Materials

Most fasteners are made from metal or highly durable plastics. The most common options for agricultural fasteners include:

  • Steel
  • Stainless steel
  • Nylon
  • Brass and bronze

Choose Agricultural Industry Fasteners From Associated Fastening

Associated Fastening Products, Inc. has been providing a comprehensive array of fasteners to challenging industries for more than 30 years. Fasteners come in a wide range of materials, designs, and intended applications. Please contact us for assistance with selecting the right fasteners for your application.