FASTENERS AND COMPONENTS FOR LIGHTING

Machine Screws

Machine screws have a blunt end and are used to secure metal parts together.  They are normally manufactured from steel or brass and are available with brass, copper, nickel and galvanized coatings which help to prevent rust.

Machine screw head types are flathead, roundhead, oval and fillister head.  They are used in machines, tools, domestic appliances, electronic devices and automotive vehicles.

Cable Glands

Cable glands are designed to seal and retain electrical cables by ensuring that they are properly attached and secured to the equipment they’re being fed into.  A seal is created to maintain this connection which also works to keep out dust and moisture.

Available in both plastic and brass construction, cable gland kits are offered in a range of sizes to suit all installations.  They are also known as liquid tight cordgrips.

Flat Washers

Flat washers, also known as plain washers, are a thin ring of material that are designed to be used with a threaded fastener such as a bolt and nut. The washer sits between a nut and a contact surface to evenly distribute the pressure of the nut across the washer resulting in less damage to the surface material.

Available in brass, ceramic, steel and stainless steel (A2 304 and A4 316 grades) materials. Finishes include zinc plated, bright zinc plated, nickel plated and chrome plated.

Cable Ties

Cable ties are available in many different types, colours, materials and sizes.  They’re also known as wire ties, zip ties and hose ties.

These fasteners are low cost and have many uses such as cable management.  They are generally single-use as they are cut rather than loosened and re-used.  Re-useable cable ties are available where a tab releases the ratchet.  However, ties re-used in this way are weaker then new ones.

Hex Nuts

A hex nut is a very commonly-used fastener which has has six sides – the shape of a hexagon.  They are used to fasten a bolt or screw through a hole.  By having six sides makes hex nuts easier to tighten or loosen with tools such as spanners or ratchets.  They provide reliable hold over a sustained period of time.

Finishes of hex nuts vary from zinc plating to galvanizing which offers resistance to corrosion in harsh enviroments.  Select a stainless steel hex nut if corrosion is a problem.  Materials include brass, ceramic, nylon steel and stainless steel.  Popular applications are automotive, construction, machinery, workshops, DIY, home and general industry.

Grommets

Grommets, sometimes known as edging, are components which protect wires or cables where hole edges are sharp or rough.  They are available in plastic (PVC or nylon) and rubber.

There are 3 types of grommets: Round/oval, grommet strips and blind/blanking grommets.

Metal Rivets

Rivets are fasteners that are used to mechanically fix objects together.  They are a sturdy, effective and permanent option for a broad range of applications.  They have a smooth cylindrical shaft with a head at one end.  Steel rivets provide a good combination of strength and durability and are a more cost-effective choice.

Metal rivets are available in many different types, standard open, closed end, multi-grip rivet (MGR), load spreading rivet (LSR), grooved and peel.  Heads available are round, flat, countersunk, truss, pan and universal head.

Security Screws

Also known as tamper-proof, tamper-resistant or anti-theft, security screws are permanent and re-useable.  They are typically used in public or private environments where vandalism may be a problem.   Security screws normally have a torx or star head that is not removable with standard screwdrivers.  They are also available as flange button or socket head buttons.

Common uses for security screws are number plates, CCTV poles, rack mounting equipment, computer cases, public bathroom fittings and playground equipment.

Self-Tapping Screws

A self-tapping screw is a screw that can make its own hole as it is driven into a material.  They have a wide range of tip and thread patterns.

There are many types of self-tapping screws which are countersunk or flat head, allen or socket head, bugle head, button, dome or pan head, flange head, hex or socket head, wafer head, pancake head, square head and truss head.

Rivet Nuts

A rivet nut, also known as a blind rivet nut or RIVNUT®, is a counterbore tubular rivet manufactured in one-piece with an internal thread.

There are two types, one is designed to form a bulge on the back of the panel as a screw is tightened into it.  The other type, the screw is drawn into the sleeve instead of creating a bulge.