How to Call Out Fasteners
Almost daily, we receive phone calls from customers who are trying to describe a fastener that they have or that they need, but don’t know how to articulate in the way most fastener industry experts do. Here, we will offer some quick guidance on how to call out a fastener like the pros.
In all cases, you’re going to start a fastener call out with some sort of diameter. You’ll then move on to another dimension (length, outside diameter, etc.), followed by the type of fastener it is, and the finish or coating you require. Let’s explore some examples for different types of fasteners.
Screw Example
1/4-20 x 1-3/4” Phillips Pan Head Machine Screw Steel Zinc Plated
1/4 → Diameter
20 → Thread pitch
1-3/4” → Length
Phillips → Drive
Pan Head → Head style
Machine Screw → Type of screw
Steel → Material
Zinc Plated → Coating or plating
Nut Example
1/2-13 Finished Hex Nut Grade 8 Yellow Zinc
1/2 → Diameter
13 → Thread pitch
Finished Hex Nut → Type of nut
Grade 8 → Material
Yellow Zinc → Coating or plating
Bolt Example
3/8-16 x 2-1/4” Carriage Bolt Grade 5 Zinc
3/8 → Diameter
16 → Thread pitch
2-1/4” → Length
Carriage Bolt → Type of bolt
Grade 5 → Material
Zinc → Coating or plating
Washer Example
5/16 x 1-1/4 Fender Washer Brass Nickel Plated
5/16 → Bolt diameter for which the washer will be paired with
1-1/4 → Outer diameter
Fender Washer → Type of washer
Brass → Material
Nickel Plated → Coating or plating
Now that you’re a fastener call-out expert, give us a call at +86-755-27859830 or text us at +86-755-27838591 to try out your new skills. If you’re still trying to figure out which fastener is right for your application, contact us for help.