Fasteners & Fixings

Verified by Mel Sykes, Industrial Supply Chain Specialist - April 2026

Specification	Details
Materials	A2/A4 stainless steel, high-tensile (8.8/10.9/12.9), brass, nylon
Standards	ISO 4014, ISO 4017, ISO 4032, BS EN ISO 898-1, DIN 931/933
Size range	M1.6 to M64 (metric), UNC/UNF (imperial)
Types	Hex bolts, cap screws, set screws, self-tapping, rivets, anchors

## What are Fasteners & Fixings? Fasteners & Fixings are mechanical components used to join or secure materials together without welding, riveting, or adhesives. They include bolts, screws, nuts, washers, and other hardware items that provide a strong yet adjustable connection. Fasteners & Fixings come in various types designed for specific applications and environments. The main categories include hex bolts, cap screws, set screws, self-tapping screws, rivets, and anchors. These components are critical in construction, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and marine industries, among others. ## Types of Fasteners & Fixings Fasteners & Fixings encompass several types: hex bolts, cap screws, set screws, self-tapping screws, rivets, and anchors. Hex bolts feature a hexagonal head and are used for structural connections in heavy-duty applications. Cap screws have a flat or oval head, ideal for flush mounting on surfaces. Set screws secure shafts to hubs without obstructing the surface, while self-tapping screws penetrate metal with their thread-forming tips. Rivets provide permanent joints by expanding under pressure, often used where disassembly isn't required. Anchors offer strong support in concrete and masonry substrates. ## Materials and Specifications Fasteners & Fixings are made from materials like A2-70 and A4-80 stainless steel, high-tensile grades 8.8/10.9/12.9 carbon steels, brass, and nylon. These materials ensure durability and resistance to corrosion, wear, and environmental factors. Standards such as ISO 4014, ISO 4017, ISO 4032, BS EN ISO 898-1, DIN 931/933 govern the manufacturing of fasteners. For instance, ISO 4014 specifies dimensions and tolerances for hex bolts and screws with a diameter up to M36. Similarly, BS EN ISO 898-1 outlines mechanical properties of carbon steel fasteners. ## How to Choose the Right Fasteners & Fixings Selecting the right Fasteners & Fixings involves considering application requirements such as load-bearing capacity, environmental conditions, and material compatibility. High-tensile bolts with grades 10.9 or 12.9 offer greater strength for demanding loads, whereas stainless steel A4-80 is ideal for marine environments due to its corrosion resistance. Material properties also play a important role: brass fasteners resist galvanic corrosion in electrical circuits, while nylon provides insulation and vibration dampening. Proper torque settings ensure uniform preload distribution, preventing excessive stress on bolts and nuts. ## UK Suppliers MLC lists verified suppliers from Companies House for Fasteners & Fixings. These suppliers adhere to strict quality control measures set by trade bodies like the British Industrial Fasteners Association (BIFA) and the British Standards Institution (BSI). This ensures that users get reliable, high-quality products with consistent performance. ## Common Applications Fasteners & Fixings are used in diverse applications such as automotive manufacturing, construction, aerospace engineering, marine structures, and machinery assembly. In automotive manufacturing, hex bolts secure engine components, while cap screws hold body panels together. Cap screws also play a vital role in securing structural beams in buildings during construction. Self-tapping screws simplify assembly in electronics by forming threads as they penetrate metal casings. Rivets are important for aircraft fuselage joints due to their ability to create strong permanent bonds without additional fastening hardware. Anchors provide stability and support in concrete foundations, ensuring that structures remain secure over time.