Hard Fasteners vs. Strong Fasteners

Despite the fact that many fasteners are produced from metals, the metals used are elastic in nature. This means that they are capable of stretching when pressure is induced, and they will return to their normal form when the load of pressure is removed. The yield point of fasteners refers to the amount of elasticity that a component has, and stressing the fastener past this point will cause it to remain permanently stretched.

Furthermore, continued pressure will eventually fracture the metals, resulting in an eventual failure of the component. Because of the risks associated with surpassing yield points and fractures, it is very important that one understands the difference between hard and strong fasteners.
 
The hardness of a fastener is the component’s ability to withstand and resist penetrable forces that may cause abrasion or indentation. Hardness is also directly related to ductility, that of which may be determined by the amount of plastic deformation fasteners face when they are fractured. As the hardness of a fastener is increased, so too is its brittleness. As such, a very hard fastener may be less capable of withstanding great amounts of force without risking permanent damage.
 
The strength of anvil fasteners is attributable to characteristics such as maximum tensile strength, proof load, and the yield point. Altogether, the strength of a fastener dictates its ability to resist various forces before reaching a plastic state in which deformation or fracturing occurs. With higher strength, fasteners can withstand increased forces with more chance to return to their original shape and form. As a result, a stronger fastener will be more capable of taking on stretching forces as compared to a harder fastener.
 
With the differences between hardness and strength, the choice between each will often come down to the specific requirements of the application. When a particular assembly may be faced with increased stretching forces, a higher strength fastener would be more beneficial than a harder one.

On the other hand, a harder fastener will ensure more protection from abrasion or indentation which can be very beneficial for certain applications. Generally speaking, however, the more strength a fastener has, the less hard it will be and vice versa.
 
When you are in search of top quality fasteners that you can steadily rely upon, look no further than ASAP Sourcing Solutions. ASAP Sourcing Solutions is a premier distributor of aircraft parts and components, and we offer competitive pricing and rapid lead-times on our expansive inventory of items. As you explore our various part and manufacturer catalogs, you may request a quote for items that you are interested upon the submission of an Instant RFQ form.

Once our team of industry experts have reviewed your request, a dedicated account manager will reach out to you with a personalized solution for your individual requirements. Begin the procurement process today and see why customers choose to rely on ASAP Sourcing Solutions for all their operational needs.