Fastening Tools and Systems

Fasteners join two edges or objects together. They form this joint or connection through mechanical forces and many fasteners are meant to be non-permanent. Fasteners include different parts such as dowels or screws. Fasteners are distinctly different from other joining tools like ropes or hinges-which have other primary functions beyond fastening-and chemical adhesives that actively change the composition of the joined materials. O.E.M. Fastening Systems offer all of the necessary procedures and equipment necessary to fasten two objects together.

OEM Fastening Systems has specialized in creating and distributing fastening solutions for 50 years. Since 1969, we have become widely known for our array of fasteners, custom parts, and tooling services. Our team is aligned with a range of international manufacturers to provide high-quality fastener parts and fastening systems to companies across multiple industries.

Advantages of Specialty Systems

While fastening tools and systems are just one category of methods for attaching two or more objects, fastening spans the widest range of applications and industries. The benefits of using fastening systems instead of alternative assembly methods include:

Durability

Even though most fastener solutions are designed to be non-permanent, they won't give out or detach until the user is ready to remove the system. Many fasteners are made from steel or other metal that can resist:

• Abrasion
• Impact damage
• Corrosion
• Chemical damage
• Pressure

Easy Installation and Maintenance

Fasteners rarely require specialized application facilities or overly complex application tools. The procedures for installing and using fastening systems are often built for on-site technicians and employees to easily understand or be trained in. Similarly, fastening systems come with suggested simple maintenance tasks and visual inspection schedules to keep the parts in good repair throughout their lifetimes.

Environmental Friendliness

Fastening systems use mechanical forces to perform their intended function. Unlike other joining methodologies, they don't require dangerous chemicals or machinery that releases greenhouse gases and pollutants. Even the pressurized tools that drive fasteners into place in the objects often only use electricity and rechargeable batteries, offsetting environmental concerns.

Fast Installation

Mechanical fastening systems don't require long curing periods. Once the parts are installed and the two sides are joined together, the final objects are immediately ready to be put to work. This speed and convenience is a large draw for consumers in the DIY market. Fast installation also allows automotive, construction, and appliance fabrication projects to complete multi-step processes quickly with little-to-no downtime.

Most fasteners can be used with power hand tools and automated fabrication tools to speed up the installation process.

Longevity

Fastening systems are built to last. Not only are they durable in the face of potentially damaging environments, but each piece is also made to outlast comparative joining methods. Even more importantly, fastening systems are designed to support the objects they join together. Many contemporary fastening systems have washers, supports, and customized clasps or pins to distribute the fastening force across a greater area of the objects.

This ensures that the joined materials themselves also last a long time without being damaged by related stress or wear. Customized fastening systems often last well beyond their intended use cases. In some application types, fasteners may also be removed and reused on other projects.

Safe and Low-Impact Implementation

Fasteners are standard tools for many industries. Worker safety is of paramount importance, which is why fastening systems are designed for easy use. Workers can easily mitigate any risks with simple safety devices, such as gloves or protective eyewear.

Fasteners can be attached and engaged while other processes are continuing across the floor. Implementation of a fastener stage in the fabrication and assembly process won't slow down manufacturing or surrounding operations.

Versatility

Fasteners are used across almost every industry. The systems can be installed against virtually any substrate, ranging from glass to metal, without causing damage. Fasteners come in many different forms and are available for a broad variety of project sizes and pressures.

Leaders in the Fastening System Industry

OEM Fastening Systems is a certified distributor for many fastener and rivet manufacturing companies and we are a Factory Authorized Repair Center for two key manufacturers: Atlas Tools and POP Rivet Tools. For 50 years, OEM has focused on building relationships with top fastener companies to distribute parts to companies that need emergency components or well-organized inventory systems.

OEM provides fastening tools geared particularly toward the specific industries we serve.

Tier 1 Automotive

Automotive engineers tend to consider fastener types very early on in the design process. Understanding how each part of a vehicle will be held together is essential to equipment designs.

Many vehicles also require custom fastening systems, so early planning facilitates the development of a system that is simpler, easier to use, and more durable. Vehicles must withstand high-speed operation, which means weld fasteners and weld screws are often appropriate.

Appliance Industry

Appliances must resist the wear that comes from common use. These machines also need to be occasionally dismantled by service technicians and inspectors. To meet both needs, appliance manufacturers use multiple types of fasteners:

• Screws and bolts hold outer and inner panels.
• Many internal parts are held in place by rivets and clenching fasteners.
• Sometimes appliances may incorporate weld fasteners, which provide a stronger attachment than other fasteners.

Outdoor Power Equipment

Fastening systems on outdoor equipment need to be just as strong on those on automobiles and appliances. However, they must also resist contact with the elements and a wider array of chemicals. Outdoor power equipment often incorporates fasteners such as:

• Hex heads
• Panel fasteners
• Rivet nuts
• Stainless steel fasteners

Fastening Solutions by OEM

Every motorized machine should have the right high-quality fastening solution to maintain a good operating condition. That's why OEM Fastening Systems uses a wide variety of temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent fastening tools to create custom systems for our clients. We offer the following fastening components:

Blind Rivets

Rivet systems are generally installed from both sides. Blind rivets can be installed only on one side. OEM Fastening Systems can provide POP rivets and other blind rivet components for joining parts that are hard to reach.

Our selection of blind rivets includes:

• Open-end rivets
• Closed-end rivets
• Easy entry rivets
• Soft set rivets
• Multi-grip rivets
• Ultra-grip rivets
• High retention rivets
• Pull-through rivets

Rivet Tools

Rivet tools are used to install rivets. These tools provide the power and precision to clamp rivets into place to create a secure hold. We offer a wide range of riveting tools, such as:

• Rivet guns
• Hand rivet squeezers
• Power tools
• Hand tools
• Rivet gauges

OEM also partners with well-known rivet tool manufacturers, including POP and Advel.

Welding Fasteners

These fasteners provide a permanent attachment between two parts and are often applied to steel pieces. Projection weld pins, spot weld pins, and other welding fasteners create a tight hold that keeps machinery in good operating condition. This connection is permanent.

OEM's selection of welding fasteners includes several varieties of:

• Weld pins
• Weld nuts
• Weld screws

Speed Fasteners

Speed fasteners are a type of blind rivet where the mandrels are in the rivet-setting tool to make the installation speed faster than with standard rivets. Speed fasteners can clamp through a wide variety of different materials, including softer materials, without causing strain or damage.

Threaded Inserts for Plastic

Plastic parts and panels are often matched with plastic fastening components to reduce stress on the parts. Specially threaded inserts provide an extra durable hold without putting pressure on the plastic materials. The threads are reinforced with metal to allow for regular assembly and disassembly during maintenance. Types of threaded inserts for plastics include:

• Molded-in inserts
• Threaded studs
• Press-in inserts
• Compression limiter
• Inserts for plastic and stainless steel
• Inserts for hard plastics

Request Your Specialty Fastening System

Fastening tools provide temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent attachments between different machinery components. They play a vital role in keeping machinery functional, safe, and effective. OEM Fastening Systems provides a wide range of fastening systems and distributes parts from well-known fastener manufacturers.

Contact us today to select the appropriate fastener systems for your project.