Blog - Simplified Purchasing

A nut is a common type of mechanical fastener, notable for its internally threaded hole. Nuts are almost exclusively used alongside bolts for joining components together, securing assemblies through thread friction, bolt stretching, and compression. For installation, the bolt is first passed through the preformed hole of two components before the nut is screwed onto the opposite side. With the placement of the bolt and nut, the bolt serves to prevent radial movement while the nut prevents axial movement. Depending on the application and its needs, there are numerous nut types that one may use, each presenting varying designs and installation characteristics that can make them more beneficial for certain assemblies. Read more >>

Ball bearings and roller bearings look and function similarly to one another. Despite this, there are many differences in the way each type of bearing is used. In this blog, we will discuss the differences between ball and roller bearings. Read more >>

Fasteners are hardware components that may be used to conjoin parts for assemblies and to distribute loads. Threaded fasteners in particular are extremely common to countless applications and industries, and they are often discernible by a spiraling thread that trails down a cylindrical shaft. With this configuration, such fasteners can ensure more secure connections that are established by applying torque to the component. As there are many threaded fastener types available, each with their own characteristics, being aware of the most common types can be useful when searching for an optimal fit. Read more >>

Bearings are components that are often found in many assemblies and apparatuses that feature moving parts. As components that can both reduce the friction between moving surfaces and facilitate the motion of various parts, bearings are crucial for the operations of countless assemblies and can extend their service lives by mitigating wear. While there are many types of bearings commonly used for various applications, the two primary categories used to classify bearings are whether they utilize round balls or cylindrical sleeves for their construction. As both designs will provide different benefits that may cater to specific applications, understanding their differences is highly beneficial. Read more >>

A hook and loop fastener, commonly known as velcro due to the Velcro brand name, is a fastener consisting of two linear fabric strips attached to the opposing surfaces to be fastened. The first layer of fabric is covered with tiny hooks, and the second is covered with tiny loops. Resins on the hook and loop fastener offer a secure connection, but one that is still easily removable. They are used in a broad range of industries such as aircraft, automotive, and industrial, as well as applications pertaining to clothing materials, supplies, and consumer products. In this blog, we will take an in-depth look at hook and loop fasteners. Read more >>