Top products in 🔩 Collated Fasteners
Save Time and Effort with Collated Fasteners
Installing fasteners one by one during assembly can be tedious and time consuming. Collated fasteners are a great solution to simplify and speed up fastening tasks. Collated fasteners come already loaded together in strips, coils, or sticks so they can be fed directly into automated tools or installed manually without constantly reloading individual fasteners.
Benefits of Buying Collated Fasteners
- Reduce assembly time - Collated fasteners minimize downtime spent manually handling individual fasteners
- Prevent wasted effort - Workers don't have to sort loose fasteners or repeatedly load tools
- Simplify loading - Entire assembly jobs can be set up with just one or a few collated strips
- Improve quality - Consistent positioning of collated fasteners increases accuracy
- Enhance workflow - Smoother fastener installation workflow increases productivity
Types of Collated Fasteners Available
Collated fasteners are available in a wide range of common fastener types including:
| Fastener | Popular Uses |
|---|---|
| Screws | Woodworking, metal fabrication, machinery |
| Bolts | Construction, manufacturing, equipment maintenance |
| Nuts | Automotive, electronics, HVAC systems |
| Washers | Aerospace, vehicle assembly, construction |
Uses for Collated Fasteners
Here are some of the most common uses and applications for collated fasteners:
- Automotive assembly - Interior brackets, door panels, power train components
- Aerospace manufacturing - Fuselage sections, wings, avionics enclosures
- Construction - Roofing, siding, HVAC, electrical systems
- Furniture making - Tables, cabinets, shelving units
- Electronics - Circuit boards, computer components, control panels
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How to Load Collated Fasteners
Loading collated fasteners into manual or automated tools is quick and easy:
- Insert the end of the fastener strip into the retaining mechanism.
- Pull the strip through until the first fastener is properly indexed in the drive unit.
- Activate the tool to install the first fastener.
- The strip will automatically index the next fastener into position after each activation.
- Add new strips as needed until the complete assembly is fastened.
Where to Buy Quality Collated Fasteners
Leading fastener manufacturers and industrial suppliers carry extensive inventories of popular collated fasteners. Buying from reputable sources ensures you get high-quality fasteners specifically designed for smooth automated or manual dispensing. Whether you need standard screws and bolts or specialty aerospace fasteners, you can find reliable collated products to meet your specific application needs while saving time and boosting productivity.
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Benefits of Buying Collated Fasteners
Investing in collated fasteners can significantly improve efficiency and productivity in manufacturing, construction, and other assembly operations. Here are some of the major benefits of using collated fasteners.
Reduce Assembly Time
With traditional loose fasteners, workers must constantly load individual fasteners into automated tools or set them in place manually. This repetitive handling adds unproductive time. Collated fasteners minimize downtime by reducing the number of loading cycles.
For example, a leading aerospace company reduced fastener installation time by 47% by switching to collated lockbolts for wing assembly. Workers can load a whole collated strip just once instead of handling each fastener individually.
Prevent Wasted Effort
Loose fasteners require extra labor to organize before use. Workers must dump containers of mixed fasteners onto trays, sort them into the correct sizes and types, and then load them into dispensers or presentation tools.
Collated fasteners eliminate this wasted effort of presorting and preloading. The fasteners come organized in strips or reels, ready for immediate use.
Simplify Loading
- Collated fasteners can be loaded quickly with just one hand
- Entire assembly jobs can be set up ahead of time with just one or a few collated strips
- Reduced handling prevents loading errors that cause production delays
Improve Product Quality
The organized, repeatable presentation of collated fasteners leads to more consistent placement accuracy. This reduces misalignments, stripped threads, and other defects.
Studies show up to 35% higher fastener torque consistency with collated fasteners compared to bulk delivered fasteners.
Enhance Workflow
The ability to load in strips or reels results in a smooth, uninterrupted workflow. Operators can continuously dispense collated fasteners without pausing to replenish. This workflow efficiency leads to higher production throughput over a shift.
One automotive plant increased daily output of transmission cases by over 5% after implementing collated studs and nuts for the assembly line.
Types of Collated Fasteners
Virtually every type of fastener is available in collated format including:
- Screws
- Bolts
- Nuts
- Washers
- Rivets
- Pins
Specialized collations are also produced such as mixed nuts and bolts on one strip for matched fastener sets.
Cost Savings
Despite higher upfront cost per piece compared to bulk fasteners, collated fasteners usually save money in the long run by boosting productivity and quality. The labor savings often outweigh the material costs.
One study found a 16% total process cost reduction by using collated fasteners instead of bulk fasteners for an electronics assembly application.
Types of Collated Fasteners Available
Collated fasteners come in a wide variety of types, sizes, materials, and collations to suit various assembly needs. Here is an overview of the major collated fastener varieties available.
Screws
Collated screws are used extensively in metal fabrication, machinery, electronics, construction, and woodworking. Common collated screw types include:
- Wood screws
- Sheet metal screws
- Machine screws
- Self-tapping screws
- Drywall screws
Screws are usually collated in strips, coils, or boxer formats. One automotive company uses vibratory bowl feeders to collate CNC machine screws for dashboard assembly.
Bolts
Collated bolts provide strong, reusable threaded fastening. Applications include:
- Structural steel building construction
- Bridges
- Automotive powertrain assemblies
- Aircraft turbine engine components
- Machine bases
Common collated bolt types are hex and socket cap bolts on plastic or wire strips. A shipyard uses rotary collar feeders to supply collated anchor bolts for hull assembly.
Nuts
Collated nuts complement collated bolts and screws. Some examples are:
- Hex nuts
- Locknuts
- Weld nuts
- Square nuts
- Acorn nuts
Nuts can be collated in strips, reels, or rings. An electronics company gets customized nylon reels of collated weld nuts for circuit board production.
Washers
Collated washers help distribute load and protect surfaces. Applications include:
- Aircraft fuselages
- Auto suspension systems
- Construction
- Industrial machinery
Common washer collation methods include strips, coils, and stick formats. Collated shim washers help a motorcycle manufacturer accurately align engine components.
Rivets
Collated rivets provide permanent fastening for:
- Aircraft skin and interior panels
- Truck cabs
- Aluminum boats
- Metal building exteriors
Rivets come collated on plastic or wire strips. Robotic riveting technology relies on auto-fed collated rivets for airframe assembly.
Specialty Fasteners
Many other fastener types are available in collated strips, including:
- Retaining rings
- Threaded inserts
- Pins
- Clips
Collated fasteners continue expanding into new forms and materials like plastic pressesnap fasteners for interior auto panels.
Custom Options
Many manufacturers offer customized collation for specialty application needs. Mixed parts like nuts and bolts can be collated together in custom combinations.
Consult with collated fastener experts to explore options for your specific fastening challenges.
Uses for Collated Fasteners
Collated fasteners are designed to boost productivity across many industries. Here are some of the top uses and applications for collated fasteners.
Automotive Manufacturing
Automakers widely use collated fasteners to assemble vehicles efficiently. Example applications include:
- Interior brackets, panels, trim
- Door modules
- Engine components
- Drivetrain and powertrain systems
- Chassis and suspension parts
One automaker reduced rear axle assembly time by over 30% using collated bolts and nuts rather than bulk fasteners.
Aerospace Production
Aerospace relies heavily on collated fasteners for airframe and engine manufacturing. Typical uses:
- Fuselage skins, stringers, and bulkheads
- Wings and flight control surfaces
- Landing gear doors and assemblies
- Engine cases, frames, turbines
- Interior seats, galleys, and lavatories
Leading aircraft builders use collated lockbolts and rivets for simplified, flexible fastening operations.
Construction
Collated fasteners help build structures efficiently. Construction applications include:
- Metal and wood framing
- Roofing, siding, and decking
- HVAC and plumbing systems
- Electrical panels and conduit
- Interior drywall, finishes, fixtures
Contractors value the ease and speed of collated screw strips for repetitive fastening tasks.
Furniture Manufacturing
Automated collated screw systems are commonly used in furniture factories. Typical applications:
- Desks, tables, and workstations
- Storage units, cabinets, and shelving
- Upholstered and leather furniture
- Office chairs and furniture
- Doors, drawers, and fixtures
One furniture maker achieved over 80% faster case good assembly using collated screws versus driving loose screws.
Electronics Production
Collated fasteners help assemble electronics efficiently. Uses include:
- Computer, monitor, and printer enclosures
- Circuit board assembly
- Control panels and instrumentation
- Heatsinks, guards, and components
- Wiring harnesses and connectors
Miniaturized collated fasteners enable optimized automated assembly of consumer electronics and appliances.
These are just some examples of how collated fasteners benefit key industries. Their flexibility makes them a versatile fastening solution for almost any production application.
How to Load Collated Fasteners
Loading collated fasteners into tools or applications is quick and easy. Here are some tips for proper loading of the most common collated fastener types and formats.
Strip Collations
Fastener strips with plastic or wire carriers are commonly used for screws, bolts, nuts, washers, and rivets. To load:
- Insert the stripped end into the retaining mechanism or nosepiece guide.
- Ensure the strip is seated firmly in place.
- Pull the strip through the tool to advance the first fastener into the drive mechanism or socket.
- Activate the tool to install the first fastener.
- The strip will then index each subsequent fastener into the ready position.
An aircraft manufacturer loads long collated strips of over 500 rivets to assemble entire fuselage sections before reloading.
Stick Collations
Stick collations feature fasteners glued end-to-end in a stiff plastic carrier. To load into a tool:
- Insert the first fastener’s head into the driving socket.
- Push until the fastener snaps into position.
- Activate the tool to install the fastener.
- Remove the empty stick carrier and insert the next fastener.
Stud welding machines often use stick collations for welding nuts onto sheets of metal or plastic.
Coil and Ring Collations
Fasteners like nuts and washers are available on continuous reels or rings. To load:
- Pull the free end of the coil/ring to expose the first fastener.
- Insert the end into the feeder guide or tool inlet.
- Draw the end through the advancing mechanism.
- Activate the tool to drive or place each fastener as the reel advances.
Robotic machinery relies on reel collations for a steady supply of trim nuts to install dashboards.
Loose Strip Tips
- Ensure the strip is fully engaged in the tool before activating.
- Do not overload the tool - let it index between activations.
- Watch for strip jams and remove damaged strips.
- Use release mechanisms to remove empty strips after use.
Troubleshooting
Some common loading issues and remedies:
- Misfeeding - Clean and lubricate strip pathway.
- Jamming - Inspect strips for damage. Replace if required.
- Slipping - Tighten retaining clamps and guides.
- Breakage - Ensure tool is adjusted for strip thickness.
Following proper loading techniques and tool maintenance procedures will provide smooth, trouble-free collated fastener feeding.
2" Wsv Subfloor Screws
The 2" WSV Subfloor Screw is a type of collated fastener that is designed for fastening subfloor sheathing using the Quik Drive auto-feed screw driving system. It is a premium quality screw that has been developed to reduce driving force and increase installation speed. The WSV Subfloor Screw is the only fastener to be dual-evaluated under ICC-ES AC233 and AC120 for wood-frame subfloor fastening. It provides excellent holding power and can be easily backed out, allowing for future access to floor cavities. The redesigned tip and thread pattern of the WSV Subfloor Screw provides easy starts and up to 25% less torque while driving, making for up to 20% faster driving. The WSV Subfloor Screw is available in 1 3/4", 2", 2 1/2", and 3" lengths. It is recommended for Advantech flooring and sheathing products and has lateral, shear, and withdrawal values that exceed those of 10d common nails.
Best Subfloor Screws
Here are some of the best subfloor screws based on the search results:
- Strong-Drive WSV Subfloor Screw: This screw is the only fastener to be dual-evaluated under ICC-ES AC233 and AC120 for wood-frame subfloor fastening. It is designed for fastening subfloor sheathing using the Quik Drive auto-feed screw driving system. The WSV Subfloor Screw provides excellent holding power and can be easily backed out, allowing for future access to floor cavities. It has lateral, shear, and withdrawal values that exceed those of 10d common nails.
- #8 Wood Screws: Huber states that it is acceptable to screw the Advantech sheathing with #8 wood screws with a minimum embedment of 1". This screw is convenient, easy to remove, and capable of providing torque that nails lack. It can penetrate plywood more easily and improve the connection, whereas nails can weaken the plywood.
- Quik-Drive Screws: These screws are recommended for Advantech flooring and sheathing products. They have better withdrawal resistance and can keep up with a couple of guys laying it down ahead of them. When everything shrinks, the nails are more likely to allow movement on their shafts (squeaks).
- Galvanized Screws: Galvanized screws are named for their manufacturing process, which gives these screws a rust-resistant coating. They are convenient, easy to remove, and capable of providing torque that nails lack. Because of their structure, screws can penetrate plywood more easily and improve the connection, whereas nails can weaken the plywood.
- Steel Screws: Steel screws are designed for subfloors and are convenient, easy to remove, and capable of providing torque that nails lack. They can penetrate plywood more easily and improve the connection, whereas nails can weaken the plywood.
- Cement Board Screws: Cement board screws are designed for subfloors and are convenient, easy to remove, and capable of providing torque that nails lack. They can penetrate plywood more easily and improve the connection, whereas nails can weaken the plywood.
- Deck Screws: Deck screws can also be compatible with subfloor projects. They are convenient, easy to remove, and capable of providing torque that nails lack. They can penetrate plywood more easily and improve the connection, whereas nails can weaken the plywood. However, they are not specifically designed for subfloors.
