The world of fasteners is incredibly vast. Understanding everything about them would take years of study and learning the complexities that come with it. Each fastener is designed for a specific use, but can also be used for many other things. There's no way to go over everything you can and can't do with fasteners, but we can help you make sure you don't make some of the key mistakes to avoid.
1. Choose the wrong material and grade
It is the first thing you should consider when purchasing fasteners. “What materials do I need?” There are many materials available and each has its own properties that make it worth using or ignoring depending on the application. However, this is not enough, it is necessary to take a step forward, as each material has a different chemical composition. These unique tricks are known as material classifications. Each class also has its own properties that make it more or less suitable for certain environments.
Old:
Stainless steel: corrosion resistant
Grade 316 stainless steel – corrosion resistant even in extreme saltwater environments
2. Using reactive materials together
It is not known whether metals together can actually weaken its integrity. Take aluminum and stainless steel for example, when they are together and an electrolyte (like salt water) is introduced, the transfer of electrons creates an unstable balance. This weakens the materials and leaves them susceptible to corrosion. This process is known as galvanic corrosion and must be avoided to extend the life of the fasteners.
3. Do not use appropriate locking clasps
Locking fasteners are an excellent addition to any fastener assembly, but there are some situations that absolutely require them. Any assembly subject to strong or constant vibrations must have some type of fixing device. For best results we recommend locknuts with nylon inserts. These nuts have a nylon strip inserted into the top of the nut. When the nut is tightened onto the bolt, the threads cut into the nylon, adding additional friction to the assembly.
4. Mixture of imperial and metric thread
Not all fasteners are created equal. One of the most common mistakes is trying to join the wrong types of fasteners. Each type of fastener should be easily threaded by hand. If you find that the fastener is not seated correctly, check the fasteners. There are many fastener measuring tools available to easily check the thread and size of fasteners. Always check the required size before trying to force the connection.
5. Incorrect driver size
A wrench is designed to fit completely into the fastener recess. There are different sizes of all types of drivers such as Phillips 1 or Phillips 2. Always make sure to use the correct driver as a loose driver will drastically increase cam removal and cam output.
Also, for socket wrenches and wrenches, be sure to use the correct unit. Many people try to use a metric socket on an imperial hex head because it is a close match. Don't do that. The socket is not close enough and will put most of the force on the ends of the hex head. Too much torque and these points will warp, resulting in a stripped hex head.
Pro Tip: 
Use extra supplies
Additional supplies, such as threadlockers, are not products to be ignored. They have real tried and tested benefits.
- Thread locking solution should be added to vibration-prone assemblies and lock washers to discourage accidental loosening.
- Anti-seize lubrication should be added to assemblies (especially stainless steel) to increase ease of installation and prevent seizure.
- Drill lubricant should be used to maximize drill life.
These supplemental supplies are designed specifically for applications, and when used correctly, a little extra effort can go a long way. Now you know the top 5 mistakes to avoid with fasteners and how to avoid them.
