Fastener distributors are essential for connecting manufacturers of fastening components (screws, nuts, bolts, etc.) to OEMs in need of these products. As a Fastener Supplier near Dearborn MI, distributors do not produce fasteners and other Class C components themselves, but rather serve as intermediaries between OEMs and a wide range of fastener sources. These distributors play a crucial role in the fastener industry by purchasing and reselling readily available products. These items are usually smaller-sized bras that are mass-produced overseas or, in some cases, in the United States. Dealers offer both SAE fasteners (grades 2 and 5) and for use in equipment, cars, and OEM-type applications, as well as ASTM fasteners that are most commonly used in construction.
In order for a dealer to stock a specific bra, they must sell it repetitively often enough to justify the inventory of that item. Products commonly stocked by distributors include A325 structural bolts, small-diameter A307 hexagonal bolts, wood screws, rivets, wedge anchors, threaded rods, nuts, washers, and so on. These items are used often enough for a dealer to have a full range of these items. Fastener distributors are responsible for the purchase and distribution of fasteners that are used in a variety of industries, including construction, aerospace, and more. The different types of bolts, nuts, bolts and other fasteners are efficiently tracked and managed through a properly implemented inventory management system.
The National Association of Fastener Dealers (NFDA) is a not-for-profit trade association that serves the North American fastener industry. Chief Content Officer Will Lowry spoke with Nick Ruetz of AIS and president of the NFDA about how the U.S. market has faced the challenges of the past two years. The fastener industry uses vendor-managed inventory and distribution (VMI) solutions to manage the storage and distribution of various fastener parts and other components.
For companies that don't buy bras on a daily basis, one of the most difficult things to do is to consult a list of bras and determine which will be a standard item in stock and which will need to be custom made. There have been many advances in the field of fasteners in recent decades, which has meant that fastener distributors now offer numerous product options. Fastener distributors primarily purchase standard fasteners in bulk to resell to industrial users; but many also offer engineering solutions for items manufactured according to drawings or secondary processes such as painting, patching, assembling kits and assembling. Standard bras are fairly simple, while ordering custom bras can be much more complex.
The following frequently asked questions will address the differences between fastener distributors and bolt manufacturers and will provide information on when to consider using each type of company to purchase fasteners. While the bras you buy are usually standard, your experience working with different vendors may vary considerably. Unlike fastener distributors, bolt manufacturers such as Portland Bolt specialize in producing fasteners that aren't available in the market. However, most contractors and construction-related companies that regularly purchase fasteners choose to purchase their standard fasteners from a dealer and work directly with a manufacturer to meet their non-standard bolt needs.
In addition to selling standard-sized bolts, fastener distributors also market non-standard fasteners by buying products from manufacturers and reselling them to end users, such as original equipment manufacturers, contractors, steel manufacturers, and other construction-related companies. Both fastening element distributors and screw manufacturers perform different and different functions in the supply of fasteners for construction. The distinction between screw manufacturers and fastener distributors is not clear and is often blurred by hybrid fastener companies. Bra distributors have the opportunity to connect customers and suppliers through a digital experience that accelerates decision-making and improves information flow.
At Class C Components, not only are we one of the Midwest's leading fastener suppliers, but we're second to none when it comes to the distribution.
