WHILE bolts and nuts may often be perceived as just part of the basics in a project, they are invaluable and should, therefore, receive serious attention.
That’s according to Bolt and Engineering Distributors Group (B.E.D.) CEO Mike Giltrow, who added, “This is essential to avoid a potential lack of stock availability based on manufacturing material supply shortages and delays in delivery.
“Customers should therefore attend to the procurement of fasteners timeously, to ensure that these products are correctly specified, ordered and produced in the appropriate quality material – and according to the required manufacturing processes – to ensure a smooth, yet precise delivery process and ultimately satisfactory performance.”
The group supplies fasteners for a variety of industry sectors including agriculture, mining, materials handling, working at height and welding full support
Giltrow said that as fasteners are available in a vast range of specifications, important factors to consider for best performance include the types and configurations, such as dimensions, material, size, thread specifications, strength, clamping force, diameter, finishes securing and tightening methods, torque value and tightening methods, among others.
As a good understanding of all these elements is essential, he said, no order or request is therefore simply taken at face value – but is supported by a dedicated and genuine interest in the fastener application and end-use, taking potential wear conditions, such as corrosion, rust, water moisture and dust ingress into account.
“Notwithstanding detailed and time-intensive planning and consideration of a ‘bolt list’, the B.E.D. Group – through our strategic team of ‘fastener champions’ of specialist and experienced technicians and sales personnel – takes responsibility to ensure that the correct bolt is used in the correct application.”
Supporting the effective use of fasteners in such applications, is B.E.D.’s offering of protective insulation, coatings and paint; as well as the recommendation of the most suitable tightening methods and supply of battery-powered hand tools and fastening equipment when and where required.
Giltrow said that thanks to the group’s support of local manufacturers, customers benefit from faster delivery at more competitive pricing.
“South Africa’s local fastener industry has the ability to produce fasteners just as effectively – and to the right quality and specifications – as their international counterparts.”
