Glossary

The process of removing sharp edges, burrs, or rough spots left on a fastener after manufacturing or machining. Deburring improves safety, fit, and function by creating smooth surfaces and preventing damage during assembly. 

The measurement of a fastener’s width, typically taken across the shank for bolts and screws, or across the internal threaded opening for nuts. Diameter determines the correct hole size for a fastener and ensures compatibility between mating parts.

A non-electrolytic method used to apply a protective or decorative finish to fasteners, especially suitable for bulk application to many small parts. In this process, fasteners are fully submerged (dipped) in a coating solution, then quickly spun in a centrifuge. The spinning action removes excess coating material, resulting in a thin, uniform layer. This technique is highly valued for providing excellent corrosion resistance without the worry or risk of hydrogen embrittlement, which can be a concern with some electroplating processes.

A Dome Spring Washer (also known as a Conical Spring Washer or Belleville Washer) is a type of spring washer shaped like a shallow cone or dome.

A double end bolt (also known as a double-ended stud or tap-end stud) is a type of fastener that has threads on both ends but no head. It's typically used when one end is meant to be screwed into a tapped hole, while the other end extends outward to fasten with a nut.

A Double Expansion Shield Anchor is a mechanical anchor used to securely fasten objects into brittle base materials like concrete, brick, or block, where expansion anchors might otherwise crack the material.

A dowel screw is a type of double-ended screw that has no head and features wood screw threads on both ends. It's designed specifically for joining two pieces of wood together, typically in applications where the fastener needs to be hidden.

Drake Two-Piece Lock Nuts, or Two-Piece Lock Nuts, are free-spinning two-piece lock nuts that can be positioned anywhere along the length of the thread. The two pieces give the nut double-locking action where the bottom nut’s flexible slotted crown digs into a male thread as the second nut is fastened on top. This action locks the nut, providing superior holding power compared to “prevailing torque” style lock nuts in high-vibration applications. These nuts can be found fastening air conditioning roof pads. Drake Two-Piece Lock Nuts are heat treated for Grade 5 applications.

A detailed engineering or technical illustration that specifies the dimensions, shapes, tolerances, and features of a fastener. This drawing serves as the blueprint for manufacturing, inspection, and quality assurance to ensure the fastener meets all design and functional requirements.

Drive rivets are a type of mechanical fastener used to join or secure materials together, typically in thin sheets or soft materials like plastic, aluminum, or light metals. They are designed to be installed by driving the rivet into a pre-drilled hole using a hammer or a specialized tool.

Drywall nails are specialized nails designed specifically for attaching drywall (also called plasterboard or gypsum board) sheets to wood or metal framing studs during wall and ceiling construction.

The ability of a material to undergo plastic deformation, such as stretching or bending, without breaking. High ductility enables fasteners to absorb stress and adapt to load changes without cracking or failing.