Consisting of common metals or alloys — steel, copper, nickel, tin, titanium, etc. — sheet metal is both harder and stronger than wood. As a result, it requires the use of special screws. You typically can’t drive a conventional screw … Read More

Blow molding is a manufacturing process that’s designed to create hollow parts. It’s called “blow molding” because it typically involves blowing air or inert gas into the center of a heated object. As the air or inert gas accumulates, it … Read More

Screws are often manufactured using either thread forming or thread rolling. Both of these manufacturing processes involve the creation of threading, which is a defining characteristic of all screws. Screws have external helical ridges, known as threading, that allow them … Read More

A screwdriver is an essential tool used to install and remove — as well as tighten or loosen — screws. It typically features a long and wide shaft that’s affixed to a screw head. The screw head is inserted into … Read More

Installing fasteners may seem like a simple task, but over-tightening them can result in stripping and snapping screws and failed fasteners. For example, you need a torque setting when installing your fastener to make it spin and stretch into position. … Read More

Boring is a common machining process that involves the use of a cutting tool to enlarge an existing hole in a workpiece. If a workpiece has a hole that requires enlarging, a manufacturing company may “bore” it. It’s typically performed … Read More

Not to be confused with a milling machine, a lathe is a machining tool that’s used to cut, sand, knurl, drill and turn workpieces by exposing them to a stationary cutting tool. The workpiece is clamped in place, after which … Read More