Lag Screws: An Overview of This Strong Fastener

A screw is a self-drilling fastener that’s characterized by a threaded exterior. When driven into a surface, the screw’s threaded exterior digs and removes material, allowing for easy insertion into the respective object. For woodworking applications, though, certain types of … Read More

Polyurethane vs Rubber: What’s the Difference?

Polyurethane and rubber are two common materials used in the manufacturing industry. From bushings and gaskets to tires and boots, you’ll find a variety of products made of these materials. But polyurethane isn’t the same as rubber. While both materials … Read More

The Beginner’s Guide to Hard Turning and How It Works

Turning operations are typically performed on cold or room-temperature metal workpieces. The workpiece is secured to a chuck, faceplate or collet that rotates the workpiece while exposing it to a stationary cutting tool. The rotation of the workpiece allows the … Read More

Why Water Pipes Are Often Made of Copper

Copper isn’t used strictly in the production of electrical wires. While its highly conductive properties make it ideal for electrical applications, copper is also frequently used to make water pipes. In residential homes, commercial buildings and municipality water systems, copper … Read More

Lock Nuts: How These Common Locking Fasteners Work

A nut if a fastener featuring a threaded, circular interior that’s used in conjunction with a bolt to secure multiple objects together. After inserting a bolt through the objects, a nut can be twisted onto the end of the bolt, … Read More

What Is a Clevis Fastener?

When you think of fasteners, you’ll probably envision traditional types like screws and bolts. For centuries, screws and bolts have been used to join objects and surfaces. There are other types of fasteners available, however, one of which is the … Read More

Overview of Metal Heat Treatment Processes

Whether it’s steel, iron, aluminum or copper, metal is often exposed to heat to alter its physical properties. Known as heat treatment, it’s been around for thousands of years, with some of the earliest examples dating back to the eighth … Read More