Will Stainless Steel Fasteners Ever Rust?

Don’t be fooled. Just because your favourite fastener happens to be made of stainless steel does not mean it is impervious to rust. It is true. You may even find rust in as little as four or five days depending on the grade of steel used.

That means it is possible to walk out on your dock at the yacht club and find bolts discoloured in iron oxide. You might even see red streaks running down your shingles from rusted roofing nails.

If stainless steel fasteners can rust, then what makes them ‘stainless’? Here’s how:

• Your nuts and bolts are highly corrosion resistant.
• They have an invisible oxide coating from the presence of chromium in the alloy that protects the steel.

How do you ensure you do not have to deal with rust?

• Choose the best grade possible for the environment the fastener will be exposed to.
• Use paint on your fasteners to minimize the surface area exposed.
• Spray them with a zinc-based lacquer before securing them.
• Keep stainless steel fasteners clean and dry when possible.

Before you start your Honey-Do list or next contractor project, consider the type of fasteners you will need, and how they will be used. If you are building a dock, then consider a grade of 316. Considering re-roofing a home? You will want a grade 410.

Talk to the team at Ottawa Fastener Supply for help finding the best stainless steel bolts, screws, and nuts. We have a wealth of knowledge at your disposal. Give us a call at and know you will get exactly what you need.

For More Information: https://www.ottawafastenersupply.com/will-stainless-steel-fasteners-ever-rust/

Answers to Your Top 10 DeWalt Battery Questions

1.  What’s the difference between 20V & 60V DeWalt batteries?

It depends on the use. If you are working under heavy-duty situations, say you are a cut man on a residential job site, the 60V batteries can handle the stress that comes with the territory. They labour less under load and run cooler than the 20V batteries. Also, the 60V changes its voltage draw based on the tool it is used in. Basically, one battery pack can run several tools.

2.  Can I use my 20V battery in my 60V tool and vise versa?

The short answer is no. 20V batteries are exclusive to 20V tools. For example, you cannot use your 20V reciprocating saw’s battery pack in your 60V hammer drill. However, you can take a 60V pack and use it in a 20V, 60V, and 120V(60V x 2) tools like your brushless impact driver.

Keep in mind that the interchangeability stops at the device.  It is imperative that you charge your 60V battery in a 60V FlexVolt charger.

3.  Which of the DeWalt Voltage systems are obsolete?

At the head of the pack are the 8V and 14.4V systems. None of these are supported as much as the newer versions and are almost entirely phased out. Close behind them is the 18V system. You can still find tools and batteries for sale, but these are in the process of being phased out. The 24V and 36V tools are already discontinued.

Like the 18V system, you can find batteries and chargers if you have equipment with these voltage requirements.

4. How do I know when my battery is fully charged?

On a DeWalt charger, there is a red LED light that flashes while charging your battery. When it stops flashing and glows continuously, the battery is fully charged and ready for use. For other manufacturers, consult the instruction manual.

5.  Should I leave my battery in the charger when it is finished charging?

To get the most life out of your battery, you should remove it from the charger once it has finished charging. The problem with overcharging is the potential damage to the battery which can shorten its lifespan and leave you in a lurch if it quits in the middle of a project. Of course, be sure to read your tool’s instructions as they may indicate that storing your battery on the charger is fine.

As a side note, using and charging your battery regularly will help extend its life. So, charge it fully, use it regularly, and store it properly to get maximum use time.

6.  Should I remove the battery from the tool when I’m not using it?

Generally speaking, unless the trigger is activated on the tool, the battery should have no effect. It is good practice to keep the trigger in a locked position when not in use, especially if it is being stored in your work truck and gets bounced around when in transit from site to site.

7.  How long will a fully charged 20V battery last?

It depends. Several variables will determine the length of a charge you can expect and the life of the battery. These factors include user behavior, ambient temperatures, storage habits, and capacity.

Do you throw it loosely in the same toolbox that your saws, hammers, and screwdrivers bounce around in? It’s better to store it in the original carry case or cushioned bag.

DeWalt warranties their Lithium-ion batteries for three years. If you take great care, you can expect them to last much longer.

8.  Can a battery charger be used with a generator?

You should check with the manufacturer before plugging in your battery charger to your generator. Each generator gives off different variations in voltage and current and may affect the charge. All DeWalt chargers, except for the DW9106, are designed to withstand the fluctuations delivered by generators.

9.  Does DeWalt make all of their tools in every voltage they offer?

No, but most tools are available in both 18 and 20 voltages. DeWalt does make an adapter so you can use a 20V battery in your 18V impact wrench. They continue to expand their 20V line of cordless power tools, which is good news. When your trusty 15-year-old compact drill malfunctions or is finally phased out, you can upgrade.

At this time, the 60V Flexvolt line is less diverse but growing.

10.  How do the 40V Max Outdoor Power Tools fit into DeWalt’s line-up?

This line targets heavy outdoor power equipment users such as landscapers. The battery packs are larger and include more cells. The FlexVolt is not compatible with this line of outdoor tools.

Originally Posted here: https://www.ottawafastenersupply.com/faq-dewalt-battery-voltage-ottawa/

Ottawa Fasteners & Anchors | Ottawa Fastener Supply

Our Wall of Fasteners in Ottawa has it All

Have you seen our World Famous Wall of Fasteners yet? With the largest selection in Eastern Ontario and likely the whole province, Ottawa Fastener Supply has every option you can imagine to help you keep things together. In fact, our online catalogue features 55 pages of fasteners alone, with many other options available!

Read more: https://www.ottawafastenersupply.com/products/fasteners-anchors-ottawa/

How to Use A Cordless Drill?

Although it may seem super straightforward to those with experience, there are many ambitious homeowners who aren’t fully aware of how to use a cordless drill.

Use your cordless drill by depressing the trigger located on the handle. Once pressed, the chuck, a clamp that holds the bit in place, will rotate. As you increase the pressure on the trigger, the tool speeds up. A clockwise rotation will insert a screw into the area you want. Depending on the project, the torque may need adjusting. Find the button on the top of the drill that regulates the torque and speed. Consider using less torque for driving screws and maintain a medium speed for drilling holes (depending on hole diameter). Never apply too much pressure to make the drill work “faster”.”

How does a cordless drill work?

This handy tool uses a battery located below the handle to provide the power to rotate the chuck. The trigger controls the speed, and you can adjust your speed by the amount of pressure on the trigger. The motor converts the electric power from the battery into energy to rotate the tip. Some cordless drills have gearboxes that are specialized to switch gears, which is handy if you need to drill through harder materials.

When to use a cordless drill?

Use your cordless drill anytime you need to drill a hole or drive a screw or bolt. You can even use it to mix paint when you use a specialized mixer attachment. It is especially handy for times when electrical power is not available.

Originally Posted on Ottawa Fasteners Supply

Six Power Tools you Cannot Live Without if you Plan to DIY

While there are many renovations that are beyond the scope of an average person’s DIY capabilities, you can do many projects if you have some basic skills and the right power tools. Just a few examples include some types of flooring, baseboards and trim, shelving and more. The key to your success lies in six power tools you cannot live without if you plan to do a great job on your DIY projects.

1. Cordless Drill – Be sure to invest in a reliable, powerful cordless drill. This power tool will more than pay for itself as you use it to pre-drill holes and assemble items on your DIY list. From hanging drywall to fastening that annoying loose doorplate, you will save a lot of time and wrist twisting with a good drill.
2. Circular Saw – Available in corded and cordless models, a circular or skill saw is easily portable and makes quick work of cutting boards for your projects. With some practice, you can easily rip large pieces of plywood and zip through studs with ease.
3. Mitre Saw – While you can cut mitres with a skill saw, getting them precise takes a lot of practice. If you plan to do a lot of flooring, moldings and baseboards, invest in a mitre saw. In the end, you will save money by wasting less of these pricy materials and your joints will look professional.
4. Compressor and Nail Gun – You will survive if you do not get yourself a compressor and nail gun, but after trying to nail down one or two baseboard lengths, you will be sorry you did not. Not only are pneumatic nail guns fast and easy to use, you will have smaller holes to fill during finishing and you will not be trying to cover hammer strikes. An added bonus- the air compressor is multifunctional and can be used for countless tasks!
5. Oscillating Multi-Tool – If you are doing any type of woodwork in your DIY efforts, this is a power tool you definitely cannot live without. A multi-tool will save you hours on projects and save money because it can cut, sand, scrape and more, depending on the attachments you use.
6. Laser Level – You might be able to live without one and since it does not have a motor, it does not exactly qualify as a power tool, but a laser level will change your life. From hanging pictures, to shelves to starter strips for flooring, getting on the straight and narrow has never been easier.

Originally Posted on Ottawa Fasteners Supply