7 Commonly Asked Questions about Fasteners

 Choosing the best fastener for your project helps ensure it is built strong and will last for years. However, walking down the aisle of a hardware store and seeing hundreds of boxes of bolts, nuts, and screws overwhelms even the most hardened carpenter. Why so many different kinds? A bolt is a bolt is a bolt…right? They all do the same job, so why are there stainless steel and galvanized steel? Isn’t stainless the strongest? Does stainless steel ever rust or corrode? When is the best time and application for imperial sizes over metric?

If you have ever stood in the middle of a fastener aisle and scratched your head in confusion and frustration, you are in the right place. At Ottawa Fastener Supply, we understand. We make it our mission to provide contractors and DIY warriors with the correct type of fastener for their projects. We are happy to take time and chat about what you are building or repairing and then find the best nuts, bolts, or screws for the mission. We even have a world-famous wall of fasteners just waiting for you to explore.

It is helpful to combat feelings of overwhelm with knowledge. Before you step foot in any hardware or home improvement store, check out the answers to these seven most commonly asked questions in Ottawa about fasteners.

What are fasteners?

Fasteners are tools that hold two pieces together in a non-permanent joint. For example, using a deck screw to attach a deck board to a ledger board creates a joint. Because in theory, these two pieces can be separated, they are considered non-permanent. Unless you are welding, you will most likely be creating non-permanent joints using your drill or screwdriver.

We most commonly think of bolts and screws as fasteners. The idea is correct but not complete. Other fastener categories include nuts, concrete anchors, inserts, washers, threaded rods, rivets, and retaining rings.

As a weekend DIY warrior or a contractor, understanding the different types of fasteners and their best uses can make or break your project. You can find screws, bolts, and nuts in carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, Inconel stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum. They can be coated, which slows corrosion or uncoated. Each type serves a specific purpose.

How strong are stainless steel fasteners?

People believe that stainless steel is stronger than regular steel, but that is not necessarily the case. You may hear it referred to as a soft metal. It is an alloy of low carbon steel and chromium. The low carbon steel cannot be hardened, so it is technically weaker than regular steel.

Stainless steel is popular to use for consumer products. It has hygienic properties, making it useful for surgical and culinary products. It is easy to fabricate and is appealing to the eye. That doesn’t mean it is the best choice for industrial-type projects.

To enhance its strength, stainless steel comes in different grades. For example, 18-8 stainless is comprised of about 18% chromium and 8% nickel and is used primarily for hardware. Stainless 316 is resistant to saltwater and chlorine environments, while stainless 410 is harder than 18-8.

Here are some uses of common grades of stainless steel fasteners:

18-8: marine application both fresh and soft water

305: deck screws for use with wood or composite boards

316: saltwater application – boats, docks, piers, and pools

410: roofing screws, siding screws, and self-tapping screws

Will stainless steel fasteners ever rust?

It is possible for stainless steel fasteners to rust even though they are highly corrosion resistant. This type of steel has the magical power to self-repair. It has an invisible oxide coating that protects the steel from external factors. This adds to its ability to fight rust, especially in an oxygen-rich environment.

To ensure your fasteners will not rust, you will want to choose the best grade for the environment the screws and bolts will be exposed to. Are you building a dock or pier for the local yacht club by the sea? Then it would be best if you choose grade 316 stainless steel. If you are re-roofing a residential home, then you want to consider 410 stainless.

What is the difference between the grades in Metric and Imperial bolts?

The main difference between the grades in metric and imperial bolts is how each is measured. Metric bolt heads are measured in millimeters while Imperial (or standard) are measured in inches or fractions of inches.

Metric bolts utilize the metric system of measurement, even if they are designed in the United States. You can find markings on the heads of metric fasteners that indicate how strong the bolt is, or what’s called its tensile strength.

You will find standard sized fasteners primarily come from the United States. The two basic types of standard bolts are found in the Unified National fine thread and coarse thread. You will not usually find numeric markings on the heads. Instead, you will see lines on the heads. To discover the strength of an imperial bolt, you have to measure the number of threads.

Do I need to pre-drill holes for screwing into wood? Steel? Rock?

It pays to drill pilot holes before screwing in your fastener. Pre-drilling saves you heartache and frustration as you progress through your project.

Let’s take wood. When you drive a screw into wood without pre-drilling a hole, you push the wood fibers out of the way to make room for the fastener. The displaced threads put added pressure on the screw and can cause cracking and splitting of the wood. By creating pilot holes, your screw will not break off, and the wood will not crack.

Screws are not made to drill through metal easily. You may be able to use a self-drilling fastener; however, you can use pre-drilling to save your material and your patience when you don’t have any. You can also use any drill. You just want to use the best choice in drill bits for the material you’re working with.

For rock, you want to use a hammer drill because the material is much harder than wood and steel. You will also want to grab some masonry drill bits.

When should I use fine thread nuts/bolts?

You will want to use fine threaded bolts when working with metal. For example, you have an already threaded piece of metal that you affix to another piece of metal. It also applies if you have two metal pieces that need fastening together with a washer and nut.

In short, fine threaded nuts and bolts work best with pre-threaded metal parts. Fine threaded nuts and bolts are great for applications that need finer adjustments, exposed to many vibrations, and require less torque to tighten.

For most applications, you can use a coarse threaded fastener. They are resistant to stripping, less likely to nick, and are easier and faster to assemble.

When should I use a lock washer vs. a lock nut?

Either choice will give you a tight fit for your bolts. There is a bit of a difference based on the type and environment of the application. Don’t worry. There are just as many types of lock nuts and lock washers as opportunities to use them!

A lock washer can handle the pressure of torqueing a bolt or screw down and is best used for those projects where there is a lot of heat or vibration. Consider if you are working on your car’s alternator or changing the muffler. There is no other place that you can get quite the combination of heat and vibration than your daily drive.

You will find locknuts used primarily in home projects that don’t need or cannot handle a lot of torque to tighten it. These might include light fixtures.

Ottawa’s World-Famous Wall of Fasteners Has What You Need

Find the perfect fit of fastener for your next project when you stop by one of Ottawa Fastener Supply’s two convenient locations. Come in and talk with us about your needs. Our team of experts will happily answer your questions and help you find just what you need from our wall of fasteners. No more frustrating decisions about the correct type of bolt or screw—come see us today!

Original Source: https://www.ottawafastenersupply.com/7-commonly-asked-questions-about-fasteners-in-2020/

What Does “AH” or “ah” Mean on a Battery?

 

Select Your Cordless Tools Wisely

While the convenience of cordless power tools makes them extremely valuable for DIYers, as well as professional tradespeople, a key aspect that sets them apart is how long these tools work between recharges. The letters “Ah” or “AH”(“amp-hour” or “ampere-hour”) that you see on your battery essentially denote the charge capacity. The number alongside the letters will tell you the total amount of current the battery will consistently deliver to your tool over the course of an hour. For example, a 2.0ah battery draws 2 amps of power and you will need to recharge it after 60 minutes of continuous use (under ideal circumstances).

Should Battery Capacity Influence Your Choice of Power Tools?

Batteries play a significant role in optimizing the performance of your power tools. Before selecting your power tools, consider some of these aspects related to the tool batteries:

• Capacity: What is the battery’s“Ah”? While theoretically a 4Ah battery should last double the time of a 2Ah battery, in reality there are other mitigating factors that determine battery capacity or longevity. This includes construction of the battery (NiCd or Lithium-ion) and the voltage of the tool.
• Charging time: How long does it take to recharge the battery to full capacity?
• Portability: How easy is it to carry the batteries around from one job to another? What are the potential risks during transportation?
• Storage criteria: Is there any specific temperature or manner in which you need to store the batteries?
• Cycle life: How many times can you recharge the battery before it needs to be replaced?

At Ottawa Fastener Supply, we carry a large selection of cordless tools, batteries and other accessoriesfrom reputed brands, such as DEWALT®, Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee® and more. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you in making the best choice for your projects.

Original Source: https://www.ottawafastenersupply.com/what-does-ah-or-ah-mean-on-a-battery/

12 Common Questions about Cordless Power Tool Batteries

Cordless power tools make life much easier for the DIY-ers and professional tradespeople alike. They carry the same power as their corded counterparts without the hassles of extension cords and generators. Who doesn’t love grabbing their cordless drill and heading to the backyard to finish installing deck boards without having to stretch a long extension cord across the yard?Cordless power tools come with batteries that are the powerhouse behind getting your jobs done. They may seem a little tricky and bring their own questions. With the right answers, you can not only keep that to-do list short, you will have a piece of equipment ready for any task for years to come. Here are twelve common questions about power tool batteries.

What does “Ah” or “AH” mean on a battery?

When you see the letters “Ah” or “AH” on your battery, it stands for ampere-hour or amp hour. It refers to the charge capacity of the battery. That is how much current you can expect to be delivered consistently to your tool over the course of an hour. Let’s say your battery has 2.0Ah. That means it will draw 2 amps of power and will be drained after an hour of continuous use. Keep in mind, this is under ideal conditions.

Is a higher Ah battery better?

In theory, yes, a 4Ah battery “should” last twice as long as a 2Ah battery. However, there are always mitigating factors. For instance, the amperage raw of the tool being used with the battery and how the battery was constructed, play into the longevity of run time you can expect. If the batteries are connected in series, it may double the voltage but not increase the run time of your power tool. When connected in parallel, the run time is longer even though the voltage doesn’t increase.

How long do tool batteries last?

It depends. In general, most major power tool brands (DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, etc.) carry a minimum 3-year warranty on their batteries. Of course, there are limitations and external factors that affect the lifespan of your power tool batteries. These factors include the state of the pack’s charge when you stored it and the temperature during storage. Additionally, the location of the battery when stored (on the tool, on a shelf, on a charger or in the tool bag) can affect the lifespan.

How can I repair my power tool batteries?

It is possible to rebuild your power tool batteries if you have the know-how and patience to solder. We recommend using a professional and not doing it as a DIY project on the weekend. While rebuilding batteries is not a service we provide, at Ottawa Fastener Supply, we are happy to test and inspect your batteries and replace those under warranty. Please call our service department for more information at 613.828.5311, ext. 3.

Can I take my power tool batteries on an airplane?

Loose batteries must be placed in your carry-on bag. You can place power tools with their batteries attached in your checked baggage; however, you must be sure they cannot short out or accidentally activate. DeWalt’s new Flexvolt batteries come with an attachment to prevent this from happening. Your best bet is to pack your tools in your checked bags and use carry-on bags for your batteries. Always check with the airline before flying to ensure you are following the rules they set.

Can power tool batteries freeze?

Lithium-ion batteries do not like the cold. They charge slowly or fail to hold a charge at all. Remember to store batteries indoors overnight. When on a job site, keep them in your tool bag with a gel warmer or your pockets next to your body when not in use. If they are left out to endure the elements, do not charge them while they are still cold. Instead, let them warm up to room temperature for an hour or two first.

Are power tool batteries interchangeable?

No. Each brand of cordless power tools has designated battery platforms specific to their line of tools with different voltages. Now, it may be possible to interchange batteries between the same brand and voltage even with different ampere-hours. Before you run the risk of burning up your favorite cordless drill or screwdriver by swapping batteries across brands, give us a call. We are happy to confirm which battery will work for your tool!

How do I charge a battery without a charger?

We do not recommend this tactic. As a DIY weekend warrior, your time is better spent on building a deck, not taking unnecessary risks. The best way to charge a battery pack is by using the charger designed for it, for two reasons. First, it gives you the best charge for your tool. Second, you don’t run the risk of voiding the warranty. Give us a call at Ottawa Fastener Supply about the warranties on your power tools and corresponding batteries.

How do I test my cordless drill battery charger?

Any service center across Ottawa should be able to test your charger. Keep in mind that if you think your charger is not functioning, it is more likely that it is the battery, not the charger. Age and overall daily maintenance helps the lifespan of your battery, but they are not built to work forever. Stop in at Ottawa Fastener Supply, and we can inspect chargers of many makes and models. We also can help you find the right replacements.

How do I jumpstart or fix my cordless drill battery?

The best way is to bring the battery into a certified service center. These are not car batteries. It isn’t a matter of linking positive to positive and negative to negative and then turning the key of the dead car. By messing around with your cordless drill battery, you can permanently damage it, and possibly yourself, and void the warranty in the process. Why risk getting a replacement under warranty when you can use the services of a certified center?

How long does a drill battery take to charge?

For brand new batteries, charging it overnight will ensure you have a full charge on each individual cell. From that point on, future charges can take between three to six hours to achieve a full charge. Luckily, newer chargers are designed so that you cannot overcharge your battery, and lithium-ion batteries have little to no memory, so you don’t have to worry about emptying it before placing it on the charger.

How long do cordless drill batteries last?

Brand new batteries should be charged overnight to ensure you have a full charge on each individual cell, so that the life of the cell is not compromised. From that point on, future charges on a the proper/adequate charger can take between 30min to 2 hours to achieve a full charge. Never use under-powered chargers for high capacity batteries. Newer chargers are designed so that you cannot overcharge your battery (though don’t store it here, plugged in), and lithium-ion batteries have little to no memory, so you don’t have to worry about emptying it before charging.

Get Your Power Tool Battery Questions Answered at Ottawa Fastener Supply

When in doubt, check out Ottawa Faster Supply. We have a wide selection of tool batteries and cordless drills, saws, and tools to meet your DIY needs.

We love sharing our knowledge to assist you in making the best choices for your projects. Take advantage of our years of service and experience to ensure your next job is done quickly and easily. 

Original Source: https://www.ottawafastenersupply.com/12-common-questions-about-cordless-power-tool-batteries/

Brand Red or Brand Yellow in Cordless Power Tools: A Tough Choice

 Although the Milwaukee – brand red – and the DeWALT – brand yellow – cordless power tool lineups are both tough, choosing between them can be even tougher.

The Tool and Equipment Store, your Ottawa tool store, compares and contrasts the two brands in this blog post to ease your decision-making.

The differences between the two line-ups of cordless power tools don’t just come down to colour. But let’s start with the similarities.

Both brands feature powerful lithium ion batteries and over 100 individual tools in their lineups. Both motor designs are brushless for improved efficiency. Both brands have also introduced newer, high-powered batteries enabling cordless operation for heavier tools.

Milwaukee’s basic lineup of cordless power tools, the M18 FUEL, “represents the ultimate synergy of professional grade power, light weight, extreme performance and superior ergonomics,” according to the Milwaukee Tool web site. The web site for DeWALT’s 20V MAX lineup, on the other hand, claims that “all tools come with upgraded features and superior ergonomics.” For extreme performance in the 20V MAX lineup, DeWALT urges users to “step up to the XR series and get advanced electronics, extended runtime and faster application speeds.”

There are differences in the newer, high-powered batteries, however.

The Milwaukee RED LITHIUM HIGH DEMAND battery “delivers up to five times more run time, 35 per cent more power, 50 per cent more recharges and runs 60 per cent cooler than standard 18V lithium ion batteries.” It “provides the next large step towards full corded replacement when paired with the M18” collection of tools.

The DeWALT FLEXVOLT battery “automatically changes voltage when you change tools.” It “brings power to a whole new lineup of tools” and is backwards compatible with the 20V collection.

The Tool and Equipment Store, your Ottawa tool store, carries the full lineups of Milwaukee and DeWALT cordless power tools.

Milwaukee’s lineup also comes with a mobile app that “combines a free-to-use inventory program with the industry’s smartest tools.” The REDLINK PLUS intelligence hardware and software enable “online and mobile record-keeping and simplified tool and equipment management, including security – allowing you to lock your tools and disable them remotely; tracking – to track your tool’s location from anywhere; and reporting – to view your tools’ usage and performance data.”

Finally, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL and DeWALT 20V MAX lineups each offer battery kits containing either one or two batteries. Both the Milwaukee and DeWALT lineups of cordless power tools are designed for tough jobs and tested on real-world work sites. Both are valuable for either heavy industrial or do-it-yourself week-end use.

Does it come down to colour? You decide. Compare and contrast the Milwaukee and DeWALT cordless power tool lineups yourself to take into account the features and benefits that matter most to you.

Better yet, stop in and consult the experts at The Tool and Equipment Store, your Ottawa tool and hardware store, before making your decision. Colour never looked so good in your hands!

Originally Posted here: https://www.ottawafastenersupply.com/brand-red-or-brand-yellow-in-cordless-power-tools-a-tough-choice/

What is the Milwaukee FUEL Line of Tools? Should You Make the Switch?

Many tools can do the job, but few can do it like Milwaukee’s FUEL line. This revolutionary series of cordless tools features brushless technology, Red Lithium batteries, and intelligence software packed in 18 volts of power. If you are ready to handle the toughest jobs whether on the job site or in your backyard, then you want the best. Eager to know more about Milwaukee’s FUEL line of tools?Here are the key features that will make your next project fast, efficient and easy:

• They are engineered to withstand both heavy-duty jobsites and weekend honey-do lists with ease.
• They run cooler than other cordless tools. They even have a longer runtime and charge faster than Milwaukee’s own M18 REDLITHIUM line.
• They are designed with a POWERSTATE brushless motor for longer wear, giving you much more useful life for your investment.
• Their batteries can cross over from the old M18 batteries to the FUEL line of tools. Keep in mind that Milwaukee’s V18 system will not work in an M18/M12 system.
• They can be tracked with Milwaukee’s One-Key digital platform. It helps you manage your inventory of tools across a network of users.

Source the Milwaukee FUEL Line of Tools from OFS

Choosing the right equipment to get a job done is paramount. Milwaukee’s FUEL line makes the choice a simple one. Ottawa Fastener Supply makes it even easier with our large selection and expertise in power tools. Visit us at one of our convenient locations or call today and ask us for more information. We love to share our knowledge and experience so that you can get the results you seek.

Originally Posted on: https://www.ottawafastenersupply.com/what-is-the-milwaukee-fuel-line-of-tools-should-you-make-the-switch/

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/

Are Milwaukee Tools Any Good? Find Out Today!

With the number of brands out there, it’s common for users to think, “Are Milwaukee tools any good?” The answer is a resounding “yes”. When you want the best, look no further than Milwaukee Tools. They are a legend in the industry because they listen to the needs of the contractor and DIYer and then put it into practice. All the time spent in the field evaluating how you utilize your tools resulted in the easy-to-use, professional grade M18 cordless system. They didn’t stop there. Continual research into the demands put on tools with all the cutting, drilling, and tightening soon saw the evolution in the M18 FUEL lineup. You demand the best; Milwaukee delivers with many industry firsts, such as cordless:

• Grinders
• 7-1/4” circular saws
• Sawzall
• Deep cut band saws

Not only did Milwaukee devote their energies to the world of professional grade cordless tools. They made 2010 the Year of Redesigning of their entire line of hand tools. One example of their redesign is a more comfortable wrench with a thick handle to loosen stubborn rusted bolts.

Ottawa Fastener Supply has the Full Line Up of Milwaukee Tools

For over 90 years, Milwaukee has produced an extensive line of tools, including power, hand, pneumatic, and outdoor equipment. Their goal is to conceive, design, and build the best tools for your money. This means you can depend on a straight cut from your cordless circular saw for hours or dependable grinding on the jobsite. There are other popular brands, but nothing compares to the manufacturer warranty, tool variety, and cost of a Milwaukee.

Check out the wide selection of Milwaukee Tools at Ottawa Fastener Supply. We pride ourselves on carrying the best in power tools and love sharing our knowledge to help you make the best choice. Come in and take advantage of our years of experience to make your next job or project go off without a hitch.

Originally Posted on: Ottawa Fasteners