NEW PRODUCTS

Other products that have been added are:

Cable Ties

Our Cable Ties range from 18lbs up to 250lbs and are available in the colors black, natural and much more. Please come and take a look if you're in need of Cable Ties. 

Washers

New to our washer family is Belleville Disc Spring Washers, Ball Bearing Disc Spring Washers, Locking Washers - DIN 6796 and Serrated Safety Washers.

We hope you enjoy our new products!

Not in need of Cable Ties or Washers, no problem contact us for a fast and friendly quote if you're in need of another product, thank you.

AFT Team

Quick Reference:

Screws | Electronic Hardware | Bolts | Product Line Sheet

AFT Fasteners is a fastener manufacturing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. We supply high-quality standard, nonstandard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. We have access to hard to find parts and services, so please allow us to help your business be the best it can be.

 AFT offers numerous screw types in a variety of head styles, materials and finishes. •Concrete Screws, •Deck Screws, •Double-Ended Screws, •Drywall Screws, •Eye Screws, •Hex Cap Screws, •Lag Screws, •Machine Screws, •Masonry Screws, •Mirror Screws, •Particle Board Screws, •Self Tapping Screws, •Sheet Metal Screws, •Wood Screws

Thank you for viewing our blog. Please browse around our website. If you see something you like or need then please contact us!

AFT Team

A picture is worth a thousand words! However, pictures don't lie unless they are manipulated in Photoshop. But in our case the messaging is correct.

The big picture idea for most CEOs and people who initiate the growth and sustainability within their organization is, "How can I position my company to BEST succeed?"

Which beckons the question, "Are you buying from the right fastener company?” Sometimes business owners stick with what they know out of tradition (which is a great quality), loyalty (which is another great quality) or the fear that they will not be able to find something different that works or even better for that matter.

What keeps companies from maximizing profits margins? Could it be their business relationships? Contractual Obligations?

If you have been looking for a better way to do business or trim the hedges without going over budget AFT Fasteners has what you need! 

Why We Are the Right Fastener Company For Your Business!

1.    We provide all of our customers with great service with over 100+ years of collective experience

2.    We manufacture and distribute a wide range of products. Having access to both worlds of our industry allows us to be flexible with our pricing and quotes (We are able to negotiate with our vendors and clients to get the best pricing for your business)

3.     We can build out and manufacture custom products

4.    We look forward to meeting your business needs! Find out what we carry by visiting our homepage for industrial products, our plating services area and fasteners area!

Your Official Fastener Team 

Over the last few weeks we've talked about why you should use our products and services vs. the bigger guys. Who doesn't love better margins & profits coupled with great customer service and a knowledgeable sales force?

It's no secret that companies in this economy are cutting back on expenses and trying to trim the fat everywhere that it is visible. We are mindful of the sacrifices companies across the country are making to stay in the black and profitable and want to accommodate them for their efforts. Therefore, we've devised a good system to help you thwart some of your overhead costs by offering better pricing on your fastener products, other industrial products and services.

Check out our catalog, give our sales force a call and watch your savings pile up!

Phone: 469-865-2800 

Toll Free: 1-888-844-8595

Email: info@aft-corp.com

Let us help you grow, scale and navigate,

Your Official Fastener Team

PS; share, tweet or pin this post!

A unique quality that we possess is the ability to get our clients the fasteners and industrial products at prices that the larger and more national brands can't match! Our industrial clients have compared the products we carry with those of other distributers and manufacturers and they have seen the savings difference in their wallets. We are the difference maker in your margins and your answer to greater profits. Here's why:

1.    We provide the same quality of product, if not better.

2.    We are the middle man, but we take a back seat to your needs.

Here are some of our hot products and services to get you started!

1.    Fasteners

2.    Flat Head Cap Screws

3.    Button Head Cap Screws

4.    Sheet Metal Fabrication

Or you can start back at our fastener homepage.

Your Official Fastener Team 

Over the years our clients have come to realize a few things that AFT Fasteners does a bit different than other Fastener Companies:

1.    We offer better stock options on high demand parts

2.    We are able to ship products as  needed without hesitation

3.    We respond back in a timely manner that meets client deadlines

4.    We offer greater and better pricing on bulk and packaging for clients

5.    We are very flexible with client needs because we offer:

a. A variety of product variations

b. And we offer niche and special products

6.    We specialize in custom products 

Follow the links for more information on our plating services and fasteners

Search our site and see what the hype is about!

Your Official Fastener Team

We manufacture and distribute over 100,000+ parts and products. Our inventory is large and expansive for every scope of project, company need and application. We offer bulk for a majority of our products that include but are not limited to the following:

• Multiple Fasteners
• Bolts
• Button Head Cap Screws
• Socket Head Cap Screws

We offer the following services for sheet metal stamping and fabrication projects as well:

• Engineering
• Laser Cutting
• Welding & Assembly
• ISO (000 Certified
• Tool & Die Casting
• Sheet Metal Stamping
• Sheet Metal Fabrication

In addition, we recently moved into a 30,000+ sq. ft. facility that provides enough space for future growth. Needless to say we are busting out of the seams with growth because our clients love the options we give them in the areas of:

• Competitive Pricing
• Knowledgeable Sales Team
• Various Shipping Choices
• Friendly Customer Service

If you need help with a product or service contact us here.

Your Official Fasteners Team 

1. Download our guide here.
2. For more full dog set screws click here.

1.    We beat up and beat out our National Competitors because we cut out the middle man and the outrageous markup on products. We manufacture and distribute fastener products locally via truck and internationally via UPS and FedEx.

2.    We offer packaging and bulk, which helps you save.

3.    We have a sales team that has 110+ years of experience in the fastener industry. Which means our team is very versed and knows about all of the little nooks, crannies and nuances that come with the territory.

4.    Not only do we know our stuff, but our customer service is 2nd to none. We work hard to meet our customer's needs.

Simply put, if you buy from AFT Fasteners you will not be disappointed with our products and provided services.

Update: Our Move this past weekend went very well! Our fastener team members showed up in a big way moving and working all day Thursday, Friday, Saturday and some on Sunday! Our new facility accommodates our current and future growth for industrial products, fasteners and bolts, threaded rods, button head cap screw and full dog point set screw products. In addition, it is 30,000 sq. ft. compared to our 10,000 sq. ft. facility we were in for the last 2 years.

We've seen tremendous growth in our company over the last 4 years due to the direction of our President/CEO, Johnny Rose. More, our outstanding sales team and hardworking warehouse team have made huge contributions to the overall success of our company. Our goal is to meet our customer's needs by supplying them the best industrial products at a high quantity, super quality and competitive price.

We have unpacked 40+ skids of product and have another 50+more  to go! Wheeew! Wish us well because this is all for you at the end of the day.

Happy Tuesday!!!

Over the last few years AFT Fasteners has grown it's operation and support by leaps and bounds in order to accommodate our client base and vendors. We noticed that we were already doing really well in some areas but needed to do some tightening up with a number of items on our punch list.

Therefore, we've made a number of updates to our support and staff:

1. The biggest announcement is that we're moving into a new facility. We moving our headquarters from Grand Prairie, TX to Arlington, TX. In addition, we will remain in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and will still able to deliver locally.
2. We have made some customer friendly updates to the website!
   1. We've made it easier to navigate through the hundreds of product pages
      1. We've condensed our top menu with our products
      2. We've added thumbnails at the top of the page below our menu navigation for quick access to popular categories
   2. We've made the look and feel of the website a lot more friendlier
   3. We've fixed a lot of dead end errors that lead to nowhere!
   4. We've updated a handful of pages that include:
      1. Our Fasteners Homepage
      2. Fastener Products Page
      3. Locations Page
      4. Contact Page
      5. Category Product Pages
         1. Bolts
         2. Screws
         3. Nuts and Bolts
         4. Anchor Bolts

Over the next six months we'll continue to update and revamp our site in order to give the end user (clients and vendors) a better shopping experience. Stay tuned into our blog and social media feeds to get the lastest AFT Fasteners News on our progress and product updates!

Our New Address:
AFT Fasteners

715 Avenue H, East

Arlington, TX 76011

Phone: 469-865-2800

Toll Free: 877-844-8595

 Fax: 469-865-2850

     Laser cutting was developed for industrial use in 1965 by Western Electric Corp, and it was only a few years later that advances in technology made this process more affordable to many industries. Today laser cutters are used by numerous manufacturers to provide reliable and versatile cutting and engraving on numerous surfaces and materials. The world leader in industrial laser technology is Trumpf, and AFT utilizes the Trumpf TruLaser 3030L. This computer controlled CO2  laser is the perfect tool for numerous materials as well as having the ability to cut a variety of material thicknesses.

Some of the benefits of laser cutting over traditional cutting methods are:

• Easier Workholding for Materials

• Increased Precision

• Reduced Material Contamination

• Less Material Damage or Warping

• More Materials over Traditional

-- Click to view the Trumpf L3030 Video --

     The TruLaser 3030L is a versatile laser used for the industrial cutting of many materials including mild steel, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, alloys, plastics and more. AFT specializes in sheet metal cutting of various types, metal stamping, fabrication and uses the TruLaser to provide top quality metal cutting for our clients. AFT Manufacturing is also an ISO 9000:2008 certified company providing not just metal stamping, cutting, and fabrication - but also provides high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, so this allows them to provide expedited services and products . Please email AFT's professional sales staff or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Manufacturing can provide your company with high quality metal fabrication, stamping, laser cutting and finishing. 

AFT Fasteners is pleased to announce our AFT Products and Services printable resource page. We invite you to visit us at this page for color printable brochures/flyers on some of our more popular fastener services and products - everything from Fasteners, MRO & Safety, Mil Spec, Manufacturing, Metal Finishing and Trailer Parts Industry Hardware...

These downloadable PDF files are by no means a complete list of our products but a nice resource for some of our clients and business partners. Please Contact Us for a fast and friendly quote for any of your fastener and industrial service needs  - via Email or phone 469-865-2800.

If you feel that you have received this email in error - please just use the "UNSUBSCRIBE" link below.

- The AFT Team

Socket head cap screws are used for applications with limited space. They have cylindrical head and internal wrenching features, mostly hexagon socket, that allow them to be used in locations where externally wrenched fasteners are not desirable. They are used for critical vehicle applications, machine tools, tools and dies, earth moving and mining machinery, and a wide range of engineering applications. The most important reasons for the increasing use of socket head cap screws in industry are safety, reliability and economy.

There are also many advantages of socket head cap screws over traditional screws. As compared to ordinary fasteners, less socket screws of the same size can achieve the same clamping force in a joint. As fewer screws are required for a given job, fewer holes are required to be drilled and tapped. There is weight reduction as fewer screws are used. There will also be a weight reduction on account of the smaller size of the component parts since the cylindrical heads of socket screws need less space than hex heads and require no additional wrench space. Another feature is that forged heat-treated alloy examples are high strength fasteners intended for the most demanding mechanical applications, with special alloy formulations available that are capable of maintaining strength at temperatures in excess of 1000 degrees F.

AFT Fasteners is a fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. AFT also supplies high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this allows them to provide expedited socket head cap screws and products. Please contact AFT's professional sales staff or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide you with the highest quality socket products.

-- The AFT Team

In mid-August of this year AFT Fasteners added Illini Metal Works of Illinois to its holdings to become AFT Manufacturing. With the addition of this new partnership, AFT Fasteners now includes the ability of high quality sheet metal fabrication, stamping and forming. With a thorough knowledge of metal forming, aluminum and steel to stainless and alloy, AFT Manufacturing will be able to produce the highest quality products in the quickest possible turn-around time. Their skilled craftsmen employ specialized equipment to produce everything from single custom orders to high volume runs. AFT Manufacturing will be capable of producing precision fabrication of complex components to larger orders of super-sized products.

AFT Manufacturing believes in the philosophy of starting projects with professional engineering and design. Before any project begins there is a great deal of planning. Working from customers' prints or their own professionally engineered designs, AFT Manufacturing helps customers with all of the production logistics. They also specialize in sheet metal fabrication which includes: stamping, cutting, welding, forming, shearing, finishing, painting, heat treating, sub assembly and final assembly. AFT Manufacturing is efficient at short run prototype runs or large quantity production runs.

AFT Manufacturing is part of a metal fabrication, stamping, manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. AFT also can supply high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, so this allows them to provide expedited service and products . Please email AFT's professional sales staff at info@aft-com or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Manufacturing can provide companies with high quality metal fabrication, stamping and finishing.

Tamper-Resistant Security Screws can save you thousands of dollars - by fighting off pilferage, tampering or unauthorized adjustments on scores of items. AFT offers Tamperproof Screw Company's complete line of corrosion-resistant security screws designed to prevent vandalism and theft, yet allow easy access by authorized personnel with matching tools. These screws are virtually impossible to remove without the special matching screwdrivers. Some examples of the types of screws available are:

• Snake Eyes Spanner

• Phillips Pin-Head

• Socket Pin-Head

• Torx® Pin-Head

• Tri-Wing ®

• Opsit Reverse Thread

• One-Way Slotted

• TP3 Security

• Spanner Nuts, Break-Away and Security Nuts

• Installation and Removal Tools

As well as screws, security and tamper resistant bolts and socket head cap screws are also available. AFT also has its own plating facility and can coat, spray or plate with many different applications - black oxide, silver, Xylan, etc.

AFT Fasteners is a fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. AFT also supplies high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this allows them to provide expedited security and tamper resistant fasteners. Please contact AFT's professional sales staff or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide you with high quality tamper resistant fasteners. 

     Threaded rod is a widely used and very versatile product. It is generally used in several industries, including chemical, electrical, construction, agricultural, maintenance and even home use. All-thread rod eliminates the need for such on site resources as threading equipment, dies, and most importantly time. It is produced with threads rolled under high pressure to give greater strength and can be used with standard nuts and washers. Generally the rod can be cut with a metal cutting hack saw or a power band saw, and with clean saw cuts the nut will move easily over the threads. Rougher cutting devices may require chamfering to bevel the ends for ease of threading washers and nuts. AFT Fasteners provides threaded rod in standard 36" lengths, as well as specialty length which are cut to request.
     Grades of all-thread rod vary, and the most common grades include: ASTM A193 - B7 Alloy, Low Carbon Steel, Zinc Plated, Hot Dipped Galvanized, 18-8 Stainless Steel and 316 Stainless Steel. The most common is ASTM A193 B7 Studs and Rods. This grade has a tensile strength of 125,000 psi and is a heat treated alloy. It is generally used in applications where strength or high strength to weight ratio is required. This grade is a favorite for petroleum and oil field industries, and B7 is widely used in commercial plant applications and new construction projects for pipe and machinery installation and maintenance. The stainless steel grades of threaded rod are used when excellent corrosion resistance and strength are required. Used primarily in chemical, food, mechanical, agricultural and medical applications. With an in-house plating and coating facility, Xylan and other popular threaded rod coatings are very affordable!

     AFT Fasteners is a fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. AFT also supplies high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this allows them to provide expedited all-thread rod and other heavy duty fasteners. Please contact AFT's professional sales staff or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide you with high quality B7 stud and threaded rod.

     Stainless steel differs from carbon steel by the amount of chromium present. Unprotected carbon steel rusts readily when exposed to air and moisture. Stainless steels contain sufficient chromium to form a passive film of chromium oxide, which prevents further surface corrosion and blocks corrosion from spreading into the metal's internal structure. Instead of making you READ about the miracle properties and applications of stainless steel, we at AFT Fasteners have decided to share a great little video about the production of stainless steel and its manufacturing process. Relax and enjoy!!

     Now that we all have a good grasp on how stainless steel is created, we can get down to REAL WORLD applications. AFT Fasteners has been in business for decades - providing stainless steel hardware of all types and sizes. AFT specializes in offering a variety of 18-8, 304 and 316 stainless steels for numerous industries. Everything from aerospace, construction, auto and marine manufacturing and the list goes on and on and on.

     AFT Fasteners offers not just stainless steel but SOLUTIONS to your manufacturing projects and processes - inventory, machining, kitting and global sourcing for everything from crates to mill shipments. Contact our knowledgeable and friendly sales staff at 469-865-2800 for a quote on a solution for your stainless steel needs.

- The AFT Team

     Brass has been the metal of choice for many industrial components when corrosion resistance, manufacturing malleability and lifetime durability are of great importance. Brass fittings, heavy fittings, barbs, valves, cocks, ferrules, stops and nipples are used in everything from HVAC, air compression systems, heavy machinery, oil field plumbing and hydraulic routing systems. AFT Fasteners has worked to become a great source for all different styles and sizes of brass fittings.

     AFT Fasteners is a fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. AFT also supplies high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this allows them to provide expedited brass fittings and valves all over the United States. Please contact AFT's professional sales staff or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide your business with the highest quality Brass Fittings and products.

- The AFT Team

AFT Fasteners has proudly partnered with a true industry leader in Powers Fasteners. Powers Fasteners is a top brand name in concrete masonry anchors and structural construction fastening systems, and AFT is well known internationally for its professional sales staff and its ability to provide solutions to manufacturers' problems. The goal of AFT, as a Powers distributor, is to successfully promote Powers Fasteners numerous products. In order to accomplish this goal, AFT utilizes the high quality promotional, marketing and training materials of Powers' Sales and Marketing teams. Powers is very involved in the education of its distributors, so that they might better serve the end-users who design, engineer and construct concrete and masonry structures.

The ISO certified products that will be distributed also speak volumes for themselves. The ease of marketing and customer satisfaction is greatly enhanced with such patented fasteners as Power-Bolt®, Lok-Bolt®, Power-Stud®, Wedge-Bolt®, Chem-Stud®, the Trak-It® series tool guns and more.

Engineering reference and software are also made available through Powers' revolutionary PDA (Powers Design Assist) software and the Powers Technical Manual for the Design Professional. Both of these references provide engineers with code compliant solutions to their anchor fasteners applications and requirements.

AFT Fasteners is a fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. AFT also supplies high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this allows them to provide expedited structural and concrete anchoring fasteners. Please contact AFT's professional sales staff or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide your business with the highest quality Powers Fasteners.

The 2012 AmCon Design and Manufacturing Expos are now underway. AFT Fasteners will be exhibiting at this year's Houston, Texas AmCon Expo June 6-7 at the Reliant Energy Center. AmCon shows are well known for bringing “job shops” and contract manufacturers together with regional OEM buyers, designers and engineers for finding solutions to their most difficult design and production goals.

Reliant Energy Center, Hall E - Houston, Texas

AmCon has been producing quality manufacturing trade shows since 1987, and AFT Fasteners will be at Reliant Center June 6-7 to meet with some of Houston's top manufacturing engineers and product developers. AmCon trade shows and expos are the perfect opportunity for designers and engineers to locate sources for forming, fabrication, machining, engineering, prototyping, finishing, assembly and electronic manufacturing. AFT Fasteners and Industrial Solutions will be featuring industry name brand products such as Kipp Adjustable Handles & Components, Power Fasteners and Martin Steel Hand Tools, to name a few. AFT looks forward to discussing these and other great products and services at Booth 301, Hall E in the Reliant Center.

Click to download the Martin Hand Tools Catalog

For over 50 years Martin Sprocket and Gear, Inc. has produced some of the top quality sprockets, gears and hand tools in the world. They live by the philosophy "American made products to support American industry". Martin Tools also has a wide reaching distribution and support network spanning the entire North American continent. AFT is proud to be established as a distributor of these American forged and quality manufactured tools.

Just as in all manufacturing, the end products are the direct result of the materials that go into making them. Martin Tools uses top grade American forged steel in producing its line of tools. When a customer sees the Martin stamp on a wrench, socket set, or other body & fender tools they know immediately that they are in the presence of top quality American made tools. Martin Tools has over 20 United States manufacturing and sales locations. Together with AFT Fasteners multiple distribution centers, customer service and satisfaction are a local endeavor. Starting this month, AFT will be making available the entire Martin hand tools line up.

The parts manufactured by Martin are fully certified, providing traceability and complete documentation as needed. Quality assurance at Martin is documented and ensures that each forging meets with the highest standards set forth by Martin. Martin provides full heat treat capabilities including batch type, or atmospherically controlled, depending on the desired mechanical and physical properties needed in the forging.

AFT Fasteners is a fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. AFT also supplies high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this allows them to provide expedited industrial tools, services and parts. Please contact AFT's professional sales staff or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide your business with the highest quality industrial hand tools available.

- The AFT Team

AFT Fasteners has joined the elite group of National Association of Trailer Manufacturers members who operate facilities in 45 states and the District of Columbia. These facilities collectively employ more than 210,000 Americans. AFT Fasteners joined the NATM recently and is already involved in ensuring that products meet or exceed those standards and federal regulations covering certification labels, tires & wheels, brakes, lighting, reflectors & conspicuity, underride protection, and cargo securement. In addition, NATM compliance requirements examines whether the trailer manufacturing process in place can meet industry accepted manufacturing standards and practices covering safety chains, couplers, electrical components, warning labels and consumer information.

These hardware and manufacturing parts required to meet and exceed the NATM's safety requirements are available at AFT Fasteners. AFT is specialized in providing Department of Transportation (DOT) reflective conspicuity tape and adhesive logos to meet state and federal requirements, as well as user safety devices such as gravel guard and anti-slip decking, flooring and surfaces. Safety requirements are often exceeded by offering trailer manufacturers services that enable them to concentrate on the manufacturing process and leave the testing and kitting of parts such as ramp gate kits, latching and pin assemblies and all the required testing and verification of parts. AFT Fasteners is looking forward to working with an agency whose mission statement is to improve future safety and performance, address regulatory issues, enhance the image of the industry, provide educational materials and informative manufacturing tools to its members.

AFT Fasteners is a fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. AFT also supplies high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this allows them to provide expedited trailer industry parts and hardware. Please contact AFT's professional sales staff at info@aft-corp.com or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide your business with high quality trailer manufacturing parts and services.

- AFT Team

Making U.S. companies competitive in today's International Markets is the goal behind AFT Fasteners recently unveiled “International Solutions” program. AFT has removed any roadblocks, answered any questions and helped its clients start sourcing parts. This program will be dedicated to helping small and large businesses alike find hard-to-find sources for manufactured parts and hardware.

There are many advantages to sourcing international parts and hardware. Some include: Skilled Labor - foreign labor has become cheaper, reliable and more skilled than in the past; Resources - less expensive than domestic in many cases; New Aggressive Suppliers - emerging countries, markets and businesses compete for business at competitive rates to boost their economies. AFT's extensive global sources allows for a wide variety of products that range from hardware, electronic components and connectors, castings, plastics, injection molded parts, CNC machines parts, packaging, rubber, seals and more.

The AFT International Solutions program also addresses the quality issue of imported goods and services. There are definite cost savings offered by global sourcing, but concerns about quality have made organizations hesitate. As part of the International Solutions program, AFT has developed an effective quality assurance program to ensure product quality and durability. Onsite manufacturer visits, comprehensive testing and the prototype approval process allows domestic companies the ability to set high standards which are standard and expected. Companies are avoiding the hassles of defective parts and unnecessary fights over quality certifications and take advantage of our independent testing laboratory. Technical Assistance and design engineering are available to provide assistance from prototype stage to production. Factories are ISO, QS or TS certified with the ability to provide PPAP's, and MTR certs.

Logistics also play a large part in AFT's International Solutions program. AFT has established procedures and techniques for handling all of the logistics and customs services required to deliver products from the factory to customers' doors. There is no longer a need to devote precious factory room housing bulky pallets of materials. The International Solutions program provides warehouse capabilities and supplies components as customers need them. Another “Solutions” service popular with AFT clients is offshore consolidation of shipments to ensure that materials are shipped together in dedicated containers. Critical items can be dual sourced both domestic and import to avoid interruption of supply and maintain a low risk supply chain. AFT also holds a buffer stock in our domestic warehouse if needed.

AFT Fasteners is a fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. AFT also supplies high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this allows them to provide expedited domestic or global sourcing. Please contact AFT's professional sales staff at info@aft-corp.com or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide your business with a successful International Solutions program.

- AFT Team

Bolt: A fastener consisting of a threaded pin or rod with a head at one end, designed to be inserted through holes in assembled parts and secured by a mated nut that is tightened by applying torque. There are many types of Bolts and here are just a few that AFT carries: Structural Bolts, Carriage Bolts, Elevator Bolts, Flange Bolts, Foundation Bolts, Grade 5 & 8 Bolts, Hex Cap Screws, Lag Bolts, Plow Bolts, Square Head Bolts, Tap Bolts and Tension Bolts.

Bolts can be made from nearly any metal, but steel in many different hardnesses and finishes are the most common.

AFT Fasteners is a fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to customers. AFT supplies high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this provides expedited domestic or global sourcing. Please contact AFT's professional sales staff at info@aft-corp.com or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide businesses with high quality electronic hardware solutions.

Trailer manufacturers and trailer parts providers of all types are preparing to exhibit at this year's 2012 NATM Convention. This year's Expo will be held at the popular Fort Worth Convention Center. This facility is well equipped to provide a pleasant and enthralling venue right in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas. Early registration will begin online and will start in person on Tuesday, February 7th at 7pm in the Fort Worth Convention Center.

AFT Fasteners supports this year's format of enhanced workshops that will continue through the week and provide excellent information on such topics as “Business Operations”, which will include “The Art of Execution” and “Canadian Transport”. Other workshops will include more technical topics such as “Structural Adhesive Solutions for Trailer Fabrication”, “Transportation Logistics”, “Galvanic Corrosion” and a great presentation by Ron Black, of The Mentor Group on “Business to Business Negotiating Skills: Creating Profitable, Long-term Business Solutions”.

Along with workshops there will, of course, be the main topic of this year's NATM Convention: vendors bringing their products to market and making contacts who share a common interest in building safe, efficient and profitable trailers. AFT Fasteners is a Texas based fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. We supply high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. We serve our customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this allows us to provide expedited domestic or global sourcing. Please contact our professional sales staff at info@aft-corp.com or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide your business with successful trailer manufacturing solutions.

Maintenance, Repair, Operations (MRO) items are supplies consumed in the production process but which do not either become part of the end product or are not central to the firm's output. MRO items include consumables, industrial equipment, plant upkeep supplies and even computer equipment. These types of items range from safety equipment, cleaning materials, laboratory and office supplies, compressors, pumps, valves, gaskets, lubricants, repair tools, and even computer equipment and supplies.

The economics of ordering MRO materials and the decisions on how to save money by consolidating the vendors involved in this order process is an ongoing science. For 2012, AFT Fasteners has dedicated copious resources to the science of saving businesses money. By consolidating the MRO shopping process into a “One Stop Shop”, AFT Fasteners has allowed MRO purchasers to save time. The goal is to provide the most comprehensive vendor line-up in the world of MRO supplies. There are numerous factors in deciding upon an MRO provider and one of the most critical is the availability of products and the “speed of delivery”.

Availability and “speed of delivery” are greatly increased by AFT Fastener's ability to drop ship items from 19 locations in the United States. Just a few of these new locations for 2012 include Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Grand Rapids, Harrisburg, Houston, Los Angeles, St. Paul, Orlando, Pittsburgh and Portland. These warehouses contain over 60,000 individual SKU items for maximum availability and rapid delivery. Now you can order an item from your location and not worry about it being organized and shipped from across the United States. These efficient and clean warehouses offer JIT ordering and help keep your company's inventory right where it needs to be.

As the new year progresses AFT Fasteners will be analyzing companies' needs and what items they order to make sure that the most popular MRO and Safety Supply items are maintained for production and manufacturing needs. AFT Fasteners is a global provider for fasteners, metal plating, industrial components, petrochemical hardware, kitting and warehousing services. If your company needs a resource for these services or has any questions about industrial solutions, then please contact AFT Fasteners online or call toll free at 877-844-8595. Their sales staff and operators are excited to help your company save money and succeed.

AFT Fasteners' customized products and programs have now been made available to domestic and international customers to lower their material, labor, inventory, storage and fabrication costs. AFT Fasteners has increased their warehouse spaces, increased inventory control capabilities and added more warehouse personnel experienced in today's high-tech management systems. Other production services that AFT's customers benefit from are hardware kitting and fastener modification, fabrication and  plating.

Warehousing and inventory services are implementations that improve shipping as well as inventory costs and price control. Automated systems like JIT, KanBan, VMI and EDI offer inventory counts and ordering times for needed parts without the potential for manual mistakes. AFT is offering solutions for customers who need their specialty parts imported, modified, plated and then stored in a safe, secure warehouse environment.

Manufacturers are often unaware of the benefits of having “kitted” parts and hardware. Benefits afforded to those who use kitting services are easy ordering of parts with one “kit” number versus multiple part numbers. Invoicing is also easier because of the fewer part numbers and tracking requirements. Production is improved since all of the pre-approved parts are in one assembly location. Waste is also reduced since the parts are packed together instead of individual wrappings. Parts costs are lowered as well, due to the ability to order in bulk and package accordingly.

AFT Fasteners also does hardware modification and fabrication. Just a few of the most common procedures include: fastener drilling, cutting, end slotting and thread locking. These capabilities, along with an in-house metal plating and coating facility,  provide a one-stop production capability that few solutions providers offer. Visit www.aftfasteners.com, call 877-844-8595 or feel free to use our "Contact Us" form for more information.

- AFT Team

In recent years AFT, Automated Finishing Technology, has grown from a small North Texas business to an international importer/exporter of quality standard and non-standard fasteners, mechanical components and manufacturing industry services. One of their most recent acquisitions is a dry film lube and Xylan® coating facility located in Arlington, Texas. Proven business practices and management models have already lifted the local business to the international stage in the electroplating and fastener distribution fields.
AFT has already started enjoying great success with this new facility by quickly establishing a diverse customer base. These customers are receiving excellent coated products to meet their wide diversity of manufacturing needs and specifications. Dry film lubricants start out as high performance, paint-like coatings consisting of fine particles of lubricating pigments blended with a binder and special additives. After application and proper curing, these lubricants bond to the surface of the ware, and form a solid film, which reduces friction, and greatly increases wear life. Many dry film lubricants also contain special rust inhibitors which offer exceptional corrosion protection in harsh environments. Dry film lubricants contain special pigments that reduce friction and wear by preventing surface-to-surface contact between mating parts (i.e., a shaft and its bearings). Performance properties vary depending on the specific lubricating pigment used. Some offer excellent lubrication and corrosion protection, while others operate at high temperatures. Some are formulated for use in extreme environments and can withstand nuclear radiation. A few applications of dry film uses are: parts usage in corrosive atmospheres, protection for stored parts, parts requiring permanent lubrication, parts subject to frequent disassembly, fretting and galling protection and ease of release assistance.
Xylan® and wet paint applications can also be matched to a wide diversity of colors and specifications. Xylan® is the umbrella trademark for most of the Whitford fluoropolymer coatings line. Xylan® is comprised of low friction, wear resistant composites of fluoropolymers and reinforcing binder resins. There is a wide range of Xylan® coatings available in one, two, and three coat conventional and reinforced non-sticks. The fluoropolymers utilized in Xylan® coatings consist of PTFE, PFA, and FEP.
Automated Finishing Technologies has years of experience in fastener and parts electro-plating and metal coatings and specialize in black oxide, copper, e-nickel, silver, zinc, zinc phosphate, cadmium and more. AFT also is related to AFT Fasteners which provides high quality fasteners, components, inventory control, kitting services and fastener manufacturing and modifications. These companies are no strangers to meeting the most stringent manufacturing specifications. For more information regarding metal plating, Xylan® and other coatings – visit www.aftfasteners.com, call 877-844-8595 or feel free to use our "Contact Us" form.

- AFT Team

The Dallas Regional Chamber is the area's leading membership-driven business organization committed to promoting economic prosperity by leading economic development, driving improvements in public education, influencing public policy, and catalyzing and advocating for regional partnerships. The Chamber is a not-for-profit organization comprising businesses representing all facets of the North Texas business community.

AFT Fasteners joins the Dallas Chamber of Commerce's mission of accomplishing successful business practices and leadership in Dallas and North Texas. Not only is AFT Fasteners a North Texas business leader but is also a national and international business partner which supports local labor and goods deliverable to numerous states and countries.

AFT Fasteners embodies the spirit in which the Dallas Chamber of Commerce promotes success. Being part of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce allows AFT Fasteners access to information, professional development & networking, access to savings, visibility and leadership advocacy. For more information about AFT Fasteners and their line of top quality fasteners, construction and manufacturing hardware, please visit www.aftfasteners.com or call 877-844-8595. For more information about the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.dallaschamber.org.

- The AFT Team

TR Fastenings was founded by Mike Timms and Mike Roberts in the United Kingdom  in 1973. The TR Hank® Self Clinch Fasteners brand was established in 1988 and has since grown to be globally distributed for industries that range from mobile phone manufacturing to aircraft manufacturers. Self clinch fasteners are widely used as a fastening product when manufacturing thin sheet metal intensive products. These fasteners provide strong threads in sheet metals, require no “tapping” and provide high push-out and torque resistance. These are fasteners that are excellent when the manufacturing process does not provide easy access to the gripping side of a fastening point.

AFT Fasteners is already a trusted international source for numerous products, and they are excited to add these internationally certified self-clinching products to their expansive line up. This partnership creates a global force to compete against manufacturers like Captive Fastener Corporation and Penn Engineering. With a focus on product quality and availability, AFT and TR Fastenings will provide a wide variety of high quality, self-clinching fasteners at a competitive price. Visit www.aftfasteners.com, call 877-844-8595 or feel free to use our "Contact Us" form for more information.

- AFT Team

Cable Tie Express announces the addition of AFT Fasteners to its distribution and dealer network. These companies are setting the standard in customer satisfaction and confidence, as a prime source for standard and specialty cable ties, heat shrink tubing, mounting products, cable clamps, wire connectors, and installation tools.  Non-standard items and to-print specials are other needs they fulfill on a daily basis. Cable Tie Express continues to seek and add specialized products to its product offering to provide customers with additional solutions to meet all of their wire management requirements. AFT Fasteners stands by the Cable Tie Express motto: “Tying Service to Quality”. Cable Tie Express has a strong commitment to their mission statement which includes maintaining a varied and competitive product line, highest quality standards, unparalleled customer service and fanatical product knowledge.

AFT Fasteners is thrilled to offer cable ties, mounting hardware, heat shrink tubing and other mounting products offered by Cable Tie Express. Visit www.aftfasteners.com, call 877-844-8595 or feel free to use our "Contact Us" form for more information.

- AFT Team

Stainless steel can unpredictably sustain galling (cold welding). Stainless steel self-generates an oxide surface film for corrosion protection. During fastener tightening, as pressure builds between the contacting and sliding, thread surfaces, protective oxides are broken, possibly wiped off, and interface metal high points shear or lock together. This cumulative clogging-shearing-locking action causes increasing adhesion. In the extreme, galling leads to seizing - the actual freezing together of the threads. If tightening is continued, the fastener can be twisted off or its threads ripped out.

If galling is occurring because of high friction the torque will not be converted into bolt preload. This may be the cause of the problems that you are experiencing. The change may be due to the surface roughness changing on the threads or other similar minor change. To overcome the problem - suggestions are:


1. Slowing down the installation RPM speed may possibly solve or reduce the frequency of the problem. As the installation RPM increases, the heat generated during tightening increases. As the heat increases, so does the tendency for the occurrence of thread galling.

2. Lubricating the internal and/or external threads frequently can eliminate thread galling. The lubricants usually contain substantial amounts of molybdenum disulfide (moly). Some extreme pressure waxes can also be effective. Be careful however, if you use the stainless steel fasteners in food related applications some lubricants may be unacceptable. Lubricants can be applied at the point of assembly or pre-applied as a batch process similar to plating. Several chemical companies, such as Moly-Kote, offer anti-galling lubricants.

3. Different combinations of nut and bolt materials can assist in reducing or even eliminating galling. Some organizations specify a different material, such as aluminum bronze nuts. However this can introduce a corrosion problem since aluminum bronze is anodic to stainless steel.

If you have questions about stainless steel or other fasteners, please contact us at AFT Fasteners (877) 844-8595 or via email Contact Us.

AFT Industries provides a wide variety of products and supplies for the Petroleum and Oil Field Industries. AFT is excited to announce that we now have offices in Dallas / Fort Worth as well as our new office in Houston, Texas. On the international stage of petroleum refinery and production, Houston stands on top of the industry that literally drives the world. We have expanded our services to an even broader geographical base of clients that drill, refine and transport petroleum based products all over the United States.

Most hardware for this industry requires heavy duty components with larger sizes, higher safety specifications, higher operating tolerances and guaranteed longer life expectancies. Some of the premium petrochemical hardware that AFT Industries provides are:

• Studs and Bolts - petrochemical grades, stainless steel grades, exotic alloys: (nickel, brass, bronze, titanium), all threaded rod, low carbon studs, heavy hex bolts

• Nuts - heavy hex, all materials and grades, industrial electroplatings and specialty coatings

• Flanges - lap joint, welding neck, slip on, socket weld and threaded

• Pipes, Valves and Fittings - brass, steel, forged steel, stainless steel, CPVC, PVC, iron, and fittings for all purposes

• Gaskets - spiral wound, Flexitallic, composite materials/fibers and matching industrial sets

• Washers - all types of finishes and metal materials

• Special Platings & Coatings - Xylan, Teflon, Cadmium, E-Nickel, Zinc, Zinc Nickel, Nickel, Phosphate & more

• Cutting & Safety Equipment - personal wear, coco mats, escape chairs, welding helmets, welding supplies, leak detectors, saws, saw blades, circular safety blades and more.

At AFT Industries the mission statement is simple: Provide our Customers with what they need to Succeed! We strive to accomplish this mission every day in a timely manner that allows your business to be as successful and profitable as possible.

Next time your company needs Petroleum and Oil Field hardware or supplies, do not hesitate to contact us at Info@Aft-Corp.com or call toll free 877-844-8595.

Lance Thorley

AFT Industries

Enjoy this brief video about Design2Part exhibits --

  

Going from a local metal plating company to an international success in the fastener distribution market takes a passion for success. AFT Industries has been a quality provider of metal plating, fastener importing-distribution, and industrial services for more than a decade now. Providing customers with a cost effective and profitable partnership has been the driving force behind their success. It is with great pride that they are announcing a broad expansion of services for the future. 

Recent events include the acquisition of a large distribution center in the heart of Dallas and Fort Worth's shipping community. This modern facility provides a great hub for global sourcing, timely shipping-receiving, inventory warehousing and a great environment for dedicated employees and staff to do business. New facilities were then added to increase capacities in metal plating, wet paint, dry film lube and Xylan® coatings.  To further meet customers' needs, AFT has amplified a global internet presence and global marketing strategy, making communications and requests for fastener pricing and availability easier than ever. Visit www.aftfasteners.com and take a virtual stroll through this user friendly web experience.

AFT announces specialized sales departments to cater to high-tech clients with needs in the electronic hardware, MIL-Spec/Aerospace, and industrial services arenas. Dedicated departments provide detail oriented hardware kitting services, fastener modifications, and industry targeted customer specifications. AFT also has recently opened a sales and support department in the greater Houston area. Look for their appearance at the Southwest Design2Part trade show, to be held at the Reliant Center on November 16th and 17th, 2011.

Maintaining profitable business relations in these economic times takes an attention to detail and dedication to customer satisfaction, now more than ever before. AFT's  expansion shows that being a dedicated, reliable and "forward thinking" solutions provider can be done and done right.

“Meeting a customer's needs is our number one goal, whether it is an everyday fastener request or a specialized international shipment. Satisfaction and building reliable relationships are AFT's primary objectives.” – Johnny Rose, President

Usually fastener standards specify two types of marks to be on the head of a bolt. The manufacturer's mark is a symbol identifying the manufacturer (or importer). This is the organization that accepts the responsibility that the fastener meets specified requirements. The "Grade Mark" is a standardized mark that identifies the material properties that the fastener meets. For example 307A on a bolt head indicates that the fastener properties conform to the ASTM A307 Grade A standard.

Both marks are usually located on the top of the bolt head, most standards indicating that the marks can be raised or depressed. Raised marks are usually preferred by manufacturers because these can only be added during the forging process whereas depressed marks can subsequently be added (possibly with illegitimate marks).

The below listed Table is a listing of some of the more common Bolt Head Markings. If you have questions about a bolt head marking or specification, do not hesitate to Contact Us via our electronic form or call us at 877-844-8595.

Hex Bolt Head Markings

SAE Grade No.	Size Range	Tensile strength, ksi	Material	Head Marking
1     2	1/4" thru 1 1/2"   1/4" thru 3/4"   7/8" thru 1 1/2"	60   74   60	Low or medium carbon steel
5	1/4" thru 1" 1 1/8" thru 1 1/2"	120 105	Medium Carbon Steel, quenched & tempered
5.2	1/4" thru 1"	120	Low carbon martensite steel, quenched & tempered
7	1/4" thru 1 1/2"	133	Medium carbon alloy steel, quenched & tempered
8	1/4" thru 1 1/2"	150	Medium carbon alloy steel, quenched & tempered
8.2	1/4" thru 1"	150	Low carbon martensite steel, quenched & tempered

ASTM Standard	Size Range	Tensile strength, ksi	Material	Head Marking
A307	1/4" thru 4"	60	Low Carbon Steel
A325 Type 1	1/2" thru 1" 1 1/8" thru 1 1/2"	120 105	Medium carbon steel, quenched & tempered
A325 Type 2	1/2" thru 1" 1 1/8" thru 1 1/2"	120 105	Low carbon martensite steel, quenched & tempered
A325 Type 3	1/2" thru 1" 1 1/8" thru 1 1/2"	120 105	Weathering steel, quenched & tempered
A449	1/4" thru 1" 1 1/8" thru 1 1/2" 1 3/4" thru 3"	120 105 90	Medium carbon steel, quenched & tempered
A490 Type 1	1/4" thru 1 1/2"	150	Alloy steel, quenched & tempered
A490 Type 3	1/4" thru 1 1/2"	150	Weathering steel, quenched & tempered

Often one will find "extra" marks on a bolt head--marks in addition to those shown above. Usually these marks indicate the bolt's manufacturer.

ASTM A325 Type 2 bolts have been discontinued, but are included above because they can be found in existing structures. Their properties can be important in failure investigations.

While the bolts shown above are among the most common in the U.S., the list is far from exhaustive. In addition to the other bolts covered by the SAE and ASTM standards, there are a host of international standards, of which ISO is perhaps the most well known.

-AFT Team