Global Fastener News

PERSPECTIVE: What is a Fastener?

John Wolz

Are adhesives fasteners? 3M proudly promotes its adhesives as an alternative to fasteners. And the majority of the fastener industry doesn�t consider adhesives to be a product of the industry, according to a question asked as part of the 21st annual FIN Survey.
Nor did nails, staples or installation tools command a majority for inclusion as a fastener industry product.

Check which of the following should be considered a �fastener industry product.�
Bolts  97.6%

Nuts  97.1%

Screws  96.5%

Rivets  91.8%

Washers  91.2%

Blind Rivets  89.4%

Pins  77.6%

Plastic fasteners  75.3%

Inserts  72.9%

Construction Anchors  68.8%

Concrete Anchors  68.2%

Nails  42.9%

Adhesives  30.6%

Staples  28.8%

Installation Tools  27.6%

Products added as fasteners under �other� by survey participants: Cable ties, extractors, formed & threaded steel products, hook & loop, screw machine parts, specials, studs and threaded rod.

Editor�s Note: The full survey, dated March 9, 2000, is included with this mailing.