NEFDA Fall 2024 Newsletter

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OUR VISION & MISSION

Vision: As a professional fastener association, we will create the most valuable experience for our membership, continually striving for improvement and advancement. We will uphold the image of the industry through professionalism and integrity.

Mission: To facilitate increased engagement with individuals and companies in the fastener industry through charitable giving, educational programs, and strengthened industry partnerships.

NEFDA BULLETIN

President’s Notes

As we transition leadership within the New England Fastener Distributors Association, we want to take a moment to reflect on the past year and share our vision for the future.

A Message from Morgan Rudolph, Outgoing President & Incoming Chairman

It has been an honor to serve as your president over the past two years. Despite the challenges our industry and global economy have faced, I am proud of how our association has adapted and continued to thrive. Our scholarship program has continued to support member students, our networking events have fostered critical business connections, and our educational initiatives have helped our membership remain at the forefront of industry knowledge.

As I step into the role of chairman, I am confident that NEFDA will continue to build on these successes. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your support and participation in our activities. Your commitment to our industry and to this association is what makes us strong.

Warm Regards, Morgan Rudolph

A Message from Frank Hand, Incoming President

I am excited to take on the role of president at such a pivotal time for our industry. As we look ahead, we see both challenges and opportunities on the horizon. Whether it’s navigating new regulatory landscapes or embracing emerging technologies, NEFDA will be there to support our membership.

Contact NEFDA

Phone: 816-686-8987

Email: nefda@nefda.com www.nefda.com

My focus will be on expanding our educational programs, enhancing our networking opportunities, and increasing our presence at industry shows and events. I believe that by staying connected and informed, we can continue to lead the way in the fastener industry.

I look forward to working with all of you to ensure that NEFDA remains a vital resource for our members. Together, we can build on our strong foundation and create new opportunities for growth and success.

Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. Here’s to another successful year for NEFDA!

Warm Regards, Frank Hand

2024-2025 NEFDA Board of Directors

President

Frank Hand

Fall River Manufacturing

Treasurer

Lisa Breton DB Roberts

Board Member

Jason Bourque Bolt Depot

Board Member

Michael Lentini SPIROL

Board Member

Timothy Thorstenson SPIROL

Vice President

Kim Roberts DB Roberts

Secretary

Laura Murphy NEFDA

Board Member

Matthew Callahan Callahan & Son, Inc

Board Member

Corey Magyar Smith Associates

Board Member

Rob White SB&W

Chairman

Morgan Rudolph Rick Rudolph Associates

Board Member

Dan Bielefield Crescent Mfg.

Board Member

Katie Hogan Arnold Supply, Inc

Board Member

Becky Sicignano NEFDA

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Earnest Machine Just Got Stronger in Fasteners!

BOLTS AND SCREWS

Hex Head Tap Bolts (Grade 2)

Hex Machine Bolts

Hex Head Cap Screws (Grade 2)

Carriage Bolts (Grade 2)

Short Neck Carriage Bolts

Flat Head Carriage Bolts

Hex Serrated Flange Screws (Stainless Steel)

Sheet Metal Screws

Machine Screws

Self-Drilling Screws

Thread Cutting Screws

Drywall Screws

Hex Flange Screws w/EPDM Sealing Washers (Grain Bin Bolts)

Hex Tap Bolts with Sealing Washers

ANCHORS

Split Drive Anchors

Hammer Drive Anchors

Toggle Wing Nuts

Hollow Wall Anchors

Machine Screw Nut Anchors (Caulk-In Anchors)

Flat Head Slotted Sleeve Anchors

Drop-In Nut Anchors

NUTS AND LOCK NUTS

Hot Dipped Galvanized Finished Hex Nuts

Hot Dipped Galvanized Heavy Hex Nuts

Hot Dipped Galvanized Hex Jam Nuts

Hot Dipped Galvanized Square Nuts

Nylon Insert Lock Nuts (Expanded Inch and Metric Sizes)

Hex Serrated Flange Lock Nut (Grade 2)

Hex Flange Nuts (Grade 2)

Stainless Steel Finished Hex Nuts

Stainless Steel Machine Screw Nuts

Large Flange Hex Nuts

Coupling Nuts

Acorn Cap Nuts

Wing Nuts

3- and 4-Prong Tee Nuts

Keps Lock Nuts

Conical Keps Lock Nuts

Twin Whiz Lock Nuts

WASHERS

Helical Spring Lock Washers

AN960 Flat Washers (Stainless Steel)

EPDM Washers

Bonded Sealing Washers

Congratulations to our 2024 Scholarship Recipients!

The New England Fastener Distributors Association’s Annual Scholarship Awards is the most significant effort the association makes annually. Over the past six years, the NEFDA has awarded an incredible $90,000 in scholarship funds to member students and this year we’re adding another $17,500 to that amount!

This program makes a significant financial impact for member-students and it is only possible through the generous contributions, donations, and participation of our membership.

The NEFDA Scholarship Committee received a record number of applications this year and selected 18 recipients in total. Congratulations to the 2024 recipients! We wish you the very best in the coming school year and your future educational endeavors.

2024 Scholarship Recipients

$3,000 NEFDA Scholarship

McKayla Orvis

Joshua Monteiro - Fall River Manufacturing

$2,500 NEFDA Scholarship

Carmine Sicignano - DB Roberts

$2,000 NEFDA Scholarship

Lindsey Weaver - Ken Forging

$2,000 NEFDA Scholarship

Victoria Weaver - Ken Forging

$1,500 NEFDA Scholarship

Amanda Barr - Stelfast

$500 Award Recipients

Emily Brandt - Lindfast

Liam Burns - Richard Manno

Nora Chernosky - Buckeye Fastener Corp

Riley Cockrell - DB Roberts

Deanna Ebert - Tower Fasteners

Alyson Hourihan - Atlantic Fasteners

McKayla Orvis - Atlantic Fasteners

Kyle Peske - Metric Multistandard

Alexis Phillips - Eurolink

Jack Schroeder - DB Roberts

Amanda Stackpole - DB Roberts

Megan Stover - Ken Forging

MaKayla White - Brighton-Best

Freddy Barr (Parent of Amanda Barr)
Becky Sicignano (Parent of Carmine Sicignano)
Mike White (Parent of MaKayla White) with Laura Murphy and Frank Hand

Scholarship Highlight

Joshua Monteiro - Fall River Manufacturing

“...failure does not define us but rather our response and actions to failure is what defines us.”

Joshua Monteiro started his professional career as a Correction Officer at Bristol County Sheriff’s Office. Cell inspections and searches, conducting shakedowns of units, responding quickly to codes, and de-escalating situations were all part of Joshua’s day-to-day of running the units.

So when Joshua decided he was ready to leave the public sector, coming into the fastener industry was almost a 180 degree turn. When Joshua joined Fall River Manufacturing, he wasn’t sure what to expect. It was not only a new his job, but a new industry and a completely different line of work. In his words, “After starting, I soon realized that I had chosen a great company to work for. Everyone wanted me to be successful and grow, especially Frank Hand.”

In April 2021, he started his career in the fastener industry under the leadership and mentorship of Frank Hand. Joshua joined Fall River Manufacturing in Sales and Customer Service, focused on building relationships with customers and learning the business. Understanding how a business operates and how monetary policy impacts a business has always inspired Joshua. This inspiration led to him choosing to pursue his Bachelor of Science in Finance.

Joshua is currently attending the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, while working full time at Fall River Manufacturing. This is a huge endeavor and commitment and in his words, “In our lives there are always naysayers, people who doubt our drive and motivation.” He keeps a steadfast focus on his goals and tunes out the noise, drawing inspiration from Elon Musk, who was able to accomplish feats that were deemed impossible.

The NEFDA Scholarship Committee and Board of Directors are so pleased to award Joshua with a 2024 NEFDA Scholarship as he pursues his degree.

“We have one life, one chance to make a difference.”

NEFDA Welcomes New Member

Scholarship Golf Outing

The NEFDA hosted their annual Scholarship Golf Outing and Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Southington Country Club in Plantsville, CT.

Sixteen groups teed off and in all, over 70 industry professionals attended.

In first place with a score of 60 we had Joe Natale, Richard Kowalczyk, Jason Webster, and Corey Magyar. The second place team was right on their tail with a score of 62 and was made up of Rob White, Pat King, Bill Wisk, and Mike Murdock. Rounding out the placements in third place, with a score of 64, were Dan Hogan, Katie Hogan, Will Donahue, and Bobby Desert.

Our longest drive prize hole was won by Lisa Breton on the women’s side and Jason Webster on the men’s side.

Pat King took home the men’s closest to the pin award.

This outing provides us the important opportunity to connect in person and enjoy a day together to celebrate our industry, partnerships, and strengthen our connections. Thanks to our generous sponsors for making this event come to life.

NEFDA Bowling Event

Did you join the fun this year for our March Madness Bowling Event? The NEFDA held the annual Bowling Event on Thursday, March 21 at High Rollers Luxury Lanes at Foxwoods Resort & Casino.

Over 70 members and guests attended to bowl, network, and try their luck at Foxwoods Casino. This year we added in BINGO and awarded some NEFDA Yetis and sweatshirts as prizes! We’ll be back at it in 2025 with new activities and custom Yetis. Save the date!

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Fastener Basics

Fastener Materials Common Fastener Types

Hex bolts, or hex cap screws, are used in machinery and construction. Can be used with a nut, or in a tapped hole. Fully threaded hex bolts are also known as tap bolts.

Wood screws have large threads and a smooth shank f or pulling two pieces of material together. They can be used in wood and other soft materials.

Sheet metal screws have sharp points and threads, and are designed to be driven directly into sheet metal. They can also be used in softer materials like plastic, fiberglass, or wood.

Machine screws are fully threaded for use with a nut or in a tapped hole. Certain types are sometimes referred to as stove bolts.

Socket screws are machine screws with an internal hex socket (Allen) drive. Longer lengths may have a smooth shank.

Lag bolts, or lag screws, are large wood screws with hex heads. Typically used for wood construction and landscaping.

Carriage bolts have smooth, domed heads with a square section underneath that pulls into the material to prevent spinning during installation.

Nuts are used to fasten machine threaded fasteners in through-hole applications. Lock nuts help prevent loosening.

Washers spread the load over a greater surface area when tightening a bolt, screw or nut. Lock washers help preventing loosening.

Tip: Find a more comprehensive fastener type chart at https://boltdepot.com/info

Grade/Class & Fastener Strength

Fastener Grade (US) or Class (metric) refers to the mechanical properties of the fastener material. Generally, a higher number indicates a stronger, more hardened (but also more brittle) fastener.

For a chart of fastener grades, head markings and mechanical properties, see Bolt Depot’s Grade markings and Strength Chart at https://boltdepot.com/info

Note: Do not rely on this guide for color-matching. The appearance of these materials sometimes differs significantly from the photos below.

Zinc-plated steel is a low carbon steel for general use. Relatively inexpensive, with the zinc plating providing moderate corrosion resistance suitable for indoors or otherwise dry conditions. Color is either a blue-ish tint or yellow depending on the exact process.

Hot-dipped galvanized steel has a thicker zinc coating for better corrosion resistance, making it suitable for outdoor use. Because of the thick plating, only galvanized nuts and washers will fit galvanized bolts. The coating typically has a rough, dull grey finish.

Stainless steel offers good corrosion resistance, making it suitable for outdoor use and marine applications, but is more expensive than zinc plated.

Chrome and nickel plated steel are smooth and polished for appearance. The plating offers moderate corrosion resistance.

Brass and bronze are copper alloys with good corrosion resistance. More expensive than steel, these materials are typically used for decorative applications. Colors can vary significantly.

Note: In addition to these markings, the head will often have a manufacturer stamp.

Alloy steel is highly hardened and usually black oxide and/or oil coated, offering little corrosion resistance.

How Fasteners are Notated: An Example

Machine screws, Phillips pan head, Stainless steel 18-8, #12-24 x 1"

Drive Types

Phillips and Slotted drives are common in screws, but prone to cam-out (stripping).

Combo drives, that can be used with either driver, are available for many fastener types.

Frearson and Pozidriv are similar to Phillips, but less prone to cam-out.

Hex socket (Allen) drives are compact and easy to drive, but prone to cam-out.

Star and Square drive are resistant to cam-out and can be installed singlehanded.

Note: Most drive types (Frearson and Slotted being notable exceptions) require the correct driver size for proper installation.

Nut & Washer Sizes

Head Styles Measuring Diameter

Hex heads are typically used with larger bolts and screws, and tightened with a wrench.

Pan heads have a slightly domed head that sits above the surface.

Flat heads are installed in a countersunk hole for a flat surface.

Round heads are tall domed heads, used primarily for decorative purposes.

Oval heads are a low domed and countersunk heads, used primarily for decorative purposes.

Truss heads are slightly domed, with a wide head for an extra large surface area.

Socket heads are narrow with a socket drive, and knurled or smooth sides.

Button heads feature a medium dome. Typically used with a hex socket drive.

Nut and washer sizes indicate the screw or bolt they fit. For example:

Different washer patterns have different outside diameters. For example, hardened US washers are available in USS (wider) and SAE (narrower) patterns. Fender washers have large outside diameters.

For most types of fasteners, the diameter is measured on the outside of the threads.

Note: US diameters under 1/4” are given as numbers (e.g. #12) instead of inches, in order of increasing size. If you need to find the actual diameter, use a table corresponding to your fastener type at http://boltdepot.com/info

Thread Count & Thread Pitch

Machine threaded fasteners specify a thread density in Threads Per Inch (US) or as a Thread Pitch in mm (Metric).

For a given diameter, a fastener may be available in coarse (standard), fine and sometimes super fine thread.

Measuring Length

Fastener length is usually measured from where the material is assumed to be to the end of the fastener.

Thus, countersunk fasteners are measured overall and non-countersunk fasteners are measured from under the head. Length Length

More Information

At https://b o l t d epo t .c om/info you'll find:

• In-depth fastener info

• Charts and tables

•Printable lay-over charts and tools for quickly identifying fastener sizes and types

•Much more...

Hex socket (Allen) Square (Robertson)
Phillips
FrearsonPozidriv
Slotted Combo
“We Move Slowly”

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars for our upcoming events

2024

Monday, September 9th

International Fastener Expo Welcome Party

Thursday, December 5th

Virtual Holiday Party (including our annual raffle!)

2025

Thursday, March 6th

Bowling Event

High Rollers Luxury Lanes

Foxwoods Resort & Casino

Thursday, June 5th

Scholarship Golf Outing

Southington Country Club, CT

International Fastener Expo Welcome Party Monday, September 9th

Join the NEFDA at the International Fastener Expo Welcome Party! Stop by Cabana #14 to get your NEFDA Member badge ribbon, plus see what special raffle we have going on!

Can’t make the reception? Find a NEFDA Board Member during the show to get a badge ribbon if you can’t swing by the welcome party.

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