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
Laura Murphy Executive Director
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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•Dallas, Texas
• Seattle, Washington
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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.