Choosing the Right Fasteners

PSM Fasteners is a leading manufacturer and distributor of specialised fasteners and joining solutions. Our focus is on helping engineers and designers find the exact fastener they need for their application, no matter if it’s in plastics, sheet metal, or special materials. With decades of experience, global quality standards, and a wide stock of components, we provide both off-the-shelf and custom solutions. PSM is committed to fast delivery, technical support, and ensuring that each product performs reliably under real-world conditions.

Top Considerations When Selecting Fasteners

Choosing the right fastener isn’t just a matter of selecting a screw; it’s about matching performance, materials, and method of installation. Below are the factors to keep in mind, especially if you are comparing fixing screws, inserts for plastics, fasteners for special materials, sheet metal fasteners, or threaded spacers and support pillars.

• Material & Substrate – What material are you fastening into? Plastics, composites, laminates, or light alloys often require different designs from standard metals. Fasteners for special materials are engineered to grip securely without damaging sensitive or low-strength substrates.
  

• Load and Mechanical Strength – Consider pull-out strength, torque, shear load, and vibration resistance. For assemblies that require spacing or insulation (for example in electronic equipment), using threaded spacers and support pillars can maintain precise separation and structural stability while withstanding mechanical stresses.
  

• Appearance & Environment – If your product is exposed to moisture, heat, chemicals, or UV, you may need coated, sealed, or corrosion-resistant fasteners. Sheet metal fasteners must also resist fatigue, and often need low profile finishes, flush mounting, or designs that avoid stress concentrations.
  

• Installation Method – Fixing screws, especially designed for plastics or light alloys, are useful where you want to directly drive the fastener without pre-formed threads. In contrast, some fasteners require inserts, press-in, clinching or heat/ultrasonic installation. Choose an installation method that matches your production capabilities.

• Cost, Assembly Speed, & Lifecycle – Consider not only material cost but also how fast assemblies can be completed, rework avoided, and maintenance required. Proper selection early on saves cost, reduces rejects, and improves product life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fixing screw?

A fixing screw is a type of thread-forming or self-threading fastener specifically designed to be driven into plastics or light alloys, often without needing a tapped or pre-threaded hole. It offers quick installation while maintaining strength.

How are sheet metal fasteners different from regular fasteners?

Sheet metal fasteners are designed to form strong, durable threads in thin metal sheets or embed into sheet metal via clinching or riveting. They allow permanent load-bearing joints without needing welding, and often withstand vibration and cyclic load better.

What are threaded spacers and support pillars for?

Threaded spacers and support pillars are used to maintain precise separation between components, align assemblies, and sometimes provide insulation. In electronics, for example, they help avoid shorts, stabilise PCBs, and improve airflow or thermal management.

What are the different sizes of fasteners?

Fasteners are available in a wide range of sizes, from miniature screws and inserts used in electronics to large bolts and studs for heavy-duty applications. Sizes are typically specified by diameter, length, and thread pitch, and PSM offers over 10,000 variations to meet industry requirements.

What are common uses of fasteners?

Fasteners are used in virtually every industry, including automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, telecommunications, and industrial machinery. They hold components together, provide electrical grounding, maintain spacing, and ensure structural stability across applications of all sizes.

Ready to Find the Right Fastener?

Choosing the right fastening solution doesn’t have to be complicated. At PSM Fasteners, we combine a comprehensive product range with expert engineering support to guide you every step of the way. Whether you need fixing screws, sheet metal fasteners, or custom-engineered solutions, our team is here to help.