Who Can Manufacture a Fastener That Isn’t a Standard Size? West Special Fasteners!
If you need a fastener that isn’t available as a standard off-the-shelf size, we can manufacture it to your requirements.
We can produce fasteners with non-standard:
- Lengths
- Diameters
- Head shapes and dimensions
- Thread sizes or thread forms
- Thread lengths
- Shank diameters
- Materials
- Strength requirements
- Surface finishes
- Tolerances
Can you manufacture a fastener from a drawing?
Yes. A detailed engineering drawing is the best starting point because it allows West Special Fasteners to understand the required dimensions, thread specification, material, tolerances and inspection requirements.
However, a drawing isn’t always necessary.
Depending on the application, we may also be able to work from:
- An existing bolt or fastener
- A sample component
- An old or obsolete drawing
- Photographs and measurements
- A part number or historical specification
- Your own description of the requirement
For an unusual or obsolete fastener, providing the original component can be particularly useful. We can assess the dimensions, thread and material requirements and determine how it could be reproduced.
Does it have to be a large quantity?
Not necessarily.
West Special Fasteners can produce everything from prototypes and small batches through to larger production quantities. The most appropriate manufacturing process will depend on the size, complexity, material, quantity and required tolerances.
For example, a relatively simple special bolt may be economical to CNC machine in a small quantity, while larger production runs may justify forging and subsequent machining or thread rolling.
What materials can special fasteners be made from?
The choice depends on the application.
Common materials include stainless steels, as well as specialist alloys such as Duplex, Super Duplex, Inconel and titanium.
The operating environment is important when selecting the material. Temperature, corrosion, loading, chemical exposure and required strength can all affect the specification.
What if the original fastener is obsolete?
This is a common reason for requiring a special fastener.
We may be able to reproduce an obsolete bolt even when the original manufacturer no longer exists or the fastener is no longer commercially available.
This can be particularly useful for:
- Older industrial machinery
- Heritage and restoration projects
- Marine equipment
- Specialist engineering equipment
- Replacement parts for discontinued machinery
- Applications where modifying the surrounding equipment isn’t practical
What information should I provide?
Ideally, provide:
- A drawing or sample
- Diameter and overall length
- Thread diameter and pitch
- Thread form
- Material, if known
- Required quantity
- Operating environment
- Any required standards or certifications
- Required tolerances
- Any existing material or inspection certificates
If you don’t know all of these details, don’t worry. West Special Fasteners can often help establish what is required.
Need a non-standard fastener?
If you have a fastener that doesn’t exist as a standard catalogue item, don’t assume it can’t be made.
Send us your drawing, specification, sample or measurements. We can assess the requirement and advise on the appropriate material and manufacturing process.
At West Special Fasteners, we manufacture bespoke bolts and other special fasteners to customer requirements, including non-standard sizes, materials and thread forms.
If you have an unusual fastener requirement, contact us with as much information as you have and our team can assess the specification and advise on the next step.
Contact West Special Fasteners
