When two different types of metals are joined together, a process called ELECTROLYSIS can occur. Also known as galvanic corrosion, electrolysis happens when two dissimilar metals are directly connected, causing the lesser of the two metals to corrode. For the process to occur, the two metals must also come into contact with a conductive electrolyte. Ultimately, this can result in damage to the joint, causing the metals to fail.

 Several factors contribute to electrolysis when joining dissimilar metals, including differences in electrical potential, composition, and exposure to moisture or other corrosive substances. Let's take a closer look at each of these factors and how they can impact the durability of the joint.

An Explanation of Common Gas Springs:  How Do They Work?

Gas springs, also known as gas struts or gas lift supports, use compressed gas to provide smooth and controlled motion of lids, hatches, flaps, and more in many applications. Common examples include automotive hoods, furniture, medical equipment, and industrial machinery. 

They work on the principle of the ideal gas law, which states that the pressure of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature and the number of molecules present in the container. 

A typical gas spring consists of a piston rod and a cylinder filled with pressurized gas, usually nitrogen. When the gas spring is extended, the gas pressure inside the cylinder pushes the piston rod out. Conversely, when the gas spring is compressed, the gas pressure inside the cylinder decreases, allowing the piston rod to retract.

Whether you're going off-road, off the grid, or off to work, you want to be sure your vehicle has the right gear for the day's adventure. We know how important it is to have a reliable, safe ride and one well-equipped for the day's journey- whatever that may be. You work hard, and your truck should work equally as hard for you.

With the costs of fuel and products rising – you want to be sure your truck is in it for the long haul. Protecting your vehicle with the right products not only preserves the life of your truck but it gives you peace of mind. There are several easy ways to ensure your truck is in top shape. Most manufacturers have a recommended list of maintenance items at mileage intervals to help make sure your vehicle is working correctly and has a long life span.

One of the best ways to take care of your vehicle is to stay up to date on routine maintenance – Staying up to date on recommended factory maintenance is crucial to the longevity of your vehicle. A preventative maintenance schedule keeps you from dealing with costly repairs down the line.

A simple maintenance checklist will help you stay on track for repairs and maintenance for commercial vehicles, trucks, and vans, or your adventure vehicle or pickup truck. Below is a list of five easy things you can do to take care of your vehicle.

Austin Hardware® is a proud partner with H.B. Fuller and GorillaPro® Professional Grade products. Since 1960, Austin Hardware® has worked hard to secure hard-working solutions for the many different industries we serve. 

We are excited about this new product offering from one of our most trusted partnerships. Read More below to see what GorillaPro® has to say about their products and how Austin Hardware can help provide the right solution for your industry!

We're always looking for ways to improve our lives through the products we use. We seek products that make tasks easy, work better and faster, last longer, cost less, feel good to use, and make us feel good.

In business, manufacturers look to add components to their end products that improve their customers' lives and solve problems, adding value and giving them a competitive advantage. But that search can be complicated as many affordable, readily available components are highly commoditized, making those unique, differentiating products a challenge to find.

The answer could lie in the design of custom components that can solve your unique problem, help your end product stand out, and give you a competitive advantage. 

Since 1960 (that's over sixty years!), we've worked hard to develop solutions for the many different industries we serve. What started as a small, family-owned business has grown into the business you see today, with 9 locations serving the U.S. and Canada. Today, Austin Hardware® is the go-to specialty hardware supplier of choice for top companies across dozens of industries. 

Our dedication to quality and customer service goes a long way. We are MORE than just a supplier. We offer a variety of ways to serve your business besides specialty hardware. Not only can we function as your supplier for hardware solutions, but we have also become a trusted source for many OEMs for custom-engineered products. Keep reading to learn more... 

Statistics from the National Truck Equipment Association indicate commercial (cargo) van sales increased by 56.7% between 2013 and 2019, and there's no sign of that trend slowing down. While cargo vans are becoming more and more common for delivery services (if you've had an Amazon delivery lately, you know this to be true), they're also widely used by businesses of all types as service vehicles. 

Larger vehicles, such as box trucks, will always have a substantial market position for their advantage in capacity. This is especially true for delivery services as their size advantage allows for the delivery of larger items and helps to minimize trips. However, cargo vans generally cost less to purchase, and their smaller size makes them more fuel-efficient and able to fit into tighter spaces. This economy and agility make cargo vans a better choice for delivering smaller parcels and for use as service vehicles.

Easy Open Vents by Austin Hardware®

Our engineering team here at Austin Hardware® would like to introduce another patented solution for your business: the Easy Open Vent. This patented design opens both left-facing and right-facing, making it an easily adaptable solution for different applications and industries. Designed with the end-user in mind, the Easy Open Vent or EOV is a great solution for your ventilation needs.

Another great design aspect is that the EOV also has three different adjustment levels per side. It also has low-profile and raised-profile options and both right and left opening capabilities. You can also customize this product with different materials and sizes depending on your specific needs.  

Companies are looking for ways to safely allow employees to return to the workplace as businesses open back up amid the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the primary modes of transmission of COVID-19 is via airborne droplets.

A simple solution to mitigate the transmission of these droplets is to place a physical barrier between employees working in an office environment. Placing a partition at individual workstations, and other key areas throughout the business can help to insulate workers from the potentially virus-carrying particulates emitted by others.