Washers are another critical member of the wide world of fasteners. They’re certainly not sexy and can be overlooked at times. However, they play a crucial role in the function and longevity of the majority of products using mechanical fasteners. Like most fasteners, there are many different types and sub-types, with the application ultimately driving the appropriate selection.

Clinch or self-clinching fasteners are typically used for metal assemblies that may be too thin for tapping or in applications where it’s not feasible to employ stamped or extruded threads.

Self-clinching fasteners are found in household appliances, electronics, medical equipment, telecom equipment, automotive and transportation markets, and many other industrial applications.

When it comes to DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects, you probably have a lot of questions about how to source the right products, and how you are going to execute your visions in real life. At Austin Hardware®, we are in the business of securing and providing solutions for our many different types of customers, including those who are DIY enthusiasts or home repair beginners. When it comes to finding the right hardware for your next project, you want to know you are sourcing quality, reliable goods for your business. Also, you want to know that the strength rating, materials, and design are the right choice for your project. Here are three of the biggest ways to use handles or other hardware for your next home repair or DIY project. 

Austin Hardware® is a leading supplier for critical industries including life-saving devices for ambulances, ems, and other emergency vehicles. We are proud to offer the B Lift hydraulic bariatric power lift as part of our complete line of solutions for life-saving industries. We truly believe that this is a beneficial and innovative product, that will save lives, and make the jobs of our important first responders easier, and more efficient. Not only does our product provide safety solutions, but it is also durable, strength tested, and made in the U.S. with quality parts and craftsmanship. The average EMS response time is 14-16 minutes, meaning that each minute is crucial, we aim to maximize the time that emergency medical technicians can focus on response time while providing a safe way to accomplish that. Providing quicker response times for emergency medical care, as well as enhancing patient care is important to providing the best solutions for safety. 

The two primary linkage options available for your multi-point latches are Rods and Cables. Each offers a different set of advantages and disadvantages. 

If you're debating which is right for your application, here's a breakdown of our findings. 

Rods are more common in multi-point latch applications for several reasons, but primarily because of their durability. They are generally stronger and more durable than cables. Financially, while the cost of the raw materials for rods and cables is very close, rods tend to be more economical than a complete cable system. Cables systems require more components for assembly, thus making them more complex and costly to use. Many companies will form rods on their own, which also can help to keep costs down. 

There are many different types of truck bodies. To name a few, there are:  

• Utility/Service Truck Bodies and Vans 
• Panel Top/Canopy Body 
• Crane Body – designed to support cranes for heavy lifting on a job site 
• Custom Body 
• Dump Body 
• Platform Body 
• Stake Body 

When it comes to Drawer Release Systems, there are a variety of ways you can incorporate them into your work truck, utility vehicle, or emergency vehicle. Drawer release systems are a great way to organize tools, emergency equipment, safety supplies, and more while keeping everything safely stored while the vehicle is in motion. These are just a few of the ways that you can use our products, but the possibilities are endless. There are many different types of drawer release systems and methods to be custom-fitted or designed for your specific needs.

Whether it’s a Class A motor home, an ice-fishing trailer, or a pop-up camper, the RV you’re driving sports a variety of different types of handles, both inside and outside the vehicle.

There’s a tug-of-war taking place on production lines and assembly floors across numerous industries, but especially sectors under the transportation umbrella. It relates to the use of traditional mechanical fasteners versus modern adhesives. 

Both have well-earned positions in the marketplace, as they have on our shelves at Austin Hardware®. So, we’re not here to advocate for one over the other. The engineers, buyers, and other top executives at your company need to make decisions like this based on factors that are likely to be unique to you. Our goal in this space is to point out some of the benefits of both, and explain how, in some cases, using both in the same application could be beneficial.

What is a Gas Spring?

Have you ever wondered how a gas spring works? Or maybe you don’t even know what one is. You would be surprised though by how much you use them in your daily life. Have you ever tried opening the trunk of your car? Or raised an office chair to desk level? What you probably used was a gas spring. There are so many common daily uses for these helpful springs. They are most commonly used for doors but have a wide variety of applications. A gas spring works by using compressed gas to maneuver two different parts a 1) piston rod and a 2) cylinder. The gas compression creates a strong force which is proportional to an increase in pressure as the two mechanisms work together. Even a small gas spring can generate a lot of force and therefore has impressive strength.