It’s the little things in life that leave the biggest impact.

This is true for kind gestures shared between friends. This is true for the equipment needed to run a small business. Small screws are the underdog in many projects, holding together everything from panels to chair legs and providing us the stability we need to move throughout our day without a hitch. Because of this tiny, yet no less significant detail many businesses are reevaluating what separates a good custom screw from a mediocre one. Is it the material you should be worried about or the custom fasteners you rely on to connect one to another?

Here are five little details you can look back on next time you order a set of small screws.

The American Screw Industry Is Growing Rapidly

From small screws to big screws, there’s a lot to appreciate in any given day as you go from work to school. What does this mean for you and your business options, though? The United States sees an astonishing 200 billion fasteners used every year. The revenue of the screw, nut and bolt manufacturing industry also reached $30 billion just last year. Thanks to the hard work of over 130,000 people, there are more than enough custom shoulder bolts and small screws for you to choose from when refining your selection.

Screws Have Been Around For A Long Time

Screws are far from a recent invention. In fact, they may very well be one of our oldest tools. The concept of the screw dates all the way back to 200 B.C. Early screws, unlike our reliable and sturdy manufactured models, had to be handmade. This meant no two were ever alike, which increased the risk of minor errors in the manufacturing process that could cause massive problems. The National Screw Thread Commission established a new standard for screw threads back in the 1920’s to help avoid this.

There Are Two Primary Types Of Thread Lockers

Something anyone familiar with small screws should know is the function of thread lockers. The two main types of thread lockers available on the market are the inert thread lockers and the reactive thread lockers. Known as prevailing torque in some circles, the inert thread locking creates a secure fastening lock, resistant to both vibration and shock related slippage. This is ideal for sensitive construction projects and delicate operations that can’t afford even a little wiggle room while seeing completion.

Custom Screws May Be Best For Certain Projects

When it comes down to it, sometimes it’s better to be as specific as possible. Custom screws can’t be moved from project-to-project, but they are a boon to projects that benefit from a more individual approach. This can be true for manufacturing and it can be true for freelance commissions. A customizable screw, no matter how different from industry standards, still needs to adhere to basic logic of gravity and pressure. A pre-load is a measure of the axial load imparted on a fastener. The applied seating torque is measured to make sure tension is always kept at a proper yield strength.

Know The Difference Between Your Tiny Screws

Just like custom screws are designed for a specific project, so too are certain screw types better than others. Hi-lo screws, for example, have a reduced minor diameter and generally displace far less plastic material while minimizing stress. They also have a high and low thread, with the high thread having a 30 degree form that reduces material displacement as much as possible. In other words, they’re ideal for maximizing quality over quantity, making sure your products last as long as possible. SEMS screws are unique in that they combine two separate parts into a pre-assembled, low cost fastener for multiple purposes.

It’s the little things that count. Make sure your small screws are always leaving a big impact.