Different Reasons to Use Captive Fasteners

For many years, conventional screws and nuts have been used throughout the computer and telecommunications markets where they are popular for attaching electronic equipment from panels to racks. However, more recently, captive screws have taken over and become more favorable than traditional nuts, screws, and bolts. In this blog, we will discuss four advantages that captive screws have over traditional fasteners.

The first advantage of captive fasteners is their firm and permanent hold. Captive fasteners are able to meld with the parent material through cold forming and create a permanent hold even when disengaged from the panel. Adversely, traditional screws go through a clearance space in one part and into a threaded hole in a second section. During unscrewing, the second component separates easily from the first section. Captive fasteners are designed to prevent the separation of these parts while still allowing axial movement within the first part. Captive screws are ideal when there is a need for the fastener to remain attached to the equipment, such as in cover panels.

In addition to their better hold, captive screws offer a safer and faster experience than conventional fasteners. Captive fasteners eliminate degradation related to aging and can keep your equipment protected because they will not block or damage the machinery. Furthermore, captive fasteners offer protection from stress, vibration, and other mechanical forces. These forces can cause traditional nuts to fall out, potentially leading to damage and losses. Captive fasteners are also easy to use when assembling machinery or furniture. Disassembly is also just as easy because only minimal manipulation is needed to release the bolts.

Third, captive fasteners come in many types and therefore offer a broad range of options. For example, they come in different head designs such as binding, oval, truss, washer, and socket head, as well as different materials including steel, zinc, nickel, aluminum, brass, and more. Captive fasteners are ideal because they are made depending on the specific needs and preferences of the customer, ensuring they will do their job exactly as intended.

Finally, captive fasteners are a more advanced technology than traditional ones. Many captive fasteners can be attached using simply thumb pressure. Neoteric designs are made to provide top-level and consistent soldering for electronic heat sink applications. High-quality captive fasteners amplify the thermal conductivity and provide strong fastening regardless of shock, thermal expansion, or vibration of the device.

At ASAP Aviation Hub, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all types of captive fasteners in addition to many other parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, defense, and electronics industries. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asapaviationhub.com or call us at 1-269-264-4495.