The Ultimate Guide to Fasteners

Industrial fasteners are used to join parts in machinery, vehicles, buildings and infrastructure, making them essential components for the automotive, construction and manufacturing sectors. The fasteners market in India is booming, but with rapid industrialisation and quick expansion, it can be difficult to choose the right fit for the job. This ultimate guide by Indus Marketing explores the fasteners landscape in India, including key types, unique features and how to choose the best fasteners for your requirements.

Growing Fasteners Industry in India

India’s industrial fasteners market value is expected to nearly double by 2030. This surge is propelled by the expanding automotive sector and massive infrastructure projects under government initiatives such as "Make in India" and Smart Towns Mission. As a result, demand for high-quality industrial-grade fasteners like stainless steel screws, bolts, and nuts has skyrocketed in India.

Key Types of Fasteners

Fasteners come in many forms, but the most common industrial fasteners in India include:

Bolts:

Bolts are among the most common and essential fasteners. They are used widely across the automotive and machinery industries for their strength and reliability. Bolts have external threads; they typically require a corresponding nut to secure objects together. They also come in many shapes and sizes, making them ideal, versatile and perfect for heavy-duty applications.

TVS Hex Head Bolt 9/16”x2” - 228184200-0200	TVS Hex Socket Head Cap Bolt 1/4”x1-1/2” - 426084108-0500

Screws:

Screws are typically smaller than bolts, and they don’t require a nut as they’re screwed directly into the material. They are threaded fasteners designed to create a tight bond when rotated into a compatible surface. Screws are ideal for tasks that don’t require heavy-duty fastening and can be used in wood, metal and plastic. They are mostly used for woodworking projects and everyday home repairs.

TVS M20 CSK (Countersunk) Head Screw Black Oxide - 3C6207040-0500	TVS M10 Socket Button Head Screws - 3B6103016-0500	TVS M20 Hex Head Bolt Black Oxide - 212207060-0200

Nuts and Washers:

Nuts are used in conjunction with bolts and screws to provide a secure connection. They come in many shapes and sizes, like hex nuts, wing nuts and lock nuts. Washers, on the other hand, are flat, thin discs placed between fasteners and the surface to help distribute the load.

TVS Hex Nuts 1” 921324319-0200	TVS Hex Sunlock (Nylock) Nuts M8 x 1.25

Speciality Fasteners

Threaded Fasteners:

Threaded fasteners are one of the more dominant fastener types in the Indian market. They are long metal rods with threads running along their entire length. These threads interlock with a matching component to hold materials in place as the friction between the threads creates a strong, clamping force that keeps components tightly connected. They are ideal for applications that require adaptability. 

Rivets:

A rivet is a permanent fastener used to join two or more pieces of material for a lasting hold. It is a smooth cylindrical rod with a head of one end and a tail on the other. It is used by “smashing” the tail to create a second head, which securely holds the material together. This process of riveting creates a strong, permanent bond. Rivets are vibration-resistant, making them perfect for the construction, automotive and aerospace industries.

Anchors:

Anchors are specialised fasteners designed for use with materials like concrete and drywall, which are too brittle for traditional screws or bolts. They are widely used to attach structures to walls or ceilings.  

Major Industries Driving Demand

The automotive sector is the largest consumer of industrial fasteners in India, with manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra requiring fasteners in engine assembly, suspension systems, and brakes. Construction and engineering sectors also contribute significantly, driven by building projects and infrastructure development. Industrial machinery and aerospace industries further fuel the demand for high-grade fasteners designed to meet rigorous quality standards.

Choosing the Right Fasteners in India

When selecting fasteners, consider:

Material:

The most common material used for making fasteners is carbon steel.

Pros:

1. Cost-effective:

   Carbon steel fasteners are usually less expensive than their stainless-steel counterparts, because they’re made from affordable metals like iron and carbon.

2. Durable:

   They are suitable for high-stress applications as they can withstand heavy forces without cracking.

Cons:

1. Corrosion:

   Carbon steel fasteners are more susceptible to corrosion and, hence, are unsuitable for environments with chemical exposure.

Stainless steel fasteners are also a popular choice of fastener due to their superior corrosion resistance.

Pros:

1. Corrosion resistance:

   All stainless-steel alloys have a minimum of 10.5% chromium, which is responsible for superior corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is most suitable for harsh environments due to its excellent rust resistance.

2. Longevity:

   They are long-lasting in both indoor and outdoor environments. Stainless steel can withstand being exposed to high humidity or saltwater.

Cons:

1. Cost: Stainless steel fasteners can be more expensive than carbon steel ones, due to their composition.

Application:

Automotive fasteners need to withstand vibration, and construction fasteners require strong load-bearing capacity.

1. Hex bolts and screws are used in a wide variety of applications in construction and infrastructure projects like buildings and bridges, as well as assembling machinery and equipment in the automotive industry. They are widely used because of their strength and versatility, and the “hex” head, which makes for easy tightening with a wrench or socket.
2. Sun lock nuts are a type of lock nut used in applications with vibrations or shock, such as automotive and construction. They prevent loosening by using a design feature, like a nylon insert that creates friction against the bolt threads, or by a metal component that physically deforms to lock the nut in place after assembly.

Quality Standards & Supplier Reliability

It is always important to buy from authorised dealers. Look for certifications and standards compliance to ensure durability and safety. Choose established manufacturers and distributors who provide quality assurance and timely delivery. If you are still unsure or have any more questions about the right fasteners for the job, contact Indus Marketing by calling +919741549898 or emailing [email protected] or walking right in to our store at #28, SJP Road, Bengaluru-560002.