Feature

How to choose the right stainless steel fasteners

There is a wide and sometimes baffling choice when looking to select the correct fastener for an application. This practical guide is designed as an overview for those who are familiar with basic fastener properties, but require focused guidance to make confident, application-specific choices.

02/09/2025 16:27:58

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In this article, WDS Components walks you through how to choose the right stainless steel screws, bolts, panel fasteners, pins, and the nuts and washers to
complete them. It will introduce the INOX Noir range, which offers enhanced corrosion resistance and a sleek black finish, as an example.

Understanding fasteners
Fasteners are mechanical
components that join parts together. Common types (on which this guide will focus) include:
• Screws and bolts: Provide strong, often removable joints
• Nuts and
washers: Secure screws/bolts and distribute load
• Panel fasteners: Enable quick access to components or enclosures
• Detent pins: Allow for fast, tool-free locking and release

Choosing
the right fastener is key. Choosing the wrong fastener risks mechanical failure, poor longevity or safety issues, particularly in demanding environments like aerospace, automotive, or outdoor installations.

Read the full article in DPA's September 2025 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.