It seems like everyone is always on the lookout for new methods to reduce, reuse, and recycle. However, is it safe and beneficial to reuse screws that have been previously used in other tasks or functions?
HOW TO IDENTIFY REUSABLE SCREWS
In most cases, you may reuse a bolt as long as you make sure it never goes beyond its yield point. Although it may seem easy at first, determining whether or not a bolt has been subjected to a tensile stress over its yield point may be tricky. The yield point of a bolt is the load at which it fails to recover to its pre-stress length. Similar to a spring, if a bolt is altered, it may assume a permanent, changed shape that persists after the stress is removed.
WHAT ELSE ALLOWS FASTENERS TO BE REUSED?
There are a variety of elements that may contribute to fastener joint wear and tensile forces. The yield value of a screw may also be reduced by external factors such as heat. The first installation of a fastener may also contribute to a screw's reusability. When installing fasteners, extra care must be used. Especially when an indirect technique of tensioning is used, it is essential to check overtightening to prevent a fastener from giving during installation or maintenance.
IS THERE AN EASY WAY TO DETERMINE WHETHER A SCREW CAN BE REUSED?
Screwing a nut on a previously used bolt is the quickest and easiest technique to check its yield strength. If the nut will not tighten on the whole length of the bolt threads, then the screw is not safe to be reused since the bolt has yielded.
Avlock International is a leading manufacturer and distributor of specialised fastening systems to both the domestic market and other global destinations. For an obligation-free quote or demonstration, contact Avlock today.
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