This section provides an overview for inch screws as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 14 inch screw manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked inch screw companies as of November, 2024: 1.EMC Fasteners and Tools, 2.Ace Hardware, 3.NBK America LLC.
Table of Contents
An inch screw is a type of screw with dimensions standardized in inches.
While metric screws, standardized in meters, are commonly used in Japan, inch screws are prevalent in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Inch screws are utilized in various applications, including:
They are also used in aircraft manufacturing and imported furniture.
The functioning principle of an inch screw is similar to that of a standard screw. It uses its inclined plane to lift heavy objects, generating a significant fastening or axial force. The screw stays tight due to the frictional force on its slope, which exceeds the gravitational force acting on it, thus maintaining the fastening force without loosening.
Inch screws are primarily classified into two categories: unified threads and wit screws.
Unified threads are standards defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). They come in two types: unified coarse threads and unified fine threads. The fine threads have a smaller pitch than the coarse threads and are less prone to loosening but require more turning during fastening. Metric screws also come in similar coarse and fine types.
Wit screws are considered the world's first standardized inch screws. Differing from metric and unified screws, which have a 60° thread angle, Witt screws feature a 55° thread angle.
Handling inch screws requires the same precautions as metric screws. However, extra care is necessary to avoid misuse, such as mistakenly using a metric screw in an inch screw hole. It is challenging to visually distinguish between metric and inch screws; therefore, measuring the outside diameter and pitch with calipers is recommended. If there is difficulty when tightening a screw into an unknown threaded hole, it is advised to measure the screw rather than forcing it.
Inch screws are typically denoted by the following conventions: Coarse-grained screws are abbreviated as UNC, and fine-grained screws as UNF. The notation includes the screw nominal (thickness), number of threads, standard, and length. An example notation is 1/4-25UNCx5/8. Wit screws are indicated by adding "W" to their notation.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Thread Check Inc. is an American manufacturer and supplier based in Ronkonkoma, New York, specializing in precision gage solutions. The company product lineup includes thread gages, digital thread depth gages, feeler gauge sets, as well as power-driven thread gages, and spline gauges. Other offerings include plain cylindrical and thread plugs with ring gages, thread and gear measuring wires, three-wire thread measuring systems, thread inspection equipment, and tri-roll thread comparator systems, alongside corresponding software. The company also offers calibration and hardness testing equipment, measuring instruments, precision hand tools, and surveillance masters, along with services like calibration and computer numerical control (CNC) machining.
Rolled Threads Unlimited, LLC, founded in 1985 and headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, is a manufacturer specializing in precision thread rolling and knurling services. The company produces fully threaded bar, custom machined parts, fully threaded and double-ended studs, bolts, lead screws, and specialty fasteners. These products are used in diverse industries, including aerospace, agriculture, automotive, and construction. The company is capable of thread rolling carbon and alloy steel, brass, copper, aluminum, and stainless steel.
UC Components, Inc. was established in 1974 in Morgan Hill, California, USA and it is a manufacturer of vacuum application tools. The company manufactures products such as screws, washers, nuts, o-rings, prototyping, and custom parts. It also provides services like custom cleaning, custom bagging and labeling, parts recycling and vacuum baking with RGA certification. The company is ISO 9001 certified and has a management system certified by Lucideon. The company's products are applicable in semiconductor optics, the medical field, vacuum processing, research and education, aerospace and food processing.
Heico Fasteners Inc. was launched in 1997 in Hickory, North Carolina, and is a manufacturer and supplier of upholstery furniture supplies that enables furniture manufacturers to unlock unlimited design possibilities. The company specializes in making decorative nails of different materials, shapes, colors, and finishes. It also avails other products like sectional connectors, zippers and slides, wood screws, and metal tack strips, among others. The company is DIN ISO 9001:2008, ISO/TS 16949:2009, and ISO 50001 certified.
EMC Fasteners and Tools, founded in 1966 and based in Michigan, United States, is a manufacturer of various electrical, plumbing, and HVAC products. The company manufactures products in several categories, such as fasteners, electrical, plumbing, tools and accessories, a series of work gloves, and safety products. It manufactures a line of nuts, bolts, washers, screws, and all types of fasteners. It also produces batteries, cable ties, a 4-way stem key, acid brushes, aluminum ducts, outlet adapters, and more. The company serves customers all throughout the United States, including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois.
NBK America LLC, founded in 2015 and based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, is an American manufacturer and a subsidiary of Japan's Nabeya Bi-tech Kaisha, specializing in mechanical components. Their product range includes couplings, like miniature shaft couplings for precision machine tools and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, special screws, such as vacuum application screws and other machine components. NBK offers finite automaton (FA) solutions, including wireless positioning units for production lines and setup operations. NBK provides machine component servicing, such as vibration resistance treatment and laser engraving. Services for couplings and special screws include coupling stainless steel screw alteration and screw length adjustment.
KD Fasteners, Inc. was founded in 1987 and headquartered in Addison, Illinois. The company is a fastener manufacturer and distributor, specializing in custom fasteners from such materials as steel, brass, silicon bronze, and other non-ferrous metals, supplying over 100,000 different fastener components. The company has 3 product segments: standard fasteners, standard metric fasteners, and custom fasteners. Custom fastener varieties include studs, washers, machine screws, flange bolts, and many other varieties. The company also offers many plating varieties including zinc, black oxide, waxing, and Magni 565 and 560.
L.H. Dottie, established in 1965 with headquarters in Commerce, California, is a manufacturer, distributor, and supplier of industrial fasteners and hardware. Their extensive product range includes screws, anchors, fastener kits, hangers, electrical fittings, pipe supports, staples, adhesives, and tools. Holding an ISO 9001:2015 certification, and is UL listed, the company caters to diverse industries such as electrical, security, energy sector, and plumbing/HVAC industries, providing products that play a crucial role in securing and fastening various materials like wood, metal, and concrete.
Allfastener, founded in 1994 and based in Ohio, America, manufactures and supplies fasteners and industrial tools. The company also provides engineering-backed suggestions for the right products and their usage. Allfastener also caters to steel fabrication industry and infrastructure. Its customers can may check details or place an order at a website. The company's freight partners and company-owned trucks utilize an advance dispatch system to ensure to deliver the ordered goods in accurate manner.
Rok Hardware & Cabinets founded in Anaheim, California, USA, in 2013, is a distributor of home improvement products, both decorative and functional. It distributes products including cabinet hardware, lights, vent covers, and furniture locks. The company’s vent covers regulate airflow from HVAC systems, prevent debris from entering ducts, and provide control over room comfort by directing conditioned air. Its products are certified by SSL and PCI and it also supports charity organizations including Habitat and Builders Without Borders. The company represents Grass, Blum, and Salice.
Bolt Depot, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Hingham, Massachusetts, is a distributor of nuts, bolts, screws, and fasteners. The company offers an extensive range of products, including stainless steel, brass, and metric fasteners, all backed by advanced technology. With modern inventory and an easy-to-use online platform, it caters to a wide array of industries, from construction and manufacturing to automotive and DIY enthusiasts. The products provide the essential components necessary for secure and stable fastening products.
Tacoma Screw Products, Inc. has been engaged in the retail of hardware products since 1946, with its corporate headquarters in Tacoma, Washington. The company is recognized as a noticeable figure distributing fasteners, tools, maintenance, shop, and industrial supplies. It operates as a locally retained and managed entity, showcasing its expertise and control within the sector. Tacoma Screw Products provides its services to a wide range of consumers across the entirety of the United States. The organization places high importance on its customer relationships, consistently delivers great customer service, and ensures customer happiness.
Ace Hardware, established in 1924 under the name Ace Stores, is an American hardware distributor with its headquarters located in Oak Brook, Illinois. The company offers a diverse selection of hardware and home improvement products, including building materials, electrical items, power tools, plumbing and garden equipment, and housewares. Ace Hardware operates as a retailer-owned cooperative which allows each store to customize its inventory and services to suit the specific needs of its local community. Ace Hardware received the J.D. Power award for "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Home Improvement Retail Stores" for the 15th time in 16 years as of 2022.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | EMC Fasteners and Tools |
25.0%
|
2 | Ace Hardware |
16.7%
|
3 | NBK America LLC |
16.7%
|
4 | Heico Fasteners Inc. |
8.3%
|
5 | Bolt Depot |
8.3%
|
6 | Allfasteners USA LLC |
8.3%
|
7 | L.H. Dottie. |
8.3%
|
8 | UC Components, Inc. |
8.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the inch screw page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 12 | 100.0% |