Fastener Pricing Guide & Cost Considerations

The #1 Fastener Cost Consideration

In engineering and manufacturing, you’ve been trained to always look for time and cost savings. But here’s the thing:

Cheaper isn’t always better; it isn’t even always cheaper.

Your choice of fastener, who manufactures it, and where can significantly impact your end product quality, production efficiency, and ultimately, your bottom line.

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Fastener Fact or Fiction?

You’ve probably heard or said at least one of the following statements and assumed it to be true — but was it really? Have you tested it? Proven it time and time again? We have.

Flip the cards to see whether each of these statements or true or false.

"Cheaper is always better."

It’s a common misconception that opting for the lowest-cost fasteners is the most economical choice. In reality, subpar fasteners can lead to downtime, repairs, and replacements that quickly outweigh any initial savings.

"I'll save by purchasing from an overseas supplier."

While you’ll likely save on upfront costs by purchasing from an overseas manufacturer, you may not save in the long run.

"I'll save by buying in bulk."

If you know the exact fastener you need and you’ve tested it before, you might save by buying in bulk. But if you need a custom solution that hasn’t been proven yet, you may want to order a smaller supply before spending the big bucks on something that may not work.

"We have to cut corners somewhere."

Taking shortcuts in manufacturing can have far-reaching consequences. Inferior materials and rushed processes can lead to product failures and costly recalls down the road. Fasteners are no different.

The Cost of Quality

Here are the top three things to look for in quality fasteners or a quality fastener manufacturer in general, and why they’re worth “splurging” a little more money on.

American Manufacturing

American manufacturing is typically more expensive upfront, but results in better quality, service, and lot traceability, which can actually help you save on manufacturing costs over time.

Better lot traceability — Manufacturer head markings are required for domestic parts but not overseas parts.
Less time and cost for service — If you bought your fasteners from overseas and there is an issue with your order, are you going to ship them back overseas to get them fixed? Who pays that freight? And will the manufacturer actually fix their mistake?

With a domestic manufacturer, all of this is easier, faster, and cheaper. We’ve been manufacturing custom fasteners at our plant in Harrison Township, Michigan, for over 70 years and can attest to it.

Limited-Run Production

If you need a custom fastener solution that hasn’t been tested or proven yet, it may be beneficial to purchase a small quantity so you can ensure your design works before ordering and spending more. Otherwise, you have a bulk load of fasteners lying around that you spent a lot of money on and can’t do anything with.

Good & Honest Customer Service

Finding a manufacturer you like and trust is priceless in itself. With so many to choose from, it’s easy to go with the cheapest or most convenient option “because it’s who you’ve always worked with.” But when there’s a mistake or your order is delayed and you have to halt production? That’s where you’ll wish you had paid a little extra to work with someone more reliable.

It’s worth the money to work with someone who will return your phone calls and emails, stay engaged with you even after they’ve made a sale, and stand by their products by fixing, replacing, or refunding any of the parts — all things we’ve been known to do at Wilson-Garner.

Get the Custom Fastener You Need and the Quality Service You Expect

For over 50 years, we’ve been manufacturing custom bolts, screws, and studs in limited-run quantities — all at our plant in Harrison Township, Michigan. We’re real people who do really good work, and we’re not ashamed to say we really enjoy doing it.

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Get The Custom Fastener You Need