How SFS tests fasteners to optimize performance

If your fasteners didn’t perform reliably every time, they would create significant safety concerns. One fastener might withstand the force of a strong wind while another loosens over time. Since fasteners are critical to ensuring structure longevity and safety in buildings, manufacturers must conduct various tests to determine how fasteners perform and enable building designers to make educated decisions when selecting materials.

This is why SFS remains committed to not only conducting exhaustive analysis of all screws and products but also sharing accurate performance limits with our customers. Discover how SFS approaches fastener testing, the most common fastener tests, and how to read our specification sheets.

Why are fasteners tested?

Tests indicate how the fasteners will function in the field and help building designers specify fasteners based on load pressure, materials used, external elements, and more.

Fasteners are tested for several reasons. Tests are required to ensure they meet building codes, and we also conduct extensive testing to ensure our products meet the standards consumers deserve. SFS’s products are approved by several agencies, such as FM, UL, and Miami-Dade. These agencies require manufacturers to adhere to certification requirements to gain licensing so consumers know anything they purchase passes specific tests. 

Moreover, testing empowers our customers to make informed purchasing and budgeting decisions. By selecting the most appropriate fasteners for specific project needs, they can enhance safety and potentially avoid or delay the need for future fastener replacements. 

Our Engineering team is very involved in developing new products. Each fastener has an inspection sheet specifying how many samples per batch must be tested and which tests are required. All of our new products must pass inspections before being sold to customers. 

What types of tests does SFS run on fasteners?

SFS has internal testing capabilities to aid in new product development, customer support, and quality assurance. We run many tests on our fasteners to ensure they perform as expected. Standard tests include:

Tensile

Tensile testing measures the point at which a fastener fails under a load exerted in two opposite directions, ultimately increasing the risk of stress corrosion cracking and fracturing.

Shear

Shear testing measures the point when a fastener fails under a load of pressure exerted in offset, opposing directions, typically along the shank of the fastener.

Torsional

Torsional testing measures the point when a fastener fails under a twisting load exerted on the fastener head. Typically, the load is applied during the installation process. 




Pull out strength

Pull out strength measures the maximum tensile load at which a fastener’s threaded connection remains intact. Learn more about what to consider and how to calculate screw pull out strength.



Pull over strength

Pull over strength measures the maximum load a fastener can withstand the pulling of fastened sheet metal over a fastener, either by gravity, wind, or other environmental factors. Pull over strength is particularly important for fasteners used on roofs, where the roofing material may be pulled up by wind.

Dimensionals

As a consumer, your parts should perform as expected each time. Dimensionals testing ensures the net batch of the same size fasteners behave the same way. 

Timed drill tests

Time is everything. Faster fasteners are installed more efficiently, saving critical time on the job site. Drill testing ensures we can get the fastest screws in the hands of customers.

Assembly testing

When conducting assembly testing, customers tell us which materials they use, and we test them in the lab to monitor performance when used together. Fasteners may behave differently when used with various materials, and it’s critical to understand how those parts will react to the elements.

Salt spray testing (ASTM B117)

Salt spray testing monitors the strength of the fastener coating and the ability to resist corrosion under specific environmental conditions. This test is vital for fasteners that will be exposed to salt water, such as on buildings in coastal areas.

Building strong relationships with our customers is a priority, and SFS can conduct additional fastener testing for you upon request.

Fastener testing FAQs


How can I test pull out strength?

Pull out strength is tested by exerting force on a fastener in opposite directions (in the direction of the fastener head and down the fastener) until it fails. SFS, building code agencies, and other third parties test pull out strength so you don’t have to — request results for any fasteners you’re considering purchasing to review their tested strength.

Who conducts fastener tests?

As a manufacturer, we conduct extensive testing on all of our fasteners. Certain building codes, such as FM, Miami Dade, UL, and more, require external testing as well. SFS is proud to be approved by these agencies and more.

Where can I find the results of SFS fastener tests?

All of our fastener specification sheets detail all the applicable test results. We welcome you to review our fastener specification sheets here, as well as find individual PDfs accessible at the bottom of specific product pages

How can I request additional testing?

SFS is always happy to perform additional fastener testing upon request. We can conduct any of the aforementioned tests as well as partner with our customers to prepare for third party testing. Reach out to our team to get started.

Which governing body determines the requirements for different fasteners? 

Building codes can determine requirements. Requirements are also set by governing bodies of approval holders, including FM and Miami Dade. 

SFS is proud to have received fastener approval from FM Global and other agencies. 

Tested & approved fasteners from SFS

As a designer or builder, you must understand exactly how your fasteners will perform every time. Different test results will be important depending on what environmental factors you anticipate your fasteners will be exposed to.

SFS is proud to offer spec sheets with information on the extensive tests we conduct on our fasteners. Our approvals from FM, UL, and Miami-Dade speak for themselves, but we’re happy to offer additional testing upon request.

Shop SFS’s various fasteners, designed to meet the needs of any project you’re working on.

How SFS tests fasteners to optimize performance

If your fasteners didn’t perform reliably every time, they would create significant safety concerns. One fastener might withstand the force of a strong wind while another loosens over time. Since fasteners are critical to ensuring structure longevity and safety in buildings, manufacturers must conduct various tests to determine how fasteners perform and enable building designers to make educated decisions when selecting materials.

This is why SFS remains committed to not only conducting exhaustive analysis of all screws and products but also sharing accurate performance limits with our customers. Discover how SFS approaches fastener testing, the most common fastener tests, and how to read our specification sheets.

Why are fasteners tested?

Tests indicate how the fasteners will function in the field and help building designers specify fasteners based on load pressure, materials used, external elements, and more.

Fasteners are tested for several reasons. Tests are required to ensure they meet building codes, and we also conduct extensive testing to ensure our products meet the standards consumers deserve. SFS’s products are approved by several agencies, such as FM, UL, and Miami-Dade. These agencies require manufacturers to adhere to certification requirements to gain licensing so consumers know anything they purchase passes specific tests. 

Moreover, testing empowers our customers to make informed purchasing and budgeting decisions. By selecting the most appropriate fasteners for specific project needs, they can enhance safety and potentially avoid or delay the need for future fastener replacements. 

Our Engineering team is very involved in developing new products. Each fastener has an inspection sheet specifying how many samples per batch must be tested and which tests are required. All of our new products must pass inspections before being sold to customers. 

What types of tests does SFS run on fasteners?

SFS has internal testing capabilities to aid in new product development, customer support, and quality assurance. We run many tests on our fasteners to ensure they perform as expected. Standard tests include:

Tensile

Tensile testing measures the point at which a fastener fails under a load exerted in two opposite directions, ultimately increasing the risk of stress corrosion cracking and fracturing.

Shear

Shear testing measures the point when a fastener fails under a load of pressure exerted in offset, opposing directions, typically along the shank of the fastener.

Torsional

Torsional testing measures the point when a fastener fails under a twisting load exerted on the fastener head. Typically, the load is applied during the installation process. 




Pull out strength

Pull out strength measures the maximum tensile load at which a fastener’s threaded connection remains intact. Learn more about what to consider and how to calculate screw pull out strength.



Pull over strength

Pull over strength measures the maximum load a fastener can withstand the pulling of fastened sheet metal over a fastener, either by gravity, wind, or other environmental factors. Pull over strength is particularly important for fasteners used on roofs, where the roofing material may be pulled up by wind.

Dimensionals

As a consumer, your parts should perform as expected each time. Dimensionals testing ensures the net batch of the same size fasteners behave the same way. 

Timed drill tests

Time is everything. Faster fasteners are installed more efficiently, saving critical time on the job site. Drill testing ensures we can get the fastest screws in the hands of customers.

Assembly testing

When conducting assembly testing, customers tell us which materials they use, and we test them in the lab to monitor performance when used together. Fasteners may behave differently when used with various materials, and it’s critical to understand how those parts will react to the elements.

Salt spray testing (ASTM B117)

Salt spray testing monitors the strength of the fastener coating and the ability to resist corrosion under specific environmental conditions. This test is vital for fasteners that will be exposed to salt water, such as on buildings in coastal areas.

Building strong relationships with our customers is a priority, and SFS can conduct additional fastener testing for you upon request.

Fastener testing FAQs


How can I test pull out strength?

Pull out strength is tested by exerting force on a fastener in opposite directions (in the direction of the fastener head and down the fastener) until it fails. SFS, building code agencies, and other third parties test pull out strength so you don’t have to — request results for any fasteners you’re considering purchasing to review their tested strength.

Who conducts fastener tests?

As a manufacturer, we conduct extensive testing on all of our fasteners. Certain building codes, such as FM, Miami Dade, UL, and more, require external testing as well. SFS is proud to be approved by these agencies and more.

Where can I find the results of SFS fastener tests?

All of our fastener specification sheets detail all the applicable test results. We welcome you to review our fastener specification sheets here, as well as find individual PDfs accessible at the bottom of specific product pages

How can I request additional testing?

SFS is always happy to perform additional fastener testing upon request. We can conduct any of the aforementioned tests as well as partner with our customers to prepare for third party testing. Reach out to our team to get started.

Which governing body determines the requirements for different fasteners? 

Building codes can determine requirements. Requirements are also set by governing bodies of approval holders, including FM and Miami Dade. 

SFS is proud to have received fastener approval from FM Global and other agencies. 

Tested & approved fasteners from SFS

As a designer or builder, you must understand exactly how your fasteners will perform every time. Different test results will be important depending on what environmental factors you anticipate your fasteners will be exposed to.

SFS is proud to offer spec sheets with information on the extensive tests we conduct on our fasteners. Our approvals from FM, UL, and Miami-Dade speak for themselves, but we’re happy to offer additional testing upon request.

Shop SFS’s various fasteners, designed to meet the needs of any project you’re working on.