Technical Articles

Reid Supply has published these technical articles:

(Fastening and Joining)
From this Article:
Suppose you need to measure the inner and outer diameter of copper tubing or the outer measurements of an element you’re currently machining. That’s where your trusty caliper comes in, as...
(Fastening and Joining)
From this Article:
The terms jig and fixture are often confused and used interchangeably, however, despite sharing similar functions, the two are functionally different. Jigs are tools that hold a cutting tool in place...
(Fastening and Joining)
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Handwheels are useful tools for a variety of applications across industries. Though they are widely used, various applications may require very different handwheels. For example, a handwheel used for...
(Manufacturing Equipment and Components)
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Every manufacturing and molding process is built on the use of tools, often known as machine tooling. Tooling refers to building various different kinds of equipment and gear required for production,...
(Fastening and Joining)
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Clevis pins are fasteners with a hinge-like form, as they're of cylindrical shape with a head on one end and some form of fastening mechanism on the other, though in some cases, securing the clevis...
(Fastening and Joining)
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You come into contact with various types of latches on a daily basis as they're utilized almost everywhere, from magnets that hold that kitchen cabinet door closed to latches used in the automotive...
(Metal Shapes and Stock)
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A valve handwheel is a common type of valve actuator. This means it is used to regulate the opening and closing of a valve manually. There are different types of valve handwheels, and you should...
(Metal Shapes and Stock)
From this Article:
Handwheels are useful tools for a variety of applications across industries. Though they are widely used, various applications may require very different handwheels. For example, a handwheel used for...
(Fastening and Joining)
From this Article:
Toggle action clamps operate through a linkage system of levers and pivots. The fixed-length levers, connected by pivot pins, supply the action and clamping force. The maximum exerting or clamping...
(Fastening and Joining)
From this Article:
Jigs are tools that hold a cutting tool in place or guide it as it performs a repetitive task like drilling or tapping holes. Fixtures, on the other hand, do not guide a cutting tool, but hold a...
(Fastening and Joining)
From this Article:
A hold-down clamp is one of the most important pieces of equipment in any workshop, as it allows you to manage the workpiece. Its purpose is straightforward: to keep objects in place while you execute...
(Fastening and Joining)
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Our goal in this article is to give you an overview of toggle clamps. We'll discuss clamping requirements and applications, the various types of toggle clamps, their basic mechanics and working...
(Specialized Industrial Products)
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There is a wide variety of knob designs and types available, including small plastic knobs, machine knobs and handles, plastic threaded knobs, and black metal knobs. Where do you even begin when knobs...
(Fastening and Joining)
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Mechanical fasteners, such as screws, bolts, nuts, and rivets, are essential components in engineering and machine design, and other modern industry applications. The need for these types of fasteners...
(Fastening and Joining)
From this Article:
Before buying clamping levers for your industrial devices, you need to understand the differences in features, components, and accessories. In general, though, a cam lever or cam clamp is a...
(Fastening and Joining)
From this Article:
A hold-down clamp is one of the most important pieces of equipment in any workshop, as it allows you to manage the workpiece. Its purpose is straightforward: to keep objects in place while you execute...
(Metals and Alloys)
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Iron and steel are essential materials across a broad swath of manufacturing industries. Their versatility, strength, relative cost, and properties allow for nearly limitless production possibilities....
(Metals and Alloys)
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It's not uncommon to have questions about the distinctions between various steel types, especially if you're working in the machining and metalworking industries. Understanding the subtle, specific...
(Fastening and Joining)
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Machinery eye bolts are one of the most common types of rigging hardware used for lifting or securing machinery and equipment. Like slings, sling hooks, and shackles, eye bolts also come in various...
(Fastening and Joining)
From this Article:
Hook-and-latch toggle clamps, also known as a pull-action latch or toggle latch clamps, are most often used to pull and hold two components together. They work the opposite of typical double-ended...