Do you ever look at a bolt and think how incredible this little piece of hardware is? No? Just me? I know for most people this is a silly thought but is it really? Fixings are essential to most structures that we use and/or see on our day-to-to, from the desk you sit at whilst reading this to the bridge you drive across on your way home.
Fixings have been around for centuries. The oldest type of fixing reported to be used since the Bronze age is the nail. Back then, nails were hand forged by artisans. Nowadays, nails are made by machines which can produce thousands of nails at once plus, make specialised nails designed for particular applications, from drywall nails to corrosion-resistant nails.
Today, we are lucky to have countless fixings to choose from to complete our home renovations and repairs… nails, bolts, screws, you name it. To share a bit more about the importance of fixings, I spoke to Speedy Fixings, UK-based suppliers and manufacturers of products to the construction, civil engineering and similar industries.
As the Incidental Parent says, “Speedy Fixings provide these products for both retail customers and trade customers. So, whether you need expert advice for which fastener is best for your home renovation project or need a large order of custom-made products for a large project, Speedy Fixings will be able to help.”
What are fixings?
In British English, the Collins Dictionary defines fixings as “items, such as nails and screws which are used to fix things, such as furniture together”. However, fastener is also a name given to these items – the name given to an item that fastens two objects together.
Jenny in Neverland explains that the terms “fixing” and “fastener” are used interchangeably but she recommends using the word “fastener” for the device used for fixing and the term “fixing” to refer to the act of holding and securing an object in place. She advises to do this in case you are confused by the meaning of the two.
Quality is vital.
Fixings or fasteners (whatever way you want to call them!) are an essential part of any structure as I mentioned previously. So, it’s also important to consider the quality when picking the right fixing. Fixings should stay put for years on end, so it comes as no surprise that it is vital to choose good quality fixings. As Chelsea Mamma comments, “Poorly manufactured fixings can easily crack and break (which is the last thing you want in a construction project). So, always opt for good-quality fixings and fastenings for your projects.”
