How to Identify Substandard Structural Bolts in the Supply Chain

Never compromise on quality when it comes to projects like steel structures. Every tiny bolt matters a lot in the entire project. A flaw in a bolt could collapse the whole project, resulting in a list of legal consequences, as well as the potential loss of human life. That’s why construction companies or bolt distributors must never turn a blind eye to bolt quality. Any hidden flaw inside them could put your construction company’s market image at risk. To identify substandard structural bolts when sourcing them, follow these methods. 

Inspect Consistency in Head Diameter, Threads, and Density

The consistency is the biggest challenge for counterfeit bolt dealers. If you want to detect the biggest flaw in substandard structural bolts, just look at the head diameter, thread, and density of them. You will find differences between the samples of the same lot. Inspect the consistency by comparing these elements to detect substandard bolts. Then comes strength and grip, which will be compromised in them because of poor consistency. If there is no consistent result in structural bolts, there will be poor compatibility in the installation.

Visual Inspection

Perform a complete visual inspection of the structural bolts’ dimensions. From head to the bottom, everything must show no sign of flaw. Any deformity or crack will result in straight rejection, as these bolts must be robust and compatible with one another. It is a standard test performed to inspect samples and prevent the procurement of substandard bolts.   

Magnified Inspection

The second step involves performing a magnified inspection, which yields better results. You need to inspect the bolts with a magnifying glass to check for porosity and inconsistencies. If there are clear signs of suspected corrosion and cracking, it indicates that the bolts are substandard. They could cause problems for the project you are selecting them for. They are prone to cracking, corrosion, and deformity. 

Ultrasonic Testing

Then, an in-depth inspection is required if you can’t find any flaws through the above two basic methods. This test will help you identify hidden flaws, such as porosity and fractures, within substandard bolts. It helps detect internal corrosion and axial force in a bolt. A substandard bolt could fail this test because it is designed to expose hidden flaws. Only a top-quality structural bolt can pass this test because it possesses the density, strength, and compatibility necessary for adequate structural support. 

Minor Flaws and Their Aftermath 

A minor flaw inside a structural bolt can cause severe repercussions. It could be a sudden loss of grip or a collapse of a bolt at a crucial spot. Such events can cause deadly consequences, especially in bridges, buildings, and halls. Metal structures entirely rely on these tiny bolts, and any compromise in the quality of the bolts could lead to severe consequences. This is why, if you are in construction, the bolt selection process requires strict inspection to avoid such events. 

Look for Trademark on the Bolts’ Heads

Every authentic manufacturer of structural bolts, like Purun Steel, stamps its trademark on the bolts’ heads. You need to make sure there is something like that if you are procuring them in bulk. It is about the reliability of bolts and the overall safety of any project. Any compromise on the quality will be costly for your construction company’s market value. Forget about the project for a moment because there could be legal problems for you in case you neglect to choose high-quality structural bolts. One of the best ways to avoid falling for substandard bolts is to find the trademark on the bolt’s head and verify it. 

Ask for Documentation about Certification and Legal Authorities

Then comes the certification, which is the foundation of any authenticated production. Failure to comply with global standards will result in the direct rejection of the offer. Any manufacturer that operates on a worldwide level must comply with international safety standards. Likewise, you should request the production certificates from the supplier to verify the authenticity of the quality.  

European standards, such as EN 14399 and EN 15048, are the two primary standards that help verify the quality of bolts. Similarly, ISO 898-1, ISO 4759-1, and ISO 9001 standards must be complied with when it comes to the authentic quality of bolts. If the manufacturer shares any of these certificates, as well as legal documents that demonstrate local and global compliance with relevant construction bodies, it will be a relief for you. 

Material Test Report or Certificate

You can also request a material test report or certificate for additional verification. This certificate confirms that the bolts have undergone heat treatment, chemical treatment, and mechanical strength testing. Only a high-quality structural bolt can pass these tests because it requires time and effort. A supplier who has substandard bolts can never provide such certificates unless those certificates are forged.

The Source of Production is Unspecified 

The most authentic way to determine if a supplier is offering substandard structural bolts, besides inspection, is a physical visit to the factory. If the source of production is unspecified, there is a risk that the bolts may be of substandard grade. You need to perform an analysis to find the actual manufacturer of those bolts. If the order is massive and you trust the supplier, the last thing you need to do is visit the production factory. 

You can hire a third party that can do it for you. Many firms provide supplier verification services by physically visiting the factory and cross-checking the legal documents on behalf of foreign buyers. You can hire such firms to complete the verification process in a short amount of time.

Absence of Physical Production Facility

If there is no production facility, even after conducting a visit, it is better to avoid sourcing structural bolts from that supplier. That is a clear sign that the bolts' quality might be substandard because the manufacturer or supplier you selected is not an authentic one.

Conclusion

Performing a thorough analysis only to source authentic structural bolts is mandatory. Instead of rushing towards bulk procurement of substandard bolts solely for the sake of a low price, you should conduct a quality analysis by requesting a sample. Any mistake in the quality selection could lead to dangerous aftermaths because steel structures are not just projects, but more than that. Many people live or work under such steel structures, and any flaw in them or in the bolts could be unimaginable for everyone.