One of our most frequently asked questions is how to install the fasteners we carry. For some of the screws,many customers are unsure of how to drive them in due to the head shapes. For bolts, screws and nails, customers are often concerned with damaging the finish. Here are some tips on installing each of the fasteners we carry. If possible, we suggest covering the fastener head with cloth to create a barrier between the finish and the driver to avoid scratching/ chipping. If this does occur, OWI does sell touch up kits in all patina finishes.
DECORATIVE SCREWS
We have 8 different heads in the decorative screws, 3 of which can be installed with a flat head driver. No matter how you install, we always recommend drilling a pilot hole first to prevent the heads from stripping.
HCS-01 Hammered Pyramid Slotted Screw, HCMS-01-Round Pyramid Head Slotted Machine Bolt, and HCS-04 Antique Restoration Slotted Bubble Head Screw can all be installed using a flat head bit.
HCS-02 Decorative ½” Square Pyramid Head Screws all have ½” heads and can be driven in with a ½” Pyramid Head Driver. Keep in mind, the divers do not fit over the entire head, this prevents the driver from creating a swirl pattern in the surface you are installing the screws into. These can also be driven in with gator grip sockets.
HCS-03 Diamond Head Screws are compatible with the Diamond Head Driver. Again, This does not fully cover the head in order to prevent swirls. These can also be driven in with gator grip sockets.
HCS-06 Thick Square Pyramid Head Screws are best used with 8-Point Sockets in the corresponding sizes. These can also be driven in with gator grip sockets when using the larger sizes.
HCS-07 Thick Square Head Screws are best used with 8-Point Sockets. Pyramid Head Drivers/ Square drivers also work but the correct sized sockets are hard to come by and are often expensive. These can also be driven in with gator grip sockets.
HCS-09 Thick Hex Head Screws can be driven in with regular hex sockets in the corresponding size. These can also be driven in with gator grip sockets.
LAGS / BOLTS
OWI carries 4 head styles in the lags. We always recommend drilling a pilot hole first.
HCL-06 Round Hammered Head Lags are the most difficult to install due to the head shape. It is difficult to get a good grip on these. Drilling a pilot hole and using a wrench is usually best, although time consuming.
HCL-07 Square Head Lags and HCL-10 Rustic Irregular Square Head Lags can be easily driven in using 8 pointed sockets or gator grip sockets.
HCL-09 Hex Head Lags - Almost everyone is familiar with installing Hex Heads, as hardware stores carry these A regular hex socket works well, or a gator grip socket.
BOLTS / NUTS
To install the Bolts and Nuts it is recommended to use two wrenches or a socket corresponding to the shape of the nut. We carry hex nuts, square nuts, square cap nuts, and acorn nuts. Gator grips work for any, 8-point or square sockets work for the square nuts and regular hex sockets work for the hex and acorn nuts. Typically you won’t need to tighten more than what you could do by hand with a wrench.
CLAVOS / DECORATIVE NAIL HEADS
For all of our clavos, we suggest drilling a pilot hole and using a rubber mallet to hammer in the nail. If one isn’t available to you, covering the head with a thick piece of cloth (a work glove or something similar) and hammering with a regular hammer works well too. The cloth will act as a barrier to prevent any finish from scratching/ chipping and will prevent hammer marks.
RUSTIC HARDWARE
No matter what he's into, we have something that makes a perfect iron gift for him. While iron gifts may not be the thing your mind typically jumps to when thinking of something to get for an upcoming birthday, anniversary, or holiday, many men will enjoy and appreciate the rustic and custom look of any iron made product.
Whether you're looking for iron anniversary gifts for him or for any other occasion, there is something for everyone. Contact us if you'd like to look into a custom made special order item for a gift this year. We will respond to you within 24-48 hours and look forward to working with you on your custom gift.