Our mission at Threadline Products to help others goes beyond what we do for our customers, partners, and employees. We also believe that industry experts need to be a part of providing meaningful education to the next generation of fabrication professionals. In that spirit we are happy to announce that Threadline is joining forces with… Read more »
Category: News
An Overview of Rods and Rod Assemblies at Threadline
Threadline is your best source for bolts, hardware, and fabricated metal products. Our team goes the extra distance to make sure customers get the exact specified products to accomplish the task at hand quickly.
We always promise fast and efficient delivery to your jobsite. Because we’re flexible with our customizable products and huge selection of off-the-shelf offerings, customers come to us for a variety of products, including rods and rod assemblies.
Let’s take a look at Threadeline’s rod and rod assembly offerings that keep customers coming back.
Sag/Tie Rods, Hanger Rods, Tension Rods, and Rod Assemblies
Made to order, we can furnish the complete rod assemblies from rods to clevises, turnbuckles, nuts, and washers. We supply hanger rods for HVAC and sprinkler systems; and sag rods tension rods for steel bracing and canopy support. We can fabricate “Z” rods to your specifications. No matter the job size, we can provide support rods for one canopy, or for large structures with many rod assemblies in a variety of materials and finishes.
Turnbuckles
Providing length and tension adjustment of tie rods and hanger assemblies, turnbuckles require proper sizing and the following considerations.
- Determine turnbuckle thread size based on load and rod diameter.
- Select the take-up length for sizes 1” and under as turnbuckles are typically 6” or 12” take-up lengths
- Specify the desired finish in plain or HDG and any other special requirements
Clevises
Typically used to connect sag or tie rods and hanger assemblies to structural steel or fabricated lugs, clevises have a pin connection that ensures the rod is loaded only with tension and there are no bending forces. They are widely used in structural steel bracing and canopy suspension projects.
The length adjustment of rod assemblies can be specified in right-handed and left-handed threaded clevises or with right-handed threads on both clevises.
Clevis measurements consist of the tap: the diameter of rod the clevis screws into; the pin: coming in a range of sizes constrained by the clevis size; and the grip: that’s determined by the materials’s thickness.
Clevises come in a range of materials like C1035 steel, ASTM A668 Class A, 316 stainless steel, and ASTM A473 Designation A types.
So whether you need specific rods or rod assemblies, Threadline has you covered. To learn more or get a quote for your next projects, contact us today.
Headed Bolt Products
At Threadline Products, we offer a wide variety of products that help our customers meet their specific project requirements. Headed bolts are just one category of our products trusted by construction firms across the Southeast.
For example, headed bolts are formed from rods and steel and are heated and forged on one end. The forged end becomes either a hex head, dome head, square head, or other head shape. Used as a gripping surface for tools, our headed bolts service a range of manufacturing sector functions. Some different grades, specifications, finishes, and dimensions for specific types of headed bolts are listed below.
Domestic or imported A325 Structural Bolts are heavy hex structural bolts used for steel to steel connections. Their diameters range from 1/2” to 1 ½” and are 1 ¼” to 12” long. The tensile strengths are 120 ksi for ½” to 1” diameters and 105 ksi for diameters of 1” to 1 1/2”. Our finishes are galvanized or plain.
Carriage Bolt Anchors differ from regular hex bolts. They have domed heads and don’t require a wrench for installation. It’s the square shape underneath the head that prevents the bolt from turning, once set in position, that makes the difference. Their domed heads keep the bolt from being pulled through wood or metal.
Socket Headed Bolts are a screw with full threads to its head. Their head is a hexagonal insert that’s used for tightening applications.
Tension Control Bolts are also known as TC Bolts. They’re made up of 1 bolt, 1 nut, and 1 washer that’s preassembled. They include a grooved extension called a spline. The spline ensures accurate, repeatable, as well as a visible indication of the right tension levels for smooth seating. They have a button head unlike the hex heads of other structural bolts. An electric shear wrench is needed to install them.
Hex Head Bolts are headed with a hexagon shaped head that come in a range of grades and finishes. This type of hex head is the standard for bolt specifiers needing forged heads. They range in size from ½” to 1 1/2” in diameter and from 1” to 12” lengths. We stock A307 hex bolts in plain, zinc, and galvanized finishes. The A307 is a carbon steel bolt in ¼” to 4” diameters for general use. The hex bolts also come in A325 and A490 styles with other grades and specifications.
Socket Head Bolts are plentifully stocked for the manufacturing industry. Flat button, socket head, plain, or stainless steel types of socket head cap screws for machinery and other uses are available.
Finally, our Lag Screw Bolts are heavy wood lag screws with a hex head in either HDG or Zinc finishes.
Threadline Products is your one-stop shop for bolts, hardware, and fabricated products. Our product support and customer service teams are always here to help our customers achieve their construction objectives. Reach out to us today.
Exploring Our Anchor Bolt Offerings
For commercial building and concrete projects, Threadline Products offers a wide variety of products, including anchor rods and bolts.
Each of our anchor bolt offerings listed below is guaranteed to make your one-stop-shop selections all the more productive. Our F1554 anchor bolts, A325 structural connection bolts, a grade 5/8th bolt, socket head bolts, rebar, and more will start your masonry jobs off the right way.
Deco Type Anchor Bolts are heavy duty. For anchoring machinery and heavy equipment, an adjustable nut allows for the leveling of machines and locking equipment in place.
90 Degree Bend /L-Bend /L-Anchor Bolts have a shorter leg bent at 90 degrees. Once embedded in concrete, they lock the anchor bolts in place. With nine options stocked, they’re used for fastening sill plates to concrete cotters or foundations.
Custom Bent Bolts are bent to match each customer’s specifications and also come in nine options. They often come with a tacked head that’s bent at 22 degrees.
Eye Bolts, also available in nine options, feature a round eye on one end that’s welded closed or formed in a circle to attach a ring or hook and includes a threaded end for attaching bolts.
A Hook Bolt is a bolt with a hook on one end that’s threaded on the other; a J Bolt Anchor /Rounded Bolt is similar to an L-Bend yet it’s shorter leg is bent in a small u; and a Round U-Bolt has the top of both legs threaded, for fastening a pipe to a structure, and all three come with nine style options.
In the Headed Bolts category, Threadline offers Socket Head Bolts; Tension Control Bolts; Hex Head Bolts; Lag Screw Bolts; Carriage Bolts; and A325 Structural Bolts.
For your Rebar needs, we offer Bent A706 Weldable Rebar; L-Bends; Rebar Circle; and threaded Rebar for concrete and foundation applications. This tension device not only reinforces masonry in compression but is used in metal crafts.
Our Rods vary in terms of All Thread Rods; Double Ended Anchor Bolts; Headed Studs /Bolts; and Single Ended Anchor Bolts. And in the Smooth Rods category, our Smooth Dowels used in concrete allow for expansion and contraction of concrete as moisture and weather will always vary.
We take pride in always being at your service at Threadline Products.. Our knowledgeable customer service team is always here to help customers achieve their project goals. To learn more about our anchor bolt offerings, contact our team today.
The Threadline Difference: Fast, Flexible, and At Your Service
By Jenny Miller, CEO & President
Here at Threadline, we understand that in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, it’s crucial to be able to respond quickly and efficiently to the needs of our customers. That’s why we have made it our mission to be fast, flexible, and forever at your service.
Fast
When projects go into the bidding stage, they can take a long time to get approved due to various factors, such as financing, zoning, planning, and design preferences. When the green light is finally given, it’s full steam ahead, and the clock is ticking. In other words, it’s wait, wait, wait, HURRY UP! This urgency necessitates that manufacturers be fast to stay competitive within the industry.
Being fast is at the core of our operations. We’ve invested heavily in the latest technology and equipment to streamline our manufacturing process. Our skilled workforce is well-trained and able to work efficiently to meet the time-sensitive demands of our customers. Additionally, our supply chain is responsive and agile, which allows us to adapt quickly to changing project needs.
Flexible
Flexibility is also a vital aspect of our operations. We understand that our customers have unique needs, and we’re committed to meeting those needs, no matter what. Construction projects can change requirements and specs at the drop of a hat, and we’re experts in pivoting our efforts midstream to adapt to those changes.
We have the capability to modify products to meet specific customer requirements, or switch production lines quickly to meet changing demand. This allows us to respond to market changes and keep our customers satisfied. We go above and beyond to provide the businesses we serve with the customized solutions they need.
At Your Service
Being forever at your service is a key component of our value proposition. Our dedicated customer support and product teams are responsive, easy to work with, and always available to assist. They’ve been trained to work with our customers to understand their specific needs and find solutions that fit them. This allows us to build strong relationships with our customers and ensure their satisfaction. No matter how times change, we’ll never lose the “people” element of our business.
We’re also committed to continuously improving our processes and operations. To ensure we’re at the forefront of industry trends and advancements, we invest heavily in cutting-edge technology and training for our employees. Innovation and excellence are stitched into the very fabric of our company.
Experience the Threadline Difference
We believe that by being fast, flexible, and at your service, investing in the latest technology and equipment, and continuously improving our processes and operations, we can continue to be a leader in the threading industry. I’m honored to lead a team dedicated to delivering excellence to our customers.
Growing Role of Women in the Threading Industry
Move over Superman – it’s becoming more and more likely that the “man of steel” is actually a “woman of steel.”
Women still make up a small proportion of the overall construction workforce in the United States, but that is changing as more women look for opportunities in the building industry.
While women comprise slightly less than half of the American workforce, only about 14 percent of all construction workers are female, according to a recent analysis from the Washington Post. That may seem like a small percentage, but it represents an all-time high, with strong growth expected to continue for women in the building industry.
President and CEO of Threadline Products, Jenny Miller, expects more women like herself will see the potential of a career in the construction industry. Threadline, which provides structural rods and miscellaneous steel to building projects, falls into the category of metal fabrication.
Less than 6 percent of metal fabrication workers are women. But as that number grows, women can be seen in all the roles, from engineering to the shop floor to the leadership offices. Women have been and continue to play active roles in fabrication, sales, accounting, and more.
“There are a lot of resources out there for women interested in the field. There are groups looking to promote the industry amongst women and bring women together,” Miller said.
For example, the National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC) supports women in the building industry. More specifically, Women in the Fastener Industry (WIFI) has programs and scholarships for women involved in metal fabrication and fasteners.
As the construction workforce ages, there are worker shortages in most trades. These shortages pose significant opportunities for women and others previously steered away from interest in the skilled trades.
Opportunities for women in construction are increasing, according to 71 percent of respondents in a recent survey from NAWIC and the Safe Site Check In.
Plus, the gender gap shows women earning about 83 cents per dollar of pay for men in the same roles in the United States. In the construction industry, that gap is much narrower, with women earning 96 percent of what men make.
Coming from corporate brand marketing roles, Miller joined the fasteners industry about five years ago as a co-owner of Threadline. Threadline, which has been in business since 1984, had a woman in leadership before her. Threadline also purchased Atlantic Bolt recently, which had a woman in a top sales position.
These unsung heroines from the past have paved the way for the women of today who enter the field.
“Knowing about these women gave me a lot of confidence in being a woman in the construction world,” she said. “It was helpful to have somebody who had already led the way and created this path.”
Changes in the Threading Industry
The industrial manufacturing and threading industries show no signs of slowing down in the near future. Here are a few recent changes in the industry that will lead the future of manufacturing.
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) is infiltrating the manufacturing industry at a steady rate, and for a good reason. AI is helping manufacturers use “computer vision” to monitor production lines. Many sensors are installed on the machinery to gather vision, pressure, heat, and location data which is stored in large quantities. One of the most beneficial features of AI is the real-time data analysis that can alert authorities exactly when errors occur. As a result, manual analysis is no longer needed to monitor or maintain the production lines.
AI also has the capabilities of machine learning: the use of computer systems and algorithms to learn, adapt, and predict without instruction. Not only does machinery offer real-time data, but it can now predict future maintenance based on previous breakdowns, etc. This is extremely valuable to manufacturers because it reduces the downtime of equipment immensely. Machines will alert when and where equipment needs maintenance, which speeds up the process and resumes production quickly.
These advancements are increasing production efficiency in factories around the world, allowing products to be made faster and in higher quantities.
Robots & Cobots
An essential component of automating the manufacturing process is the use of robots and cobots. Robots and robotic arms were invented to fill human labor shortages and have now taken over many human jobs. Robots will never fatigue, they are more accurate, and they don’t require a salary or benefits. There are many great reasons why robots are taking over some manufacturing plants, but they aren’t capable of everything.
Cobots are robots that work collaboratively alongside humans for our support. An example would be a robotic exoskeleton that humans can wear to take the stress off of heavy lifting. Overall, robots can be applied in many ways in the manufacturing industry, and they are perpetually evolving. While this speeds up the industrial manufacturing sector, it requires threading and other fabrication products to keep up with it.
Impact on the Threading Industry
As manufacturing steadily grows in size and speed, the demand for fabricated products increases in parallel. You can’t have a huge manufacturing plant without building the space first. The increasing demand for construction is driving growth for the threading and fabricated products market. This is great news for us at Threadline and for other construction product companies because we are growing like never before. We see a lot of potential in our future and are going to keep up with demand the best we can without sacrificing quality. That speaks to our core values, which will never change.
Why Threadline?
At Threadline Products, we are fast, flexible, and always at your service for custom requests. We will work with you to meet the specific needs of your project and will deliver as fast as possible. For any questions or further information about our services, contact us today.
5 Reasons to Pursue a Career in Metal Fabrication
Career in Metal Fabrication
Metal fabrication is a field that is essential in the construction of various structures, such as office buildings, stadiums, bridges, and residential homes, in addition to industrial products. In other words, metal fabricators play a vital role in building the world around us. With the increasing demand for skilled metal fabrication, there are numerous benefits to pursuing a career in this field.
High Demand for Skilled Workers
It’s estimated that the metal fabrication industry will grow from $20 billion in 2021, to $29.46 billion by 2029. This means that individuals with the necessary skills and training can secure stable, well-paying jobs in the field. Humankind will never stop building structures, whether we’re talking about a new food food restaurant or a luxury apartment building, so metal fabricators will always be needed and sought after. As a result, a career in this industry ensures optimal job security, which is all too rare in this day and age. The demand for this type of role will only grow in years to come.
Variety of Career Opportunities
Metal fabrication offers a wide range of career opportunities, from welding to metal cutting. With the increasing demand for these types of services, there are numerous career paths to choose from, and individuals can specialize in a specific area of metal fabrication that interests them. This diversity allows individuals to pursue their passions and find fulfillment in their careers. Also, if you’re someone who likes to hop from one type of task to another, this role will provide you with the variation and diversity that you desire. There’s never a dull moment as a metal fabricator1
Hands-On Work
Metal fabrication is a hands-on field, which means that individuals can apply their skills and creativity to the fabrication process. This allows individuals to work with their hands and produce tangible results, which can be both fulfilling and rewarding. In addition, hands-on work provides individuals with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in their work. If you enjoy building things in your spare time, this type of job might be a perfect fit for you. It enables you to take your love of creating and utilize it in a highly valued career path.
Opportunities for Growth and Advancement
Metal fabrication is a field that offers tons of opportunities for growth and professional advancement. Individuals can start their careers as entry-level metal fabricators and work up to supervisory or management positions. With the increasing demand for metal fabrication, there are numerous opportunities for individuals to grow and advance in their careers, making it an ideal choice for those looking to grow and develop.
A Career Built for the Long TermA career in metal fabrication offers countless benefits, ranging from excellent job security and professional fulfillment to opportunities for growth and competitive pay. If you’re interested in pursuing a career at Threadline Products, reach out today and let’s talk. We offer a supportive work environment that’s built on the principles of teamwork, continuous learning, and excellence. We’re looking forward to helping you build a career that will empower you to live the life you deserve!
Client Case Study: Critical Data Center
By Threadline Products
When a steel fabricator business needed more than 1,700 pieces of galvanized metal, Threadline Products came to the rescue – and kept the construction of a large office building on track.
The Challenge
Someone on the customers’ project team did not secure the necessary hardware for an office building under construction in Austin, Texas. It was time to place the anchor bolts in the ground – a crucial first step in the construction process.
Everything was waiting on anchor bolts, a small but essential part of the overall project. If the client couldn’t get the necessary hardware quickly, they risked falling behind schedule. They would either lose key members of the project team, such as the concrete and steel erection crews, to other jobs or have to pay them to do nothing while they waited on the bolts.
The Solution
The customer contacted Threadline Products, asking how fast we could get galvanized anchor bolts, anchor bolt plate washers, and template plates to the project site in Austin. All materials had to be hot-dipped and galvanized, typically requiring a 10-14 day lead time.
Nothing in the order was off-the-shelf hardware. Everything required custom fabrication in our shop in Charlotte. We would need to send all the parts to be galvanized and then reassemble them for shipping to Austin. Galvanizing usually takes a week by itself, not counting the fabrication.
Threadline was able to leverage supplier relationships to reduce the time for the galvanizing and speed up the delivery of the hardware. We were able to get the client the parts a week, and our client could keep their construction going.
Results Achieved for the Client
The order came in on October 25, and the products were on the job site on November 2 – saving cour client a week of construction time.
The order included the following:
- 204 ¾” anchor bolt
- 200 1-1/2” anchor bolts
- 1212 anchor bolt plate washers
- 101 ¼” template plates
The end result was 7,669 pounds of metal, all hot dipped galvanized, and 100 percent assembled, then shipped via hot shot for two-day delivery.
Our tagline reads, “Fast. Flexible. At Your Service.” Quick turnaround for custom-made metal hardware is at the heart of what Threadline does.
We pride ourselves on turning around quote requests within a day of receiving them. Threadline can fabricate anchor bolts in two to three days compared to the two to three weeks that some large shops require.
Whatever your next project is, Threadline Products will get you the high-quality metal products you need in record time. To learn how we can help you accomplish your goals, request a quote today.
A History of the Atlantic Bolt and Threadline
By Kathy Foster
A lot has changed in the metal fabrication industry since Atlantic Bolt and Threadline Products started in the 1980s, but what hasn’t changed is our commitment to our customers and Charlotte.
Today’s Threadline Products is a merger of two Charlotte-based companies – Threadline Products, founded in 1984, and Atlantic Bolt, launched in 1987. The merger earlier this year brought together the two local Anchor Bolt Fabrication companies to create the current organization that serves the Carolinas and the Southeast.
I started in the accounting department at a steel fabricator more than 45 years ago. I worked my way into the purchasing department. Eventually, I went to work with Jim Boyles and Ernie Lambert, and they took me with them when they set up their shop.
Doing Business: Then vs. Now
Steel fabrication was male-dominated when I first started and is still a majority-male industry. However, there are more women in the business than 40 years ago.
When I first started learning about the business, I had to read many books and ask many questions. We could not just use Google to explain to us how something works. At the time, we did have our own walking encyclopedia, though, in the form of former Atlantic Bolt President and my mentor Ernie Lambert.
Back then, a handshake was enough to get business done. Everything grew out of face-to-face conversations. Today, we have all become very technology driven. We conduct business over email. We write detailed contracts.
Steel Fabrication: Then vs. Now
The widespread use of tension control bolts was a game changer for the industry. Before tension control bolts, someone had to climb up into the steel frame and test bolts to ensure they were tightened with the correct tension.
Tension control bolts have saved time and improved safety at the job site by reducing injuries. Now, inspectors and engineers can stay on the ground with a pair of binoculars.
Over the past 20 to 30 years, buying imported materials has become far more common. Everything was made in the United States when I started – down to the sheet metal screws. We do a lot more global business sourcing for materials.
Building Charlotte and the Southeast
Many of the anchor bolts that helped build the city came from the Atlantic Bolt and Threadline Products shops. As a local fabricator, we had the jump on many projects, but not all. In large-scale projects, the contractors can come from anywhere, and often, that means the lowest bid.
It’s a competitive business, but being local and fast has its advantages. There have been large projects where the contractors are ordering hardware nearly daily.
Steel fabrication also is a business where your name and your reputation matter. Projects come our way because people know they can rely on Threadline’s quality, speed and flexibility.
We pride ourselves on building relationships with our customers. We handle each customer as an individual – like they are the only customer we have. That’s how we’ve been able to grow quicker than many businesses.
If you want to learn more about the Threadline difference and our products, contact us today.