The United States' increasing dependency on imported fasteners, small components essential for everything from household appliances to military equipment, has raised significant national security and economic concerns. With over 85% of standard, commercial fasteners used in the U.S. being imported, mainly from China and Taiwan, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is facing a growing 'No Bid' list for items no longer produced domestically in sufficient quantity or quality. This situation underscores the vulnerability of U.S. manufacturing to global supply chain disruptions, with common items like the ¼-20 finished hex nut and drywall screws no longer being produced domestically.
The issue is further compounded by a lack of formal education in fasteners or fastening application engineering within U.S. mechanical or civil engineering programs. This educational gap threatens the future of American engineering and manufacturing. In response, efforts are being made to introduce a course in Fastening Application Engineering at Trident Technical College and to develop The Fastening Application Guide, aimed at promoting innovative uses of specialty fasteners.
The decline in domestic fastener production has far-reaching consequences, reminiscent of World War II when the U.S. produced 170 million fasteners daily, a capacity critical for the war effort. Today, the country's production is a fraction of that, with a shrinking skilled workforce. This decline not only affects defense contractors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) but also leads to costly recalls and failures, with 80% of vehicle recalls attributed to fastener-related issues. Immediate action from industry stakeholders, educators, and policymakers is called for to reinvest in domestic fastener production and education, ensuring the future of American manufacturing and national security.
