Fastener, physical

Description

Many types of mechanical fasteners are used to connect materials without the use of adhesives or welding.

Examples of physical fasteners that are not included in the table below include the used of vacuum (suction cups), friction/tension (springs), woodworking joins (dowels), clips, buttons, zippers, wires, ropes, straps or bands.

Examples of some of types of fasteners that are used in museums include:

Fastener Type	Material Options	Key Properties	Common Uses
Stitching, twine, cotton twill tape	Natural or synthetic threads, cotton tape	Acid-free, controllable tension, easily removable	Textile to textile, twill tape used to seal edges
Brass Screws	Solid brass	Corrosion-resistant, softer metal (less likely to strip delicate woods)	Attaching hardware to wooden frames and display cases
Stainless Steel Screws	Grade 304 or 316 steel	High tensile strength, extreme rust resistance	Structural mounts, heavy panel mounting, metal framing
Nylon / Plastic Bolts	Nylon, Delrin, Teflon	Non-conductive, chemically inert, non-scratching	Direct contact with ceramics, glass, or polished metals
Rare Earth Magnets (Neodymium)	Nickel-plated neodymium with barrier coatings	Extremely strong hold in tiny sizes, reversible	Invisible mount closures, lightweight artifact positioning
Conservation Wax Museum Wax	Microcrystalline wax blend	Removable, non-permanent, absorbs minor vibrations	Securing small objects on open shelves or seismic zones
Velcro	Nylon loops and hooks	Adjustable, easily removable, pressure-sensitive	Mounting textiles, costume displays, and lightweight panels
Silicon Bronze Fasteners	Silicon bronze alloy	High strength, highly corrosion-resistant (marine grade)	Outdoor sculptures, long-term installations