Frequently Asked Questions

Our Frequently Asked Questions can answer any questions you have about our products and processes.

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Innovation and Patent Questions

  • What Is an Ergo-Clamp™?

    Frank Fastener’s Ergo-Clamp™ is an easier-to-use, patented, heavy-duty captivated clamp designed to make vehicle, equipment assembly, and maintenance faster, as well as eliminate the possibility of dropping or losing parts during those processes.

  • What Is a Captivated Clamp?

    Our captivated clamp features in innovative design where two parts are integrally joined and physically unable to come apart during normal use.

  • Will You Modify Your Design to Fit My Application?

    Yes. Franklin Fastener offers customizable modifications that enable us to create clamps that suit your specifications.

  • Can I Use Ergo-Clamps™ to Replace My Current Specified Part?

    Yes. We want to provide an optimized product solution for your application, and our engineers are available to answer specific questions. Please contact us to discuss further details.

Product and Solution-Development Questions

  • What Are the Variables I Should Consider When Selecting or Engineering a Fastener Solution?

    Please consider the following when determining the correct solution for your needs:

    • Application environment: Consider variables such as temperature, fluid or corrosion resistance, and supported weight.
    • Material type: Metal choices include stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, alloys and plated.
    • Vinyl coating or cushion material: Choices include EPDM, Neoprene, Silicone, FKM (Viton®), and more to suit specific applications.
    • Customer satisfaction and warranty costs: Are there unwanted noise or durability issues with the current specified part?

  • What Is the Temperature Limit of Vinyl-Coated Clamps?

    Vinyl will generally soften and start to melt in application environments greater than 250°F. For higher temperatures, consider the cushion clamp or Ergo-Clamp™ solutions.

  • Can I Order a Sample Part?

    Yes, existing sample parts are available upon request. For new product prototypes, we need to discuss some details, so contact us today to start your order.

  • Do We Offer DIN (European) Replacement Clamps?

    Franklin Fastener does offer Made in the USA replacement cushion clamps for some styles, such as DIN 3016-1 and MBN 16016 (Mercedes). Popular size DIN clamps made to order for your requirements are available in six weeks or less.

  • Can You Quote My Design?

    Yes. We can quote your design after a consultation where we review your specifications. Contact us today to learn more.

  • What 2-D and 3-D File Types Can Be Submitted for a Quote?

    If you already have a solution in mind, we accept 2-D file types that are .DXF and .DWG. We also accept .STP 3-D file types. Our team responds to requests within 48 hours. If you need some ideas first, please contact us to help provide some clarity on the best possible solution.

  • Are These Parts Made in the United States?

    Yes. Franklin Fastener proudly makes all products in Redford, Michigan.

Processes and Capability Questions

  • What Are Our Metal Stamping Capabilities?

    We use high-speed presses with a capacity of up to 250 tons. Material thickness can be up to .250 inches (6.3 mm), Feed length of up to 12 inches (305 mm), and stock width of up to 16 inches (407 mm). We also offer in-house die design and build for high and low-volume production, including insert tooling.

  • What Is Insert Tooling?

    Insert tooling is a method that lowers cost versus a conventional progressive die because the customer only pays for the inserts and not the entire Universal Die Set. This also allows for easier change-overs to run different parts and is a very cost-competitive solution for part volumes of 10,000-100,000 per year.

  • What Are Our Four-Slide and Multi-Slide Capabilities?

    Stock tooling for standard parts produced from strips or wire. Stock width up to 3.38 in. (85 mm) and wire diameter up to .315 in. (8 mm), both with infinite feed length. 75-ton press capacity for in-process embossing, coining, and trimming.

Industry and Application Questions

  • Do You Have MS and AS Standard Military Clamps?

    Yes. Please contact us to see our Standard Parts Catalog.

  • What Types of Lines May Require a Resonance Dampener? How Can We Tell in Advance?

    Rigid and flexible lines require a dampener to avoid premature failure.

  • How Can I Tell if Franklin Fastener Has Already Engineered a Solution for My Industry or Specific Application?

    You should always discuss your specifics with a Franklin Fastener design engineer to find, or optimize, the correct solution.

Quality and Certification Questions

  • Does Franklin Fastener Have Quality Certifications?

    Yes. We are certified ISO 9001, as well as AS9100 for Aerospace, and TS 16949 for Automotive supply chains. You may view our current quality certifications here.

  • Can Franklin Fastener Provide PPAP Services and Documentation?

    Yes. We are quite familiar with the Production Part Approval Process for Automotive industry customers, which is also similar to documentation and project management required in the military, aerospace, and nuclear industries.

  • Who Coordinates Supplier Qualification Visits or Completes Vendor Paperwork?

    Please contact websales@franklinfastener.com to route supplier paperwork and qualification visit requests to the correct person.

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