Fastener Drilling Services
Drilling is a secondary machining operation applied to cold formed fasteners in which a precision hole is introduced into the head, shank, or body of the fastener. Unlike the cold forming process, which shapes the fastener by displacing material, drilling removes material to create through-holes, blind holes, or recesses. These drilled features enable additional functionality, such as safety wiring, venting, or specialized drive configurations.
Benefits of Drilling
- Enhanced Safety and Security: Holes drilled through the head or shank allow fasteners to be secured with lock wire or cotter pins, preventing loosening in high-vibration or safety-critical applications.
- Weight Reduction: In aerospace and other industries, drilled fasteners can reduce overall component weight without sacrificing performance.
- Custom Functionality: Drilling makes it possible to add features like vent holes for vacuum or pressure applications, or oil passages in specialized bolts.
- Assembly Flexibility: A drilled recess can be used to accommodate specialized drivers or tamper-resistant tooling.
- Versatility: Works in conjunction with other secondary processes (e.g., tapping or slotting) to create unique fastener designs tailored to specific performance needs.
Industries That Use Drilled Fasteners
Drilling is common in industries where fastener performance, safety, or specialized function is critical, including:
- Automotive & Motorsports: For drilled fasteners secured with safety wire in engines, brakes, and high-vibration systems.
- Industrial Equipment: For securement in machinery subjected to dynamic forces.
- Electronics & Precision Devices: For vented screws that allow gas or fluid escape in sealed assemblies.
- Oil & Gas / Energy: For fasteners requiring cotter pins or pressure relief features.
Common Applications
- Safety wire holes in bolt heads and nuts
- Cotter pin holes in clevis pins and castle nuts
- Vented screws for electronic enclosures or vacuum applications
- Specialized fluid- or gas-flow fasteners with drilled passages
- Lightweight bolts in motorsports assemblies
Why Choose Drilled Fasteners?
Drilling transforms a standard fastener into a specialized solution capable of meeting demanding application requirements. Whether the need is enhanced safety through lock wiring, reduced weight, or pressure relief in a sealed system, drilled fasteners provide reliable, engineered performance.
Why Valley Fastener?
We know that your reputation depends on the quality and tolerances of our products. We have nearly 50 years in business as a supplier for major OEMs across medical device manufacturers, automotive manufacturers, military & defense, the energy sector, and electrical component manufacturers. Valley Fastener is the largest fastener manufacturer in North America and has an international distribution network that allows us to control quality from design through shipping. Let our manufacturing experience guide your product design to ensure you’re getting the most cost-effective solution.
Contact one of our experts today to answer any questions or for a detailed quote.
