Fastener Training Institute®

Certified Fastener Specialist™ Training

  • The Certified Fastener Specialist™ advanced technical training program was created in 1998.

  • To receive the CFS™ designation, students must complete seven full-day training programs offered throughout the year and pass a take-home exam at the end of the training.

  • Upon completion of the program, students receive an engraved plaque designating their certification as a fastener specialist, according to the requirements established by the Fastener Training Institute™.

  • More than 600 students have participated in the program since its inception. We now have more than 200 graduates.

  • Classes do not need to be taken in sequence. If a class is missed, it can be made up the following year.

  • Classes are taught by recognized industry specialists and include every-day hands-on case studies and lots of real-life information. Not generalities: just the facts, the technical facts.

Requirements

Given the advanced technical nature of this series of programs, it is highly recommended that participants:

  • Have at least two years experience in fastener sales, purchasing, manufacturing or quality assurance OR

  • Have completed FTI's Product Training Program (a series of three full-day seminars for people new to the fastener industry).

Books

Books, documentation and other training materials are provided, however, each participating company must bring its own copy of:

  • IFI Fastener Standards, 7th edition

Recommended :

  • ASTM International Standards for Mechanical Fasteners and Related Standards for Fastener Materials, Coatings, Testing Methods and Quality, 2008

  • SAE Fastener Standards Manual HS 4000

Classes required

  • Fastener Manufacturing Plant Tour
  • Fastener Secondary Processes Plant Tour
  • Fastener Specifications & Terminology
  • Understanding the Bolted Joint
  • Dimensional & Material Specifications
  • Fastener Quality Assurance
  • Fastener Testing

Additional Advanced Training

Advanced Metrics
This class is ideal if you are purchasing or selling metric fasteners, if you work in a Q.C. department, or if you are working with customer design. Topics covered include:

  • Metric System
    • Definition
    • Metric Units/Imperial Units Comparison
  • Governing Standards – Comparison
    • JIS
    • DIN
    • ISO
    • Others
  • Metric Fasteners vs. Inch Fasteners
    • Metric Thread Pitch vs. Inch Threads Per Inch
    • Metric Sizes – Inch Sizes Comparison (Chart)
  • Metric Property Classes
  • Head Markings
  • Tolerance Information

Advanced Print Reading
Learn how to read and understand the tough details of fastener prints and dimensional specifications. Learn how to explain the technical details to your customers in plain English. Learn how to spot the unnecessary but expensive features in custom designed fasteners. You’ll get valuable hand-outs and exercises. Topics covered include:

  • Looking good on paper – The elements of a properly prepared fastener print
  • Standard and special screw thread call-outs
  • Inch tolerancing systems
  • ANSI Y14.5 geometric dimensional and tolerancing symbology
  • The impact of tolerance call-outs and surface finish call-outs on product cost
  • Understanding the hard-to-understand notes in fastener dimensional specs
  • Advanced drafting practice and the use of CAD systems
  • Computer Solid Modeling in the design and use of fasteners
  • Understanding material call-outs
  • Classroom examination of your print, if submitted in advance

What Our Students Have To Say

  • The Q.A. course is very informational. I'd take it once every two years to refresh my mind.

  • Speakers are great.

  • This one (Fastener Testing) was great, mostly because of the volume of information and things to see, plus the fact that everyone there really seemed interested in doing a good job of helping us understand.

  • We had a great time learning. When it is fun and interesting we learn more and will remember longer.

  • What did I like best? Small class size, the instructors' attentiveness to questions and the instructional material.

  • Speakers are very down-to-earth and take their time to answer any questions. Lots of info in the binder.

  • Really enjoyed watching fasteners being made.

  • Great seminar! Looking forward to the next one.

2010 Seminar Schedule

All classes include a full day of training in a small group environment, lunch and refreshments, and a certificate of completion.

  • Fastener Manufacturing (April 20, 2010 in La Mirada CA) - Visit fastener manufacturing facilities and see cold heading, hot heading and thread rolling for commercial and aerospace products. Transportation to all locations is provided in an air-conditioned motor coach.
    Click Here to register for this event

  • Fastener Secondary Processes (May 11, 2010 in La Mirada CA) - Visit facilities that provide secondary processes to fasteners, including plating, heat treating and application of locking devices. Transportation to all locations is provided in an air-conditioned motor coach.
    Click Here to register for this event

  • Fastener Specifications and Terminology (June 15, 2010 in La Mirada CA) -

    • If you’ve ever agonized over how to meet or understand customer specifications,
    • If you’ve wondered when a specification supercedes another specification,
    • If you need to feel confident answering a technical question,

    Then this seminar was designed for you.

    • You will learn about the consensus standards organizations that govern our industry (ASTM, SAE, ANSI, IFI, ISO, ASME and others).
    • You will get a thorough grounding in the terms and definitions used in fastener specifications.
    • You will study actual specifications and learn how to identify and meet customer and industry requirements.

    Click Here to register for this event

  • Understanding the Bolted Joint (July 6, 2010 in La Mirada CA) -

    • Did you know that even Grade 8 bolts stretch when they are tightened, acting like heavy duty springs, and that is why they keep assemblies together?
    • Learn why tension in bolts and screws is more critical than the applied torque in making a joint secure.
    • Learn what a Skidmore Tester is and what information it provides about fastening that is different from that provided by a torque wrench.

    Participants will learn first-hand:

    • How to calculate general torque recommendations,
    • How to use simple torque calculation software, and
    • How to determine optimum tightening torque values for specific applications through a simple experimentation procedure.
    • You’ll also discover how RoHS compliance could affect the torque tension relationship.

    These activities will be demonstrated and then participants will have the opportunity for hands-on work.
    Click Here to register for this event

  • Dimensional and Material Specifications (August 10, 2010 in La Mirada CA ) -

    In this seminar you will learn about the specifications you use and the ones you need to know more about. On your seminar confirmation we'll ask you what you want to learn. We will cover as many specifications as possible, customizing the seminar for you.

    • You will learn about thread specifications and gaging requirements: ANSI/ASME B1.1, B1.2, B1.3, B1.13M; thread call-outs on prints; metric thread specs and others.
    • You will get a thorough grounding on dimensional specifications for bolts, hex cap screws, nuts, socket products, machine screws and tapping screws: ANSI/ASME B18.2.1, B18.2.2, ANSI/ASME B18.3, B18.6.3, B18.6.4.
    • You will study material specifications for carbon steel and stainless steel products: ASTM A574, F835, F912, SAE J429, J995, ASTM A307, A325, A193, A194, A563 and others

    Click Here to register for this event

  • Fastener Quality Assurance (September 14, 2010 in La Mirada CA) -

    This seminar will include classroom lectures and hands-on work with actual lab equipment and will cover:

    • Quality programs and systems
    • ISO 9000 Quality System requirements
    • QS 9000 and AS 9100 as they relate to ISO 9000 and ISO 17025
    • ISO 17025 Laboratory Accreditation requirements
    • Sampling plans
    • Instrument and gage calibration
    • Gage R&R, traceability
    • Thread inspection
    • Variable and fixed limit gaging, gage set-up and use, go/no-go, segments, rolls, etc.
    • Inspection of recesses and drives
    • Cross recess, hex recess, 6 Lobe, etc.
    • Dimensional inspection
    • Use of calipers, micrometers, pin gages, height gage, comparator and special gages
    • Using prints and specifications for inspection
    • Certifications and test report review.

    Click Here to register for this event

  • Fastener Testing (October 19, 2010 in Huntington Beach CA) -

    Taught on-site at an independent fastener testing lab, attendees will visit several different lab departments in small groups, where they’ll get an overview and demonstration of actual testing procedures.

    The curriculum is outlined below. You are welcome to bring your own samples for testing (time permitting).

    • What should be in a test report
    • Dimensional testing
    • Mechanical testing
    • Chemical analysis
    • Metallurgical analysis
    • Failure analysis
    • Non-destructive testing

    Click Here to register for this event

Dates and locations are subject to change.

Registration Fees

Members of the Pacific-West Fastener Association receive substantial discounts on all seminar registration fees. Click here to inquire about association membership.

Product Training Program classes - each class: $179, Pac-West members, $229, non-members.

Certified Fastener Specialist™ classes - Fastener Manufacturing Plant Tour, Fastener Secondary Processes Plant Tour, and Fastener Testing Seminar; each class: $179, LAFA members, $229, non-members. Fastener Specifications & Terminology, Understanding the Bolted Joint, Dimensional & Material Specifications, and Fastener Quality Assurance; each class: $299, Pac-West members, $399, non-members.