Hardware in Movies
This red stapler became an unlikely piece of office "hardware" in the movie the Office Space.
What is Milton's stapler?
Most commonly used hex bolts sold in the U.S. are manufactured in one of these two countries.
What is China or Taiwan?
This fastener measurement tells you how far a bolt advances with one full turn.
What is thread pitch?
This fastener is often mistaken for a rivet but is actually removable.
What is a rivet nut?
Recent national cost-increasing measures are forcing distributors to adjust sourcing and pricing strategies- especially for steel and fasteners.
What are tariffs on imported steel and fasteners?
This "tiny" fastener is famously used by characters in Toy Story to describe the "claw".
What is a rivet?
Many low-cost sheet-metal screws and small hardware sold in big-box stores are imported from this country, known for mass productions.
What is China?
What is Grade 8?
This factor affects a fastener's holding power more than its length.
What is base material?
What is thread design?
What is installation method?
In January 2026 Meta signed a multiyear hardware supply deal valued up to $6 billion for this type of connectivity product used in AI data centers.
What is fiber-optic cable?
In Jurassic Park, park fencing and gates are mounted into concrete using this expansion fastener activated by tightening a nut.
What is a wedge anchor?
These high strength bolts for bridges and heavy steel structures are almost always manufactured in this country.
What is USA?
This coating provides basic corrosion resistance but is not recommended for outdoor or wet environments.
What is zinc plating?
Name a reason a fastener can feel tight but actually be failing.
What is stripped thread?
What is overtightening?
In 2025, this aerospace fastener factory suffered a major fire that disrupted aircraft parts supply.
What is SPS Technologies?
In the Goonies, when the kids crawl through underground caves, many wooden support beams are held together with this threaded fastener used in wood construction.
What are wood screws?
This aerospace fastener type, used in airplanes, requires full traceability, so it is made in what country?
What is USA?
This specification determines how tight or loose the fit is between mating threads
Name a condition that can cause a fastener to loosen over time.
What is vibration?
What is thermal expansion?
What is improper torque?
As healthcare becomes more digital, the demand for these components- used in imaging machines, monitors, and wearable devices- is expected to more than double by 2031.
What is medical wire, cable, and connector assemblies?
In Iron Man, Tony Stark's suit plating is held together with small, high strength fasteners that allow mobility while keeping the armor secure- these are often used in aerospace and robotics applications.
What are titanium screws?
Automotive OEM fasteners for US assembly plants are commonly made here.
What is India or China?
This fastener property determines how much twisting force can be applied before failure.
What is torque strength?
What is a locking feature? (Lock washer, nylon insert, or thread locker.)
In late 2025, the defense logistics agency awarded a contract to Arizona Aero Fasteners to supply this type of precision fastener used in defense aviation applications.
Bonus clue: This fastener can hold panels or gun mount brackets while allowing rotation or controlled movement without thread wear.
What is a shoulder bolt?