When it comes to car bumpers, those little plastic screws that hold everything together might not seem like much, but they play a critical role in keeping your vehicle intact. These fasteners go by many names, but their job is the same: securing various components of the bumper to the car’s body. Let’s dive into what these plastic screws are, their importance, and why you should know a bit about them.
What is Plastic Screws in Car Bumpers?
The plastic screws used in car bumpers are commonly referred to as plastic fender clips, or bumper fastener rivets. These fasteners are specifically designed to securely attach the bumper cover to the car’s frame, preventing it from shifting or coming loose.
Unlike traditional metal screws, these fasteners are typically made from durable plastic materials, such as nylon or polypropylene.
Related resources: What Kind of Plastic is Bumper Brackets
Why Plastic Screws?
You might wonder why manufacturers opt for plastic screws instead of metal ones. The primary reasons are flexibility and corrosion resistance. Additionally, plastic doesn’t rust, ensuring a longer lifespan for the fasteners, especially in environments prone to moisture or salt exposure, such as coastal areas.
What Are Car Wheel Screws Called?
Car wheel screws are typically referred to as lug bolts or wheel studs. Lug bolts are a type of bolt with splines that are pressed into the axle rim, securely fastening the wheel to the vehicle. Wheel studs serve a similar function, allowing the wheel to be mounted and held in place by lug nuts.
What Are Plastic Expansion Screws Used For?
Plastic expansion screws are used to anchor items like picture frames, small shelves, and light fixtures to walls. They expand inside the wall to create a secure hold, with winged versions preventing pull-out.
Where Are Plastic Screws Used?
Plastic screws are commonly used in industries such as automotive, construction, electronics, and furniture. These screws are valued for their lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective properties, making them ideal for applications where metal fasteners might be unsuitable.
Types of Bumper Fasteners
Not all bumper fasteners are created equal. Depending on the car model and manufacturer, you might encounter different types of plastic screws:
Push Rivets
These are the most common type of fastener used in bumpers. They consist of a pin and a sleeve. When you push the pin into the sleeve, it expands, securing the fastener in place.
Snap-In Retainers
These are designed to snap into a hole in the bumper or frame, holding the bumper securely. They are easy to install and remove, making them a popular choice for car manufacturers.
Screw-In Fasteners
These resemble traditional screws but are made of plastic. They provide a more secure attachment than push rivets but are still flexible enough to handle minor impacts.
Related resources: Automotive Fasteners: Key Components for Vehicles
Installation and Removal
Installing and removing bumper fasteners is a relatively simple process, but it requires the right tools. A flathead screwdriver or a specialized trim removal tool is usually enough to pry out the fasteners without damaging the bumper. To reinstall them, align the bumper with the holes in the frame and push the fasteners back into place.
When to Replace Bumper Clips
Over time, bumper clips can wear out or become damaged, especially if the car has been in a minor accident or the bumper has been removed for repairs. Signs that a clip needs replacing include a loose bumper, rattling noises while driving, or visible damage to the clips themselves. Thankfully, these clips are inexpensive and widely available, making them an easy fix for most car owners.
Replacing Plastic Fasteners
If you find that a plastic fastener is damaged, replacing it is usually straightforward. You can find replacement fasteners at most auto parts stores or online. It’s essential to match the size and type of the original fastener to ensure a proper fit. Installation is often a quick DIY job, but if you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult with a professional mechanic.
Conclusion
Plastic screws, or bumper fasteners, are small but essential components that ensure your car’s bumper stays securely attached. They come in various types, each designed for specific applications, and are preferred over metal for their lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and flexible properties.
If you’re curious about how BOYI can assist with custom plastic fasteners or other automotive components, feel free to reach out! We’re here to help with all your precision manufacturing needs.
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FAQ
Plastic wall inserts, also known as expansion anchors or plastic wall anchors, are an effective and reliable solution for securing screws in different wall materials.
Screws designed for plastics are commonly known as thread cutting screws or thread tapping screws. These screws have a sharp cutting edge that slices through plastic as they are driven into a pilot hole, creating a threaded joint.
Screws with plastic components are typically referred to as plastic screw anchors. These are commonly used wall anchors that come in various shapes, sizes, and colors.
For repairing plastic bumpers, it’s best to use plastic repair materials rather than body fillers or glazes, which can crack due to their rigidity. Suitable repair materials include two-part epoxies, urethanes, or acrylics.
One of the best epoxies for plastic bumper repair is Loctite Plastic Bonder. This epoxy is highly effective for bonding ABS plastic, PVC, acrylic, polycarbonate, FRP, and most other plastics.
The strongest adhesive for car bumpers is J-B Weld PlasticWeld Plastic Repair Epoxy. This fast-setting epoxy is ideal for repairing trim, bumpers, lights, and engine compartment plastics.
Catalog: Blog
This article was written by engineers from the BOYI team. Fuquan Chen is a professional engineer and technical expert with 20 years of experience in rapid prototyping, mold manufacturing, and plastic injection molding.
