It's more fastener industry squawking as 30 year veteran Al Bate of All America Threaded Products flies in to discuss European distribution models, fastener head hunting and an exciting new threaded rod offering (1:37:49). Reporting from a high speed rail car, YFP star Parker Jensen of Atlas Distribution reports on the recent Taiwan International Fastener Show (21:49). AFC Industries VP of sales John Kovatch sits in with newsman Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to unpack the startling FDI reading for May (1:00:11). Jake "Valdez" Davis and Francesca Lewis of the MWFA preview this year's FSTNR Week (39:43). On the Fastener Training Minute, Carmen Vertullo looks at coatings for lock washers (1:28:23). RETRO BONUS from Ep. 161: GHIII of Brighton Best launches the era of fastener mud racing! (15:38) Brian and Eric wonder if an under reported headline will cause the economy to lay an egg. Run time: 02:28:41

The biggest fastener industry event of the spring, Fastener Fair USA '24 rocked Cleveland, was a huge success and a boatload of fun! The lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey hit the show floor with her mic in hand: Jason Baines, Lee Parker, Bob Chiricosta, Mallory Nichols, John "Cool Hand" Butler, Hans Fuller, Lonni Kieffer, Boris Elbaum, Marty Nolan, Kevin Chavis, Henning Cybulski, Jake "Valdez" Davis, Dustin Henderson and many more! Run time: 53:27

Fastener journeyman Don "The Amazing" Shan sees growth opportunities in value added strategies (1:39:05). Meanwhile, Brighton Best and Parker Fasteners have teamed up to provide American made product to the market, as Rosa Hearn and Matt Boyd explain (13:18). Endries International CEO Michael Knight and Fastener Technology International editor Mike McNulty discuss growth in the spring as they reflect on a buoyant new FDI on the Fastener News Report (57:11). On the Fastener Training Minute, Carmen Vertullo examines blind rivet testing (1:31:09). BONUS: Würth Additive CEO AJ Strandquist details an all new digital inventory program, along with a major surprise announcement by the NFDA (41:44). Brian and Eric look back at their first podcast, and agree they've enjoyed being here. Run time: 02:27:50

The good old days of the fastener industry are right now, as Jim Derry and Adam Derry of Field Fastener grow their successful family business and learn along the way (1:35:13). Industry pundit, Bob "GQ" Baer asks senior Baird analyst David Manthey to explain the inventory component of the FDI (25:22). On the Fastener News Report, Star Stainless president Tim Roberto Jr. sits in with Mike McNulty to review the encouraging numbers (50:44). Industry educator Carmen Vertullo speaks on the PPAP process on the Fastener Training Minute (1:22:16). PLUS: Fastener Fair USA show manager Blanca Delgado previews this year's May event in Cleveland (39:37). Brian and Eric keep things predominantly fastener related, hardly mention hydrogen embrittlement at all, and agree that it's good to be part of the fastener industry. Run time: 02:18:55

It's a rare day that veteran cold-header Mr. Charlie Kerr of Kerr-Lakeside doesn't serve up some tasty industry commentary, and his latest appearance is no exception (1:32:27). More on the medium rare side, Southwestern Fastener Association president Brad Burel of Advance Components previews the upcoming SFA spring conference and a trip to the stock yards (16:04). On the Fastener News Report, Fastenal CFO Holden Lewis and threaded newsman Mike McNulty put the sauce on the latest FDI, and Marco Rodriguez of Mohr Partners reports on commercial leasing trends (46:07). Plus, Carmen Vertullo provides three recipes for checking bolted assembly tightness on the Fastener Training Minute (1:25:34). Brian and Eric need to grill the industry for ideas on the perfect RFQ, but instead linger predominantly on BBQ. Run time: 02:29:23

Elite fastener mud racers Bob "GQ" Baer, Jake "Valdez" Davis, and GH3 break a shocking development pertaining to the 2024 Rugged Nut event scheduled ahead of this year's MWFA FSTNR week. How will this news impact the growing tradition, and what does it mean for the future of fastener mud racing? Run time: 16:33

Infrastructure projects create huge demand for fasteners once they work their way to the market. The always affable Jason Baines of premium locknut provider J. Lanfranco knows how to provide the parts, as well as a few nut jokes (1:33:20). Meanwhile, domestic manufacturing benefits by the need to re-shore parts, as Atlanta Rod sales manager Chris McCaffrey explains (17:34). He also tells the tale of an unlikely travel companion. On the Fastener News Report, Brighton Best International president Jun Xu offers his evaluation of the latest FDI, with his signature confidence and pragmatism, as he joins intrepid screw biz reporter Mike McNulty (50:34). On this edition of the Fastener Training Minute, thread guru Carmen Vertullo addresses the age old question of where to torque a bolt (1:22:53). Brian and Eric fearlessly resume normal air travel and get rewarded with a down home Texas brisket. Run time: 02:20:56

The new year begins with high flying headlines as Würth Industries all-star Mr. Dee Ward receives big news that has him taking to the skies (19:14). Fastener forecasters Jo Morris of the Fastener Training Institute and Jake "Valdez" Davis, CFS of BTM Manufacturing discuss their recent training week experience in lieu of actually prognosticating on the coming year (1:33:56). On the Fastener News Report, Abbott-Interfast president Bob "GQ" Baer joins news editor Mike McNulty with complete FDI data for last year along with a look ahead (53:26). Industry guru Carmen Vertullo presents the Fastener Training Minute, this time discussing the risky business that is the fastener game (1:28:23). PLUS: Everyone's fastener friend, Star Stainless manager Mike Robinson, CCFE makes two big announcements (40:57). Brian and Eric will continue to travel by air, but probably won't be sitting near the emergency exit. Run time: 02:30:24