Abstract: A method for fabricating a threaded fastener having a discontinuous coating of a contaminant-inhibiting coating material. In a preferred embodiment, the threaded fastener is formed so as to provide a coated fastener with substantially coating-free crests. The article resulting from the fabrication method also forms a part of the present invention. The resulting threaded fasteners include electrically conductive portions, allowing use of the fasteners in fabricating structural assemblies using welding techniques.

Abstract: This invention relates to threaded fasteners, an apparatus for making such threaded fasteners and methods of fastening parts. The tip of the shank of a threaded fastener has at least one thread coated with a lubricating or masking material to reduce the drive torque necessary for fastening as well as provide a protective coating for the fastener during subsequent processing operations. The drill tip of the disclosed self-drilling fasteners is coated with a lubricating material to reduce drive torque and to eliminate binding when drilling through fibrous material. The present invention also prevents the build-up of corrosion inhibiting materials on threaded fasteners attached to parts to be fastened together. A masking and/or insulating material is first applied to the threaded fasteners attached to the parts to substantially prevent applied corrosion inhibitor from adhering to the threads of the fastener.

Abstract: A fastener, and a process and apparatus for coating fasteners, in which a resin type material is applied to the fastener is disclosed. A stream of resin type material is directed to each fastener and the threads of each of the fasteners, the threads may be covered over an arcuate variable length including complete 360.degree. coverage. The resin type material applied may be a masking material, a lubricating material and/or an insulating material enabling an accurate and consistent torque-tension characteristic to be maintained during coupling of the fastener in a variety of post-processing environments. Furthermore, the resin type material applied to the fastener is substantially resistant to the deposition of corrosion resistant or preventative materials.