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Studs are often used in engines exposed to repeated teardowns to save the block threads from undue wear.
Perhaps the biggest fastener problem we currently face is with inferior Chinese produced fasteners. This problem is exaberated by the fact that Chinese manufacturers will mark fasteners as higher quality than they are. The Chinese will also copy trademarks such as ARP and use these on junk fasteners.
GFN members need to know the difference in specifications related to fastener markings and take steps to ensure the source and quality of fasteners bought.
Nearly all metric fasteners are produced in China and I have personally found many poor quality metric fasteners sourced from China. An 8.8 or 10.9 marking on a Chinese produced metric fastener may mean nothing.
OEM fasteners go through strenuous testing and are often a good choice.
The days when quality fasteners were a given are over and we must all take steps to make certain we are using good products.
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