Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve been going since 1975 - so nearly 50 years now! That’s given us plenty of experience in making high-quality threaded plastic components and understanding what our customers need.

We’re based in Essex, UK. From here, we manufacture all our plastic parts and ship to businesses both across the UK and worldwide.

Yes, everything is made in-house. Our injection moulding machines can handle everything from prototypes to full production runs. And if a customer needs something custom, our design team can help bring their idea to life.

A few things. We’ve been around nearly 50 years, so we really know our stuff! We’re proud of our customer services, we make our products right here in the UK, and we can handle custom projects that other suppliers might not.

Absolutely. We supply everything from individual parts to bulk orders, so where a company is big or small, we can help.

We take our environmental responsibility seriously. We work hard to reduce our footprint while still producing top-quality plastic components.

Absolutely! Even if it’s just a rough sketch on a bit of paper, we can help turn it into a proper part. We’ll work with you every step of the way to make sure it’s just how you want it.

We’ve got quite a few options - Nylon, Polypropylene, PVDF, Acetal, Polyethylene, and Polycarbonate. Not sure which one’s best? No problem, just tell us what you need it to do and we’ll help you pick the right one.

It depends what you’re after. If it’s a one-off or a prototype, CNC machining or plate cutting works well. For injection moulding, you’ll usually need a bigger batch. We’ll chat through what makes sense for your project.

It can vary - some parts are quicker than others. We’ll give you a clear idea before we start so you’re never left wondering.

Of course - just get in touch! Our team will always be able to suggest the material and process that will deliver the best results for your project.

Yes! You can test a single part of a small batch first to make sure everything fits and works perfectly before going into full production.

We supply a variety of rods - from threaded rods and studs to plain rods. Whatever your project needs, we’ve usually got it covered.

Threaded rods have grooves along their length so they can be screwed into place, while plain rods are smooth and better for structural or sliding applications. Think of it as the difference between a bolt and a solid bar - each has its purpose.

We can supply a wide range of sizes. If you can’t see exactly what you need, just ask - we can often custom-cut your preferred length and diameter.

Plastic rods aren’t the same as metal in terms of strength, but they’re perfect for applications where you need something lightweight, corrosion-resistant, or electrically insulating. The right material choice is key, and we’ll help you pick.

Yes, we do! Whether you need a handful for a prototype or a large batch for production, we can handle it.

We’ve got a pretty big range! From cheese head and pan head screws (slotted or Philips) to flat countersunk, hex, and mushroom head screws. We also stock hex nuts, combined nuts, dome nuts, washers, screw insulators, grub screws, coach bolts, number plate fixings, cup washers, back nuts… basically, if it holds something together, we probably have it.

Plastic fasteners are lightweight, won’t rust, and are generally easier on delicate surfaces. They can also be more cost-effective and resistant to some chemicals - perfect if metal just isn’t the right fit for the job.

We work with a range of plastics: Acetal, HDPE, Nylon, PTFE, Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, PVC, and PVDF. If you’ve got a preferred material, just let us know- we can usually make it happen.

Absolutely. Some plastics handle moisture, UV exposure, and certain chemicals much better than metal. We’ll help you pick the right type to make sure your fastener lasts in its environment.

Yes! If you’ve got something a bit unusual in mind, send us the specs. We can create custom fasteners or non-standard sizes to suit your project.

Definitely. If it’s volume you require, we can supply fasteners in the quantities you need. If it’s a small quantity, please visit our partner company https://www.ricoplastics.co.uk/.

Spacers and shims are used for a variety of purposes, including filling gaps, lining things up, and providing support between other parts. They are commonly used in the engineering, construction and electronics industries. Anywhere you need things to sit just right or stay evenly spaced.

You will usually find that a spacer is thicker in order to create a set distance between two components. A shim on the other hand is thinner and is typically used for making fine adjustments or levelling. Spacers do the heavy lifting, while shims are best for making smaller tweaks.

We make them in a range of plastics depending on what you need - Nylon, Polypropylene, Acetal, PTFE, and others. Each material has its own strengths, whether that’s toughness, chemical resistance, or lightweight flexibility.

In most instances they are, because plastic is often stronger and more reliable than people expect. If you’re unsure, it’s always be to contact us to discuss your specific needs and we’ll always suggest the best material to make sure it holds up over time.

We do. There’s a wide range available, and we can usually match the right size to your application. If you don’t see the exact thickness or diameter you need, just get in touch - we’ll see what we can do.

Absolutely. We work with customers of all sizes, from one-off projects to large-scale production runs.

Yes, we do. If you’ve got something more specific in mind - maybe a non-standard size, thickness or material - we can produce custom spacers and shims to fit your requirements. Just let us know what you’re looking for.

If you’re looking to give your project a neat and professional finish, caps and covers may help. They are commonly used to protect, tidy up and finish the ends of rods, tubes, bolts, and other fittings, and help to stop dust and moisture getting in.

We offer a wide range - from simple push-on caps and bolt covers to more specialised protective options. If you’ve got something in mind, chances are we’ve got it or can make it.

Yes, many of our caps and covers are suitable for outdoor use. The material makes a big difference though. If it’s going to be exposed to the weather long-term, we’ll point you towards the most durable option.

Definitely. They’re often used to cover sharp edges, exposed threads, or bolt heads to reduce the risk of injury. They are a great way of finishing a project or making a workplace safer, while still looking tidy.

Absolutely. We can supply caps and covers in a variety of colours to complement your product or project. It’s particularly useful if you’re looking to make your item stand out, blend in, or follow a specific colour scheme.

We do. Every type of plastic has its own level of resistance to extreme temperatures and chemical exposure. If you need a product that offers increased levels of resistance to heat or chemicals, it pays to contact us. Our team will discuss the unique circumstances of your project and can then make a recommendation on the right material for the job.

Of course. If a standard size doesn’t quite fit, we can look at making caps and covers to your exact dimensions. Just let us know what you need.