fastholder

A fastholder is a mechanical device designed to hold one or more fasteners—such as nails, screws, bolts, or studs—during assembly, packaging, or repair work. By securing fasteners in a readily accessible position, fastholders enable single-handed operation and reduce the risk of dropped parts. They are used in carpentry, electronics assembly, automotive workshops, and automated production lines.

Designs range from handheld to benchtop units. Common features include a magnetic retention system or spring-loaded fingers, adjustable jaws for different head sizes, and a quick-release mechanism to release fasteners into a workpiece. Materials commonly used are tool steel and stainless steel, sometimes aluminum, with coatings for corrosion resistance. Some fastholders incorporate pneumatic or electric actuation to eject or advance fasteners at the press of a trigger.

Operation is straightforward: insert a fastener into the holder until retained, position the holder near the application point, and release the fastener as required. Magnetic fastholders rely on strong magnets to hold ferrous fasteners, while non-magnetic variants use mechanical clamps.

Advantages include faster workflow, reduced loss of hardware, improved accuracy, and lower operator fatigue. Limitations include limited compatibility with certain fastener sizes, the need for occasional maintenance of magnets or springs, and higher cost relative to simple containers or trays.

Fastholder variants include magnetic, mechanical clamp, and pneumatically actuated models. The term is often used in manufacturing catalogs and tool inventories. See also: hand tool, fastener, magnetic pickup tool.