Oversizing Is Not Safety: The Hidden Risks of “Abundant” Choices in Fastening
In the industrial world, the idea is still widespread that, when in doubt, choosing a “larger”, “stronger” or “more robust” fastening element is always the safest option. It is an understandable approach: oversizing seems to offer a margin of reassurance and reduce the risk of failure.
In reality, in fastening, this logic can prove counterproductive. An apparently cautious choice can introduce hidden problems that compromise joint reliability, increase costs, and make the process less controllable.
