Tag: #Screws

Masks Made of Bolts and Screws

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Ontario-based artist Dale Dunning has found a truly unique way to express the power of communication and
knowledge. His mesmerizing bronze and aluminum sculptures combine the art of typography with the
intricacy of welding and fasteners, resulting in a series of captivating metallic masks.

Each androgynous face is meticulously crafted from hundreds of typefaces, creating a figurative stamp that
symbolizes the essence of human interaction. But Dunning doesn’t stop there; he pushes the boundaries of
texture by incorporating thousands of bolts, screws, and washers into his creations, adding a layer of
industrial charm to these already stunning pieces.

For Dunning, the head is the perfect canvas to explore the depths of the human mind. “We live in our heads,
see, feel, and experience the world in our head,” he explains. By focusing solely on the head, he eliminates
the distraction of limbs and the rest of the body, allowing the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the
sculpture’s message.

As you gaze upon these masks, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe at the level of detail and craftsmanship
that goes into each piece. The juxtaposition of delicate typefaces and rugged bolts creates a visual
symphony that is both thought-provoking and aesthetically pleasing.

Composer John Cage — a Symphony of Bolts

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When avant-garde composer John Cage found himself confined by the traditional piano’s limitations, he
refused to accept defeat. Instead, he embarked on a journey that would revolutionize the world of music,
armed with nothing more than his creativity and a handful of screws.

It all began in 1940 when Cage was working as an accompanist for a dance class in Seattle. Faced with the
challenge of composing for dancer Syvilla Fort in a cramped performance space, Cage had an epiphany: “I
decided that what was wrong was not me but the piano.”

With that realization, Cage set out to reinvent the instrument. He began by placing screws and bolts between
the piano strings, creating his first prepared piano composition, “Bacchanale.” The result was a mesmerizing
blend of percussive, otherworldly sounds that defied convention and ignited the imagination.

Emboldened by the success of “Bacchanale,” Cage’s ambitions grew. He expanded his palette of
preparations, incorporating an array of objects such as rubber, plastic, and nuts in his most famous prepared
piano work, “Sonatas and Interludes.” Each object was meticulously chosen and placed according to Cage’s
precise instructions, transforming the piano into a veritable orchestra of unexpected timbres.

As Cage’s prepared piano compositions gained recognition, he remained deeply involved in the
performance process. He would often attend rehearsals, guiding pianists in the art of preparation and finetuning
the placement of objects to achieve the perfect balance of sound.

Today, Cage’s legacy lives on through contemporary composers like Kelly Moran and Hauschka, who
continue to push the boundaries of the prepared piano. Moran’s preparations evoke a hypnotic, bell-like
quality, while Hauschka’s eclectic mix of objects conjures the illusion of a sprawling, unconventional
ensemble.

At Tsamouris, we draw inspiration from visionaries like John Cage, who dared to challenge the status quo
and unlock new possibilities through innovation. Just as Cage transformed the piano with screws and bolts,
we strive to revolutionize industries by offering cutting-edge fastening solutions that defy expectations and
inspire creativity.

Artist Drills Thousands of Screws to Nail Perfect Portraits

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In 2011, California-based artist Andrew Myers took portraiture to a whole new level by creating stunning
three-dimensional images using thousands of everyday screws. Myers’ unique approach involves drilling
holes into wooden planks and meticulously placing screws to form the likeness of his subjects.

Each portrait takes Myers over six months to complete, with some larger pieces requiring up to 10,000
screws. The artist starts by studying a photograph of his subject and meeting them in person to ensure he
captures their facial features accurately. He then painstakingly drills the screws into the pre-drilled holes and
hand-paints each screw head to achieve the desired effect.

Myers’ screw portraits, ranging from 23.6 by 23.6 inches (60 by 60 centimeters) to 4 by 4 feet (1.2 by 1.2
meters), have garnered significant attention from art collectors, with smaller pieces selling for USD 9,000
(EUR 7,650) and larger ones expected to fetch up to USD 35,000 (EUR 29,750). However, despite the high
price tags, Myers insists that the portraits are more a labor of love than a lucrative endeavor, as the cost of
purchasing thousands of screws adds up quickly.

At Tsamouris, we admire the dedication and precision that artists like Andrew Myers bring to their craft. Just
as Myers carefully selects and places each screw to create a masterpiece, we are committed to providing
high-quality fasteners that ensure the integrity and longevity of the projects they hold together.

Bugatti Recalled EUR 3 Million Chiron Due to Loose Screws

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In a striking reminder that even the most exclusive vehicles are not immune to fastener issues, Bugatti
recalled a single 2018 Chiron — with a jaw-dropping price tag of USD 3 million (EUR 2.7 million) — in April
2022 due to loose screws on the front frame.

Bugatti informed the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the loose screws could
compromise the Chiron’s structural integrity and increase the risk of injury in a crash.

While recalls are a common occurrence in the automotive industry, with the NHTSA seeing an average of
about 650 recalls involving 25 million cars annually, it is quite rare for a recall to involve a single vehicle —
Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and Lamborghini have all issued similar recalls for single vehicles due to
missing or improperly tightened fasteners.

At Tsamouris, we are committed to supplying you with high quality fasteners, ensuring the integrity of your
infrastructure and machinery.

Coney Island Boardwalk’s Loose Screws Sparked Lawsuits

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In March 2023, residents and elected officials expressed disappointment over the lack of new funding for
repairs to Coney Island’s iconic wooden boardwalk, in New York Mayor Eric Adams’ USD 100 billion (EUR 92
billion) budget. The historic landmark, which stretches nearly 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) from Coney Island to
Brighton Beach, has been plagued by loose screws, gaping holes, and uneven planks, posing a danger to
pedestrians and attracting lawsuits.

Former Mayor Bill de Blasio had allocated USD 115 million (EUR 106 million) for boardwalk reconstruction
starting in 2025, but this sum would only cover a portion of the necessary repairs.

Since 2012, dozens of lawsuits have been filed against the city due to alleged injuries on the boardwalk,
costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in settlements. Residents have reported constant
vigilance while walking on the boardwalk, with some expressing concerns about tripping, rolled ankles, and
exposed nails.

At Tsamouris, we understand the important role that quality fasteners play in ensuring the safety and
structural integrity of public spaces.

Screws Coming Loose on Jet Wing Mid-Air

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In March 2023, a video surfaced on social media showing three screws visibly shaking on the left wing of a
TAAG Angola Airlines Boeing 737-700 aircraft during flight.

The video, which quickly went viral, raised serious questions about the maintenance and safety standards of
the state-owned airline, which serves as the flag carrier of Angola. TAAG Angola Airlines, headquartered in
Luanda, operates domestic flights within Angola, as well as medium-haul services in Africa and long-haul
routes to Brazil, Cuba, and Portugal.

The incident highlighted the critical importance of proper maintenance and regular inspections of aircraft,
particularly in areas that are subject to high stress and vibration, such as the wings. Loose or missing
fasteners can potentially lead to structural issues, compromising the safety of passengers and crew.

Loose Wing Screw on Air China Boeing 737 Flight

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In July 2022, Air China found itself in the spotlight after a passenger on flight CA1921 from Beijing to
Hengyang noticed and recorded a loose wing screw on the Boeing 737NG aircraft. The video, which was
shared widely on Chinese social media platform Weibo, prompted the airline to take swift action and issue a
statement addressing the incident.

According to the statement, Air China “attached great importance” to the loose screw in the inboard canoe
fairing of the left flap and immediately inspected the relevant parts of the aircraft, repaired the loose screws,
and checked the entire fleet for similar issues.

The inboard canoe fairing, where the loose screw was located, is primarily used to regulate airflow, reduce
drag, and save fuel. The screws in question are responsible for fixing the flap track fairing tail cones, which
are a part of the inboard canoe fairing.

While there was no official explanation for the cause of the loose screw or its potential impact on flight
safety, aviation experts weighed in on the matter. Qiu Qing, an aviation blogger with over 300,000 followers
on Weibo, suggested that the issue could be attributed to either a broken supporting target in the fairing or
long-term vibration at the screw’s position.

According to the configuration deviation list (CDL) of the Boeing 737NG, it is acceptable for the aircraft to
take off without up to two flap track fairing tail cones. Veteran pilot Chen Jianguo told the Beijing Youth Daily
that one or two loose screws on the fairing would not affect safety, even if the fairing itself were missing.

Loose Screw from Air Canada Propeller Smashes into Passenger’s Window Mid-Flight

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In December 2017, an Air Canada passenger experienced a terrifying moment when a screw from the
plane’s propeller came loose mid-flight and smashed into the window by his seat. The passenger shared
images on Reddit of the alarming incident, which occurred on a flight to Vancouver.

He described hearing a loud “pop” and then noticing that a screw had embedded itself in the outer pane of
the window. The noise caused concern among passengers, and the flight attendant promptly notified the
pilot. The pilot, who had over 25 years of flying experience, stated that he had never encountered such an
incident before.

Upon landing, the pilot spoke with the “lucky” passenger at length, revealing that even the aircraft
manufacturer, Bombardier, had never seen a case of a screw coming loose and embedding itself in a
window.

An Air Canada spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating that one of the twelve one-inch bolts on the
“prop spinner” had come loose during the descent into Vancouver. The bolt struck the exterior pane of the
two acrylic window panes, resulting in a small hole. Fortunately, the interior pane was not impacted, and the
aircraft landed safely without further incident.

Events like these highlight the critical importance of proper maintenance and the use of high-quality
fasteners in the aviation industry.

Dutch Bank’s Office Built with 165,312 Screws for Easy Disassembly and Reuse

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In a groundbreaking example of circular design, the Netherlands-based Triodos Bank has constructed an
office building that can be fully disassembled and reused at the end of its life. The building, designed by
Dutch firm Rau Architects, was constructed using an astonishing 165,312 screws, allowing for easy
dismantling and repurposing of its components.

The primarily wooden structure, with towers ranging from two to five stories, stands in stark contrast to
traditional steel and concrete buildings that are welded together and are difficult to disassemble.
Beyond its innovative use of screws, the building boasts several other sustainable features. The wood used
in construction is carbon neutral, and the design maximizes natural daylight to reduce the need for artificial
lighting. The building’s shape was carefully considered to minimize its impact on local wildlife, and the
landscaping includes a pond for animals to drink from.

The office also incorporates renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and geothermal heating
and cooling, while encouraging eco-friendly commuting with bike facilities and proximity to public
transportation.

Perhaps most unique is the building’s status as the first “temporary materials bank.” All materials used in the
design are logged on a public platform called “Madaster,” which tracks materials in the built environment to
eliminate waste. Each component, from wooden beams to glass panels, has a “materials passport” detailing
its specifications and origins.

At Tsamouris, we recognize the importance of innovative fastening solutions in enabling circular design and
sustainable construction.