Everything You Need to Know About Fasteners


A fastener is a category that includes a number of tools, all of which are very crucial for the construction of various objects. Their primary purpose is to hold things together mechanically; however, that doesn’t mean glue can also be a type of fastener as it does the same thing. Fasteners are basically hardware, so glue can’t be a hardware fastener. All the different types of fasteners are distinctively different from each other in their structure and functionality. They are used to create non-permanent joints in things that can be removed at any time. Let’s have a look at various types of fasteners and their specific function.

  • Screws:

Screws are small, slender metal pins that are sharp-pointed with a helical ridge running around them. They might look almost similar to bolts but are completely different from them. Their threads provide them with good holding power and are very handy to install. They are made to be used without any fastener, unlike bolts, nuts, and washers. Wood screws, machine screws, sheet metal screws, socket screws, mating screws, etc., are the common types of screws. 

  • Nails:

Nails are different from screws in the sense that they have a head exactly like them but are not threaded; instead, they have a flat metal spike. Even though without the threads, a nail offers good holding power. It is very easy to install too; all one has to do is to hammer it into any object, and they are done. Box nails, drywall nails, framing nails, roofing nails, brad nails, etc., are some of the common types of nails.

  • Nuts:

Nuts are small flat pieces with threads on their inside; they are designed as such to be used in conjunction with bolts. Their use is very specific; they are used to connect with bolts and hold objects together. Without a bolt, a nut is of no use; they have to work in tandem. Hexagonal nut, square nut, ring nut, cap nut, capstan nut, dome nut, thumb nut, etc., are the common types of nuts. However, there is a different type of nut that has threads on the outer side rather than the inner side and are called conversion nuts. Conversion nut manufacturer makes them get a stronger grip.

  • Bolts:

Bolts are almost similar to screws; however, they are not sharp at all; they have a flat hexagonal head with a thick pin that has helical threads around them. It can not be installed alone as it is not designed to hold objects that way. It is first screwed into objects, and from the other side, a nut is inserted on it, tightening it and creating a stronger hold. Anchor bolts, carriage bolts, elevator bolts, eye bolts, flange bolts, hanger bolts, hex bolts, lag bolts, etc., are the common types of bolts. 

  • Washers:

Washers are round discs that are used between the connection of bolt and nuts, and the purpose of its use is to distribute the load of fasteners that is nut and bolt. 

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