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Fasteners are used in the construction of a wide range of everyday objects. At All Points Fasteners, we're enthusiastic about the role that high-quality fasteners can play in the lives of both homeowners and professionals.
What Is a Fastener?
Fasteners are a broad category of tools that include screws, nuts, and bolts and serve the same purpose; to mechanically hold objects together. Glue, for example, can serve this purpose, but glue is not a type of fastener. As a result, we need to expand our definition. Objects are mechanically held together by hardware fasteners.
Fasteners usually form a non-permanent joint. In other words, if you use a fastener to connect two components, you should be able to remove them without causing any damage to the separate pieces. A welded joint, on the other hand, would not be the same. Rivets, which are classified as fasteners but create permanent joints, are the only exception to this rule.
Though most fasteners form a non-permanent joint, this does not imply that you only use them when you need to disassemble something, nor does it imply that the joint is in any way weak. Fasteners can reliably hold objects together that are subjected to a lot of stress.
Screws, nails, nuts, bolts, washers, anchors, and rivets are examples of mechanical fasteners. Each of these different types of fasteners is in its category, with a variety of options. You know how many different types of fasteners there are if you've ever been in a hardware store's fastener aisle. Let's take a look at each of these common fastener examples.
Nails
Nails have been used since the beginning of time and are still a common household item. Because a nail lacks threading, it's easy to tell the difference between a screw and a nail. While a nail doesn't have the same holding power as a screw, it does have more shear strength, making it a better choice in some situations.
Nuts & Bolts
Fasteners such as nuts and bolts are also common. These two pieces work together to secure components. The bolt is inserted between the two parts to be joined, then tightened with a nut at the end. The following are some of the most common bolt types.
Carriage bolts- They have a square component under the heat to keep the bolt from moving while tightening the nut.
Plow bolts- They have non-protruding heads and are used in heavy-duty applications such as heavy equipment.
Hex-head bolts have machine threads on all six sides.
For use with Allen wrenches, Allen bolts have a hexagonal socket.
Square-head bolts- They have square heads, making wrenches easier to grip.
A few of the most popular nut varieties are-
Coupling nuts are hex-shaped nuts that connect two male threads.
Flange nuts have a wide, serrated flange on one end that functions similarly to a washer but without the extra movement.
The most common type of nut is the hex nut, which has a hex shape and internal threads.
Wheel nuts are used to hold wheels in place on vehicles.
Screws
The first thing that comes to mind is screws. Screw fasteners are one of the most adaptable fastener types available. Their threaded shafts provide long-lasting holding power, and unlike bolts, they don't require any additional support. A drill is typically used to make a pilot hole in a material, and then a screwdriver is used to drive the screw into place. Screws come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Machine screws- They have a consistent thickness throughout and do not taper at the bottom.
Masonry screws- This typically has a hex-head design and a flat tip.
The threads on wood screws are coarse, and the head is tapered.
Deck screws are similar to wood screws, but they have self-tapping designs and are corrosion resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use.
Drywall screws- They have a self-tapping head that allows them to countersink without damaging the drywall.
Anchors
Anchors get their name from the fact that they perform a similar function to a boat's anchor, which keeps a ship from moving by embedding itself in the seabed. Typically, these fasteners are used to connect something to a material such as drywall or concrete. Anchors come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
- Internally threaded anchors
- Externally threaded anchors
- Masonry screw and pin anchors
- Screw anchors
Rivets
A rivet is a device that joins two objects permanently. A cylindrical shaft with a head on one end and a tail on the other is what they're made of. To keep the rivet in place, you use a special tool to expand the tail. Rivets, when compared to other types of fasteners, are remarkably durable.
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