Different Types of Fasteners and Their Uses
From everyday home improvement projects to building skyscrapers, fasteners play an integral role in our lives.
Whether you're a professional contractor, engineer, or a DIYer, understanding the different types of fasteners and their uses is essential for your next project. We will explore the wide variety of screws, nuts and bolts, washers, rivets, and nails that are available so you can find the right one for your job.
Are you ready to get into the nuts and bolts of it?
What Are Fasteners?
A simple definition of a fastener is a temporary or permanent mechanical device that securely joins or attaches two or more surfaces to one another.
Temporary fasteners are designed to be removed without damaging the two or more materials that are joined. Some temporary fastener examples include nuts and bolts, screws, and washers.
On the other hand, permanent fasteners are designed to have a secure, long-lasting bond. Removing these types of fasteners could substantially damage the connected surfaces. Some permanent fastener examples include weld nuts and rivets.
What Are the Different Types of Fasteners?
Fasteners are made from a variety of materials to best suit the purpose of each type and complexity of construction project, whether you are designing your first project in mechanical engineering or building a car.
The most common type is threaded fasteners which have internal threads that screw into a threaded hole in the corresponding piece.
Some commonly used fastener types include machine screws, wood screws, self-tapping screws, and sheet metal screws. These fasteners may have hexagonal or rounded heads, as well as smooth shanks.
In addition to these standard types, there are also a multitude of specialty fasteners such as permanent fasteners, single-use fasteners, high-quality fasteners, mechanical fasteners, and hardware fasteners.
Flat washers and other types of washers are commonly used in conjunction with metal-to-wood applications to ensure secure connections.
Understanding the different types of fasteners available will help you make sure your project is completed using the best materials for the job.
Here are some of the more common types of fasteners:
1. Screws
Screws are an essential fastener for a variety of applications, from joining wooden boards to securing electrical components. They come in several different forms from coarse threads to fine deck screws. Each designed for a specific purpose whether it be for indoor or outdoor use.
Wood screws are the most used type for joining wood and have a tapered head that allows them to easily sink into the application material. Sheet metal screws also feature a tapered thread but are made specifically for attaching metal to other materials such as wood or plastic.
Machine screws are thicker than wood and sheet metal screws, which makes them ideal for holding together different parts of machinery or appliances. Most machine screws also require the use of nuts and bolts to complete the job.
Socket Screws
Socket screws, which require an Allen key for fastening, are a variety of threaded fasteners distinguished by their Allen head and sometimes smooth shanks.
Socket screws are available in various head shapes, including button heads, socket heads, and flat heads. They are useful for permanently fastening together metal sheets, wood, and other materials.
Socket screws offer superior strength and high-quality results when compared to self-tapping screws or other types of mechanical fasteners.
Many times, they can be used in combination with hexagonal nuts, flat washers, pipe plugs, or other types of washers for improved stability and performance.
Socket screws are popular among common hardware fasteners due to their versatility, durability, and single-use convenience. They come in many sizes and variations for easy installation into threaded holes.
Some of the types include:
- Socket heads
- Button heads
- Flat heads
- Locking screws
- Shoulder bolts, and many more
With proper installation techniques and quality materials, socket screws can provide reliable long-term holding power for multiple applications that require strong securement.
Machine Screws
Machine screws are an essential component of many types of machinery and a common fastener. They are threaded fasteners that consist of a cylindrical head with additional internal threads and compare to sheet metal screws.
Installing machine screws is relatively easy; they can be inserted into pre-drilled holes, so there is no need to create a hole while installing them.
They come in various sizes, lengths, and diameters for different applications, making them one of the most versatile and important types of fasteners on the market today.
Some of the types of machine screws include:
- Standard screws like Pan heads and Hex Washer heads
- Locking Screws
- Captive Screws
- Thumb Screws
- Vented Screws and more
No matter what kind you choose, machine screws provide a secure and reliable connection between two pieces of metal or other materials
.
Tapping Screws
Tapping screws are specially designed fasteners that feature a threaded shank and may have a pointed tip. This allows them to be tapped directly into pre-drilled holes, making them ideal for use in metal sheets or other materials where creating a hole while installing the screw is not an option.
They also provide great holding power and excellent resistance to vibration and shock, making them a popular choice for permanent fasteners such as those used in automobiles or construction projects.
Tapping screws come in various shapes, sizes, and types; from flat head to round head; so, there's sure to be one perfect for your project.
Some of the more common types include:
- Sheet Metal Screws
- Self-Tapping Screws
- Self-Drilling Screws
- Thread Cutting Screws
- Drive Screws and more
No matter what type you choose, tapping screws are an essential hardware tool that can provide unbeatable strength and durability in any application. Their versatility makes them one of the most popular types of fasteners in use today.
You can also learn about other types of screws that we offer here.
2. Nuts and Bolts
Nuts and bolts are commonly used as fasteners to connect separate pieces. The bolt is inserted to join the parts together and secured with a nut on the end.
Carriage bolts feature a domed or countersunk head with a square component beneath it to keep the bolt in place, while flange bolts have an additional circular flange beneath the head for distributing loads evenly.
These types of bolts are available with hexagonal heads, rounded heads, or even self-tapping screws for sheet metal and other applications. Fasteners like these are ideal for joining metal to wood, along with flat washers or other types of washers that provide additional stability between components.
Here are some of the different types of nuts and bolts:
Hex Nuts
Hex nuts are one of the most common type of fasteners and is named for its six-sided shape. These nuts are ideal for use in many different wood and metal projects, as they can be easily assembled with a wrench.
The hex nut is made from high-quality steel and comes in various sizes to fit several types of screws and bolts.
Overall, hex nuts remain one of the most popular types of fasteners due to their ease of use and variety of applications. They are available in different sizes to meet different needs, providing reliable connections for your project requirements.
Castle Nuts
Castle nuts are an integral part of many mechanical fastening applications. They feature a unique design, with slots or notches on one end that can accommodate pins to help secure them in place.
This makes them perfect for projects that require low levels of torque and tight connections between objects.
Castle nuts are also ideal for situations where single-use fasteners are necessary, as their design prevents the nut from being removed or loosened without first removing the pin.
Weld Nuts
Weld nuts are a type of fastener that are used in many industrial applications. They are threaded fasteners with an internal thread and come in various shapes such as slap shaped or rounded heads. Weld nuts help to securely fasten components to surfaces that may otherwise be hard to reach, making them an invaluable type of hardware fastener.
To install weld nuts, they must first be welded onto the part's surface, ensuring that they will remain secure and create a permanent connection between two components.
Weld nuts can be used for various material types including metal sheets and wood, allowing for versatile applications across multiple industries.
Some of the different types of weld nuts include:
- Round base nuts
- Slab base nuts
- Tab base nuts
- Tube end nuts
Due to their strength and durability, weld nuts are often used when high-quality fasteners are required.
Hex Bolts
Hex Bolts are a type of fastener that is popularly used in machining and hardware applications. They feature a hexagonal head, which provides good versatility when it comes to assembling and dissembling the bolt into hard-to-reach areas.
These bolts also usually have internal threads, meaning they can be screwed into threaded holes or smooth shanks. Hex Bolts can secure metal-to-wood connections, among other permanent fastening solutions for both single-use and long-term applications.
Flat washers or other types of washers can be used with these fasteners to help distribute pressure from the nut evenly across the surface of the material being secured.
Carriage Bolts
Carriage bolts are a type of fastener that are commonly used when attaching wood materials. These bolts come with convex metal heads and square necks, and threads, allowing them to easily fit into a square neck in wood pieces by applying pressure. This creates a self-locking connection, making them very useful for applications where the joint needs to be secure.
Carriage bolts are also remarkably easy to install; they can be inserted into pre-drilled holes and secured with nuts or washers without any additional tools.
Their rounded head makes them more aesthetically pleasing than other types of fasteners, making them popular for use in furniture construction and outdoor projects. For these reasons, carriage bolts are an excellent choice when you need high-quality fasteners that are permanent.
Eye Bolts
Eye bolts are a type of fastener used to attach a chain to any surface. They have a circular ring instead of the traditional head, making them unique from other types of threaded fasteners.
The threads are internal, meaning that they fit into the hole in the surface and create threads for secure attachment. Eye bolts also have a smooth shank, which allows for extra strength when attaching metal to wood or other materials.
While eye bolts can be single-use fasteners, their unique design makes them popular for many applications that require quick assembly and disassembly. Overall, eye bolts are an efficient way to securely attach chains or objects to various surfaces without compromising quality or safety.
Check out our wide selection of bolts found here.
3. Washers
Washers are a type of fastener that is used in many industries. They are usually placed under joints, nuts, and axle bearings to reduce friction and prevent the loosening of components due to vibration.
Washers also help to isolate different components and prevent leakage that may occur. The shape of the many types of washers vary depending on their purpose; however, they all serve the same purpose: to secure two surfaces together with a single fastener.
Washers also come in various materials such as metal, plastic, rubber, or fiberglass. Depending on the application, these materials may be selected for their moisture-resistance properties or corrosion-resistance capabilities.
Flat Washers
Fasteners known as flat washers are utilized for distributing the load of a bolt, screw, or nut in an even manner. They are one of the most common types of hardware fasteners and can be used for metal to wood attachments.
Flat washers can be used with many types of screws including machine screws, self-tapping screws, and wood screws. They can also be used with threaded fasteners such as bolts, nuts, and threaded holes that have either internal threads or rounded hexagonal head designs.
It is important to use the correct size of flat washer for each application, as it helps ensure the strength and stability of the joint.
Overall, flat washers remain one of the most popular types of fasteners due to their versatility and reliability in securing attachments.
Spring Washers
Spring washers, also known as split washers, are a type of fastener used to increase tension in bolted joints and to prevent the loosening of nuts and bolts. They are made from metal or plastic and feature an annular design with a circular shape that has been modified with a split down one side.
This split allows them to act like a spring when placed between two surfaces, providing added flexibility which makes the joint more elastic and resistant to vibration. Spring washers are commonly found in automotive applications, as well as other hardware installations such as doors, windows, and furniture.
They come in various sizes and gauges depending on the application they are intended for and can be installed by hand or with automated equipment.
Spring washers provide an additional layer of security against loosening nuts and bolts, making them ideal for high-quality fasteners that require long-term stability.
Ribbed and Toothed Washers
Ribbed and toothed washers are a type of fastener used to securely attach materials together. They are often used to provide extra grip and strength in a joint, as they have raised ridges or teeth that help keep them firmly in place.
Ribbed and toothed washers are most used with bolts or threaded rods, as the ridges or teeth on the washer help to lock the bolt into place and prevent it from loosening over time. They can also be used with nuts, screws, and nails to keep them secure.
These types of washers are best used for applications that require extra strength and durability.
These are just a few types of washers. You can find more types of washers here.
4. Rivets
Rivets are a type of permanent fastener that are used in various industries and applications. Once installed, this permanent joint cannot be removed or reused. The customary application of rivets involves fastening metal sheets and plates together.
They typically have a cylindrical shape with a long mandrel or shank, and the head of the rivet is either hexagonal or rounded.
Rivets have superior strength compared to other types of fasteners and are often used where reliability and permanence are required.
Self-tapping screws, machine screws, nuts, and washers are also popular types of hardware fasteners for joining metal sheet components. However, for high-strength applications, rivets remain an ideal choice due to their superior strength over single-use fasteners such as self-tapping screws or bolts.
Here are some of the different types of rivets:
POP Rivets (Blind Rivets)
POP rivets, or blind rivets, are utilized as fasteners to secure two materials together. They feature a tubular design with a slotted or countersunk head and mandrel.
These fasteners are permanent, meaning they cannot be removed after installation. POP rivets come in a few varieties including:
- Open-end Rivets: The open-end style is the most common and features an oval shaped head with internal threads.
- Closed-end Rivets: Closed-end POP rivets are used when one side of the assembly is inaccessible and feature a rounded head with no internal threads.
- Countersunk Rivets: Countersunk POP rivets have a flat head designed to sit flush against the surface material, making them ideal for sheet metal applications.
POP rivets provide high quality strength and durability for securing materials for many years and can be installed quickly using simple tools like pneumatic guns or manual hammers.
Semi-Tubular and Solid Rivets
Semi-tubular and solid rivets are two of the most common types of rivets used to join two pieces of material together. These fasteners feature a cylindrical body with a head that is either round or flat, depending on the application.
Semi-Tubular Rivets have a hollow body that expands when heated, providing greater strength and durability than solid rivets. They are ideal for use in applications where space is limited and require less force to install than solid rivets.
Solid Rivets have a robust body which requires more force to install, making them suitable for heavy duty applications like aircraft construction.
Both types of rivets can be applied manually or with automated tools like pneumatic guns or electric drills.
Browse Our Semi-Tubular Rivets Browse Our Solid Rivets
You can see our huge selection of rivet fasteners here.
5. Nails
Nails are a fundamental element of many construction projects, available in various shapes and sizes for distinct purposes. The framing nail is one of the most used common nails, specifically engineered for constructing walls, roofs, and sub-flooring.
Meanwhile, finishing nails have smaller sizes and flat heads that can blend in with your project's aesthetic look. Most types of nails work best when securing bigger lumber pieces, such as door jambs and crown molding.
Box nails are commonly used in construction and framing due to their steel shafts and diamond point tips, which make them easy to drive into a stud.
Selecting the appropriate nail type is crucial in ensuring a secure fit that can last for several years on any finish, regardless of the project.
Check Out Our Different Types of Fasteners
At Olander, we understand the importance of having the right fastener for any job. That's why we offer a wide variety of different types including sockets, machine screws, self-tapping screws, and other threaded fasteners with either hexagonal or rounded heads.
Our range also includes various nuts and washers to ensure you find exactly what you need! We have permanent fasteners, high-quality hardware fasteners, single-use fasteners, and more - all designed to help you complete your project quickly and efficiently.
We have been helping customers from the MedTech to the automotive industry since 1962 to help securely fasten a wide range of projects. With a huge selection of widespread fastener products, our team is here to help you find exactly what you need.
Browse our inventory online today or contact us directly if you need assistance; our friendly staff of experts are always happy to answer any questions!
Sources
- University Of Florida Dept Of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. "Fasteners" https://mae.ufl.edu/designlab/Lab%20Assignments/EML2322L-Fasteners.pdf Accessed on 2/15/23
- "Bolt (fastener)" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolt_(fastener) Accessed on 2/15/23
- "Screw" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screw Accessed on 2/15/23
- "Weld Nuts" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weld_nut Accessed on 3/20/23
- Britannica "Nail Fastener" Accessed on 3/30/23 https://www.britannica.com/technology/nail-fastener
- "All Products" https://www.olander.com/ Accessed on 3/20/23
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of fasteners?
Fasteners are hardware devices used to mechanically join or secure two or more objects together. There are numerous types of fasteners, including screws, bolts, nuts, washers, rivets, pins, clips, and anchors, among others.
What are the 3 types of mechanical fasteners?
The three primary types of mechanical fasteners are screws, bolts, and rivets. Each type has its own unique design and purpose. Screws are threaded fasteners that typically require a complementary nut or pre-tapped hole. Bolts are similar to screws but are usually larger and feature a separate nut to secure the joint. Rivets are permanent fasteners that are inserted through aligned holes and secured by deforming or "riveting" the end.
What is the strongest type of fastener?
The strength of a fastener depends on various factors such as material, design, and application. However, in general, high-strength bolts, such as grade 8 bolts, are considered to be among the strongest fasteners. These bolts are made from alloy steel and have a high tensile strength.
What form of fasteners is the most commonly used?
Screws are one of the most commonly used forms of fasteners. They are versatile, easy to use, and available in a wide range of sizes and designs. Screws are used in various applications, including woodworking, construction, electronics, and household projects.
What are some types of permanent fasteners?
Some types of permanent fasteners include rivets, welding, and adhesive bonding. Rivets are cylindrical fasteners that are inserted through aligned holes and secured by deforming the other end. Welding involves melting and fusing two pieces of metal together to create a strong and permanent connection. Adhesive bonding refers to using adhesives or glues to bond surfaces together, creating a durable and permanent bond.
