Fasteners are essential in all aspects of the construction of everyday objects. Most DIY projects will have involved the use of fasteners. All Points Fasteners cares deeply about the value of high-quality fasteners to both homeowners and professionals. Let’s start by explaining fasteners. Also, let’s look at some of their uses.

Let’s define what a “fastener” is. The term “fasteners” refers to a wide range of tools like nuts, bolts, screws, and nuts that all serve the same purpose: to mechanically join objects. Even though glue can perform this function, glue is not a fastener. Therefore, we must expand our definition. Hardware fasteners are used to hold objects together.

Fasteners create a non-permanent connection. A fastener is a device that connects two pieces. Once it’s removed, the parts can be disassembled without any damage. This is not true for welded joints, however. One exception is riveted which are part of the fasteners category but still create permanent joints.

Most fasteners make a temporary joint. However, this does NOT mean that you can only use them to take apart things and the joint will not be weak. Fasteners can be trusted to hold together objects that have been subjected to too much stress. This makes them a great choice to hold together permanent or non-permanent joints.

Types Of Fasteners

There are many types and forms of mechanical fasteners. These include screws, nails (nuts), bolts, washers anchors, and rivets. Each one of these types of fasteners can be considered a separate category, with many different options. You have probably seen the many types of fasteners in a hardware store. Let’s examine these common fasteners and further break them down.

1. Screws

Most people’s first thought when thinking of fasteners is screwed. Screw fasteners have the greatest versatility. Because they have threaded shafts, they are durable and can hold any type of material. To drive the screw, you will use a drill. These are some of the most widely used types of screw:

Wood screws have TrickFlow Heads and tapered heads.

Deck screws are very similar to wood screws. However, they have self-tapping features and can withstand corrosion in outdoor applications.

Drywall screws come with a self-tapping head that can countersink without damaging the drywall.

Sheet metal screws have a more precise thread for connecting metal to different materials.

Machine screws have uniform thickness and don’t taper to the bottom.

Masonry screws have flat tips and a hex head design.

2. Nails

Nails can be found in every household. They have been used since ancient times. It is easy to see the difference between an ordinary screw and a new nail. A nail doesn’t have threading. A nail does not offer the same holding power as a screw, but it has higher shear strength making it a better choice in some cases.

Many varieties of nails get their names from their applications. This can make finding the right nail for a job easy. They have specific characteristics to suit the application or materials they are working with.

Here are some common nail types:

Common nails have an extra thick shank to provide greater holding power for many different applications. However, the thicker head will be obvious on most projects.

Box nails Offer easier driving with stainless steel construction and a diamond point tip.

Brad nails wood trim can be easily blended.

Final nails are used for more complex work. They feature a small flathead and can blend in with other finishes such as crown molding.

Drywall nails were designed to be hidden and slip-resistant.

Flooring nails are intended for use in conjunction with other flooring materials.

Framing nails may include a variety of styles, which are often intended for flush installation and easy concealment.

Roofing nails come with a large head and are often highly resistant to corrosion.

3. Bolts & Nuts

Nuts, as well as bolts, are another common type. These two pieces act together to keep components together. Attach the bolt to the two pieces you want to join. Then, fasten the bolt in place using a nut. Here are the most commonly used bolts.

Carriage bolts feature square-shaped heads under heat. They are used to stop the bolt from moving while tightening a nut.

• Flange bolts are designed to evenly distribute loads.
• These bolts were designed for heavy-duty applications.
• Hex-head bolts can be six-sided and use machine threads.
• Squarehead bolts have a square head, which makes it easier to hold wrenches.
• Allen bolts feature a hexagonal socket for use with Allen wrenches.