Fasteners are essential to the construction of many commonplace items. Fasteners are probably something you’ve utilized to assist complete any do-it-yourself tasks. We at All Points Fasteners are enthusiastic about the contribution that high-quality fasteners can make to both experts and do-it-yourselfers. Let’s take a moment to explain the types of fasteners, go over some of the different kinds, and discuss their many applications.
Various Kinds of Fasteners
There are several types of mechanical fasteners, such as washers, anchors, rivets, bolts, screws, nails, and nuts. There are several varieties of fasteners to pick from, making each one a distinct category in and of itself. You are aware of the wide variety of fasteners available if you have ever been in a hardware store’s fastener aisle. Let’s examine and further dissect each of these typical fastener instances.
1. Screws
Screws are frequently the first item that people think of when they think of fastening. One of the most adaptable kinds of fasteners available is the screw fastener. Unlike bolts, they don’t need anything to keep them in place, and their threaded shafts provide them long-lasting holding force. Usually, a screwdriver is used to push the screw into position after a drill is used to create a pilot hole in the material. Screws may be found in many different shapes and sizes. Among the most popular kinds of screws are:
Wood screws feature a tapered head and coarse threads.
Similar to wood screws, deck screws include corrosion resistance and self-tapping features for outdoor use.
Self-tapping heads on drywall screws allow them to countersink without damaging the drywall.
For joining metal to other materials, sheet metal screws include sharper threads.
Machine screws don’t taper down at the bottom and are all the same thickness.
Screws for Masonry A masonry screw is made specifically to penetrate brick and concrete. Twin threads on a drywall screw provide rapid and simple installation.
A board screw This is made especially for wood or wood-like materials like fiber board or MDF. Insofar as they can tap their own threads and don’t require a pre-threaded insert, they are self-tapping. It features a sharp edge for simple beginning and keeps a grip within the wood so it will not slip.
External screw This is perfect for fences, joists, and decks since it has an anti-rust coating that stops corrosion and rust.
SIZE:
Make sure the screw you select is long enough for the task. Choosing a substance to link two things together is important.
that is sufficiently length to reach inside and seize both parts. The materials could not stay secured if the screw is too short. Conversely, a too lengthy screw might harm the wood on the opposite end.
Additionally, you should select the appropriate diameter for the task. An too big screw might fracture softer, more delicate wood or make the piece seem ugly. Conversely, a screw too tiny can not hold the materials securely.
Heads:
The heads on screws are likewise distinctive. They can be flanged, which does not require washers; rounded heads, which are often more ornamental; or flat, which enables you to countersink the screw into the material. Additionally, you may choose the kind of drive you want to utilize on the screw. For contractors, the most common drives are:
Hexagonal, which drives fast and fits in magnetic bits; and
Square, which takes longer to strip than others.
Torx, quadrex, and slotted drives are among less popular types.
Select the appropriate screw for your application for optimal outcomes. Give us a call if you’re unsure of what you require. We will be more than pleased to assist you in determining which self-tapping screw will best suit your needs.
2. Nails
Nails have been used for a very long time and are still a common household item today. Due to the fact that nails lack threading, it is simple to distinguish them from screws. A nail has more shear strength than a screw, which makes it a superior option in some situations even though it doesn’t have the same holding power.
Finding the appropriate nail type for a project might be simple because many nail types get their names from the jobs they perform. Usually, they have certain qualities made to function with the materials or application in question.
The following are a few popular nail types:
Although the thick head will show on most projects, common nails feature a thicker shank for more gripping force in a variety of applications.
Box nails’ steel composition and diamond-point tip make driving them simpler.
Wood trim may be seamlessly integrated using brad nails.
The narrow, flat head of finishing nails is intended to blend in with project finishes, such crown molding, and is used for more intricate work.
Drywall nails are made to be less slippery and simpler to hide.
A variety of flooring materials can be used using flooring nails.
There are several different designs of framing nails, most of them are made to be easily concealed and installed flush.
Roofing nails are frequently resistant to corrosion and have a broad head.
3. Washers, nuts, and bolts
Bolts and nuts are yet another popular kind of fastener. Together, these two parts keep components together. A nut on the end secures the bolt in place once it has been inserted through the two components you wish to link. The following are a some of the most typical bolt types you’ll encounter:
In order to prevent the bolt from sliding when the nut is tightened, carriage bolts feature domed or countersunk heads with a square component under the heat.
For even load distribution, flange bolts have a circular flange underneath the head.
Plow bolts with non-protruding heads are intended for heavy-duty applications, such as heavy machinery.
Hex-head bolts have machine threads and are six-sided.
The square heads of square-head bolts make it easier for wrenches to grasp them.
Allen wrenches may be used with Allen bolts since they feature a hexagonal socket.
Bolts and nuts are a typical kind of fastener.
Some of the most common nut varieties and their designs are listed below:
Hex-shaped coupling nuts are used to connect two male threads.
On one end of flange nuts is a broad, serrated flange that functions similarly to a washer but without any additional movement.
The most popular type of nuts include internal threads and a hex shape.
Lock nuts are made to resist vibration-induced loosening.
Using a cotter ping, pieces of slotted nuts are cut away to provide a locking mechanism.
The square form of square nuts increases their surface area.
Wheel nuts are used to fasten wheels to automobiles.
Although nuts and bolts can work alone, you may occasionally wish to include a washer in between. A flat disk with a hole in the middle is called a washer. This tiny component can more uniformly distribute the load of the fastener throughout the material’s surface. Several kinds of washers include:
When joining surfaces that are not parallel, beveled washers provide stability.
Round and slender are flat washers.
To stop nuts, screws, and bolts from shaking free, lock washers employ a variety of techniques.
Structural washers are utilized in heavy-duty applications and are thicker.
4. Anchors
Anchors acquire their name because they perform a role similar to that of a boat’s anchor, which embeds itself in the seabed to prevent a ship from shifting. These fasteners are often used to attach objects to materials like concrete or drywall. They secure the thing you’re attaching in place by embedding themselves in the material. Typical anchor types include the following:
Anchors with internal threading
Anchors with external threading
Anchors made of masonry screws and pins
Anchors with screws
Anchors for hollow walls
Anchors for sleeves
Drive anchors
5. Rivets
Two things can be joined permanently using a rivet. With a head on one end and a tail on the other, they are made up of a cylindrical shaft. To keep the rivet in place, you extend the tail using a special tool. Compared to other types of fasteners, rivets are very resilient. Typical rivet types include the following:
Blind rivets
Semi-tubular rivets
Strong rivets
Divided rivets
Drive rivets.