Types of fasteners
Screws
Threaded shaft with durable holding power.
Nails
Greater shear strength without a nail's threading
Nuts, Bolts
Work in tandem to secure components.
Washers
Flat disk that distributes the Fastener's load
Anchors
Embedded in material to affix something
Rivets
Act as a Permanent joint between objects.
Mechanical fasteners come in many forms, including screws, nails, nuts, bolts, washers, anchors and rivets.
Each of these different types of fasteners is a category unto itself, with many types to choose from. If you’ve ever been in a fastener aisle at a hardware store, you know how many different types of fasteners are out there. Let’s look at each of these common examples of fasteners and break them down a bit further.
1. Screws
For many people, when they think offasteners, screws are the first thing to come to mind.
Screw fasteners are one of the most versatile types of fasteners out there. Their threaded shafts give them durable holding power, and unlike a bolt, they don’t require anything to hold them in place. Typically, you use a drill to make a pilot hole in a material and then use a screwdriver to drive the screw in place. Screws come in a wide variety of types and sizes. Some of the most common types of screws include:
- Wood screws have coarse threads and a tapered head.
- Deck screws are similar to wood screws, but include self-tapping designs and corrosion resistance for outdoor applications.
- Drywall screws feature a self-tapping head that can countersink without causing damage to drywall.
- Sheet metal screws have sharper threads for connecting metal to other materials.
- Machine screws have a uniform thickness and don’t taper off at the bottom.
- Masonry screws have a flat tip and typically feature a hex-head design.
- MDF screws can self-tap without splitting the material.
2. Nails
Nails have been used since ancient times, and they are still an everyday household item. You can easily spot the difference between a screw and a nail because a nail doesn’t have threading. While a nail doesn’t provide the same holding power a screw does, it has greater shear strength, making it the better choice for some applications.
Many types of nails take their names from their applications, which can make it a snap to find the right variety of nail for a job. They typically have specific characteristics designed for working with the materials or application at hand.
Some common kinds of nails include the following:
- Common nails have a thicker shank for greater holding power for many different applications, but the thick head will be visible on most projects.
- Box nails offer easier driving with a steel construction and diamond-point tip.
- Brad nails can easily blend into wood trim.
- Finishing nails are for more detailed work and have a small, flat head designed to blend in with project finishes, such as those on crown molding.
- Drywall nails are designed for easy concealment and reduced slippage.
- Flooring nails are designed for use with various flooring materials.
Framing nails can include a variety of styles, often designed for flush installation and easy concealment.
Roofing nails have a wide head and are often corrosion-resistant.
3. Bolts, Nuts and Washers
Nuts and bolts are another common type of fastener.
These two pieces work in tandem to hold components together. You insert the bolt through the two parts you want to join, then fasten it in place with a nut on the end. Here are some of the most common types of bolts you’ll use:
- Carriage bolts have domed or countersunk heads with a square component under the heat to keep the bolt from moving while tightening the nut.
Flange bolts include a circular flange beneath the head for distributing loads evenly. - Plow bolts are for heavy-duty applications, such as heavy equipment, with non-protruding heads.
- Hex-head bolts are six-sided with machine threads.
- Square-head bolts have square heads, offering an easier grip for wrenches.
- Allen bolts have a hexagonal socket for use with Allen wrenches.
Below are some of the most popular types of nuts and their designs:
Coupling nuts are hex-shaped and join two male threads together.
- Flange nuts have a wide, serrated flange on one end that serves a similar function as a washer but without any added movement.
Hex nuts are the most common variety, featuring a hex shape and internal threads. - Lock nuts include designs to prevent loosening due to vibrations.
- Slotted nuts have sections cut out to create a locking mechanism with the help of a cotter ping.
- Square nuts feature a square shape for greater surface area.
Wheel nuts are designed for securing wheels onto vehicles.
Nuts and bolts can function on their own, but sometimes, you’ll want to add a washer in between. A washer is a flat disc with an opening in the center. This little piece can distribute the fastener’s load more evenly across the surface of the material. Some types of washers are:
Beveled washers add stability when attaching unparallel surfaces.
- Flat washers are round and thin.
- Lock washers use various mechanisms to prevent nuts, screws and bolts from vibrating loose.
Structural washers are thicker and used in heavy-duty applications.
4. Anchors
Anchors get their name because they serve a similar function to a boat’s anchor, which embeds itself in the seabed to keep a ship from moving. Generally, people use these fasteners to connect something to a material like drywall or concrete. They embed themselves in the material and hold the object you’re affixing in place.
Some common types of anchors include:
- Internally threaded anchors
- Externally threaded anchors
- Masonry screw and pin anchors
- Screw anchors
- Hollow wall anchors
- Sleeve anchors
- Drive anchors
5. Rivets
A rivet creates a permanent joint between two objects.
They consist of a cylindrical shaft with a head on one end and a tail on the other. You use a unique tool to expand the tail, so the rivet stays in place. Rivets are remarkably durable, compared to other types of fasteners. Some common types of rivets include:
- Blind rivets
- Semi-tubular rivets
- Solid rivets
- Split rivets
- Drive rivets
