Fasteners
Fasteners come in a wide variety of types, including bolts, screws, nuts, washers, rivets, anchors, inserts, rods, clips, pins and more. Each fastener has different variations to meet mechanical and structural needs, including:
Bolts: Bolts are threaded fasteners that generally require a nut to join two or more components. They’re available in different sizes and styles, including hex, carriage and eye bolts.
Screws: Screws are designed with threads to be driven directly into materials like plastic, metal or wood. Common types include self-drilling, machine and wood screws.
Nails: Nails are non-threaded fasteners typically used to join items through friction. They come in various types such as common, finishing, roofing, sinker and brad nails.
Nuts: Nuts are used with bolts to form a strong connection. Examples include hex, lock and wing nuts.
Washers: Washers are flat, thin discs placed beneath the heads of nuts or bolts. They help disperse pressure and help protect against surface damage and loosening over time. Common types include flat, lock, sealing, cushioning and countersunk washers.
Pins: Pins are cylindrical fasteners that fit into holes to prevent relative motion between components. Examples include dowel pins and cotter pins.
Anchors: Anchors permanently attach fixtures to concrete, masonry or drywall.
Rivets: Rivets permanently join materials by clamping them together from the front and back. Rivets include blind rivets, solid rivets, tubular rivets, push-in rivets and drive-pin rivets.
Choosing the Right Material
Selecting the right material for your fastener is critical to ensure it performs well under expected conditions. The material should match both the mechanical needs and environmental conditions. Common fastener materials include:
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Consider the Coating
Coatings are not just about improving appearance — they can also help extend the life of fasteners by enhancing their corrosion resistance. Fastener coatings include:
Zinc: Provides good corrosion resistance for wet environments
Galvanizing: Offers rust and corrosion protection for steel fasteners
Chrome: Adds a shiny finish and great corrosion resistance
Specialty Coatings: Used for specific industrial applications requiring additional protection against friction and environmental factors
Pick the Right Drive Type
When selecting a fastener, it’s important to consider the drive type since it determines the tools and force required for installation. Some of the most common drive types are:
Phillips drive features a cross-shape for a secure connection.
Flathead (slotted) are used when less torque is required.
Torx (star-shaped) drives use a six-point star design, allowing higher torque without slipping.
Hex Drive (allen) requires an Allen key or hex driver and is frequently used in furniture assembly and where space is limited.
Square drives provide greater torque without stripping and are used with adjustable wrenches or 8-point sockets.
One-Way drives are designed for permanent installation in one direction only and are used in security fixtures.
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