Types - Of - Fasteners


Fasteners are essential components in construction, manufacturing, and everyday projects, holding parts together and providing structural integrity. The variety of fasteners available can be overwhelming, but understanding the five basic types can simplify selection and application. This blog by Ezzi Enterprises explores screws, bolts, nuts, washers, and nails, detailing their features, uses, and benefits.


1. Screws

Screws are one of the most

common fasteners

known for their versatility and ease of use. They are designed with a helical ridge, or thread, which allows them to be driven into materials, creating a secure hold.


Features and Types

  • Threaded Shaft: The threaded shaft provides grip and allows the screw to hold materials together tightly.
  • Variety of Heads: Screws come with different head types, such as flat, round, and pan, each suited for specific applications.
  • Materials and Coatings: Screws are available in various materials, including stainless steel, brass, and coated versions to resist corrosion.

Common Types:

  • Wood Screws Designed specifically for wood, they have a sharp point and coarse threads for better grip.
  • Machine Screws: Used with nuts or tapped holes in metal parts, they have finer threads.
  • Sheet Metal Screws: With sharp, pointed threads, these screws are ideal for fastening metal sheets.


Uses:

  • Woodworking
  • Metalworking
  • Plastic assembly
  • General household repairs

2. Bolts

Bolts are similar to screws but are typically used with nuts to hold materials together. They provide strong, reliable connections, especially in heavy-duty applications.


Features and Types

  • Threaded Shaft: Like screws, bolts have a threaded shaft, but they require a nut to create a secure hold.
  • Hexagonal Head: The most common bolt head is hexagonal, allowing easy tightening with a wrench.
  • High Tensile Strength: Bolts are often made from high-strength materials to handle heavy loads.

Common Types:

  • Hex Bolts: Also known as hex cap screws, these have a hexagonal head and are used in construction and machinery.
  • Carriage Bolts: With a smooth, rounded head and a square section under the head, they prevent turning when tightening.
  • Lag Bolts: Large wood screws with hex heads, used for heavy timber and construction.


Uses:

  • Construction projects
  • Machinery and equipment assembly
  • Automotive applications
  • Heavy-duty wood projects

3. Nuts

Nuts are fasteners

with a threaded hole, used in conjunction with bolts to fasten multiple parts together. They come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for specific applications.


Features and Types

  • Internal Thread: Nuts have internal threads that match the external threads of bolts, creating a secure hold.
  • Variety of Shapes: Common shapes include hexagonal, square, and wing nuts, each suited for different purposes.

Common Types:

  • Hex Nuts: The most common type, used with hex bolts for a secure connection.
  • Lock Nuts: Designed to resist loosening under vibration, they include nylon-insert lock nuts and all-metal lock nuts.
  • Wing Nuts: With wing-like projections, these nuts can be tightened by hand, ideal for applications requiring frequent adjustments.


Uses:

  • Securing bolts in construction and machinery
  • Automotive applications
  • Household projects requiring adjustable connections

4. Washers

Washers are thin plates with a hole in the middle, used to distribute the

load of a fastener

, reduce friction, and prevent loosening. They come in various materials and designs to suit different applications.


Features and Types

  • Load Distribution: Washers spread the load over a larger area, preventing damage to the surfaces being fastened.
  • Friction Reduction: They reduce friction between the fastener and the surface, making tightening easier.

Common Types:

  • Flat Washers: The most basic type, used to distribute the load and prevent damage to surfaces.
  • Lock Washers: Designed to prevent loosening due to vibration, including split and tooth lock washers.
  • Fender Washers: With a larger outer diameter, they provide extra load distribution for softer materials.


Uses:

  • Preventing damage to surfaces during fastening
  • Reducing friction in bolted connections
  • Providing extra support for large holes or soft materials

5. Nails

Nails are

simple fasteners

, driven into materials, typically wood, to hold them together. They are straightforward, requiring no additional hardware, and are widely used in construction and carpentry.


Features and Types

  • Smooth Shaft: Unlike screws and bolts, nails have a smooth shaft and are driven into materials using a hammer.
  • Variety of Heads: Nail heads come in different shapes, such as flat, round, and countersunk, for various applications.

Common Types:

  • Common Nails: General-purpose nails with a flat head, used in construction.
  • Finishing Nails: With a small head, they are used in woodworking and trim work for a neat finish.
  • Brad Nails: Thin nails used in delicate woodworking and light construction.


Uses:

  • General construction
  • Woodworking and carpentry
  • Furniture assembly
  • Trim and finishing work


Conclusion

Understanding the basic types of fasteners—screws, bolts, nuts, washers, and nails—is crucial for selecting the right fastener for any project. Each type has unique features and applications, ensuring strong and reliable connections across various materials and settings. By choosing the appropriate fastener from Ezzi Enterprises, you can achieve a secure and durable assembly, whether you're tackling a simple DIY project or a complex industrial construction. Trust Ezzi Enterprises for all your fastening needs.