Fasteners are essential mechanical tools that connect or affix two or more surfaces together. Whether in vehicle assembly, home renovations, or electronics, fasteners are necessary for holding components in place, either temporarily or permanently. With various types, designs, and materials available, they cater to diverse applications across industries, making their selection a critical decision for ensuring durability, safety, and efficiency.
In this article, we will help you dig into different types of fasterners, analyzing their types, applications, materials and so on, lguiding you to choose the most suitable fastener.
Types of Fasteners
Non-Permanent Threaded Fasteners
Non-permanent fasteners can be easily removed without damaging the materials they join, allowing for disassembly and reassembly as needed.
1. Screws
Screws are some of the most versatile fasteners, featuring a threaded shaft that provides durable holding power. Their head types and tips vary based on the materials they're intended for. For more information on screws and their applications, check out our guide on types of fasteners for injection molding.
Wood Screws
Designed for woodworking, these screws have coarse threads and a tapered head for a secure grip in wood.
Drywall Screws
Self-tapping screws with sharp threads, ideal for securing drywall without causing damage.
Sheet Metal Screws
Fully threaded shanks and sharp points make these screws perfect for joining metal components.
Machine Screws
Used in machinery, these screws are inserted into pre-drilled holes to fasten metal parts securely.
Masonry Screws
Strongly threaded screws designed to penetrate tough surfaces like concrete and brick.
Board Screws
Sharp-tipped screws ideal for materials like MDF, ensuring easy installation and a firm hold.
Exterior Screws
Coated to resist rust and corrosion, these screws are perfect for outdoor use like decking and fencing.
2. Bolts
Bolts are threaded fasteners designed to work with nuts. They are widely used in applications where greater strength is required. Below are some common bolt types. Learn more about the differences between nuts and bolts in our comprehensive guide.
Anchor Bolts
Used to connect structural components to concrete, these bolts provide essential stability in construction projects.
Arbor Bolts
Designed with reverse threading, arbor bolts are perfect for securing miter saw blades securely in place.
Carriage Bolts
Featuring a smooth, rounded head and square neck, these bolts prevent spinning during installation, ideal for woodwork.
Wheel Bolts
Crucial for vehicle safety, wheel bolts are built to handle high torque and secure wheels effectively.
Elevator Bolts
With large flat heads, these bolts are used in conveyor systems to provide secure, stable connections.
Hex Head Bolts
A versatile, common bolt type with a six-sided head, offering excellent grip for wrench tightening.
Double End Bolts
Threaded on both ends, these bolts are perfect for flush installations where a headless fastener is needed.
Eye Bolts
Featuring a loop at one end, eye bolts are used for attaching ropes or cables, providing reliable anchoring.
U-Shape Bolts
Designed for securing pipes or cylindrical objects, U-shaped bolts allow for easy installation and strong support.
3. Nuts
Nuts are paired with bolts to fasten objects together securely. They come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different applications.
Cap Nuts
Dome-shaped nuts that cover and protect the exposed ends of bolts, giving a clean, finished appearance.
Castle Nuts
Characterized by their notched top, castle nuts are used with cotter pins to prevent the bolt from loosening.
Weld Nuts
Permanently welded to surfaces, these nuts provide secure fastening in hard-to-reach areas, commonly used in industrial applications.
Hex Nuts
The most commonly used type of nut, hex nuts are simple to fasten with standard wrenches and offer reliable strength.
Nylon Lock Nuts
Equipped with a nylon insert, these nuts prevent loosening caused by vibration or torque, making them ideal for dynamic environments.
Flange Nuts
Designed with a wide flange, these nuts distribute loads evenly and provide extra grip, reducing the need for washers.
4. Washers
Washers serve to distribute load, reduce friction, or prevent leakage in fastener assemblies. For more information on the types and applications of washers, see our comprehensive analysis of types of washers.
Plain Washers
Basic and versatile, plain washers increase surface area under a fastener, helping distribute load evenly to prevent damage.
Spring Washers
Designed to provide tension, spring washers maintain a secure hold on fasteners, especially in environments with frequent vibration.
Locking Washers
Locking washers prevent fasteners from loosening over time, offering an added layer of security for critical connections.
5. Heads
Flat Screw Heads
Designed to sit flush with the surface, flat screw heads feature a countersunk shape for a seamless finish. They're ideal for smooth surfaces, preventing protrusion and creating a clean, professional appearance.
Hex Washer Heads
Incorporating a built-in washer, hex washer heads enhance load distribution and ensure a secure connection. This design provides added stability and reduces the risk of material damage.
Raised Screw Heads
Featuring a domed or oval shape, raised screw heads offer a more prominent appearance than flat heads, making them ideal for visible fastenings where aesthetics matter.
Bugle Screw Heads
Characterized by a curved shape below the head, bugle screw heads prevent surface damage during installation. Commonly used in drywall, they reduce material splitting and ensure a smooth finish.
Domed Screw Heads
With a rounded surface, domed screw heads offer a larger area to prevent turning, providing both a finished look and added security against loosening.
Truss Screw Heads
Wide and low-profile, truss screw heads have an extensive surface area, improving grip and stability, particularly in applications requiring large surface contact.
Binding Screw Heads
Thicker than pan heads, binding screw heads feature a deeper slot and a better bearing surface. This design enhances fastening strength and provides more surface area for a secure hold.
Flange Screw Heads
Flange screw heads include an integrated washer, ensuring even pressure distribution across the material. This results in improved load handling and reduced stress on the surface.
Pan Screw Heads
With a slightly rounded top and short vertical sides, pan screw heads offer a low-profile, rounded finish. They provide both aesthetic appeal and stability, commonly used in applications requiring a clean, unobtrusive look.
6.Drivers
Slotted
A traditional flat-head driver, the slotted design is simple but prone to slipping due to its single slot. It’s best used in applications where minimal torque is required.
Phillips
Featuring a cross-shaped design, Phillips drivers offer better grip and are widely used in everyday applications. They provide more stability than slotted drivers but can still cam out under heavy torque.
Pozi
Similar to Phillips but with additional grooves, Pozi drivers allow for greater torque without slipping, making them ideal for applications requiring extra tightening force.
Torx
With a star-shaped design, Torx drivers minimize stripping and are capable of handling higher torque. They’re popular in automotive and electronic applications where durability is crucial.
Hexagonal
Hexagonal drivers provide a large contact surface, making them excellent for mechanical applications. Their shape allows for significant torque without risk of slippage.
Square Recessed
This driver type offers a highly secure grip, reducing the chance of slipping. It’s often used in woodworking and construction for reliable fastening.
One-Way
Designed to tighten only, one-way drivers are ideal for tamper-proof applications, preventing removal once installed.
Permanent Fasteners
Permanent fasteners are designed to stay in place indefinitely. These fasteners create strong, durable joints that are often not intended for disassembly.
1. Nails
Nails are one of the oldest and simplest types of fasteners, used extensively in woodworking and construction.
Common Nails
With a thick shaft, common nails are perfect for structural applications where strength and durability are essential, making them ideal for framing and heavy-duty construction.
Box Nails
Thinner than common nails, box nails are designed for lighter wood structures like crates and boxes. Their slimmer profile reduces the risk of splitting delicate wood.
Brad Nails
Small with thin heads, brad nails are nearly invisible once driven into wood, making them ideal for delicate trim and detailed woodworking projects.
Finishing Nails
Larger than brad nails, finishing nails are used for interior molding and trim, providing a secure hold while leaving only a small, easy-to-cover hole.
Cut Nails
Square-shaped cut nails resist bending and prevent wood from splitting, making them excellent for historical restoration projects and traditional carpentry.
Drywall Nails
Specifically designed for drywall installation, these nails provide a strong grip for securing drywall to wooden framing without damaging the material.
Flooring Nails
Heavy-duty with spiral shafts, flooring nails are used to securely fasten floorboards, offering durability and resistance to loosening over time.
Concrete Nails
Hardened for toughness, concrete nails are designed to penetrate concrete or masonry, providing a secure hold in dense, rigid surfaces.
Roofing Nails
Wide-headed to prevent leaks, roofing nails are used to fasten roofing materials, offering weather resistance and durability in exterior applications.
2. Rivets
Rivets are commonly used in construction, aviation, and automotive industries where a permanent, durable bond is required. Learn more about rivets and their applications in our detailed guide.
Solid Rivets
Solid rivets are simple but highly effective, often used in applications where strength and safety are critical, such as in structural or aerospace projects.
Tubular Rivets
Similar to solid rivets, tubular rivets are easier to install and are commonly used for lighter materials where a strong but less permanent connection is required.
Blind Rivets
Designed for situations where access to both sides of the joint is limited, blind rivets are ideal for quick, reliable fastening in areas like sheet metal assembly.
Drive Rivets
Installed with a hammer, drive rivets are useful in hard-to-reach areas where traditional fastening methods are impractical.
Split Rivets
Featuring legs that spread apart during installation, split rivets provide a secure hold, making them perfect for fastening soft or brittle materials like leather or plastic.
3. Anchors
Anchors provide support by embedding themselves into the material, creating a secure bond.
Mechanical Anchors
Installed into pre-drilled holes, mechanical anchors expand to grip the surrounding material, offering strong, reliable fastening. They are commonly used in concrete and masonry for medium-duty applications where load-bearing is important.
Chemical Anchors
These anchors rely on adhesives to bond to the substrate, making them ideal for high-stress applications. Chemical anchors are perfect for securing heavy loads, especially in concrete, where extreme strength and durability are required.
4. Inserts
Inserts provide internal threading in materials that are too soft or damaged for direct threading. For more information on inserts in injection molding, check out our guide on design guidelines for optimal threaded parts in injection molding.
Externally Threaded Inserts
These cylindrical bushings feature both internal and external threads, creating new threads as they are driven into the material. This self-tapping design provides a secure fit across various materials, ideal for improving thread strength in softer materials.
Internally Threaded Inserts
Designed with internal threads, these inserts expand against the walls of a pre-drilled hole once inserted. The expansion ensures a tight and stable grip, offering reliable fastening in applications where stability is key.
Key Locking Inserts
Combining internal and external threading with a locking vertical key, key locking inserts provide added strength to weak materials. This mechanical lock is perfect for high-stress or heavy-load applications, securing the insert firmly in place.
Press-In Inserts
Commonly used for hard plastics, these inserts are installed using ultrasonic sound waves, which melt and bond the insert to the plastic. The result is a strong, durable connection that resists loosening over time.
Helical Screw Inserts
Made from coiled wire, helical screw inserts are used to restore or reinforce damaged threads. They provide a durable solution for thread repair, ensuring a strong connection in both new and existing threads.
Blind Threaded Stud Inserts
Featuring a knurled body and a projecting threaded stud, these inserts are installed into pre-drilled holes. Once tightened, the back of the insert expands to secure it, making it ideal for applications where access to the back side is limited.
Design Features of Fasteners
Fasteners come with a range of design features that dictate their application and performance. These features include head types, threads, points, and drive styles, ensuring a proper fit for every job. For more information on fastener design in specific applications, check out our guide on designing for die casting.
Screw and Bolt Features
Head Types: Includes flat, hex, and round heads, affecting how the fastener sits in the material. Learn more about different types of screw heads in our comprehensive guide.
Thread Types: Coarse threads for rapid assembly; fine threads for increased tension. For more on thread types, see our article on understanding thread types and geometric parameters.
Points and Tips: Drill-point tips for penetrating hard materials, blunt tips for wood to prevent splitting.
Shank Designs: Full-thread shanks for greater hold, partially-threaded for more flexibility.
Nail Design Features
Sizes and Gauges: Nails vary in length and thickness depending on the application.
Head Designs: Some heads are flush with the material, while others are raised for easier removal.
Point Types: Blunt tips reduce wood splitting, sharp tips for efficient penetration.
Shank Features: Spiral or ringed shanks offer better grip in soft materials.
Manufacturing Methods
Fasteners are produced using several key manufacturing processes, each chosen based on the material and application needs.
Machining: A precise but slower method used for producing small quantities with high tolerance. Learn more about CNC precision machining in our detailed guide.
Cold Forming: Efficiently shapes metal at room temperature, preserving the material's strength while minimizing waste. This process is similar to some techniques used in pressure die casting.
Hot Forging: Heated metals are shaped into fasteners, providing enhanced ductility and strength. For more information on metal processing, see our article on 17-4 PH stainless steel processing guidelines.
Stamping: Used for producing metal washers and other flat parts by cutting and shaping metal sheets. This process is similar to some techniques used in sheet metal prototyping.
For more information on manufacturing methods, particularly for small-scale production, you might find our article on low volume manufacturing methods helpful.
Materials Used in Fastener Production
Different materials are selected for fastener production based on the required strength, corrosion resistance, and environmental exposure. For an overview of different metal types and their properties, check out our guide on different types of metals.
| Material | Description |
| Steel | The most common material for fasteners, available in grades for different strengths (Grade 2, 5, 8). 4140 vs 4130 steel |
| Stainless Steel | Offers excellent corrosion resistance, ideal for outdoor and marine environments. 17-4 PH stainless steel processing guidelines |
| Aluminum | Lightweight and resistant to corrosion, used in automotive and aerospace applications. aluminum 6061 vs 7075 |
| Brass | Aesthetic and corrosion-resistant, used in electrical and decorative applications. copper vs bronze |
| Bronze | Strong and corrosion-resistant, suitable for harsh environments and non-permanent fasteners. |
Selecting the Right Fastener
When choosing the right fastener, consider the following:
Application Fit: The fastener must match the material and stress levels of the application.
Thread Selection: Coarse threads for quicker assembly; fine threads for greater tension.
Material Compatibility: Choose materials that can withstand environmental conditions (e.g., corrosion, temperature).
Environmental Factors: Consider vibration, temperature fluctuations, and exposure to elements like water or chemicals.
Uses of Fasteners
Fasteners are ubiquitous in industries and applications:
Vehicle Assembly: Bolts, screws, and rivets hold automotive components together, from body panels to engine parts.
Construction and Building: Nails, bolts, and anchors secure frameworks, drywall, and roofing.
Furniture Assembly: Screws and bolts are essential for assembling furniture efficiently.
Electronics Manufacturing: Small screws and fasteners ensure electronic components stay connected without damage.
Roofing Projects: Roofing nails and screws are designed to withstand environmental stress and prevent leaks.
Woodworking: Fasteners like wood screws ensure strong, reliable joints in carpentry projects.
Flooring Installation: Flooring nails and screws secure wood or laminate to subflooring, ensuring durability.
Benefits of Using Fasteners in Manufacturing
Fasteners provide several benefits in manufacturing:
Increased Design Flexibility: Fasteners allow for easier disassembly and repairs, especially in complex systems like electronics.
Reduced Waste: Using screws, nuts, and bolts reduces material waste compared to welding or adhesives.
Lower Product Weight: Lightweight fasteners help reduce the overall weight of a product, an important consideration in industries like aerospace and automotive.
Quality Considerations and Standards
Ensuring the quality of fasteners involves adhering to industry standards, such as those set by ASTM International or ISO, to guarantee performance, durability, and safety. Factors like tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and fatigue life must be considered when selecting fasteners for critical applications.
Future Trends in Fastener Technology
Innovations in fastener technology include the development of self-locking fasteners, corrosion-resistant coatings, and fasteners made from advanced materials like carbon composites. Additionally, automation in manufacturing is driving demand for fasteners that can be more easily integrated into automated assembly processes.
Conclusion
Fasteners are fundamental components in countless applications, from large-scale construction to delicate electronics. Understanding the different types of fasteners, their design features, materials, and manufacturing methods ensures that the right fastener is chosen for the job. As technology evolves, fasteners will continue to adapt, offering increased efficiency, strength, and versatility in every industry.
Having difficulty choosing the right fasteners for your projects? We're here to assist. Our specialists are ready to offer the advice and support you need to select the perfect fastener for any task. Contact us to achieve sucess!
FAQs
1. What is the difference between a bolt and a screw?
Bolts are typically used with a nut to fasten two unthreaded components together, while screws are generally used to fasten into materials directly, creating or utilizing pre-existing threads.
2. What is the purpose of a washer in a fastener assembly?
A washer distributes the load of the fastener, reduces friction between the surfaces, and helps prevent loosening due to vibrations or torque.
3. When should I use a locking washer?
Locking washers are used in assemblies where fasteners are exposed to vibrations or movement. They help prevent nuts, bolts, or screws from loosening over time.
4. What type of fastener is best for outdoor use?
Stainless steel or coated fasteners (like galvanized or zinc-coated) are ideal for outdoor use due to their resistance to rust and corrosion.
5. What are the most common types of screw heads?
Common screw heads include flat, pan, truss, hex, and domed heads. The choice of head depends on the application and whether you need the fastener to sit flush with the surface or protrude for better grip.
6. How do I choose the right thread type for my fastener?
Coarse threads are best for quick assembly and softer materials, while fine threads provide better holding power and are used in high-stress applications.
7. What is a self-tapping screw?
A self-tapping screw creates its own threads as it is driven into materials, eliminating the need for pre-drilling. It is ideal for metals and plastics.
