Learn about Types of Fasteners & Their Application

Can you imagine a mechanical and electronic machine with fasteners, nuts and bolts? Of course not. In every industrial sector, fasteners play a major role. Even in residences, it is necessary to fix machines and devices. The fact is, every processed hardware, both commercials and industrial hardware, needs mechanical fasteners.

Moreover, these fasteners are available in different types to speed specific hardware needs. In order to meet the requirements of every industrial sector and give them easy access to this essential mechanical tool, we supply high-quality and certified fasteners from top manufacturers. Also, these are available in different models and sizes to meet a wide variety of applications.

Before you make a purchase, you must have an idea of the types of fasteners and their specific applications. This post will be your guide to understanding them in detail.

Screws

Screws are the most commonly used fasteners in almost every industrial and commercial application. The reason behind it is its versatility and durability. Their heads are available in different shapes. This fastener requires internal threads in objects in order to hold them together. You will get them in different forms starting from coarse threads to deck screws. Each of them is engineered to meet a specific purpose. Screws are usually categorised into socket screws, machine screws and tapping screws. Therefore, the major applications are to hold things together and lift objects. The screw thread around the shaft makes it an efficient tool to hold objects together. At our building construction material store, you can shop for different screw types available in all sizes.

Applications

• Socket screws – This screw type is used for permanently fastening wood, metal sheets, and other materials.
• Machine screws – It is engineered for machinery applications.
• Tapping screws – It is ideal to use in metal sheets. Self-drilling screws are part of this type.
  

Nuts and Bolts

Nuts and bolts are widely used fasteners which are specifically used to connect separate pieces. The nut and bolt work together to fix tools. First, a bolt is inserted to join the separate parts together, and next, it is secured using the nut. The types of nuts are hex nuts, castle nuts and weld nuts, while the types of bolts are carriage bolts, eye bolts, anchor fastener bolts and hex bolts. The nuts and bolts can fasten metals permanently or semi-permanently.

Applications

• Hex nuts and bolts are used in different wood works, metal projects and machining and hardware applications.
• Castle nuts are the ideal choice for mechanical fastening applications.
• Weld nuts are designed for industrial applications.
• Carriage bolts are specific for the application of wooden material.
• An eye bolt is used to attach the chain.
  

Washers

Washers are used in most industrial sectors. It is specifically used to reduce friction by placing under joints, axle bearings and nuts. Moreover, this fastener prevents the components from loosening because of vibration. This mechanical tool also aids in isolating various components and preventing possible leakage. You have to choose the specific type of washer based on your purpose. However, many of them serve a similar purpose, which is to secure two surfaces. Washers are also available in different materials such as plastic, rubber, metal, or fibreglass. Based on your specific application, you have to choose the right material types.  We recommend you go for washers that have corrosion-resistance and moisture-resistance properties.

Applications of Different Washers

• Flat Washers are mainly used for metal-to-wood attachments. It is also used with different screw types to reduce friction. This washer type can also be used with threaded fasteners like bolts and nuts.
• Spring washers are used to provide tension and preload it in a joint assembly. It is also used to balance clamping force and further prevent loss of tension. It is a major tool in aerospace, construction equipment, automotive, and industrial machinery.
• Ribbed and Toothed Washers are used to attach materials securely together. It provides extra strength and grip in a joint.
  

Nails

It is one of the oldest fasteners used for various applications. A nail looks exactly like a screw, but you can easily spot the difference between them. One of the main differences is nails do not have machine threads, but a screw has threading. The best part of the nail is it has better shearing properties. This is why it is suitable for various applications.

Applications of Nails

• Common nails are designed with a thicker body shank, which makes them stronger joints between objects.
• Box nails feature a diamond point and head-shaped tip that are deployed in steel construction.
• Finishing nails have flat square heads used in the application material with a better locking mechanism.
• Flooring nails are used in flooring applications specifically used for tongue and groove hardwood flooring.
• Roofing nails are known for their corrosion-free properties. It is used in the installation and fixing of wood products, iron objects and aluminium alloys.
• Framing nails are engineered in different manufacturing designs and used in construction work. It is also used in the flush installation and associated applications.
  

Rivets

Rivets are a type of permanent fastener widely used in industrial applications. After installation, the permanent seal cannot be removed. The common application of rivets is for fastening panels together. They are usually cylindrical in shape with hexagonal or circular heads. Rivets are considered more durable than other fasteners. Moreover, they are known for long-term reliability and longevity. Different types of rivets are POP rivets or blind rivets and semi-tubular and solid rivets.

Applications

• POP Rivets are used for high-strength joints in different materials such as metals, wood, plastics and leather. It is specifically used to join plastic and metal sheets.
• Semi-tubular and solid rivets are used to join two or more objects. It is usually used in light fixtures, electronics, HVAC ducts and brakes.
  

Final Thoughts

This is your comprehensive guide to different fastener types and their applications to make a well-informed purchase. Now that you have the basic idea, you can invest in specific fasteners to meet your industrial, commercial and residential requirements. If you are looking for the right place to buy different fasteners in bulk, our store will be your one-stop destination for buying the above fasteners from top manufacturers.