A Complete Guide to Different Types of Fasteners and Their Uses

Have you ever wondered how machines would actually work without bolts and nuts? Even the latest machinery is dependent on several types of fasteners. They may look small, but they play an important role, from everyday items like furniture and cars to large-scale industrial projects. They ensure safe and reliable operations by holding all essential components of machines together. 

However, there are several varieties of fasteners, and choosing the right one is important. A suitable type of fastener not only impacts convenience, but also the performance and durability. A trusted fastener supplier in Kuwait or any other part of the world helps its clients select the right one for their projects. Continue reading this complete guide to different types of fasteners and their uses, how to choose one for your project, and more. 

What are Fasteners?

Before exploring the different types of fasteners and their uses, let’s first understand what they are. Fasteners are mechanical devices, including screws, bolts, nuts, nails, and others, that securely join two or more objects together. They firmly connect objects made from different materials, like wood, plastic, metal, etc., and also provide strength and protection against high levels of stress. 

Unlike glues and adhesives, these create joints that can be quickly set up, remove, or change. In everyday life, these are used to assemble furniture, hang pictures or items, and install kitchen cabinets. However, special fasteners are used for large-scale projects, like holding frames together in bridges, skyscrapers, assembling vehicles, and securing components of space and aircraft.

7 Main Types of Fasteners & Their Uses

Broadly, fasteners are mainly divided into two types: permanent and non-permanent. The name itself implies that permanent fasteners can’t be separated easily. Fasteners like rivets are either impossible to separate without damaging the components or require a lot of effort to disassemble safely. However, the other type of fastener, like screws, bolts, and nuts, holds or joins parts together and can be separated easily for maintenance, repairs, and other reasons. The parts are not damaged when assembling or disassembling the non-permanent fasteners.

Here are the 7 main types of fasteners and their uses:

1. Screws

Most common type and features spiral thread that digs into the material, creating a strong connection. These are generally used in woodworking and construction projects. Here are some types of screws:

• Machine screws: These are small and strong screws used for joining metal parts by fitting into pre-threaded holes. These are mostly used in electrical appliances and machines.
• Deck (Wood) screws: These feature coarse threads with a tapered head, and are perfect for wooden structures. These are generally coated to avoid rust and face harsh outdoor weather conditions.
• Sheet metal screws: These feature sharp-cutting threads and pointed tips. These are mostly used in automotive, roofing, and construction projects, as they can easily be cut into thin metal, plastic, and wood.
• Drywall screws: These have fine tips and coarse threads and are used to securely attach drywall sheets with wooden or metal frames.
• Hex lag screws: These have hexagonal heads and create strong joints in wood, heavy structures, and others.

2. Bolts

They don’t cut their own threads but are used for holding unthreaded parts together. They are used with nuts to create a strong clamping force. Here are the main types of bolts:

• Carriage bolts: They have round heads and square necks. These are mostly used in wooden structures, furniture, and outdoor applications.
• Plow bolts: They have flat heads and square necks. These are generally used for heavy-duty applications like in the construction industry.
• U-bolts: They are U shaped and feature threaded ends. As they have curved designs, these are commonly used to hold cylindrical parts firmly in place, like pipes and tubes.
• Double-end bolts: These have threads on both ends. Generally, these are used for joining two heavy components.
• Anchor bolts: These are used in building foundations, bridges, and heavy machines. They connect structural and non-structural parts securely to concrete.

3. Nuts

Counted among the most essential types of fasteners, they are used with bolts. They feature internal threads and match with bolt’s threads. 

• Wheel nuts (Lug nuts): These are used to provide secure connection to vehicle wheels. They are strong and can endure the vibration of moving vehicles.
• Cap nuts: They feature dome-shaped ends that cover the exposed bolt threads. These offer a neat finish and also protect from damage due to corrosion.
• Flange nuts: These have a wide base, which helps spread the pressure evenly. They are mostly used in machinery where parts need to stay tight and secure without damaging the surface.
• Coupling nuts: They are long and have hexagonal shape. These are usually used to connect rods with threaded ends and other construction equipment.

4. Rivets

These are permanent fasteners and are used in applications where welding or threaded fasteners cannot be used. These are usually used in construction, automotive, and aerospace operations. They create strong joints and offer long-lasting durability once installed. Some common types of this fastener are blind, drive, large flange, tri-fold, and semi-tubular rivets.

5. Washers

These are small and thin discs that are placed under nuts or bolts. These help in spreading the load and protecting the surface. They prevent damage to the material and are available in several types. 

• Plain Washers: These are the most common type of washers and are used to create secure connections and secure even pressure. They prevent the damage to the material, as its head distributes the load over a larger area. 
• Spring Washers:  These are slightly curved and act like a spring. These keep the nut and bolt steady in their place even under vibrations and thermal expansion. These are further available in several types, like standard and wave spring washers.
• Lock Washers: These are specially made to keep nuts and bolts from loosening under vibration and dynamic forces. They are further of different types, including split, tab, toothed, and wedge lock washers. 

6. Nails

These are among oldest types of fasteners and are still widely used. They look similar to screws, but they don’t have threads. Here are common types of nails:

• Common nails: These are mostly used in woodworking. Their thick body often remains visible, which offers a slightly unpleasant appearance. 
• Box nails: These feature diamond-shaped tips and are thinner compared to common nails. They’re used for joining light frames or lighter construction work. 
• Finishing nails: These are small with flat heads and are perfect for furniture or fine woodwork options. They completely blend into the surface when hit by a hammer, offering a clean and smooth finish.
• Flooring nails: These are used for flooring applications, like holding floorboards securely in place.
• Roofing nails: These are usually coated and have wide heads. They are used to attach roofing materials, as they offer both strength and weather protection.
• Framing nails: They are available in several designs and can easily handle heavy loads, so are used in building frames.

7. Anchors

These are used to secure objects into concrete and other strong materials. They stay firm by gripping tightly inside the surface. This means they transfer tensile and shear forces into the base material. They can be installed in fresh concrete or drilled into hardened surfaces. They are available in various types, including wedge, bonded, drop-in, hammer pin, and other anchors.

Choosing the Right Fastener

By selecting the right type of fastener, you can make sure that the materials remain connected even under harsh environmental conditions, like moisture and heat. Here are the key factors to look for when choosing the right fastener:

1. Material of the Fastener

Choose the fastener based on the materials you’re joining. Make sure the fastener is compatible with the material it is being used on to avoid rust or damage. For example, if you need to join materials made from treated wood, you need to choose special coated fasteners.

2. Strength needs

Next is to understand how much weight or load the fastener can handle. If you’re using it for light structure, choose a fastener with less strength; however, for heavy machinery use one with higher strength, like high-grade fasteners.

3. Working Conditions

If you’re going to use the fastener in harsh weather or high moisture conditions, choose stainless steel or coated options. For parts that you need to stay together permanently, choose low-cost options, while if you need to open and close the parts often opt for durable fasteners.

4. Size and fit

It must match the hole and thickness of the material. You can easily install some fasteners with simple hand tools, while others need special tools. So, one also needs to understand what is required to install the fastener when choosing it. 

Next Oil Solutions – Your Reliable Partner for Fasteners

Although fasteners may appear small and not important but their role is significant in different applications and operations. All types of fasteners serve key functions in various industries, like manufacturing, woodworking, and construction. From screws to anchors, they are available in a range of options and used to create strong and lasting connections. 

With Next Oil Solutions, a trusted fasteners supplier in Kuwait, you can stay assured to get only products made from quality materials. We understand how important these fasteners are to make your projects easier and more secure. Whether you’re serving in any industry, our team makes sure you get the right product delivered without delays. 

Also Read – Top Benefits of Wearing Cut Resistant Gloves at Work