Different Types Of Fasteners-Screws, Rivets, Washers & Their Uses

Fasteners play the main role in the build of all sorts of everyday objects. If you have done any do-it-yourself you have likely utilized fasteners to help get the job done. At All Points Fasteners, we are committed to the role quality fasteners can play for handy residents and professionals alike. Let’s take a moment to explain fasteners and overview some of the different types, as well as the different uses for them.

What Is A Fasteners?

Let’s begin by explaining what a fastener is. Fasteners are tools like screws, nuts, and bolts that all have one job in common: holding things together using mechanical means. While glue can also stick things together, it does not count as a fastener. So, to make it clear, hardware fasteners are tools that mechanically keep objects connected.

Fasteners form a non-permanent joint. In other words, when you utilize a fastener to connect two components, you can remove it, and the separate pieces they hold together should be able to come apart without getting damaged.

The same would not be the case with a welding joint for instance. The one exception to this rule is rivets, which fall under the category of fasteners but create permanent connections. Though most fasteners form a non-permanent connection, this doesn’t mean you only utilize fasteners when you want to be able to take something apart & it doesn’t mean the connected is weak by any means.

Fasteners are reliable in holding together objects that can experience a great degree of stress. It means they are a great choice for permanent and non-permanent connections such as providing versatility for the type of project you want to utilize them for.

Types Of Fasteners

Mechanical fasteners come in various types. Every one of those kinds also has many subtypes that you can select from. Among the various types of fasteners, here are we discussed the most common ones:

Types Of Fasteners
  1. Bolt: These kinds of fasteners help to hold two unthreaded components together. often referred to as the most prevalent fastener types.
  2. Nuts: A nut comes with an internal thread that works with a bolt to hold parts together.
  3. Washers: They are tiny, round disks that look like rings. They team up with nuts and bolts and serve important fastening functions.
  4. Screws: When people talk about things that hold stuff together, The screws are the first choice to come to mind. Screw fasteners are one of the main versatile kinds of fasteners out there. Their twisted shafts provide a strong grip, and unlike a bolt, they don’t require anything to hold them in place. Usually, you use a drill to make a starting hole in the material and then a screwdriver to twist the screw in. There’s a bunch of different screws in all sorts of shapes and sizes in the world.
  5. Rivets: These are permanent fasteners that assist secure several different kinds of components.
  6. Anchors: The anchors get their name due to they serve a similar function to a boat’s anchor, which embeds itself in the seabed area to keep a ship from moving. People utilize these fasteners to connect something to a material such as drywall or concrete. They stud themselves in the material and grip the object you are affixing in areas.
  7. Nails: Nails have been employed since ancient times, and they remain a common household item. Distinguishing between a screw and a nail is straightforward, as a nail lacks threading. Although a nail does not provide the same gripping capability a screw does, it has superior shear strength, making it the preferable option for some applications.

What Is A Screw

The screw is a short and sharp-pointed metal tip having helical running around its long shaft with a slotted head, which are used to join objects together by twisting them.

Screw are types of fasteners, which are used to fasten material using tools such as hammers or screwdrivers.

Parts Of Screw

Discussed are the main parts of the screw:

Parts of Screw

1-Drive 2-Head 3-Threaded shank 4-Non-threaded shank 5-Thread 6-Thread length 7-Tip 8-Crest 9-Screw thickness

Types Of Screws

Being in the realm of construction and do-it-yourself try reveals a plethora of screws tailored to special tasks each endowed with unique features and applications. Screws stand as indispensable parts serving as versatile fasteners across different industries. From carpentry to metal manufacturing grasping the distinctive types of screws proves essential for achieving optimal results.

This extensive guide delves into the diverse universe of screws exploring their intricate drafts functionalities or ideal applications. Whether you are a seasoned craftsman or an avid do-it-yourself enthusiast unraveling the nuances of screws opens up a realm of possibilities ensuring you select the right fastener for every project.

Longer screws are Utilized for fastening down deck boards. Deck screws feature a type 17 point to aid in chip removal during thread cutting which enables an easy installation in wood and composite deck materials. A bugle head and square drive assist in eliminating the stripping effect sometimes experienced with other kinds of drives.

1-Sheet Metal Screws

The sheet metal screws have sharp cutting threads that are cut into sheet metal, plastic, and wood. They have a totally threaded shank and sometimes have a notched point at the tip to aid in chip recapture during thread cutting.

2-Hex Lag Screws

The lag screws, also named lag bolts, are large wood screws. The external hex head is operated with a wrench. Utilized for lag-together lumber for framing machinery wood floors and other heavy-duty applications.  

3-Self-Drilling Screws

The Self-drilling screws have a sheet metal thread with a self-driller cutting point to pierce via 20-to-14-gauge metals. The higher the TEK number the bigger the drill point to pierce heavy gauge metals.

4-Double-Ended (Dowel) Screw

Characterized by two pointed ends and no head. Commonly employed for making hidden joints between two pieces of timber.

5-Wood Screws

The wood screws are partially threaded with bigger cutting threads and a free shank. They are drafted to slide via the top piece of wood and tightly pull all boards together.

6-Eyebolt

A looped head is drafted to be utilized as a connected point. Also utilized for attaching wires across building surfaces.

7-Concrete Screw

Whether stainless or carbon steel, these fasteners are designed for securely attaching materials to concrete surfaces

8-Chipboard Screw

These fasteners are employed to securely affix chipboard flooring in place.

9-Masonry Screw

These screws have a blue coating and are inserted into a pilot hole in masonry.

10-Security Head Screw

Drafted with a head that is impossible to reverse, making it capable of security applications.

11-Drywall Screw

Often coated with black phosphate and drafted with a bugle head. Utilized to connect drywall to timber or metal studs.

12-Drive Screw

Freely, round, or mushroom-headed with a low diameter shank.

13-Twinfast Screw

Drafted with two threads that allow it to drive twice as fast.

14-Lag Screw-Bolt

These fastener is a heavy-duty fastener.

15-Mirror Screw

Drafted with a decorative dome or another cover to conceal the head.

What is Rivets

A rivet is a permanent mechanical fastener, Before started installed a rivet consists of a smooth cylindrical shaft with a head on end.

The rivets are sturdy effective and a lasting fastener option for a broad range of applications. A rivet is a shape round rod with a circular cross-section. It consists of two parts HEAD and SHANK.

Parts Of Rivets

Parts of Rivets, What is  Rivets

1-Head: The head has a bigger diameter than the hole the rivets are inserted into, to act as a fastener on one side of the material started rivet.

2-Pin: The pin slots via the corresponding holes in the two pieces of the material that are being riveted together.

3- End: The rivet end eventually becomes another rivet head when it is expanded using force. The rivet end will be hit with a hammer and shaped into a head utilizing a rivet snap.

Types Of Rivets

1-Large Flange POP Rivets

Large flange also named Oversize, pop rivets have a bigger washer on the hat than standard POP Rivets. Also known as blind rivets, they are utilized to joints two pieces of material in a fast, efficient way.

The large flange POP Rivets are tubular, pressed of a hat, and the mandrel the length of the mandrel is snapped off during installation.

2-Multi-Grip Rivets

Multi-grip rivets are utilized to substitute conventional rivets where the thickness of insulating materials may fluctuate. The rivet simply expands to the size and holds the two materials connected. 

3-Tri-Fold Rivets

Tri-fold rivets, also named exploding rivets, create three cuts in the hat that cause the hat to fold outward forming three distinct wings upon installation. A tri-groove rivet has goog strength and holding capacity than standard pop rivets.

4-Countersunk POP Rivets

The countersunk, also named Flat, POP Rivets, are utilized to joints two pieces of material in a fast, efficient way. The hat of the rivet is almost reversed with a 120-degree countersink in the integrated washer. POP Rivets are tubular, and composed of a hat and mandrel; the length of the mandrel is snapped off during installation.

5-POP Rivets (Open-End)

The POP Rivets, also called blind rivets, are utilized to joints two pieces of material in a fast, efficient way. POP Rivets are tubular, and composed of a hat and mandrel the length of the mandrel is snapped off during installation.

6-Structural Rivets

The structural rivets are utilized to manufacture a stronger assembly than standard stainless-steel pop rivets. They generate an acute amount of force and need a different tool to apply than a regular rivet.     

7-Closed-End POP Rivets (Sealed)

The Closed-end rivets come off from a standard blind pop rivet, They possess a closed-end which creates a watertight seal.

8-Colored Rivets

The colored rivets are called open-end pop rivets. Colored rivets have that has been painted either brown, black, or white. These colors are utilized either to hide rivets and build a finished look or to make them extra visual by utilizing the opposing color from the installation material. 

What Is A Washer

A washer is a small, flat, and circular metal or plastic disc commonly used in mechanical assemblies to distribute load and prevent damage to surfaces.

Acting as a spacer it is placed between a nut and a bolt or a screw and a surface. Washers help distribute pressure reduce friction & prevent loosening because of vibrations.

They come in different materials and types including plain washers, spring washers, and lock washers. Whether in household appliances, automotive machinery, or construction, washers play the main role in enhancing the stability and longevity of fastened components by evenly distributing forces and minimizing wear and tear. All types washers discussed blow.

Types Of Washer

Types of washer

1-Flat Washers

The flat washers are round outer diameter slim plates with a center hole punched to the size of the bolt & screw. Flat washers are utilized to divide loads of threaded bolts, screws, and nuts equally as the fastener is tightened.   

2-Flat Washers – Extra Thick

These washers are round outer diameter slim plates with a center hole punched to the size of the bolt or screw. Extra thick flat washers are broader than standard flat washers flat washers are utilized to divide loads of threaded bolts, screws, and nuts equally as the fastener is tightened.   

3-Flat Washers – Military Standard

Military standard flat washers go via extensive inspection for chemical, physical, and dimensional qualities. Military standard washers should meet specific inner diameter and outer diameter specifications.

4-Flat Washers – 900 Series

The flat washers in the (900 series) are round and thinner than a standard flat washer with the same inside and outside diameter.

5-Belleville Conical Washers

The Belleville conical washers are a kind of washer that adds additional tension to a fastener assembly. They are utilized in stacks to increase the load, deflection, or both to an assembly fall under the stack. These washers can be considered lock washers due to they add tension and absorb vibration to an assembly.

6-Backup Rivet Washers

The Rivet backup washers are utilized to create a bigger install diameter giving the rivet a good hold and more supportive. Backup washers can assist in preventing the pull-through of a rivet.

7-Finishing Cup Washers

The Finishing cup washers form a cup for the head of the screw and fastener to fit in, build a finish flush with the top of the head. Utilized for finishing, cup washers are designed like a cup.

8-Dock Washers

The Dock washers are heavy-duty washers, utilized to create docks. and also utilized in heavy-duty construction where a thick washer is required, dock washers are equal to fender washers with a little inside diameter hole.

9-Fender Washers

The Fender washers are round washers with a little inside diameter hole. Fender washers are utilized to prevent pull-through and provide a bigger bearing surface under the fastener.

10-NAS Washers

The NAS washers are round washers with the same inner and outer diameters. Often utilized in military applications due to the strict measurement specifications.

11-Square Washers

The Square washers are square in shape and may be flat on both sides & flat on one side and beveled on one side. Utilized with square head bolts, square washers prevent pull-through and provide a bigger surface area and greater hold than standard round flat washers.

12-Neoprene EPDM Washers

The Round washers are slightly beveled with a neoprene lining. Mostly used with a sharp point and self-drilling and TEK screws to create a watertight seal around the screw or metal roofing or siding.

13-Structural Washers

The Structural washers are thick and built for heavy-duty applications like construction. These washers can be shaped in steel beams and girder fastener assemblies.

14-Lock Washers – High Collar

High collar lock washers are drafted to fit under the head of a socket cap screw. Split ring lock washers are utilized to prevent nuts, bolts, and screws from vibrating loose. These washers consist of rings split at one point and formed into a spiral shape.          

15-Fender Washers – Extra Thick

Fender washers are round washers with a little inside diameter hole. Additional thick fender washers are thicker than standard fender washers and are utilized to prevent pull-through and offer a greater bearing surface under the fastener.     

16-Lock Washers – Split Ring

The Split ring lock washers are utilized to prevent nuts, bolts, and screws from vibrating loose. These washers are circular rings split at one point and bent into a helical shape.     

17-Lock Washers – Internal Tooth

The Internal tooth-lock washers are utilized for locking and tension. A round washer with internal teeth is drafted to prevent a nut and screw head from loosening with the strut action builds by the teeth.

18-Lock Washers – External Tooth

External tooth-lock washers are utilized for locking and tension. Round washers with teeth on the outside, are utilized for maximum catching power. commonly used with fasteners with adequate head diameters. 

What is Concrete Anchors

Concrete anchors are tools that help join things securely to the surface. They are strong hooks and connectors that keep objects in place & next them from moving. people use them in different palaces like construction to make sure things shelves equipment and structures stay attached to the concrete.

These anchors manufacturers of tough materials such as steel. Installing them involved drilling into the concrete & using a bolt or screw to attach anchors. They offer a reliable way to attach things to concrete.

Types of Concrete Anchors

Types of Concrete Anchors

1-Machine Screw Anchors

The masonry anchors are inserted into pre-drilled holes in masonry materials. After being positioned inside the hole, a machine screw is threaded into the anchor and securely tightened. As the machine screw is tightened,the conical section is drawn into the sleeve causing it to deform.This deformation of the sleeve creates a secure wedge inside the hole that cannot be easily removed.

2-Sleeve Anchors

The concrete masonry sleeve anchors comprise a threaded stud with a Visibly flared cone-shaped end, together with a nut & a washer on the end. The tightening of the nut draws the stud end into the expander sleeve, wedging it outwards and locking the anchor into the base material. Specifically made for hollow concrete applications such as cinderblocks.

3-Plastic Toggle Anchors

The plastic toggle anchors are utilized in hollow walls or cinder blocks to make a fastening point for sheet metal screws. The legs of these anchors can be folded to fit into a pre-drilled hole and then expand when a screw is inserted. Once the legs are completely expanded, the toggle anchor is firmly in position.

4-Wedge Anchors

The concrete masonry wedge anchors are utilized to anchor and secure material and equipment to solid concrete masonry surfaces. Comprised an anchor, a nut & a washer. Utilized to fasten concrete to equipment, materials, generators, motors, pumps, pipes, struts, plastics, and wood.

5-Masonry Screws

The concrete masonry anchors also called Tapcons, cut threads into concrete, brick, or block during installation. Extended corrosion safety is gained from the blue climate coating. Hole no spotting or inserts are needed.

6-Drop-In Anchors

The Drop-in anchors are internally threaded anchors that are installed overhead & flush with the surface of the concrete. These anchors are basically utilized to create handrails, lighting fixtures, and many different fixtures. They need a setting tool for installation.

7-Acoustical Wedge Anchors

Masonry acoustical wedge anchors are utilized to anchor and secure suspended wire to solid or hollow masonry materials. The fastener is introduced into the pre-drilled hole & then struck with a hammer which dilates the wedge to hold the anchor in place.

8-Hammer Drive Pin Anchors

These anchors are utilized for lower loads than other kinds of concrete anchors. Drive pins jointed fixtures to masonry materials. The hammer driven is into the exposed head of the drive pin.

9-Lag Shield Expansion Anchors

These anchors are shielded expansion anchors utilize to hold lag screws. These are expanded outwards as lag screws are driven into them. This expansion presses against the setup surface making a tight, secure hold. They also have precise internal threading to enable the installation lag bolt to turn easily.

10-Double Expansion Shield Anchors

The Double expansion shield anchors are created for installation in softer materials or those of better quality. Their hole length expands in the hole to make a very secure hold. This expansion maximizes friction & holds onto the installed material.

10-Sammy’s Screws

The Sammy Screws are utilized with threaded rods and save time by drilling into materials. They have a female threaded portion to accept the threaded rod into it. Sammy’s are installed either vertically or horizontally and are basically used because of their lower installation costs, flexibility, and ease of utilization.

11-Toggle Wing Hollow Wall Anchors

The Toggle Wings are utilized in situations when installing via a material. The wing should be bent in half and pushed via the material. Once it is via the material it expands and can be screwed into to holding things in place against the rear side of the material.

12-Kaptoggle Hollow Wall Anchors

The Kaptoggle hollow wall anchors are installed via a hole in the walls or block. Then a machine screw is screwed into the offer threading resulting in a secure hold. Kaptoggle wall anchors are proven to have good-holding power than conventional kinds of hollow wall fasteners.

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Conclusion

We hope that we have cleared all yours questions about Fasteners. If you have any queries about the “Fasteners” you can contact directly in my contact us page. Thanks for reading.

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