Fasteners are holding, and strengthening elements. Generally, these are used to interlock two or more parts firmly. Fasteners generally come in various sizes and shapes. Some of the commonest types include bolts, screws, nuts, and rivets. Each fastener type has a specific use and utility depending on the work area. For example, bolts and screws are used to connect removable connections. On the other hand, rivets are helpful for permanent connections. In addition, tube fittings make the structures safe, strong, and reliable in construction, auto, and aerospace applications. You can choose the fastener to conform to adequate strength depending on the application. Besides, fasteners are important to bear high loads and unfavorable circumstances. However, the right choice allows you to keep parts functional as intended for mechanical and structural integrity. In this article, we will discuss various types of fasteners, and uses, and their respective types.

What Is a Fastener?

As mentioned earlier, a fastener is a mechanical element. It interlocks and secures two, or more objects together. These bonding components help parts stay in place and function as intended. When it comes to types of fasteners, include bolts, screws, nuts, washers, and rivets, each designed for specific tasks. Besides, their role is significant across industries like construction, automotive, and aerospace.

Furthermore, fasteners are typically designed to handle high loads/stresses, including tension, shear, and compression. These are made of various materials to resist corrosion and wear and tear. By opting for the right fastener for an application, you can increase your part strength, and stability, and ensure safety in mechanical and structural assemblies.

Types of Fasteners

Let’s discuss common types of fasteners used in critical applications:

1. Bolts

Bolts are types of fasteners that buckle by screwing one part through a hole in another part or through one or more intermediate pieces. The bolt has threads. So, when these are placed around the nut, form a clasp tightly holding the two components together with considerable interlocking. The force is applied while the nut is being screwed into the bolt to keep it tightened.

Manufacturing:

Bolts are typically made from carbon, stainless, or alloy-grade steel. In their manufacturing process, the material is cut to a defined length, followed by threading; using a die. Some special types of bolts are subjected to heat treatment in a bid to increase their toughness and test their ability to resist corrosion.

Benefits:

• Screw connections are superior to bolted joints only when the system has to support low loads.
• They are mobile and can be easily dismantled and remodeled.
• Highly adaptable for Industrial applications, such as mechanical work, and concrete reinforcement.

Common Types:

• Hex Bolts
• Carriage Bolts
• Lag Bolts
• U-Bolts

2. Screws

Screws are similar to bolts in general. But, they are designed for small usage. It has a threaded beam that screws into the material as it is tightened and eventually, provides a good grip. Screws often don’t require a nut because they can be threaded directly into the material.

Manufacturing:

Screws are usually manufactured through cold working process in which a material is given a desired shape by applying pressure. If they are used in regions with high strength requirements, some screws may be submitted to heat treatment. Additionally, if screws need anti-corrosive conditions, these are plated with zinc.

Benefits:

• Manufacturers use screws for high clamping force in small-size engineering applications.
• They are easy to install as well as to remove.
• Screws can be incorporated into different surfaces, including wooden, metallic, and plastic ones.

Common Types:

• Wood Screws
• Machine Screws
• Self-Tapping Screws
• Drywall Screws

3. Nuts

Nuts mostly work hand in hand with bolts where one has an interlock hole. Manufacturers often used them to establish a close-fit joint. Nuts are screwed on a bolt and solely depend on the static friction between the threads to retain components. In addition, some nuts are specially designed not to loosen like the lock nuts.

Manufacturing:

Nuts are primarily manufactured by CNC machining and cold forging techniques. Typical materials used are steel, stainless steel, or brass. Their manufacturing process entails threading the nut to complement the formal bolt size.

Benefits:

• Connectors from nuts allow for adjustments that can be tightened and loosened easily.
• They also make durable interlocks in applications that demand high adhesion.
• Lock nuts do not get loosened by vibrations. As such, these are ideal where the assembly needs to be secure.

Common Types:

• Hex Nuts
• Lock Nuts
• Wing Nuts
• Cap Nuts

4. Rivets

Designers use rivets for joining two or more materials together for permanent connections. A rivet is a cylindrical headed pin. It is a round billet usually cold forged for use in construction uses.

Manufacturing:

Primarily, aluminum, steel, and copper are used to make quality rivets. Manufacturers use a forming process for rivets that involves heating the shaft and bucking (deforming) the end to create a second head.

Benefits:

• Rivets offer resilience where a permanently fixed assembly is desired. Because these cannot be easily dismantled.
• Compared to other fasteners, rivets are most applicable for situations that call for a rigid non-vibrational joint.
• In addition, rivets are relatively transient. So, manufacturers of aerospace, automotive, and electronics heavily used it for several cases.

Common Types

• Solid Rivets
• Pop Rivets
• Tubular Rivets
• Blind Rivets

5. Washers

Washers are flexible, two-sided objects. These are normally located between a nut and a fastener such as a bolt or screw to distribute the load. People often use it to prevent material damage, reduce friction, reduce the rate of wear and tear, and assist in providing a stronger joining surface.

Manufacturing:

Manufacturers create strong washers out pf of metals like steel, stainless steel, and plastic. Their manufacturing process involves material cutting into discs and applying zinc plating to make them rust-free.

Benefits:

• Washers help prevent material damage due to the many advantages it brings in distributing the force of a fastener.
• Besides, these cause less friction and allow you smooth operation.
• Lock washers offer extra security by preventing loosening over time.

Common Types

• Flat Washers
• Lock Washers
• Fender Washers
• Spring Washers

6. Anchors

An anchor is typically used to secure items into substrates that cannot be held by screws or bolts solely such as concrete and masonry. They expand at a narrowed opening in the material and provide a secure grip.

Manufacturing:

Operators mainly use metal alloys or plastic to fabricate anchors. The manufacturing process may include the extrusion of the anchor body or the other supplementary elements for the production of expansion mechanisms and internal threads for screws.

Benefits:

• Designers use anchors for firm fixing in materials like concrete, bricks, and even dry walls.
• They swell up in the drilled hole and form a good bond.
• These are vital in supporting sections that require adjustment of cumbersome fittings. For example shelves, cabinets, or electrical installations.

Common Types:

• Expansion Anchors
• Wall Plugs (Rawl Plugs)
• Sleeve Anchors
• Toggle Bolts

7. Stud

A stud is a metal rod with threads on both ends. One end gets fixed into a base, and the other lets you attach a nut or bolt. They’re commonly used when you need a strong, vibration-resistant connection, like in automotive or machinery applications.

8. Key

A key is a small metal piece that fits into a groove to lock two parts together, usually on a shaft. It keeps components like gears or pulleys from slipping and ensures they rotate in sync. Keys are a must in machines that need reliable torque transfer.

9. Insert

Inserts are reinforcing small threaded components that you put into a material to give it durable threads for screws/bolts. It often comes in various sizes. They’re perfect when you’re working with softer materials like plastic or aluminum and want to avoid damaging the threads over time. Dowel pins, threaded rod, and helical threaded rod are a few examples of inserts.

10. Nail

Nails are conventional fastening elements with high shearing strength. It is a simple metal pin you often drive into wood and other materials to hold them together. Whether it’s a regular nail or a finishing one, they’re quick to use and great for light-duty construction, like carpentry or DIY projects.

11. Retaining Ring

A retaining ring is a circular fastener that keeps parts in place, typically on a shaft, and inside a hole. It fits into a groove and stops parts from moving around. These rings are super handy in machines where you need to keep things secure, like in automotive or industrial setups. The common types of retaining rings include; constant section, spiral, tapered section, and circular pushups.

12. Clevis Pin

A clevis pin is a pin used to connect two parts, often in a hinge and linkage. It has a hole at the end for a cotter/lock pin to keep it secure. You’ll find their use in heavy equipment and machinery where quick assembly and disassembly are key.

Types of Coatings Applied To Fasteners

Let’s talk about typical coatings adopted for fasteners to increase their durability:

Clear and Yellow Zinc Coating

When you need cost-effective corrosion protection, we recommend zinc coatings. Clear zinc works well in humid environments, preventing rust, while yellow zinc provides even better protection. Both coatings are durable and ideal for moderate exposure conditions.

Chrome and Nickel Plating

For superior durability and a polished look, chrome plating is a notable option. Because it resists corrosion and adds a sleek finish. If you’re looking for added wear and oxidation resistance, nickel plating is the way to go. Both are perfect for industrial and decorative applications.

Grey Phosphate Coating

Whenever you are concerned with the strength, then you should consider the grey phosphate coatings. These coatings have a low coefficient of friction and resistance to wear in use, which makes them a great product for high-stress applications, for instance, the automobile industry needs parts with endurance protection and security.

Electro-Galvanizing

The electro-galvanizing coating is a go-to choice when you need to prevent your connections from corrosion in low to medium humidity. When it comes to operation, manufacturers use a thin layer of zinc. It is uniformly applied onto the fastener surface to keep it protected in the construction and electrical settings.

How to Choose Different Types of Fasteners?

Choosing the right fastener can be a daunting task. However, you can make your choice by considering core areas of concern for your ultimate use. For example, consider the factors like material, load, and environment. Either, you may ask yourself the following questions given below to make your selection process easier, and effective.

• What type of materials are you joining?
• Is it a metallic substance, wooden or plastic?
• Does the fastener exposed to moisture, and toxic chemicals?
• What load will the fastener have to support?
• Does the fastener handle high loads/very light loads, correspondingly?
• Whether you have to dismantle the connection later?
• Are you spending your working hours at high temperatures?
• Will you use the fastener to experience movements/vibrations?
• Is there a need for the part appearance/aesthetics?
• Will the fastener have to bear friction or abrasiveness?
• Do you work in a very different field in which bosses demand a high level of productivity?
• Is there any requirement for the sake of standard or certification of the fastener?

Common Pick Materials Used for Making Sheet Metal Fasteners

Here’s a table with the materials commonly used for making metal fasteners/ screws, their respective grades, and applications:

Material	Grade	Applications
Carbon Steel	A36, SAE 1018	Automotive, Construction, Machinery
Stainless Steel	304, 316, 410	Outdoor, Marine, Food Processing, Medical Equipment
Brass	C260, C360	Electrical, Plumbing, Decorative, HVAC
Aluminum	6061, 5052	Aerospace, Electrical, Automotive, Marine
Copper	C1100, C12000	Electrical Wiring, Electronics, Plumbing
Zinc-Plated Steel	N/A	General Use, Consumer Products, Appliances
Phosphor Bronze	C51000, C52100	Electrical Contacts, Marine, Aerospace
Titanium	Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-Grade 5	Aerospace, Medical, High-Performance Applications
High Carbon Steel	SAE 1095	High-Stress Environments, Industrial Equipment
Nickel Alloy	Inconel 625, Monel 400	Aerospace, Chemical Processing, High-Temperature Areas

Table 1: The table above provides a clear view of common materials, their grades, and typical application areas for sheet metal screws.

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Summary

• Fasteners are indispensable for developing secure connections, even in harsh environments.
• Manufacturer hand-pick bolts for heavy-duty, high-load interlocking and connections. Additionally, these provide dismantling ease.
• Further, screws provide secure, direct threading into materials for smaller applications.
• People pick nuts to pair with bolts. Because these help secure connections and come with lock designs to prevent loosening.
• Rivets are permanent fasteners. They can resist vibration and perform well when you need strength.
• Washers can precisely distribute load, reduce friction, and protect materials from damage.
• Anchors are ideal to choose when you need to fasten objects to concrete or masonry. Besides, when screws or bolts are not effective to use.
• The right fastener type enables strong, stable, and long-lasting connections.

FAQs

Q1. What is the main difference between bolts and screws?
Bolts need a nut to secure the joint. While screws can thread directly into the material, and eliminate the need for a nut.

Q2. Which fastener is best for high-vibration applications?
Lock nuts, lock washers, and rivets are ideal for avoiding loosening due to vibration in high-stress conditions.

Q3. How do you choose the right anchor for masonry?
Generally, designers use expansion anchors, and sleeve anchors for masonry. They establish a strong, secure hold in concrete or brick.

Q4.Can you use screws for high-load applications?
Screws can handle moderate loads. Bolts work better for heavy-duty, high-strain applications where you may need to disassemble.

Q5. Why should I use a washer with a bolt or screw?
Washers distribute the load evenly, protect the material from damage, and reduce friction to ensure a stable and secure connection.

Q6. How do you prevent rusting in fasteners used outdoors?
Galvanized steel and stainless steel fasteners provide excellent resistance against corrosion, making them ideal for outdoor environments.