Fasteners are a part of the world around us that we rarely think about but need to accomplish much of what we build. There are many types of fasteners, each with unique characteristics that will work best for a wide range of projects. 

DEFINITION OF FASTENERS

Fasteners are a type of hardware used to hold materials together. These devices come in two categories:

• Permanent fasteners: These fasteners are single-use, as removing them will cause damage to the object or objects they are connected to. Rivets and nails are two common forms of permanent fasteners. 
• Non-permanent fasteners: Non-permanent fasteners can be used more than once since they are easy to remove without causing damage. Bolts are common non-permanent fasteners and are used in a variety of industries that need to disassemble and reassemble things easily.

Even non-permanent fasteners can hold a lot of weight and stand up to a lot of stress. You do not have to always use a permanent fastener for projects you want to last. 

FASTENER APPLICATIONS

Fasteners are all over our world, holding together everything from airplanes and door frames to cars and infrastructure. Though fasteners are found everywhere, the most common industries that use them are the aerospace, construction and automotive industries. More niche markets that have use for fasteners are the medical, marine, petrochemical, mining and nuclear industries. As a DIYer, you can use fasteners to construct or assemble furniture and other projects.

TYPES OF FASTENERS

Fasteners often come in the form of screws, nuts, bolts or similar small objects. Fasteners can be threaded or non-threaded. 

THREADED FASTENERS

Threaded fasteners are easy to install and uninstall. Three types of threaded fasteners are:

1. BOLTS

This type of threaded fastener has a hex head on one end and is threaded on the other end. Bolts are often used with a nut or washer to keep them in place. The bolt is inserted through the two parts you are trying to join before being secured in place by the washer. Here are some of the types of bolts available:

• Carriage bolts: These bolts have domed heads. The component under the head is square to keep the bolt from moving while you are tightening the washer.
• Plow bolts: If you are working with heavy-duty equipment, plow bolts are a great option. They have non-protruding heads, which makes them perfect for various demanding applications.
• Flange bolts: This style helps distribute loads evenly because of their circular flange beneath the head. You will also see them referred to as frame bolts.

2. SCREWS

Screws are likely what comes to mind when you think of a fastener. Like bolts, screws also have a hex head on one end and are threaded on the other end. They are different from bolts, as they are screwed into an internally threaded hole for added security. They are one of the most versatile fasteners since they do not require anything extra to hold them into place. The most common types of screws include:

• Wood screws: These screws have a tapered head and coarse threads.
• Drywall screws: Drywall screws have a self-starting head, which allows them to countersink without causing any damage.
• Masonry screws: Masonry screws have a hex head design and a flat tip.
• Deck screws: Similar to wood screws, deck screws feature corrosion resistance and a self-tapping design that makes them suitable for outdoor use. 

3. STUDS

Studs have no head and are threaded on both ends. They are used to join two other objects with internally threaded holes. Studs are usually meant to provide a permanent attachment and are often welded or bonded. Here are some common types of studs:

• Fully threaded stud bolts: These stud bolts are the length of a threaded bar and, combined with nuts, are often used for fastening large pieces together. 
• Double-end stud bolts: Both ends of this stud bolt are threaded to equal lengths with a shank in the middle.
• Tap end stud bolts: This stud bolt has a shank and longer thread on one end and a short thread on the other to be screwed into the prepared hole.
• Clinch stud: These studs have tapered heads with teeth so they can be permanently secured to sheet metal.

NON-THREADED FASTENERS

Hex Nut

Non-threaded fasteners are often permanent options. Styles of non-threaded fasteners include:

1. NAILS

Typically made of metal, nails are a common fastener available in many sizes for different applications. You can find individual nails or nails made for air guns. People in construction and woodworking often use nails, which are available in categories like:

• Common nails: As general fasteners, common nails are often ideal for DIY projects where strength matters more than the overall look.
• Box nails: The shank of this nail is narrower than common ones, making it less strong but less likely to split wood when you drive the nail. 
• Sinker nails: A textured head makes these nails easier to drive, as the hammer is not as likely to slide off the nail. Sinker nails are made to drive flush with the material.

2. RIVETS

Rivets are strong, permanent non-threaded fasteners with a head, shank and a tail. They bring materials like metal, leather and wood together and can be hand-driven or power-driven. Rivet types include:

• Solid rivets: These are among the more common rivet, as the shank is solid and durable. These fasteners are ideal for applications needing a vibration-resistant and tamper-proof solution.
• Semi-tubular rivets: These fasteners have a hole at the opposite end of the head. They require less force to drive into materials.
• Split rivets: The shank of this rivet is split in two, making the fastener ideal for soft materials like plastic, wood and leather.

3. PINS

Pins come in a wide range of styles, from small pins you would use in sewing to durable, mechanical styles. These fasteners are unthreaded and often headless, and they are usually designed to go into premade holes. Types of pins include:

• Hairpins: Often used to secure equipment components, hairpins are reusable and made to be easily installed and uninstalled. You will also see these referred to as retaining pins.
• Dowel pins: These pins are solid and are usually used to absorb lateral stress. You can use metal, wood or plastic dowel pins, depending on how demanding your project is.
• Slotted pins: This pin is made from a rolled material, often metal, with a cutaway section called a chamfer. These pins can flex to fit into smaller holes then open back up to their relaxed diameter, keeping them in place.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FASTENERS

When determining what type of fastener you should use for your project, consider:

• Load case: It is important to know how much weight the fastener will be holding. This will determine how secure you need it to be and the type of fastener you should use.
• Clamping force: Take the time to calculate the clamping force the joint will be under so you can determine if you need a permanent or non-permanent fastener.
• Bolt diameter: Choose the smallest bolt diameter possible that will still support the load.
• Securing method: The way you secure the bolt will determine how well it holds the load.
• Tightening method: You should also be careful when considering how you will tighten the bolt to prevent damage but also increase security.

HOW ARE FASTENERS MADE?

Fasteners undergo various manufacturing methods depending on the type of fastener and the material they are made with. Here are some of the most common manufacturing methods:

• Cold forging: Cold forging creates a fastener that has better physical and mechanical properties than other methods.
• Hot forging: This method is better for fasteners with larger diameters, as the metal is made more malleable. Fasteners with more complex shapes are also easier to manufacture using this method.
• Machining: Using this method, the material is cut into a shape rather than molded. This is best for non-standard fasteners and smaller amounts of them, as it is time-consuming. 

WHERE TO BUY FASTENERS: CONSTRUCTION FASTENERS AND TOOLS

At Construction Fasteners and Tools, we have a wide range of fasteners so you can find the right size, strength and finish for your project. If you are looking for a place to buy fasteners where you will get expert opinions and insight into what type you should choose, Construction Fasteners and Tools is the choice for you.