Different Types and Functions of Fasteners

The term fasteners transcend nuts and bolts. It combines various tools, like rivets, screws, nails, nuts, and bolts, combined with joining objects and many other technical things.

Summarily, fasteners' different types and functions create permanent and non-permanent joints mechanically. This article delves into the common types of fasteners, their uses, and best selection practices.

 

Types of Fasteners

Fasteners can be widely categorized into permanent and non-permanent fasteners. Primly designing permanent pins permanently attaches two or more materials, so much so that in a bid to remove it, it may damage the material; examples are pins and rivets.

On the other hand, we design non-permanent fasteners to hold materials together temporarily. They can be removed and reused in one piece, frequently for maintenance purposes; examples are screws, hydraulic studs, nuts, and bolts.

 

Rivets:

Rivets are permanent fasteners that make a permanent joint between materials. Rivets have a cylindrical shaft with a head at both ends. They are often lightweight and durable relative to other types of fasteners. Example of rivets is structural rivets, countersunk head rivets, solid rivets, semi-tubular rivets, and blind rivets.

 

Industrial Nuts and Bolts:

Nuts and bolts are common types of fasteners. They are used in conjunction with each other (usually of the same size) and hold components together. They typically function independently but sometimes need a washer for a firmer grip. 

Examples of bolts are hex-head bolts, carriage bolts, plow bolts, flange bolts, Anchor bolts, and square-head bolts, while examples of industrial nuts include hex nuts and coupling, lock nuts, flange nuts, wing nuts, square nuts, and hex-slotted nuts.

 

Screws

Screws are parallel to bolts, structured with a thread on the tip that runs the body. The key difference between a screw and a bolt is that screws require an internal thread to help maintain grip, while bolts easily hold unthreaded material with the aid of a nut.

A screwdriver is commonly used to drive the screw in place. Screws come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. A few of them include machine screws, countersunk screws, deck screws, self-drilling screws, wood screws, sheet metal screws, and hex lag screws.

 

Washers

Washers are small, round, metal disks in shape with an opening at the middle and are frequently used between screws, nuts, or bolts, usually to increase friction while either securing the material or preventing leakages. Examples of washers include spring, flat, flange, and shoulder washers.

 

Industrial Pins

Industrial pins are non-threaded metal fasteners used in various applications and assemblies to permanently or temporarily prevent or align components or equipment. On the other hand styles and materials vary depending on their use, they are versatile and often interchangeable.

 

Different Uses of Fasteners

The different types and functions of fasteners are used for a myriad of different things, from household tasks to heavy industrial tasks. A few examples of what fasteners are used for include building, construction, assembling furniture and cabinets, and electronic assembling; the list is endless. So, look around your space, and you will see fasteners holding several materials together.