Wood screws and nuts have been around since the first century CE. However, in the fifteenth century, metal fasteners became common and they’re still being used today.
If you’re looking for the best type of fastener for your project, you should understand what your hardware options are. There are many fastener types and each can work well for a variety of different applications.
In this guide, we’ll tell you more about the different types of fasteners.
Threaded Fasteners
The most common type of fastener that people use is a threaded fastener. These fasteners include many common types of fasteners including bolts, screws, and studs.
There are many different varieties of threaded fasteners and each of them can work to fasten and secure objects while keeping components together. Fasteners such as bolts and screws can be easily removed as needed and can come apart again, unlike some types of fasteners such as nails which stay permanently in place.
In conjunction with threaded fasteners such as bolts and screws, T Slot Fasteners can be used as well.
Nuts
Nuts are another common type of fastener that people use often. Nuts work together with bolts and will work to connect parts together.
The hexagonal nut is particularly popular, but there are many other types of nuts as well. In addition to hexagonal nuts, different types of nuts include lock nuts, nylon nuts, shear nuts, and wing nuts.
Each of these types of nuts is used for a variety of applications. These fasteners can be very useful for securing mechanical parts when used along with a bolt.
Washers
Washers are often used along with other types of fasteners such as bolts, screws, and nuts.
Washers help to create additional space between fasteners and objects while also adding additional protection as well. Flat washers and spring washers are some of the most common types.
There are other types as well. Cup washers, repair washers, and other types of washers can also work well for various purposes and in many situations.
Rivets
While many types of fasteners are ideal for temporary use and can be easily set or taken apart, rivets are a type of permanent fastener that can be used instead. Because rivets are permanent fasteners, they can’t be reused. They don’t have the same flexibility that threaded fasteners such as screws have.
Oftentimes rivets help join metal sheets but there are a variety of purposes that they can serve. Some of the common types of rivets that exist include pop rivets, large flange pop rivets, and multi-grip rivets.
Understanding the Different Types of Fasteners That You Can Use
If you’re trying to understand the different types of fasteners, you should start by reviewing the above list. While there are many types of specific fasteners that you can choose from, this broad list will help you understand what you should look for when planning your next project.
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