If you've ever tried to build furniture, fix a car, or hang a shelf, you know that fasteners are the unsung heroes holding our world together. But with so many types out there, how do you know which one to use?
This guide
will walk you through the most common fasteners - from humble nails to
specialized rivets - so you'll never stare blankly at the hardware store again.
Let's break them down one by one.
The Basic Fastener Family
1. Nuts
The trusty
counterpart to bolts, nuts come in various shapes (hex, wing, cap) to secure
bolts in place. Remember: righty-tighty, lefty-loosey!
2. Bolts
Threaded
rods with heads that pair with nuts. Pro tip: A bolt is only a bolt when it's
used with a nut - otherwise it's just a screw showing off.
3. Screws
The DIYer's
best friend with their threaded shafts. Key types include:
·
Wood screws (coarse threads)
·
Machine screws (fine threads)
·
Sheet metal screws (sharp points)
4. Washers
These flat
discs aren't just for decoration. They:
·
Distribute load
·
Prevent loosening
·
Protect surfaces
Specialty Fasteners for Specific Jobs
5. Keys
Not for
doors! These small pieces lock components like gears and pulleys to shafts. The
Woodruff key is most common in automotive applications.
6. Studs
Permanent
threaded rods (like those holding your car's wheels on). Fun fact: The average
car has about 50 studs keeping it together.
7. Rivets
The
permanent solution for when you can't use screws. Popular types:
·
Pop rivets (easy installation)
·
Solid rivets (aircraft strong)
·
Blind rivets (when you can only access one side)
8. Anchors
The wall's
best friend for hanging heavy items. Common types:
·
Plastic expansion anchors
·
Toggle bolts
·
Molly bolts
The Often Overlooked But Essential
9. Nails
The O.G.
fastener. Did you know:
·
Finishing nails disappear into wood
·
Brad nails are tiny but mighty
·
Masonry nails bite into concrete
10. Inserts
These
provide durable threads in soft materials. Common in:
·
Furniture assembly
·
Automotive panels
·
Plastic housings
11. Retaining Rings
The
"snap rings" that keep bearings and gears in place without threading.
Two main types:
·
Internal (for inside a housing)
·
External (for shafts)
12. Clevis Pins
The hitch
pins with a hole for a cotter pin. You'll find these in:
·
Agricultural equipment
·
Suspension systems
·
Rigging applications
Choosing the Right Fastener
Ask
yourself:
1.
Material: Working with wood, metal, or concrete?
2.
Permanence: Need it removable or permanent?
3.
Load: Supporting heavy weight or just keeping things in place?
4.
Environment: Indoor, outdoor, or high-vibration?
Pro Tips
·
Always match the fastener material to your project (stainless
for outdoors, etc.)
·
When in doubt, go one size bigger - better safe than stripped
·
Keep a variety pack of fasteners at home - they always come in
handy
Remember:
The right fastener can mean the difference between a wobbly mess and rock-solid
construction. Next time you're at the hardware store, you'll be able to
confidently grab exactly what you need.
What's your
most frustrating fastener story? Share in the comments! And if you found this
guide helpful, follow for more practical DIY knowledge.
