Fasteners & Fixings

About Fasteners and Fixings

Bolts, nails, screws, and other fasteners are an integral segment of construction equipment & supplies. Most of these can be found in hardware stores or home improvement centres, available in numerous sizes, shapes and styles.

Fixing implies holding and securing an object in place by nails. The category of fasteners contains a broad range of different items, such as nuts, bolts, and screws. All of those are relatively similar in function and designed for a single purpose: to mechanically join hard objects together.  

Although a fastener means a non-permanent, removable joint, there are some exceptions to the rule. Rivets, for instance, belong to the category of fasteners, although acting as permanent fixtures. 

Fasteners and Fixings Applications

The scope of applications is virtually endless. To mention just a few:

• Small home repairs
• Hobbies, arts & crafts
• Consumer Electronics
• Consumer Appliances
• HVAC installations
• Retail Displays
• Construction and building supplies
• Furniture assembly
• Cabinet installation

Fasteners and Fixing Types

• Screws
• Nails
• Bolts, nuts, and washers
• Anchors
• Rivets

Screws

This type of fastener is probably the first to come to the minds of many. Screws are independent, versatile features, characterised by threaded shafts with durable holding power, and unlike a bolt, they don’t require anything to hold them in place. They are also quite straightforward to use - it’s enough to drill to a hole and drive the screw in place with an adequate screwdriver.

Some typical types of screws: 

• Machine screws with uniform thickness.
• Plasterboard screws with a head designed to countersink without causing damage to plaster wall/drywall.
• Sheet metal screws with brisk threads suited for various alloys.
• Wood screws, with a tapered head and coarse threads.
• Masonry screws in hex-head shape with a flat tip.
• MDF screws, designed to self-tap without splitting the material.
• Deck screws, corrosion resistant with a self-tapping pattern, suited for outdoor use. 

Nails

The difference between a nail and a screw is in threading - the nails don’t have it. They feature greater strength but lower holding power. Most nail types are named by the primary application, and some standard models include:

• Common nails with a thick body, suitable for broad application range due to the ample holding power.
• Box nails with a diamond tip and strong steel construction.
• Brad nails, suited for wood, including cladding and facades.
• Finishing nails with a small and flat head, designed for elaborated detailing and finishes such as crown moulding.
• Plasterboard nails, designed for discrete applications in drywall and plasterboards. 
• Flooring nails, made for use in different types of floor coverings.
• Framing nails, fit for a variety of styles, including flush installation.
• Roofing nails, rust- and corrosion-resistant, characterised by a wide head.

Bolts, Nuts, and Washers

Nuts and bolts are two pieces designed to work together. The bolt passes through the parts that need to be connected, and the nut fastens it from the other side to keep it firmly in place. 

Some of the common types of bolts include:

• Hex-head bolts with, as the name indicates, a six-sided top design.
• Carriage bolts with a countersunk or domed top and a square component under it.
• Flange bolts with a circular flange for more even load distribution.
• Plough bolts with non-protruding heads, designed for heavy-duty tasks.
• Square-head bolts for wrenches.
• Allen bolts for use with Allen wrenches.

Types of nuts are typically distinguished by their design: 

• Hex nuts, the prevalent type with a recognisable six-sided shape and internal threads.
• Flange nuts with a wide, notched flange on one end.
• Lock nuts, created for the prevention of loosening caused by vibrations.
• Slotted nuts for locking mechanisms.
• Coupling nuts, hex-shaped to connect two male threads.
• Square nuts for use on ample surfaces.
• Wheel nuts, customised for fastening wheels onto vehicles.

Sometimes, nuts and bolts need a flat disc, called a washer, in between. Through the opening in the centre and its overall design, a washer distributes the load more evenly across the surface. Washer designs include:

• Bevelled, made to add stability to unparallel surfaces.
• Flat - round and thin washers.
• Lock washers for amortising vibrations.
• Thick structural washers for heavy-duty applications.

Anchors

Anchors serve a similar function to a boat’s anchor, embedding themselves in the material to hold the object. Some typical types of anchors are:

• Masonry screw and pin anchors
• Internally threaded anchors
• Externally threaded anchors
• Sleeve anchors
• Screw anchors
• Hollow wall anchors
• Drive anchors

Rivets

A rivet is composed of a cylindrical shaft with a head on one side and a tail on the other. The convenient design allows for extending the tail without disturbing the system’s performance. The rivet creates a durable, permanent connection between two objects.

Some common types of rivets include:

• Solid rivets
• Split rivets
• Blind rivets
• Semi-tubular rivets
• Drive rivets

Things to Consider Before Buying Fasteners and Fixings

Fasteners are available in an extensive range of materials and finishes that can determine their different strength and other properties.

Aluminium is ideal for lightweight items. It’s aesthetically pleasing and suitable for exposed applications. On the other hand, plastic is popular due to its high tensile strength. Stainless steel can be used outdoors, where it will not corrode. 

That being said, several different finishes can be used to enhance the anti-corrosion properties of metal fasteners. Those methods include chrome plating, galvanising, sherardising, chemical blacking, nickel plating, and others. 

Decorative finishes are also available and include electro brass plating, black satin, and more.