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Fastener is a device that is used to temporarily or permanently connect two or more objects. They come in various forms. Today, we’ll be reviewing 10 different fastener types and discussing their features, uses and advantages.
1. Bolts
A bolt contains a head and a cylindrical body with external threading running over part of its length. The bolt’s largest part is the head which is designed to fit distinct tightening tools. Bolts are partially or fully threaded. And the bolt shank or shoulder is the non threaded area of the bolt.
Applications
Bolts are great for automotive assembly, construction and machinery that is heavy. Motor mounts, metal parts, alternators and water pumps are also secured by them. Moreover bolts are largely used in field irrigation systems, grain bins and agricultural equipment.
Benefits
Easy assembly and disassembly by bolts makes maintenance easier. They also withstand wide temperature ranges very well. Different materials such as composites and plastics can be joined with bolts. Additionally they have extraordinary clamping force and good load bearing capacity.
2. Screws
As the name says these are threaded fasteners which literally “screw” into the materials. Unlike bolts, these are rarely assembled with nuts. There are many different screw’s head styles such as flat, countersunk and pan. Each style of head has a distinct purpose.
Applications
There are different types of screws for different jobs. Building projects and furniture work best with wood screws. For fastening two metal sheets, sheet metal screws are the go to option.
Benefits
Screws give better mechanical advantage than nails and require less installation force. These make strong, lasting bonds and never loosen up when materials expand. They are also most rust resistant and easy to remove and reuse.
3. Nuts
Nuts work together with bolts to make a secure and safe connection. Their internal threads match bolt threads and they come in many shapes; wing, square and hexagonal. Steel, brass and stainless steel are common materials for making nuts. There are some versions of nuts that prevent loosening, for example nylon insert lock nuts.
Applications
Construction, machinery manufacturing and automotive assembly use nuts. They also secure engine parts, structural components and equipment assemblies. There are also specialized nuts available (e.g. flange nuts) that are great for load distribution applications.
Benefits
You can adjust the clamping force using nuts and take the thing apart easily. They also resist vibration well (specially lock nuts). And castle nuts are used for critical safety applications because they have cotter pins to provide extra security.
4. Washers
Despite being quite simple, washers are very important tools in fastening systems. They are disc shaped with a central hole, and fit between a fastener head and the surface being fastened. Washers come in many materials and shapes including simple flat types and special lock and spring washers. Some washer types have split design or serrated edges so that they can grip and secure parts better.
Applications
Washers are broadly used for automotive assembly needs. These components are also vital in construction of aircraft in aerospace. In addition, they act as electrical insulators in electronics and create watertight seals in plumbing systems.
Benefits
Washers protect surfaces from possible damage in tightening. They distribute the load evenly which reduces stress on material. They’ve got many types that absorb vibrations to keep joints stable. Shoulder washers are special fasteners that keep out contaminants and block electrical currents.
5. Rivets
Rivet is a fastener that has smooth cylindrical shaft and a head that joins materials. The tail end changes shape when installed to create a lasting connection. Solid rivets are the strongest one but blind rivets are good when you only have one side to work with. Specific joining needs are usually served by tubular rivets.
Applications
Rivets are the key to the reliability and strength of aircraft industry structures They are used by shipyards too to join together metal plates. Car makers also utilize them in vehicle assembly. In construction, they are used to fasten window frames, gutters and roofing components. They also have a very important part in building and bridge construction.
Benefits
Rivets hold up to vibration and form permanent bonds. They can be installed quickly and easily by workers. They don’t require much maintenance once in place. Rivets also cost less than welding or adhesives and resist corrosion very well.
6. Anchors
Anchors are fasteners that have been specifically manufactured to hold objects onto different base materials. There are multiple styles of anchors such as sleeve, plough and delta designs. Each has a specific gripping mechanism intended for specific installation environments. According to the shape and size of the anchor, its holding power and which materials it is compatible with is determined.
Applications
Anchors are used by manufacturing plants to mount heavy machines to concrete floors. Builders also use these fasteners to install fixtures on walls. They are also used to stabilize outdoor structures.
Benefits
Anchors give reliable holding power. They also provide extraordinary pull out resistance and keep stability under dynamic loads. Many of their types can be removed and reinserted when needed.
7. Studs
Studs are quick and simple fasteners without heads. Their one or both ends have external threads. The market offers several types of studs such as fully threaded, double end and tap end. Some studs have a different thread size at each end whereas some have a middle collar or hex. Welding, bonding or swaging can be used to permanently attach studs to parts by engineers.
Applications
Studs are important in flange piping systems. They join heavy machinery parts and fix equipment in concrete floors too. Studs are also used by the automotive industry for wheel hubs and exhaust systems. These fasteners get used in many construction projects too, where they bind structural steel elements.
Benefits
The studs are designed such that they are suitable for connecting parts with internally threaded holes. Compared to other fasteners they give extraordinary control over tension and resist vibration well. And by being slim in profile, they also install better in tight areas.
8. Pins
Pins are actually very basic and cylindrical fasteners that join, lock or align components together. They are available in many forms – straight, grooved, tapered and split. One of their type, cotter pin has a U shape which makes insertion and spreading very easy. Roll pin is another kind that is hollow and has a slot that compresses on installation.
Applications
Pins are used by the manufacturing sector for aligning machine parts with precision. Scaffolding parts are commonly secured with pins and door hinges are pinned as well. The pins also assemble circuit boards in electronics industry.
Benefits
Most pins require no special tools and are very cheap to make. They come out easily during maintenance work. And they also do a good job of ensuring proper alignment. Many pins spread the load evenly which makes them good for moving parts and handling vibration.
9. Clips
Flexible fastening solutions are provided by metal or plastic clips which commonly come in U-clips, S-clips or dart-clips types. Most clips are like springs which means they snap into place and keep parts from moving. They mostly feature ridges or teeth on their surfaces to give better grip. Some clips can be used only one time whereas others can be used multiple times.
Applications
Clips are widely used by auto industry in holding upholstery, trim panels and wire bundles. They help secure tubes and hoses in engines too. They also fasten roofing materials and mount insulation in construction projects.
Benefits
Clips install in no time and need no special equipment. Unwanted movement is also reduced by them and they come off easily when one needs maintenance. At low cost, clips can be designed for specific load requirements.
10. Nails
Nails are the most basic type of fastener. Every nail has a pointed shaft and a flat head. They come in many different sizes with different diameters and lengths. The most common materials used to make nails are copper, aluminum and steel. Specialized nails contain features, for example, spiral shanks for stronger grasp and defensive covering on them to resist corrosion. Box nails, common nails and finish nails are the most popular types.
Applications
Nails play a critical role for siding work, wood framing and roofing for construction workers. Drywall and subflooring are also secured quite well with these fasteners. Nails are also used by furniture makers to join components.
Benefits
Installation work is faster using nails. They resist shear forces well and are very cost-friendly, particularly for bigger projects. Another great advantage of nails is their flexibility. They allow very slight movement which prevents wood from splitting.
Which Type of Fastener You Should Choose
It depends completely on your particular project needs. First, look at the materials you want to join. Then think about where you’ll use the fastener and your load requirements. Screws or nails are usually good with wood projects; bolts or rivets are your best choice when joining metal pieces. And for areas that are exposed to rust, pick coated or stainless-steel fasteners. You can use nuts and bolts for things you might later want to take apart. But if you want to join materials permanently, rivets would be the recommended fastener type.
Conclusion
In short fasteners are very important parts for structural integrity and assembly. Their different types give many advantages such as customization, versatility and maintenance benefits in many industries. If you are in need of any kind of fastener customized according to your special needs, contact Richconn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials commonly get used to manufacture fasteners?
Most fasteners are made from stainless steel, brass, steel, titanium or aluminum but steel is the top choice of them all, because it’s strong as well as cheap.
What type of fastener is suitable for use in wallboard?
Drywall screws are usually considered best for wallboard because they have sharp points and broad threads that help grip drywall panels very well.
Can fasteners and materials be made with different types of metals?
No, you should manufacture fastener with a material that is either made from the same material as the part or a metal that doesn’t react with it. Otherwise there will be great risks of galvanic corrosion.
In what ways does thread pitch affect the fasteners selection?
Thread pitch of a fastener is what determines how much weight it can hold and how well a fastener grips.
What are some distinctions in wood screws’ design and machine screws’ design?
Wood screws consist of sharp tips and wider threads whereas machine screws have flat tips and their threads are finer. Additionally, machine screws need pre-drilled holes.
