Construction fasteners Automatic translate

You can’t do without fasteners on a construction site, but in order to use them effectively (if you are not a professional builder), you need to study in advance the possibilities that the construction materials market offers us.

Fasteners provide reliable assembly of materials such as wood, metal, concrete, plastic. At first glance, they are invisible, but they are fundamentally important in both temporary and permanent structures. Each type of fastener has its own characteristics in terms of strength, durability and suitability for specific applications.

Bolts

Bolts are threaded fasteners used to assemble two or more components by applying compressive force. They require a nut to hold the assembly together and are often used in steel structures, wood structures and heavy mechanical systems. Common materials include steel, stainless steel and brass. Bolts are the strongest fasteners for joining and have a high tensile strength, making them ideal for use in load-bearing structures of any size and complexity. Their main disadvantage is the need for precise pre-drilling of holes and the use of additional elements such as washers and nuts to prevent loosening over time.

Self-tapping screws

These are common, all-purpose fasteners that have a spiral ridge (thread) running along the shank. They are used in wood, metal, and plastic construction, often for medium to light loads. Self-tapping screws for metal usually have a small drill bit. Self-tapping screws create their own threads in softer materials, eliminating the need to pre-drill holes. They are usually made of steel, stainless steel, and sometimes brass. They are valued for their ease of installation and removal, but their weaker hold under high stress conditions can be a disadvantage compared to bolts.

Nails

Nails are simple, unthreaded fasteners, usually made of steel and used primarily in wood construction. Their smooth shank allows for easy driving and they are ideal for framing, decking, and roofing. Nails have high shear strength but lower tensile strength than screws and bolts. Their main drawback is that they can become loose over time due to the expansion and contraction of wood depending on environmental conditions.

Rivets

Rivets are permanent fasteners used to join two materials by deforming the tail of the fastener after it passes through the workpiece. They are widely used in metal construction, such as aircraft, ships, and bridges, and are made from aluminum, steel, or copper. Rivets are valued for their strength and resistance to vibration, but their main drawback is the need for specialized tools for installation and removal, making them unsuitable for applications that require frequent disassembly.

Embedded bolts

Lag bolts, also known as lag screws, are heavy-duty fasteners with a hexagonal head and coarse threads designed for use in wood. They are commonly used to join wood to wood or wood to metal, especially in larger structures such as decks, posts, and log homes. Made from steel or galvanized steel, lag bolts provide excellent strength. However, they require pre-drilled holes and can be labor-intensive to install.

Carriage bolts

Carriage bolts have a round head and a square neck, which prevents the bolt from rotating when the nut is tightened. They are used primarily for joining wood to wood or wood to metal, often for outdoor applications such as fences or decks. Carriage bolts are usually made of galvanized or stainless steel, which provides good corrosion resistance. However, the square back can sometimes cause the wood to split, and they require precise alignment for proper installation.

Anchors

Anchors are specialized fasteners designed to attach objects to materials that do not lend themselves to traditional fastening, such as concrete or masonry. Common types include expander anchors, sleeve anchors, and wedge anchors. They are made of steel or stainless steel and expand inside a drilled hole, providing a secure grip. Anchors have high tensile and shear strength, but require precision drilling and can fail if improperly installed, especially in brittle materials.

Drywall screws

Drywall screws have fine threads and are designed to attach drywall to wood or metal studs. They are typically made of hardened steel and coated to prevent corrosion. Their sharp points and narrow shafts allow them to be driven into drywall without splitting or cracking it. However, drywall screws have limited strength and are not suitable for load-bearing structures.

Toggle bolts

Toggle bolts are threaded bolts with spring-loaded wings that expand when inserted into a cavity, such as behind drywall. They are ideal for hanging heavy objects, such as shelving or light fixtures, from walls or ceilings. Toggle bolts are usually made of steel and are very effective for medium to heavy loads. Their main drawback is that they are difficult to install and remove, and overtightening can damage the surrounding material.

Self-tapping screws

Self-tapping screws are designed to cut their own threads when screwed into metal or plastic materials. They are often used in the automotive, HVAC, and sheet metal industries. Made from hardened or stainless steel, self-tapping screws eliminate the need for pre-drilling, speeding up installation. However, their cutting action can weaken surrounding materials over time, and they can strip if over-tightened.

Machine screws

Machine screws are similar to bolts but are usually smaller in diameter and are designed to be used with threaded holes or nuts in metal assemblies. They are widely used in machinery, electronics, and appliances. Machine screws come in a variety of head types, such as flat or Phillips, and are often made of steel or brass. Their strength depends on the material and thread design, but they can be prone to loosening in high-vibration environments.

Self-tapping screws for wood

Designed specifically for working with wood, they have a large thread and a conical tip to ensure a secure grip on the material. They are used in the manufacture of joinery, furniture and woodworking. Wood screws are made of steel, stainless steel or brass and are available in various lengths and diameters. Their main strength is the ability to provide a strong fixation without the need to drill a hole, but if installed carelessly, they can split the wood.

Deck screws

Deck screws are specialized wood screws designed for outdoor use, particularly for decking and fencing. They are typically made of coated steel or stainless steel to resist corrosion and have a sharp, self-drilling tip. The threads are designed to prevent splitting of the wood while providing maximum hold. Although durable in outdoor conditions, deck screws can rust over time if exposed to harsh environments or poor installation.

Hex bolts

Hex bolts, also known as hex screws, are heavy-duty fasteners widely used in the construction, engineering, and automotive industries. They have a hexagonal head and are made of steel, stainless steel, or brass. Hex bolts have high tensile strength and are often used in combination with washers and nuts. Their main drawback is that they require tools to install and remove, making them less convenient for applications that require frequent disassembly.

Eye bolts ("ring bolt")

Eyebolts are fasteners with a loop (eye) at one end, used to lift or secure ropes, cables, or chains. They are usually made of steel or stainless steel and are used in rigging, marine, and industrial applications. Eyebolts have high tensile strength, but are prone to failure when overloaded or subjected to lateral forces. They require careful installation to ensure proper alignment of forces.

J-bolts

J-bolts are fasteners shaped like the letter “J” with threads on the end. They are often used to attach objects to concrete, such as when laying a foundation or attaching structural steel. J-bolts are typically made of galvanized steel to resist corrosion. Although they provide excellent anchorage strength in concrete, they require precise placement before the concrete has cured, and are difficult to adjust once installed.

U-bolts

U-bolts are U-shaped fasteners with threads on both ends used to secure pipes, tubes, or round objects to flat surfaces. They are common in plumbing, automotive, and construction. U-bolts are typically made of steel, stainless steel, or galvanized steel to resist corrosion. Their primary strength is their ability to secure cylindrical objects, but they can become loose over time due to vibration or thermal expansion.

Cotter pins (split pins)

Cotter pins, also known as split pins, are fasteners used to secure other fasteners, such as cotter pins or bolts. They are typically made of steel or stainless steel and are bent after installation to prevent removal. Cotter pins are widely used in the automotive and mechanical engineering industries. Their main advantage is simplicity and reliability, but they are not suitable for high-strength applications or environments with significant vibration.

Threaded rods

Threaded rods are long rods with continuous threads along their entire length. They are used in construction to fasten materials over distances, such as in plumbing, electrical, and mechanical applications. Threaded rods are made from steel, stainless steel, or brass. They offer great versatility because they can be cut to length and used in a variety of applications, but they can be labor-intensive to install.

Wooden dowels

Wood dowels are cylindrical rods made of hardwood used to join two pieces of wood together without the use of screws or nails. They are widely used in furniture making and woodworking projects. Wood dowels provide a clean, strong connection when properly aligned, but they require precise drilling and gluing to be most effective. Their main drawback is the possibility of splitting if not installed carefully.