The difference between screws and bolts seems like it would be an easy concept to understand. However, it can be very easy to get them confused with how many different types there are. Who could blame you for not knowing the difference between a screw and a fastener? This article will help clear the difference between fasteners, bolts, and screws to ensure that your next project is well-done and secure.
Screws
A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a central axis. The spiral shape, also known as the thread, allows the screw to help dig itself into tough materials. It has a tip, thread angle, shank, head, and drive, enabling it to be quickly driven into material like wood or metal.
There are many different screws for a myriad of projects and materials. The thread size helps determine whether a screw will thread into a particular bolt. In addition, what the screw is made of will better indicate which tasks it can be used for.
Fasteners
According to their role and positions, fasteners are joined in different ways in various machinery. As a result, many different fasteners exist, so it is important to determine which one is right for your particular project. Fasteners can hold keys, washers, anchors, inserts, studs, pins, bolts, screws, and nuts—all of which can be fastened differently.
The three types of fastening are temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent. Temporary fastening allows for quick in easy disjoining of a part. Semi-permanent fastening is soldered or riveted so that the joint itself can be destroyed but not the pieces it holds together. Lastly, permanent fastenings are single used and designed to never come apart through welding or brazing.
Bolts
A bolt is a non-tapered fastener with threads and a head that mainly uses a nut or washer to hold other pieces in place. There are also many bolts, such as anchor bolts, elevator bolts, arbor bolts, hanger bolts, and hex bolts, which are generally the most common, but this is certainly not an exhaustive list.
Though bolts may seem similar to screws, screws do not use nuts or washers to secure themselves like bolts.
Hopefully, learning the difference between fasteners, bolts, and screws will help you on your way to your next successful project. So, go to your neighborhood hardware store today and show your local hardware clerk that you know your stuff!
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