Choosing the right fasteners can make a big difference when completing any project. While these small—yet essential—components (think nuts and bolts) may seem interchangeable, picking the right type for the job can be vital in keeping everything together and ensuring your project is safe and sturdy for years to come. However, with so many different types and finishes available, making the right choice also takes time and effort. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at some common types of bolts, screws, nuts, washers, and more to help you decide which ones are best suited for every project.
Common Types of Fasteners
Bolts and Screws
One of the most common fasteners you'll come across, bolts have a hexagon-shaped head and a threaded, cylindrical shaft. Bolts may also have a shank (or unthreaded area) near the head to help with installing long bolts and supporting a nut. Bolts are usually paired with washers and nuts. Unlike screws, bolts are typically driven from outside the head (i.e., with a wrench or socket and ratchet).
Screws have a similarly threaded shaft minus the shank near the head, and are instead driven from inside the head (i.e., with a screwdriver). Screws are not typically used with nuts, but may be used with washers to increase their holding power.
Zoro carries a wide selection of thousands of bolts and screws, including hex head cap screws, socket head cap screws, self-tapping screws, and more.
Nuts
Generally associated and used with bolts (and often washers), nuts have internal threads that are made to fit the threads of a bolt. They are also shaped to match the driving surface of a bolt and can spin along the bolt's shaft to provide additional fastening power. You should always choose a nut that matches the bolts you're using, whether they're hexagonal or not. You'll also want to consider whether or not you need a washer to keep the nut and bolt from loosening. Zoro's selection of nuts includes options to fit every bolt in your toolkit, including hex nuts, lock nuts, and acorn nuts.
Washers
Often used as the final piece in combination with a bolt and nut, washers are small, circular, and unthreaded with an open space in the middle that fits a bolt. They're typically placed under the nut and help to keep the assembled fastener (nut and bolt) from loosening over time, as well as to protect the joined surface from damage. You can find washers to fit any bolt or job at Zoro, including our selection of general washers, lock washers, and leveling washers.
Concrete Anchors
Concrete anchors are used to securely "anchor" or fasten an object to hard materials like drywall or concrete. They're driven into the material and are designed to embed themself within it for maximum hold. Zoro stocks a variety of useful concrete anchors for different projects and jobs, including wedge anchors, toggle bolt anchors, and drywall anchors.
Rivets
Strong and very heavy-duty, rivets are a "permanent" fastener used in applications and jobs where the fastener will not need to be undone in the future. They're employed in a variety of industries, including automotive and construction. The joint they form is typically stronger than one formed by a screw or similar fastener.
Types of rivets include pop rivets, a general-use rivet with a long shaft and tubular design, as well as solid rivets, a simple fastener with a very durable design used when maximum strength is required, such as in civil structures like bridges and roads.
Zoro carries the type of rivet and accessory you'll need for every project and job, including blind rivets, solid rivets, and rivet nuts.
Materials and Finishes
While fasteners like nuts and bolts are typically made from steel, they will often require a special finish to help with resisting rust and corrosion, especially for outdoor applications or any project that involves moisture.
Zinc
Zinc is a popular finish option due to its low cost and high corrosion (or rust) resistance. It is typically white to bluish-gray in color and can be used with all metals.
Zinc Dichromate
Similar to zinc, zinc dichromate finishes are corrosion/rust resistant and very durable. Zinc dichromate is gold in color and used for jobs that demand the highest corrosion resistance.
Black Zinc
Long-lasting, corrosion resistant, and durable, black zinc (which is black in color, naturally) is another good choice for use with all metals.
Galvanized
Fasteners with a galvanized finish are ideal for exterior applications due to their high levels of corrosion resistance.
Cadmium
Great for industrial jobs, a cadmium finish resists rust well and is gold or copper in color.
Chrome
Resistant to wear and quite strong, chrome is a more expensive finish that is used only in specialized jobs.
Nickel
Nickel is also more expensive and can be more difficult to work with, but it's another very corrosion-resistant material that is versatile and tough.
How to Read and Understand Bolt Grades
Read our article to learn how to understand bolt grades and the markings on bolt heads so you'll always be able to choose the right bolt for the job.
Containers and Assortments to Keep your Materials Organized
Fasteners are notoriously difficult to keep organized, with so many small parts that you'll want to have on hand when you need them. Fortunately, Zoro carries containers and organizers that make it easy to keep every nut, bolt, and washer in the right place.
Fasteners are essential for a ton of jobs, from the construction of bridges to simple projects that involve joining wood or metal together. From bolts, nuts, and washers to rivets and anchors, choosing the right fastener for every job is essential. Of course, you'll also need to ensure that your parts are the correct size and match one another, and you'll want to take the finish into consideration as well. The result? Long-lasting work that's tough, durable, and will easily stand the test of time.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.