Screws and bolts might be tiny, but they are the fasteners that are essential to hold large equipment together. From construction and manufacturing to everyday DIY projects, you will need these mighty fasteners to build your project.
But did you know that various types of screws and bolts exist for different purposes? If not, then let’s embark on a journey to unlock the toolbox and explore the diverse world of screws and bolts. In this article, we will explore different types of screws and bolts.
Understanding The Basics Of Screws And Bolts
Screws and bolts are the tools commonly used to fasten two or more objects together in a secure connection. Their design includes a threaded shaft attached to a head. The threaded shaft connects to the additional material, which creates a strong and secure bond between the two objects.
It is designed with a helical or spiral groove wrapped around the shaft. The helical groove design allows the screw or a bolt to thread into a compatible threaded hole or nut. The head is simply a surface to apply torque while installing or removing the screw. You need a handful of these if you are considering home improvements.
Types of Screws
The design of screws dramatically varies depending on their purpose of application. Below are some common types of screws:
Wood Screws
A wood screw is designed to fasten wood objects together. The design includes tapered, sharp points and defined threads to have a firm grip that prevents splitting.
Sheet Metal Screws
As the name suggests, sheet metal screws are composed of thin materials. These screws have pointed ends to penetrate any surface, and the threads are sharp to fasten metal sheets.
Machine Screws
Machines screws are designed with tapped holes or nuts. These screws have a uniform diameter. You can find various head styles in
Self-Tapping Screws
Self-tapping screws have sharp points. Their cutting-edge or pointy ends allow them to create their own threads when driven into materials like plastic or metals.
Types Of Bolts
Although bolts are similar to screws, they are used with nuts for added strength and security. Some common types of bolts are mentioned below:
Carriage Bolts
Carriage bolts are ideal for connecting two objects composed of wood and metal. They are rounded and have dome-shaped heads.
Hex Bolts
The bolts have a design of a hexagonal head. They offer high tensile strength. Thus, they are commonly used in construction and machinery.
U-Bolts
The name is pretty much self-explanatory. U-bolts are U-shaped bolts. They are ideal doe securing cylindrical objects or flat surfaces such as pipes or rods.
Eye Bolts
Unlike other bolts, eye bolts have a looped end that is secured with a nut. These bolts are useful in lifting and rigging applications.
Materials and Coatings
Regarding their material, screws and bolts are manufactured from different types of materials depending on specific applications. Some common materials used in their formation are stainless steel, steel, aluminium and brass.
Coatings such as zinc plating or galvanisation are used to enhance the corrosion resistance in screws and bolts. Teflon is applied in some specialised coatings to enhance durability and appearance.
