Blog

Introduction:

This blog explains the different types of fasteners used in industrial applications. In day-to-day manufacturing and production of machine parts, assemblies, and construction operations, manufacturers use many types of fasteners. There are different types of nuts, bolts, washers, and rivets used in the different types of assemblies and other needs.

Fasteners join two objects mechanically in a non-permanent manner, serving as hardware devices. Whenever there is a need, one can remove and reassemble these joints. Alloy steel, Carbon Steel, and Stainless steel typically constitute steel fasteners. Additionally, manufacturers use other materials like Aluminium, plastics, and Brass to produce fasteners for various applications.

Explaining the different types of fasteners. Types of Nuts, Bolts, Washers, and Rivets.

Nut:

Types of Nut:

Hex Nut: General-purpose nut used for various applications requiring a secure connection.

Heavy Hex Nut: Provides increased strength and load-bearing capacity, suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Nylon Insert Lock Nut: Prevents loosening due to vibration, enhancing stability in dynamic environments.

Jam Nut: Used as a secondary nut to lock the main nut in place, especially in confined spaces. 

Nylon insert jam lock: Combines the features of a jam nut with a nylon insert for enhanced security.

Wing Nut: Allows for hand-tightening without tools, facilitating quick adjustments.

Cap Nut: Used for decorative or safety purposes, covering the exposed end of a bolt.

Acorn Nut: Provides a finished appearance and is commonly used in ornamental applications.

Flange Nut: Distributes pressure over a wider surface area, preventing loosening in high-vibration environments. 

Tee Nut: Designed for wood applications, creating a threaded surface in wood for bolt attachment.

Square Nut: Used in specific applications where a square shape is more suitable than a hexagon

Prevailing Torque Lock: Resists vibration-induced loosening, ensuring a secure grip

K-Lock or Kep Nut: Provides resistance to loosening and is easy to install due to its free-spinning washer

Coupling Nut: Connects two threaded rods, extending the length for various applications

Slotted Nut: Allows for the use of a cotter pin to secure the nut in place, commonly used in automotive applications

Castle Nut: Used in situations where a cotter pin can be inserted through slots to secure the nut

Bolt

Types of bolts according to the heads:

Hex Head Bolt: Versatile and widely used for general fastening applications with a wrench

Hex Head Set Bolt: Paired with a nut, offering flexibility and ease of assembly

Cup Square Bolt: Used in woodworking to prevent the bolt from turning while tightening the nut

Hex Head Flange Bolt: Provides a broader load-bearing surface, commonly used in structural applications

Roofing Bolt and Nut: Specifically designed for securing roofing materials in construction

Socket Cap Screw: Ideal for applications where a low-profile head and a recessed drive are necessary

Socket Countersunk: Used when a flush finish is required, commonly seen in machinery

Pan Slot Machine: Commonly used in machinery where a flat, rounded head with a slot is preferred

Socket Button Flange: Combines the features of a socket button screw with an attached flange for added support

Socket Button Screw: Provides a neat and rounded finish, often used in electronics and furniture

Countersunk Slot Machine: Suitable for applications where a flush finish is required, often used in metalworking

Pozi Countersunk Machine: Features a Pozi drive for improved torque transmission, commonly used in construction

Pan Pozi Machine: Combines the features of a pan slot machine bolt with a Pozi drive

Types of bolts according to the use:

Wood screw: Specifically designed for use in wood applications, offering a secure grip

Thread Cutting Machine Screw: Creates own threads when driven into material, often used in metalworking

Carriage Bolts: It is commonly used in applications where a smooth finish is desired, designed for use in wood.

Lag Bolts: Heavy-duty bolts used for securing heavy timber or other wood applications

Set Screw: Used to secure an object within or against another, often in machinery and equipment

Eye Bolt: Designed for attaching cables or hooks, providing a reliable anchor point

Eye Lags: Light-duty screws with a looped head, commonly used for hanging lightweight objects

J-Bolts: Shaped like the letter “J,” used for anchoring in concrete or masonry

U-Bolts: U-shaped bolts used for securing pipes or other round objects to a surface

Shoulder Bolt: Features a shoulder between the head and the thread, often used in precision machinery

Elevator Bolt: Specifically designed for conveyor systems, featuring a flat countersunk head

Mating Screw: Male-female threaded screw used to join two components shelving

Hanger Bolt: Features threads on both ends, used for hanging objects like lights or shelving

Washers

Types of Washers:

Flat Washer: Distributes load over a wider surface, protecting the material beneath the nut or bolt

Fender Washer: Larger diameter washer used to distribute load on softer materials, such as automotive applications

Finishing Washer: Used for decorative purposes, providing a finished appearance in visible applications

Split Lock Washer: Creates spring tension to prevent loosening due to vibration

External Tooth Lock Washer: Provides additional grip and prevents rotation when used with a nut

Internal Tooth Lock Washer: Similar to external tooth lock washer, grips the bolt’s threads for added security

Square Washer: Used in timber construction, providing a larger bearing surface

Finger Washer: Washer with extended tabs, providing additional gripping surface

Countersunk Washer: In applications where a flush finish is required, it is often paired with a countersunk screw.

Shoulder Washer: Provides insulation and protection between surfaces, commonly used in electrical applications

Torque Washer: It is designed to indicate if a bolt has been properly tightened, ensuring optimal torque.

Cresent Washer: Washer with a crescent shape, used in conjunction with a bolt and nut to prevent rotation

Wave Washer: Provides spring-like compression, allowing for flexibility and absorption of vibration

Rivets

Types of Rivet:

Flat Rivet: Used to join materials with a flat head providing a smooth finish

Countersunk Flat Rivet: Provides a flush finish when joining materials

Countersunk Round Rivet: Combines the countersunk feature with a rounded head for specific applications

Button Rivet: Used for decorative or protective purposes due to its rounded head

Pan Rivet: Commonly used for joining materials with a rounded, flat head

Truss Rivet: Features a large, flat head for increased strength in specific applications

Tinners Rivet: Short rivet used in sheet metal work, securing thin metal sheets together

Coopers Rivet: In barrel-making and similar applications where a durable joint is required, craftsmen use it.

Steeple Rivet: Rivet with a steeple-shaped head, often used for decorative purposes in furniture and craftsmanship

Conclusion:

In conclusion, fasteners are an essential component in various industrial applications. The types of nuts, bolts, washers, and rivets explained in this blog provide a broad range of options to choose from, depending on the specific application requirements. It’s essential to choose the right type of fastener to ensure a secure and reliable connection between two objects. With the right type of fastener, one can save time, effort, and resources, thus increasing productivity and efficiency.

Thank you for reading.

For more blogs on mechanical engineering topics click the below button.